Browsing Tag

Alanis Morissette

Gain the permission to live autonomously free with The Close’s 90s pop-rock single, Living It Right

Posted on 13 November 2023

With a nostalgically 90s pop-rock edge which cuts as deep as the hits from Jewel, Sheryl Crow, and Alanis Morrisette, The Close came close to perfect with the standout single, Living It Right, from their debut album, Orbit.

The debut LP pushed the introspective genre-bending outfit’s monthly listeners up to impressive heights. Now, over 36k listeners are repetitively tuning into their intricately airy melodies which transcend expectation and effortlessly share effervescent transcendence.

You’ll be torn between attempting to match the flawlessly magnetic timbres in the vocal delivery as they verse the virtues of living autonomously free and leaning into the mellifluous interplay of the ethereal synergy within the instrumental arrangements and harmonies.

Aside from the very obvious superlative song crafting which sets The Close apart, the outfit also finds distinction by employing each member as a lyricist, musician and lead vocalist, resulting in a dynamic discography, which dabbles in everything from Americana to contemporary folk to country. A commercial pop sensibility is one of the few constants within their euphonically unshackling collection of lyrically intimate releases.

Living It Right was officially released on October 27; stream it on Spotify with the rest of the Orbit LP.

Review by Amelia Vandergast  

Frances Clare – Go: Acoustic Guitar-Fueled Up Tempo Pop

Posted on 26 December 2019

“Go” is a wonderful blend of elevating mainstream pop and folk-pop. Looking at the bigger picture, Frances Clare’s sound could be best described as the meeting corner of Ed Sheeran and Alanis Morissette. Especially about the latter, I can definitely sense an influence in Frances’ singing.

Don’t you dig it when your uplifting pop music features some subtle violin? Musically, this is a song that in another life it could have been a part of Ed Sheeran’s catalog. The song’s backbone is a cute electronic beat -which doesn’t mean that there isn’t some actual drumming there. Acoustic guitar chords accompany the rhythm as well as a lucid bass line that is discreet yet completes the structure of the song delightfully.

“Go” features a happy-go-lucky, charming chorus which brings to mind images of people losing their hats to the wind as they’re driving in their convertible. If you have already started working on your beach body, best of luck to you. If you have already started working on your beach playlist, listen to this song and consider adding it. Listen here

Review by Nektarios Oikonomakis

Annika Brown: Amanda Palmer Meets Steampunk (Only for The Brave)

Posted on 27 November 2017

Annika Brown’s Latest track Apocalypso is a theatrical spectacular. Nothing quite could prepare me for what was about to unfold over the next three minutes as I hit play on YouTube. It’s hard to pay attention to the actual sound of the track after watching the official music video in which she embraces Kate Bush style dramatics. I certainly won’t be forgetting what I’ve just heard in a long time.

Annika’s sound Is definitely an acquired taste, I’m not sure tracks such as Apocalypso will ever fair well in the mainstream, however she’s created an eclectic mix of sound which she imparts her Emily The Strange demeanour within. Even when she’s playing an acoustic guitar in the woods her unique charm is never dampened. . But that’s just part of it’s charm. Alternative music fans are in for a treat with this act. With operatic vocals, doom riddled melodies and classic piano backing track. There’s a hint of Victorian hysteria within her music, which she reincarnates through her Gothic Soprano vocals. The Same as can be heard with acts such as a Emilie Autumn and her signature Fantasy Rock styling.

Head on over to her website where you can keep up date with her musical ventures. Her latest album The Devils Story Book featuring Apocalypso is available to download or stream now!