Browsing Tag

Indie Americana

Matt Camillo – Stop to Look Around: A Transatlantic Synthesis of Americana-Tinged Folk-Rock and UK Indie

Matt Camillo’s seminal single, Stop to Look Around, is a striking synthesis of 90s-tinged UK Indie and American Folk Rock which proves that aged 23, the London-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist possesses a maturity in his music that belies his years.

The track resonates with the melodic influences of Travis, Stereophonics, and Beady Eye, evident in its steady indie rock chords. Yet, it’s the subtle infusion of Americana into the rhythmics that sets this song apart, creating an uplifting yet bittersweet sound that is quintessentially English in its melancholy.

Lyrically, ‘Stop to Look Around’ carries the essence of a love song, yet it’s imbued with a level of artistic ambiguity that allows listeners to find their own meaning within its verses. This narrative flexibility ensures that the track leaves a lasting impression, regardless of how one interprets it.

Camillo, who began composing music at 13 and has since dabbled in Electronica and Pop before settling into the singer-songwriter genre, shows a keen understanding of his musical influences. His experience, including opening for acclaimed acts like Never the Bride and playing at notable venues shines through in this single.

The song’s production balances simplicity with sophistication, allowing Camillo’s vocal delivery to take centre stage. The instrumentation supports without overpowering, creating a harmonious backdrop that complements the lyrical journey. As a precursor to his upcoming acoustic debut EP ‘(Would You) Believe?’, this track cements Camillo’s status as a rising star in the indie scene.

Stop to Look Around was officially released on February 9th. Stream the single on Spotify

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Americana Meets British Acoustic Indie in Champagne on the Rocks’ Sentimentally Cinematic Single, Golden Hour

UK singer-songwriter, Champagne on the Rocks, tantalised timeless Americana tones and tinged them with British acoustic indie in his latest cinematically rendered single, Golden Hour.

With choruses that made me nostalgic for Semisonic, Deep Blue Something and The Calling while simultaneously affirming that Champagne on the Rocks has what it takes to become a sonic legacy in his own right, you’re damn right we were arrested by the elevated weight of Golden Hour. When the winding Americana guitar solo hits, the stripped-back sentimental hit which will allow all of your most-cherished sun-soaked memories to manifest in your mind, the track transformed into a virtuosic triumph. Repeat attention is practically mandatory.

Golden Hour is now available to stream on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Where did she go: Mia Rago is in a different class above on ‘Gone’

Taken off her latest five-track EP ‘A Sea Of Darkness‘, Mia Rago is sumptuously elegant on the superb single called ‘Gone‘.

Western Springs, Chicago-based indie-soul/Americana solo artist Mia Rago, makes that honey-dipped sweet music that warms your heart, brings tears to your eyes and makes you shake your head in astonishment at how delightful this talented musician is.

After being forced to give up on sports and physical activity when she was just nine years old, Mia has fought back from her severe scoliosis and undertaken many painful surgeries to correct the painful curvature of her spine. She is a survivor who never gave up and this is reflected in her music. You see, music was always there for her when she needed inspiration and has never left her side.

With a gaze-like start that has you grooving along, we are soon introduced to a singer who tells us the story of a man who is looking for his girl. She is already gone and he does not know what he did wrong. Suddenly, the mystery grows deeper as perhaps he was the one that hurt her and that is why she disappeared for good. No one really knows what the real story is and this is a secret we might never ever fully know what transpired.

Her voice transforms your thoughts and you get lost inside this beautifully constructed song from such a truly pure singer. The vocals get stronger as the track goes on her seemingly-excellent tone range is quite incredible.

Gone‘ from the soulful A Sea Of Darkness‘ indie-Americana singer-songwriter Mia Rago, is a track makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up to attention, as she drifts into your heart with this fascinating story and her vocals blow you away.

This is a rare talent who is a fighter and she sings with that extra class that you don’t find often. This is a new single to embrace deeply and put on repeat.

Stream this terrific single on her Spotify and find out more about her story on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen