Browsing Tag

UK Pop

Make a Date with Cliff Lynch’s Soul-Wrapped Pop Hit, Sex on the Weekend

Posted on 6 April 2024

Cliff Lynch, emerging from his boyband roots with Roman Road, has crafted a pop anthem that is brimming with the exoticism of sonic seduction and offers a refreshing departure from the assimilative new wave pop trend currently saturating the UK indie scene with his latest single, Sex on the Weekend.

Hit play and get into tune with the 90s boyband-esque harmonies and colourfully moody melodies which complement Lynch’s distinctively bold approach to pop, which is charting his own path through a genre often mired in superficiality. Fuck baseless earworms when you can discover soul-stirring experiences which showcase artist’s commitment to depth and authenticity, which is exactly what you get with Sex on the Weekend.

The single explores lust-fuelled emotional themes, yet nothing about it feels salacious. Instead, Cliff Lynch delivers an intimately vulnerable testament to lyrical candour. The Latin guitar grooves and solid backbeat create a backdrop that is both sensual and sincere. This track is a challenge to every lothario who believes hook-up culture needs to lack soul.

Born in South London and influenced by icons like Queen, Michael Jackson, and Justin Timberlake, Lynch’s solo material takes a mature, singer/songwriter approach, blending rock, R&B, and beloved pop elements. ‘Sex on the Weekend’ is a testament to his evolution as an artist, from his early days with Cloud 9 and Roman Road to his current solo endeavours.

As Lynch gears up for his debut EP release in 2024, ‘Sex on the Weekend’ stands as a compelling preview of what’s to come. It’s a track that will leave listeners hot under the collar, not just for its sensual themes, but for its heartfelt honesty and the undeniable talent of Cliff Lynch as a solo artist in the pop domain.

Stream Sex on the Weekend on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Jenna Louise started a riot of affectionate fervour in her pop-rock hit, You’re Still the One

Posted on 19 March 2024

Harmonising in the middle ground between Kelly Clarkson, Avril Lavigne and Paramore, Jenna Louise’s latest fire-branded pop-punk anthem, You’re Still the One, is a riot of affectionate fervour, which proves that few people love harder or are as uninhibited with their candour as the UK-based singer-songwriter.

Released ahead of her debut LP, My Journey, which had been five years in the making before its launch on March 4th, You’re Still the One is the perfect introduction to Jenna Louise’s hook-rife sonic signature that will be scribing through your mind for long after the high-octane hit has faded to a close following the augmented magnetic energy that she keeps a tight rhythmic leash on throughout the production.

The Springsteen-esque riffs that frequently decorate the track with rock-licked euphoria tie the earworm together and bring even more power to the release which reveres romantic connections that prove even after you’ve weathered storms and hit the rocks, passion doesn’t need to falter.

You’re Still the One is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Molly Warburton is Pop Panache Perfection in ‘Overdrive’

Posted on 9 March 2024

Molly Warburton’s latest single, ‘Overdrive‘, is permission to break free from life’s relentless rhythm and sink into a melody that floods into the soul. The alt-electro-pop manifesto will liberate anyone who knows how it feels to be at the mercy of the frenetic pace of modernity, the crucifixions of insecurity and the trappings of romantic complexity.

It is a bold step in Warburton’s evolving discography through its defiance of pop convention; Overdrive draws inspiration from the likes of HAIM, Dagny, and Self Esteem, allowing Warburton to weave a rich sonic fabric that is both nostalgic and forward-looking. The song is a masterful blend of 80s synthpop and 90s dance-pop, infused with innovative vocal effects and harmonic layering that set a new standard in vocal dynamism.

The track’s production is a testament to Warburton’s inventive approach to piercing through the plastic pop veil. The lyrics and melodies intertwine to create a poignantly exhilarating anthem, serving as a powerful reminder to step back and gain perspective on life’s journey.

Having already made her mark on renowned playlists and festival stages, the UK-based singer-songwriter is on a sure-fire trajectory to the top. Be a part of her ascent and hit play.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Heather McDowall visualised a digital delirium in her infectiously disorientated alt-indie pop hit, Truman Show

Posted on 16 January 2024

In 1998, The Truman Show exhibited the exploitative tendencies of media and how it damages self-perception; Heather McDowall spun that narrative a little further through the lens of a Gen Z raconteur of alt-indie pop with her latest single, Truman Show.

The Midlands-residing singer-songwriter burst through the delicate and twee indie pop bubble to deliver a funk-distilled, rock-licked earworm which transcends the candidly confessional and conversational style of Kate Nash.

The delirium of living in a reality marred by digital ties and afflictions is pervasive throughout the single; a nod to the unorthodox yet exhilarant production style, which allowed Heather McDowall to efficaciously visualise her disorientating experience with reality. It’s safe to say that she spoke for us all in yet another stellar feat of ‘multi-dimensional’ music orchestrating.

Since she made her 2019 debut on the airwaves following the success of her YouTube channel, McDowall has made several appearances on BBC Introducing, Live at the Basement Amazing Radio, and Totally Music. After bearing witness to the evolution of her style and the tangible resonance in Truman Show, McDowall is by far one of the most promising artists in the UK right now. For your own sake, dig in.

Truman Show aired on the airwaves on January 5th; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Arden – I Don’t Sleep: A Poignant Alt-Pop Symphony of an Exposed Heart and Soul

Posted on 7 January 2024

The London-based alt-pop pioneer, Arden, found the inspiration for his latest single, I Don’t Sleep, through the fear that once you have laid your soul bare, there’s no covering it up to the ones you exposed your vulnerability to.

There’s sweetness in the sentiment “there will always be a part of me that’s yours” but the bitterness of that part of you becoming redundant in the wake of a breakup is a cutting juxtaposition. Lyrically, it is powerful enough to make you view relationships through a brand-new cautious lens. Still, within the blossoming swells in the piano melodies and the orchestrally carved crescendos, there’s a scintillating atmosphere, full of spirited passion – stirring enough to make you want to take the dive into inevitable pain.

I Don’t Sleep is a testament to Arden’s ability to blend poignant lyrics with lush musical arrangements. The song achieves a cinematic quality, panoramic enough to be part of a blockbuster soundtrack, yet intimate enough to tug at the heartstrings with every note. Arden’s cultivated songwriting, reminiscent of Owl City, shines through in I Don’t Sleep. His soulful vocal performance, memorable melodies, and sophisticated production showcase a maturity beyond his years.

As he opens 2024 with this energised and refined sound, Arden solidifies his place as an artist to watch, captivating audiences with his honest and witty songwriting.

I Don’t Sleep will hit the airwaves on January 5th; stream it on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Gemma Felicity – CHAOTIC: Confessionally Captivating Indie Pop

Posted on 12 December 2023

London’s Gemma Felicity set the bar high with her anthemic hit, Come Back to Me, which solidified her position in the industry as one to watch. With her latest single, CHAOTIC, she surpassed all expectations by exhibiting a strikingly authentic and evocatively rich track which captures the complexity of ADHD and subsequently, its impact on relationships.

Felicity’s candid storytelling, set against the dreamy yet rhythmically enticing backdrop of an indie-pop soundscape, offers a unique and personal perspective on the challenges and nuances of neurodiversity.

With her lyrical confessionalism finding the perfect balance between introspection and relatability as she touches on impulsivity, emotional dysregulation and the paradoxical fear of seeking security while fearing commitment, you can’t help but be affected by how she meticulously juxtaposes these themes while creating a dynamic listening experience. The chorus, particularly with its restless energy and poignant lyrics, encapsulates the essence of feeling trapped by one’s own contradictions.

Gemma Felicity’s background as a self-reflective songwriter, combined with her personal experiences and struggles, shines through in CHAOTIC. Her journey from using music and writing as a form of self-soothing during illness, to studying music performance and songwriting, has culminated in this impactful single.

The influence of artists like Holly Humberstone, Gracie Abrams, Lexi Jayde, and Julia Michaels is evident in her dark pop style, yet Felicity maintains a distinct and individual artistic voice. This song, as part of her EP, Baggage, promises to leave a lasting impact on the indie-pop landscape and on listeners who find a piece of themselves in its lyrics.

CHAOTIC hit the airwaves on December 1st; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Shea delivered sultry, dynamic and utterly unforgettable dancehall-infused pop with CARTERTHEBANDIT with ‘U Mine’

Posted on 28 November 2023

Shea’s latest hot and steamy RnB pop track, U Mine, is a rhythmic aphrodisiac that invites you to lose yourself in its intoxicating groove. Collaborating with Peckham’s own CARTERTHEBANDIT, the track is a masterful exhibition of raw synergy and explosive musical chemistry. Shea, with his background in theatre and performance, brings a performance to the track that’s both glittery and soulful, encapsulating the essence of his queer and devilishly evocative artistry.

Between CARTERTHEBANDIT’s fiery bars that add a palpable heat and the meticulously stylised production choices, which set the verses up like foreplay to tantalise and tease before erupting into the climactic choruses, U Mine is a red hot remedy for the heart, libido and soul.

U Mine not only sets the mood but embodies it, from the rhythmically charged beats to the intoxicating vocal deliveries. It’s a testament to Shea’s versatility as an artist who can hold his own alongside the gritty authenticity of a rapper like CARTERTHEBANDIT. This track stands as a shining example of what independent artists can achieve, echoing Shea’s accolades and experiences from his performances at Pride festivals to his recognition on BBC Introducing. It’s a song that captures the essence of a night out—sultry, dynamic, and utterly unforgettable.

Stream U Mine on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Sean Daniel swept up the cosmos in his intricate tapestry of pop chords with ‘Counting Stars’

Posted on 19 November 2023
https://soundcloud.com/seandreardon/counting-stars

The Cambridgeshire, UK-hailing songwriter and composer Sean Daniel has veered away from his alt-rock inclinations to make his debut in the pop arena with his latest single Counting Stars.

Immerse yourself in a celestial experience with this starry piano-driven pop ballad from Sean Daniel and the phenomenally talented female vocalist who brought swathes of soul to the release, which uses each note to weave an intricate tapestry of chords that hint at a profound understanding of musical storytelling and showcases a maturity that belies the artist’s novelty on the scene.

The track’s dreamy star-roving atmosphere is crafted through delicate yet powerful piano melodies, perfectly paced to lift listeners into the cosmos. The artist’s skill in chord progression shines brightly, offering a transcendent journey through space and emotion. Delve in for a shot of sonic visceralism.

Counting Stars was officially released on November 7th; stream the superlative single on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Laura Loh illuminated the airwaves with her latest installation of alt-pop, City Lights

Posted on 9 November 2023

Laura Loh’s latest alt-pop single, City Lights, co-produced with MUNBOI, has already been picked up by BBC Introducing; given the earworm appeal of the release from the Hampshire, UK-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, the question is, can they put it down?

With nuances of ambient leftfield electronica oscillating in the atmosphere of the scintillating single which pays an ode to the magnetism of metropolises and their tendency to keep pulling us back with the promise of limitless potential, City Lights is a compellingly immersive release, which stands as a testament to how honed Laura Loh has become since making her debut. Synthesising instrumentals which stand a chance of complimenting her naturally compelling vocal range is discernibly no easy feat.

As she’s veered away from her classical vocal, piano, and violin training and jazz music background, Laura Loh has audibly moved towards commercial appeal while never letting her folky alt-pop edge betray her authenticity.

City Lights will illuminate the airwaves on November 9th; stream the single on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Rukudzo called time in her fiery pop hit, Big Things

Posted on 6 November 2023

The Hertfordshire, UK singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rukudzo exhibited what a perfect pop hit should sound like in 2023 with her latest hook-rife and soul-lavished single, Big Things, which allows indie guitars to weave an intricate melodic tapestry across the lush layers of reverb and the Afrobeat rhythms that give the genre-fluid track a solid backbeat.

The sonic ingenuity, which also leaves room for Rukudzo’s signature rock attitude, is only matched by the poignant lyrical message which unravels as a fiery vignette of a depiction of the necessity of knowing when to be forbearing in a relationship and when to draw the line and call time.

In every conceivable way, Rukudzo made an unforgettable impression with Big Things. You’ll be humming the melody for days and revelling in the introspection for even longer.

Big Things will drop on November 3rd, stream it on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast