Rating - 4.5/5 In the first single from her debut EP, Graywave explores a progressing sound pallete but still keeps her style from previous releases with effortless fluidity. ‘Like Heaven’ is a fully immersive listening experience. The production quality is very high, and the inclusion of hard-hitting drums along with more grunge -style guitar parts... Continue Reading →
Reviewed – Casa Loma – This is Coping
Rating - 4/5 It’s fairly common for band members to have side-projects, giving them an alternative creative outlet and a chance to showcase their versatility and talents that may otherwise not be appreciated. While Man Overboard bassist and vocalist Nik Bruzzese doesn’t appear to be doing anything out of the ordinary with his indie/emo project,... Continue Reading →
Reviewed – Beans on Toast – Chessington World of Adventures
Rating - 5/5 The latest single by British folk veteran Beans on Toast is an acidic critique of the government’s handling, or rather lack of handling, of the Coronavirus outbreak. Like all good protest songs, ‘Chessington World of Adventures’ does an excellent job at capturing the mood of disillusionment, disgust and often disbelief of the... Continue Reading →
Reviewed – The 1975 – Notes On A Conditional Form
Rating - 2/5 I’ll start by saying I am a fan of the 1975, and think their albums have been creative and of quality so far. Of course, this means new projects carry pressure and when seeing the, let’s say, ‘mixed’ feelings for the new album, I was ready for a departure from what’s gone... Continue Reading →
Reviewed – Non Canon – Dark Force Rising
Rating - 4/5 Today’s single is a treatise on sociopolitical behavior from a man named Barry. Wait, don’t run off screaming just yet. Non Cannon aka Barry Dolan (he of Oxygen Thief) is bringing his follow up album after a four-year break. Imaginatively titled Non Cannon II and released on May 15th, the album covers... Continue Reading →
Reviewed – Morrisey – I am Not a Dog on a Chain
Rating - 3/5 Always divisive, yet unquestionably talented and progenitor of some of the most iconic music that helped to shape the contemporary British scene; Morrisey returns with his thirteenth solo effort ‘I Am Not on a Dog on a Chain’. Granted, this magical, musical heyday of which I speak was of course established by... Continue Reading →
Reviewed – The Strokes – The New Abnormal
Rating - 4/5 ‘The New Abnormal’ is the culmination of recording sessions stretching back to 2016 featuring production from heavyweight Rick Rubin. It’s a collection of stripped back, mature-sounding tracks that show The Strokes have mellowed significantly, but like a glass of fine wine has aged well; Rubin’s characteristic production complements the simplicity and tranquility... Continue Reading →
Reviewed – Graywave – Growing Garden
Rating - 4/5 Birmingham singer-songwriter “Graywave” is fulfilling the vacancy of the emo inspired shoegaze sound that has fallen flat in recent times. Two-track EP “Growing garden” combines elements of the highest points of new wave shoegaze while making it her own at the same time. These two tracks are a great installment into what... Continue Reading →
Reviewed – Brian Fallon – Local Honey
Released - 27th March 2020 Rating - 5/5 Local Honey is the third solo album from Brian Fallon, the lead singer of the Gaslight Anthem. For those unfamiliar with Brian’s vocal sound, it's a jarring mixture of Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan. Jarring because one second you think you’re listening to Dylan, the next Springsteen.... Continue Reading →
Reviewed – Deep City – Joyride
Rating - 4.5/5 Deep City releases their aptly named single, ‘Joyride’; a shimmering, chorus-laden excursion that manages to capture a sweet, nostalgic vibe with its slick musicianship and an infectiously catchy sound. For fans of jangly, dream-pop look no further; the track is drenched in soul-soothing reverb, tasteful guitar hooks and a sparse, but effective,... Continue Reading →