In our new feature, Little Indie sits one person in the guest reviewer's chair with a pair of headphones and five new tracks to swirl through their ears to give their opinion on each.
In the chair this week, Steve Willcox.
Job: South East reviewer and photographer at Little Indie.
Musical hates: Death Metal and DJ producers who just stand behind a laptop at their own gig.
Musical loves: Loves: 80s electro (Kraftwerk, Human League, Tubeway Army) and ‘NewerWave’ punk bands who give out energy in their live shows (Idles, Avalanche Party, Lady Bird, The Novus, Sisteray).
On my personal player:
Samaritans - Idles (when I first heard this, my life changed for the better. The lyrics are hard hitting and the tune just gets to the very core of my soul)
Beautiful Pain - Trampolene (Jack Jones' lyrics about the breakdown of a relationship hits a nerve, but there’s also something uplifting and positive in it which helps you through)
THE PAGANS S.O.H - PAGAN PILGRIMAGE
Produced by Gavin Monaghan, this new single from the Black Country outfit follow their debut ’Banananah’, and released on the Fade to Dust label on July 4. Taking on a heavier, more psychedelic sound. if still somewhat experimental and quirky.
Starting off with some laid back guitars, these West Bromwich funksters soon get into the swing with Marcus spitting out mischievous lyrics “I express my true self in my lyrics / don’t take it serious life is just a gimmick“, as the song builds up to its funky, rock-laden ending and makes this a perfect catchy summer tune.
Star rating: ★★★★☆
BEFORE BREAKFAST - SOMETHING GOOD
Sheffield all-female band who are drawing comparisons to First Aid Kit and Marika Hackman, follow their debut EP ‘Open Ears’ in April and May's release ‘Buddleia’, with "a song born out of a really strange situation involving an Elvis tribute band, whiskey and a Glaswegian hotel. As a woman who wants to respect other women and treat them with kindness, ultimately this song goes against all of that in thanks to a moment of lustful madness. But none of us are perfect and sometimes we just want to feel wanted, no matter who it is that wants us and no matter who could get hurt. I feel it might come back to bite me one day.”
Gina, Debra, Annie and Lucy create clever melodies with piano, cello and vocal harmonies with lyrics of womanly allure and the depths and betrayal of getting your ‘man’ and it produces an hypnotic tune that’s not really my scene, but entertaining enough for me to listen back to after this review was written.
Star rating: ★★★☆☆
DIZZY - HEAVY
The second track from the Canadians' EP, ‘Twist’, out July 12 via Communion Records/Royal Mountain, finds them at their melodic best. Vocalist Katie Munshaw, not shy of expressing a bittersweet couplet within her warm, blanketed delivery, takes centre stage. "'Heavy'," she says, is a song "about feeling sad for long periods of time and being afraid to tell others what you’re going through in fear of hurting or worrying them.”
Starting with a lone vocal and a piano, it slowly draws you in to its full band chorus which is akin to the Keane/ Sigrid signature. Thoughtful, impassioned lyrics with enough melody to enjoy with a bottle of red whilst relaxing in the sun.
Star rating: ★★★★☆
THE SPITFIRES - ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
Out on July 19 via Catch 22 Records, the Watford three-piece release their most ambitious single to date, with addictive horn melodies, delicate guitar work and an extended jam section of driving percussion, allowing a platform for the raw emotive writing of Billy Sullivan.
Unlocking another facet to their bow, with an uplifting tune Paul Weller's 80s incarnation as The Style Council would pull their eyes out for. With jazz horns and guitars at the forefront, it makes for an interesting mix but for me rather spoiled by the two-minute instrumental ending, despite obviously being a brave move by the band.
Star rating: ★★★☆☆
WITTERQUICK - RUN
Exeter four-piece Witterquick return with this new anthemic pop-rock track, recorded in Cardiff with award-winning producer Romesh Dodangoda after the band’s six-month break. Vocalist Will Alford says the song is about “sticking to your guns despite the odds, holding on to your beliefs, and giving critics the finger.”
The song kicks off with some finger picking guitars but it soon pulls out all the stops to become a driven rock song with its fingers up attitude and catchy chorus. It’s good to see them back, with Alford’s voice sounding better than ever. Great tune for getting ready to party hard.
Star rating: ★★★★☆
No comments:
Post a Comment