Joseph Turner & The Dudes of Hazard - Travelin' Heart
- English (US)
Joseph Turner & The Dudes of Hazard arrive with a confident sense of momentum on Travelin' Heart, a track that blends alternative pop sensibilities with the rugged charm of indie rock.
Martin Smith-Dancing In the Fire
Instead of listening to those relentless club anthems that all sound the same, shift to something that cuts out all the noise. I’m talking about Martin Smith’s new single, Dancing In the Fire. With the zeal to make you dance and the fury to make you rock, this is an amalgam you won’t regret experiencing. Opening with a Mark Ronson style funk dance sequence, Martin Smith changes gears with live instruments pulsating right from the first few moments. The synths are a supporting act for the guitars, adding great mass and volume to Smith’s lyrics and somber vocals. That is, till he gets to the chorus. A pumping jive, it is almost impossible to not have this whoop stuck in your head. The industrial heaviness of rock is heard, from NIN to the dance anthem styles of old Panic!, Martin Smith vows to change the atmosphere of the Church, and he is undoubtedly doing so. Testing your faith might not be that easy. Because of the nature of this addictive melody that Martin Smith has written, its important to know his musical journey, the tracks that he originated from. To no surprise, Exalt from 2020 is a phenomenal album with echoing synth soundscapes and motivational lyrics. Changing like the tides but keeping the solid message the same, Smith continues to impress with his latest venture. So when you want that indelible entrance into that party hall, you know what action star track will be playing behind you!
Addy Faith-Ghost
Like many legendary artists of this century, Addy Faith started her music dream from her bedroom. Her music is a reflection of an introspective artist trying to figure out her way in the world. With relatively less, she creates music that means more. Chock-full of relative incidents and feelings, her songs appeal to the mass that explores songs. This is her single, Ghost. A relationship past lingers like a figment within reality. As an experience, the entity remains and retains, from experiences to emotions. Addy Faith creates a surreal experience while writing and performing this particular song. With an upbeat vibe, she picks up on an indie pop/rock core. Her vocals ring true, from the ghost of past she sings about. The purpose is resolution, salvaging a part of yourself from something that might have become a blur eventually. The bridge is especially meditative-using a lighter palette for the instrumentals. The transitions are a mature swarm of layers and lyrics, bringing her style to the foreground. This is the kind of song that could be the core to films like The Holiday, Midsommar and the likes. It is pivotal, where you identify yourself separate from the individual and find this unique part of yourself-where you dive into an ocean of comfort and acceptance. Check out Addy Faith in her other tracks like Crying Alone, Distance & With or Without You. She is an artist bonafide of experiences and a talent that will rise like a tide. Enjoy her single and explore more of her on Spotify!
Merrymount!-The State I'm In
The sound that Merrymount! has is unlike any other. They have found it through constant experimentation, or plain chemistry. This is a band that chases tone as much as it is deserved, to make this enthralling, unique, enveloping sound. After their 2018 album release, they are back with their latest single, The State I’m In. It is a brilliant scuba dive into a lagoon that is as personal as it is invigorating. A wave that is characterized by flowing guitar sounds pulls you out from the silence. The percussion rhythm section is unique, almost a gallop. As you traverse through this pastureland, it is evident that what is coming from this band is something special. The vocals float gently over these tidal flows of chord changes. The marching band kind of beat is something that is apt, yet feels experimental for when the bridge section comes in. One of those things where the thing you hear is what is concretized. The bridge section is a lovely departure from the usual choice that could have come as well. The balance and mix getting louder towards the 3-minute mark is the highlight, feels like the tide crash you’ve been waiting for. This song would have been perfect for Blue Valentine or new love, like The Big Sick. Though both are contrasting films, it is transparent, the emotion of love at the end of the film. This is a song that is rich in dynamic shifts and strays away from the norm. Check out Merrymount! in their 2018 album Heart of Universe as well, to enjoy a band that is always growing!
Martin Reynolds-It All Feels Like Christmas
The trifecta of Tom Petty was tone, lyrics and rhythm. Martin Reynolds seems to have found the same niche with his sound. He has only one single out, but it’s during the happiest time of the year. This is his single, It All Feels Like Christmas. With chiming sleigh bells and a smooth acoustic transition, it is the perfect embodiment of the Christmas spirit. It is a brilliant way of telling a narrative, only using lyrics and a danceable chorus section. Harmonics ring out for the lines that carry gravity, while guitar flourishes add that mistletoe magic to the song. There is even a sax part aiding the verse section before the percussion comes in. The joyous occasion is framed almost perfectly with its entire heart. Martin Reynolds is an instrument for the season as well, with this simple and addictive song. The instrumental breaks don’t attract too much attention, they just vibrate with the same energy so that the family joins in for the festivities. Films like A Christmas Carol, Elf, and even the second instalment of Daddy’s Home come to mind. Refreshing and original, it is in all aspects a Christmas song. Martin Reynold brings a rich history and the joy of festivals with his sound. It might alter and vary, but he has established himself as a harbinger of smiles and emotion for all listeners, who are discovering this. So cheers to Martin Reynolds for spreading the spirit for the season. Listen to his single and follow him for more music which is to come!
Carley Varley-Somehow I'm Alive
There is something in the water. This is a popular saying, and Carley Varley is another artist who reinforces that belief. The theory being, so much talent comes from that place that it might be a supernatural happening. Blending eras of music together that inspired her, Carley inspires others now. With unique idiosyncrasies, you won’t be able to find an artist with such an inspired sound. This is her single, Somehow I’m Alive. Tones of Linkin Park are clearly heard in her sound. This song opens with a wave of flowing synth, which elevates Carley’s voice. Her transition flow might be simple, but her inspirations make some unique changes in the overall sound. The rhythm section becomes fascinating and intense due to the percussion work, and her voice offsetting that. With truth and pitch perfect poetry falling in place, this song is heavenly. It channelizes a musician's fears, as a person, and expression through the outlet that is her passion. It is an emotional number, and the chorus proves that she flows against the river. With cool riffs, her modulation in tone becomes strong with the aggression. It is a cut clean transition, something that breaks the flow and reflects the lyrical gravitas. I could see this song in episodes of Scrubs & maybe the feature film Sweet Home Alabama. Her clear vocal delivery and well crafted lyrics flowing with the rhythm make it for an exciting listen. You can follow Carley Varley on Spotify for more music, and new twists in her music library. Honest Conflict and Fall are must listens!
Intercontinen7al-Beautiful Mind
Intercontinen7al are a remarkable feat by themselves. A collaboration that is truly global, they have recorded music in all the continents. Having 30 musicians from over 15 countries, the cross-section of inspiration and cultural inflows is impressive and often times overwhelming. Their latest single is from their album Intercontinen7al, Vol. 3. This one is called Beautiful Mind. With a Hindustani music touch to the opening riff, it is an ethereal experience to listen to. In solidarity, it creates this rich background for the vocals to come. Like a church choir, they enter with power, poise and purpose. The lyrics are moving and positive, yet put on a pedestal the rhythm section that so drives this song. Apart from admiring the process of having so many musicians join for a single cause, it is important to hear the subtext within the music. Though there is no purpose in dissection, the beauty of the song resonates much more when you create this palette with so many colours and derivations. Intercontinen7al create almost a prog-rock instrumental region that is a dream to explore. A brilliant song, it transports you to this plane where the aural kaleidoscope is explored in more ways than one. Movies like Miss Bala, The Nowhere Inn would be some great movies to have this kind of song. Its mellow pace and organic flow and development in tone makes for a magical listening experience. As a project, they have achieved an incredible task of making some beautiful music with great impact. Listen to their 3 volumes released on Spotify and follow them for a truly global experience in music!
Jacko Hooper-Getting No Place Fast
Jacko Hooper is meant to be enjoyed live. A musician with a library of influences, he has crafted a niche which is his very own. Touring, travelling and playing in cafés, his songs share the experiences he has. Growing immensely popular because of his lyricism and melodic, flowery sounds-there’s every reason to watch him bloom. This is his latest single, Getting No Place Fast. You can hear Bon Iver, you can hear Red House Painters. Most importantly, you can hear Jacko Hooper. There is a way of introducing a song, which he does with the little sound bubble burst. As long as you’re part of this gentle explosion, everything seems fine. Warm and inviting, his tones are adjusted and curated to something that plays off his voice. Like a dose of honey and cinnamon, you can hear the lyrics forcing him to change his tone. It is like hearing a poet-someone who loves music as much as the verse. The background woven remains in the picturesque setting, while the vocals are the snow-globe dancers that entertain. It is an incredibly poignant trail within his musical journey, and you’ll be glad to be a part of it. I’d have loved to have heard this one on Licorice Pizza and Significant Other. The incredibly transitive nature of this track helps to create quite the effect on crucial scenes. The synth leads has a playful undertone, while the sometimes-melancholy vocals by Jacko make it worth the while. His 2014 EP For You is an amazing journey of love and life. Singles like Now Or Never are favourites, so follow him for more beautiful songs!
Luke Frees-Moonshine Queen
In the end, he is the crypt keeper of his portal. Luke Frees is no ordinary artist, and so his music isn’t ordinary. Drawing from formal music education and a mind that actively seeks inspiration and is creating constantly, his songs have a magic touch. Escaping mediocrity or naturally gifted, I don’t know how he arrives at his compositions. Sometimes I wish he didn’t either. This is his latest single, Moonshine Queen. I could see a progression like that being beaten to death. What makes it exclusively Luke Frees’ product is the execution. With a titillating rhythm and percussion section, he elevates the quality and style of the song by several spectrums. You can trace Nick Cave influences, even though the soul and energy is a youthful, contemporary artists. His dissonant vocals explore a baritone register that is like the voice of conscience. With the lyrics, he speaks truths that delve further into it. If it is infatuation, it is the right kind-understanding the emotion stemming from this elusive figure. It is enchanting to hear the layered strings with the exciting drums and percussion. The guitar flourishes accent the tension of the chorus, and amplify the underlying emotion. His vocal choices in certain pockets are straight out of the dark, unique and stylish. Progressions continually keep you hooked and lead you into well crafted niches of sound. The waves guide you to different tributaries, each exploring Luke Frees as an individual and musician. I could definitely see this work in Blonde, the Marilyn Monroe story adaptation. As a Peaky Blinders fan, I have episodes in mind where this song could work as well. It is an incredible musical journey, and has to be experienced in full, like any Luke Frees song. Listen to his music and follow him for more incredible tracks!
Avresa-Follow Through
Few artists can traverse the musical spectrum like Avresa. From the comfort of a 4-piece rock band to a solo artist spreading his wings like an albatross, it is impressive to see a journey like this. Inspiring and comforting, the songs you hear from this man find purpose, just like the journey of humanity. A multi-instrumentalist, his ways of expression are a multitude like none other. This is his latest single, Follow Through. Being an avid fan, you could predict how Avresa’s tracks go. You’d be wrong. Taking the wildest turns and transitions, each song is a dive into an audio canyon with the most detailed terrain. As you glide over this, a sense of wonderment will come over you. An alt-rock beginning by most measures, a surprising turn of events soon after. Recalibrating compositional techniques to create something so uniquely his, Follow Through is a sailing sound that levitates before taking flight, to a portal that mortals can’t travel to. The acoustic part showcases his gentle vocals, crisp and clean, while the organic unfolding depicts more layers and textures. The tempo is felt with the percussions coming in, a soft chorus with harmonics bringing in the depth. Each element contributes to a crucial element that gives this kind of song its sonic edge. As the breakdown is approached, you know that the transition will be something you would have never heard before. The Peanut Butter Falcon is something I immediately connected this inspirational song with. The flowing nature and unique transitions go with the scenes and direction very easily. You can hear more of Avresa in his brilliant form with Find Something and Leave it All. Make sure you follow him on Spotify for more music that is to come!
Weak Daze-King of Cig Corner
Weak Daze are the hope, like that last flare on a survivor's boat that leads to rescue. Their music sounds like an era that inspired them, yet finds ways to be specially rooted to them. Each song gives a new, positive energy that totally rocks, yet finds meaning within said rock. This is their latest single, King of Cig Corner. It’s difficult to differentiate between their instrumentals and the early Pixies sometimes. It is a post-grunge energy they carry, but their lyrics remain contemporary. As the vocals whisk you away beyond the stratosphere, you feel like diving deeper into the tones they employ in their songs. Isolate the vocals alone, you hear a strain of Keane as well. The rhythm section keeps you ticking till the chorus, which is dynamite packed with confetti. Their hooks bring a real love for live instrument based music. There is an understanding between the bass and drums that seems like a relationship goal in some cases. Bridges choose unique vocal and sound parts, the whole arrangement being like a rock band that enjoys listening to it as much as they love playing. An underrated show I’d have loved to have heard this in would be A.P Bio. With the twists and turns and the series of catastrophes that follow, it is more than a fun time. The voluminous attacks are as melodic as are “rock aggressive”. You can check out their hit songs like Ricky Bobby and Get Up along with the rest of their amazing discography. You might think they are princes now, but Weak Daze were always Kings of Cig Corner.
Between the Frames-Chin Up Kid
What inspires you to move on? Is it an intangible memory or the ones you love? Between the Frames will definitely give you a push, even if it’s for a day. This song will loop in your head for the fresh burst of positivity it is. There is no day like today, no opportunity like tomorrow. This single is called Chin Up Kid. You’ve heard it a lot, and then you stopped. We stopped inspiring others. Living our own lives, maybe hearing this sometimes might be the gear change you need. Between the Frames is that sonic sorcerer, making this incredibly catchy song. As you listen to the verse, you amp yourself-waiting to lay claim on the day that is coming. Be it morning, noon or night, there is a fire that this song sparks within you that makes you smile and create a wave of enthusiasm. Layers come in and make a flavourful collage of the song, as you can rest joyfully on that chorus section. It is an incredible feeling this song harbours, and it's something you’d never want to let go. For this week, this is the only song that is giving me the charge I need to wreak havoc, on my keyboard. Going the Distance and Yes Man were two movies that would have this become an energetic sequence within their scenes. The positive outreach of the song just cannot be ignored, and becomes the prime essence of this track. You can listen to his most popular track, The First Time, and also explore his joyous catalogue of songs. If your week wasn’t going so well, don’t worry, chin up kid.