Reviews
REVIEW: Nadia Sheikh, ‘Fire Away’
Nadia Sheikh exists somewhere in the grey area between indie and pop, with an earnest style of songwriting that creates thoughtful indie-rock anthems. Journos from underground radio stations to BBC Introducing have been singing her praises, particularly as a live artist, and it’s this aspect of her career that she’s drawn from on her latest single ‘Fire Away’.
REVIEW: Beans on Toast releases not one but two brand new albums
To release an album is a daunting task. Releasing two is an achievement. But to put out two pieces of work simultaneously is a rare-achieve feat. And yet in all its unlikeliness, the much-beloved folk songwriter Jay McAllister, better known under his notorious stage name ‘Beans on Toast’ has blessed his eager fans with two new albums released together, ‘Knee Deep in Nostalgia’ and ‘The Unforeseeable Future’.
REVIEW: October Drift release brilliant video for ‘Naked’
Following on from the powerhouse that was their last album Forever Whatever, introspective rock outfit October Drift have unveiled a stripped-back and stunning new video for their latest single ‘Naked’. The title track for their new acoustic EP, ‘Naked’ marks a poignant diversion from October Drift’s usual M.O. of what Q describes as “sugar coated power-rock”. Instead of distorted guitars and fierce vocal howls coarsing through listeners’ veins…
REVIEW: Hannah’s Little Sister, EP.mp3
If you are unfamiliar with the Liverpool quartet known as Hannah’s Little Sister then their latest release EP.mp3 is the perfect introduction. The opening track Bin Mouth takes a stab at those who in the words of lead vocalist Meg Grooters “chat a lot of rubbish when really they should just zip it.” The word that comes to mind is chaotic; with synths that would not feel out of place on a classic N64 game, this accompanied by the raw, punchy vocals and squeals that add to the anarchy of the song, setting the tone for their new release.
REVIEW: Fontaines D.C, ‘A Hero’s Death’
Possibly one of the most anticipated albums of the year, Fontaines D.C. have a natural challenge with their second album, A Hero’s Death, as it comes as the follow up to one of last year’s most well-received debuts, Dogrel. To take such critical acclaim and in a sense commercial success, especially given the core DIY ethos the band hold, it would be easy for the Dublin based five-piece to create an album similarly aligned with their debut, yet this follow up album is like nothing the music industry has quite heard before.
REVIEW: Derealization, Tazer
‘Derealization’ is the debut single by Tazer, a band by Taylor Waller, Max White and Dan Francis-Jones. The group is fronted by the character of Tazer (personified by Waller) created by Waller, White and Francis-Jones to “express the purest form [of] chaos and techno.”
REVIEW: Time, Conrad Ashton
Time,’ the latest single by Conrad Ashton, is a passionate folk and pop-influenced rock track. It has a vibrant and relatable feel and is perfect for anyone wanting to hear an enticing fusion of genres.
Lyrically, it’s a poetic and intriguing song which demands more than one listen. Conrad manages to create classic rock energy whilst still fitting in fluidly with the modern music scene. He describes his genre as “beyond basic rock and roll” which perfectly categorises this track.
REVIEW: Eminem, Music To Be Murdered By
Dedicated to Eminem’s late bodyguard CeeAaqil Barnes and the late Juice Wrld who features on the track ‘Godzilla’, the album was released with no prior announcement and sent a shock wave through fans and critics. The albums titled and cover artwork share the same name and inspired imagery as the 1958 album, ‘Alfred Hitcock Presents: Music To Be Murdered By’, a theme that Eminem refers back to many times throughout the album and both the albums end with Hitchcock stating, “If you haven’t been murdered, I can only say better luck next time. If you have been, goodnight, wherever you are.”
PREVIEW: Memory Palace, James Humphrys
This EP is easily the soundtrack to your summer: energetic and danceable. ‘Memory Palace’ is due to be released in July and here’s why you should be excited:
From my first listen to this EP I was utterly hooked by its strong beats, mesmerizingly catchy horns and guitar grooves. The indie, pop and funk influences can be heard throughout and come together to create a vibrant and thick texture for the listener to sink their teeth into.
