Track review

Track Review: Failure to Launch // Shanghai Treason

March 17, 2022 — Leave a comment

Everyone’s favourite flat cap banjo wielders Shanghai Treason are back with their brand new single ‘Failure to Launch.’ Since forming in 2019, they have gone from strength to strength because they have supported Buzzcocks, Ferocious Dogs, and Stiff Little Fingers. They have wowed audiences with their blend of hillbilly punk, and this is again evident on their new song.

What is great about this song is the mandolin. It dominates the track amidst a backdrop of guitars and vocals with snarling attitude. It is fantastic, and I can see why it is one of the band’s favourites that didn’t make the cut from their recent EP. It is the perfect song if you want a beer and will give you more energy than a jack in the box. It is superb. I look forward to hearing more songs like this in the future. It is refreshing and well worth your time.

Words by Ermis Madikopoulos

Track Review: Bazooka // MONOFLYY

March 16, 2022 — Leave a comment

MONOFLYY is a project featuring Da Flyy Hooligan, Montague One, and Oh No. They released a brand new song, ‘Bazooka’ a few months ago.

The first thing you notice is big, heavy production. Hard, electrifying drums. Aggressive violins. That alone amps you up for the unique flow of Da Flyy Hooligan which has plenty of raw power. It would be perfect in the gym. “Devouring instrumentals like a main course.” Incredible wordplay.

Up net comes the experienced Montague One with some exquisite flows, and the gun samples are a good effect. Finally, we see some cold flows and poetry from Oh No. This is a project that could work well because all the rappers suit the beat perfectly. A great song!

Words by Ermis Madikopoulos

Track Review: I Don’t Believe (In the Summer Of Love) // Gabriel’s Dawn

July 7, 2021 — Leave a comment

Gabriel’s Dawn is an up and coming band from the Midlands. Formed in 2020, They blend folk and indie-pop effortlessly, and are back with a new song, ‘I Don’t Believe (In the Summer of Love).’

The song is a wonderful splash of summer. The soft vocals are beautiful, while the guitar reminds me of The Coral. There are some big hooks in this song that work because they keep the listener on their toes. It would sound great in a big outdoor venue with the sun beaming down on you.

The production on ‘I Don’t Believe (In the Summer Of Love)’ is astonishingly good. It’s polished, clean, and all the sounds are balanced beautifully. I hope that this leads to bigger things for Gabriel’s Dawn in the future. A new dawn, indeed.

Words by Ermis Madikopoulos

Track Review: Fame // Margot

July 5, 2021 — Leave a comment

Margot are a South London based band consisting of five friends. Their sound is inspired by jangle pop, while also having feel-good qualities that boost your mood. They released their brand new song  ‘Fame’ last month.

‘Fame’ is a great song because it is dark and haunting. Atmospheric guitars and a disco drumbeat dominate the song, which works well because it could get the listener grooving. However, the lyrics take a darker tone entirely. Because they are about the culture surrounding reality TV. I think it captures the atmosphere really well because it focuses heavily on how it’s overrated and portrays a misleading representation of reality.

‘Fame’ is a good song because it fuses relatable lyrics with a psychedelic edge. The guitar is catchy because it worms its way into your head, and the vocal delivery is emotional and honest.

Words by Ermis Madikopoulos

Track Review: 2 Shots, No Chaser // Youthstar and Miscellaneous

June 10, 2021 — Leave a comment

Youthstar and Miscellaneous (who is from Chill Bump) have released a brand new song, ‘2 Shots, No Chaser.’ The song comes from a joint album and it’s very colourful. It gives off a party vibe with its electronic fused production.

The production is full of wobbly dubstep synths and hard-hitting drums. It reminds me of the weekend and nights out. While the instrumentation screams partying, the lyrics are much more grounded: “I will never put my feet down.” This shows that there is a lot of respect for the daily grind because there is a lot of humility in the lyrics. Listening to this song will help people stay grounded, while at the same time get them dancing. It’s very uplifting and will boost your spirits.

Words by Ermis Madikopoulos

Track Review: Somebody // Azu Yeché

May 6, 2021 — Leave a comment

I was very impressed when I heard Azu Yeché’s song ‘Black Market’ back in 2019. It was rousing and uplifting with bits that were reminiscent of Michael Kiwanuka. He is back with a new song, ‘Somebody.’

A soulful groove dominates the song. It consists of a summery acoustic guitar which will lighten your mood. Yeché’s buttery vocals are very smooth,  but they also show off the vulnerable lyrics very nicely. The song is about how someone falls in love with the idea of who you are, therefore it is easy to create a persona to please the person.  It exposes these emotions in a relatable and irresistible way. The chorus of: “So you’re falling, so you’re falling for somebody” embodies these feelings into a catchy pop song that tugs at your heartstrings.

Words by Ermis Madikopoulos

Track Review: A Woman’s Heart // Freya Alley

April 30, 2021 — Leave a comment

Freya Alley is back with her new song, ‘A Woman’s Heart.’ It is about not letting the past control you and finding a light in the darkness. 

A calm ambience dominates the song. You can hear the honesty and vulnerability as Freya’s voice glides through your ears.  When she sings: “Honestly, can’t you see I love you now”, she could be talking about her feelings as she opens her heart and mind.

I think this song is great because it shows how important it is to share our feelings and emotions. That is a unique selling point that people can relate to.

Words by Ermis Madikopoulos    

Track Review: U Can’t Hide // RUMBLE

April 22, 2021 — Leave a comment

Production collective RUMBLE are back with a brand new tune. The song is called ‘U Can’t Hide’ and it is one of the sounds of summer 2021. It features Blackout Ja who is a prominent figure of the dancehall scene.

‘U Can Hide’  is full of energy with some slick production. It essentially asksyou to jump around and dance, which I think is brilliant because this year, we need some uplifting positive energy. It is a colourful song with an electric atmosphere, which helps improve the listeners experience.

I cannot wait to see what RUMBLE do in the future because this track has massive vibes that will improve your mood straightaway.

Words by Ermis Madikopoulos

Track Review: Money // Breeze Redwine

April 22, 2021 — Leave a comment

Norfolk country-pop singer songwriter Breeze Redwine is back with her brand new single ‘Money.’ She draws influences from Miley Cyrus and Shawn Mendes’ uplifting songs, and brings in her own atmospheric soundscapes. This works extremely well with her fearless persona.

The moment you first hear ‘Money’ its sass immediately grabs you. The vocals are full of sass and attitude. The production is very crisp because it brings out the vocals very nicely. They’re raw with bags of soul. Unapologetically honest. This song will soundtrack your summer and surely lead Breeze Redwine on to bigger things.

Words by Ermis Madikopoulos

Track Review: The State We’re In// Saturn Saturn Saturn

April 2, 2021 — Leave a comment

Saturn Saturn Saturn (the stage name of Liverpool singer-songwriter Ben Capper) will release a brand new song, ‘The State We’re In’, next month. Capper was previously in the psychedelic band The Mighty Saguaro, who were very popular with Steve Lamacq. He worked with former bandmate Craig Williams for the first time since The Mighty Saguaro broke up in 2004. Capper’s influences include Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, and Fugazi. So it will be interesting to see how these translate on this record.

‘The State We’re In’ is awesome because it oozes confidence. The gritty swagger of Capper’s vocals drives it forward because it adds plenty of character.  Williams’ lead guitar brings a 60s influence which bolsters the impact. The glorious guitar solo is reminiscent of Oasis and Shed Seven which is great because you feel cheerful when you listen to it. When you add these together you get a song that improves your mood, allowing you to power your way through the day.

Liverpool has been the heartbeat of music for decades. Saturn Saturn Saturn is another emerging talent who is set for a bright future.

‘The State We’re In’ is out on April 2nd.

Words by Ermis Madikopoulos