Track Review: Somebody // Azu Yeché

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

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: Money // Breeze Redwine

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

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

Track Review: Alright in the End // Natasha Nicole

‘Alright in the End’ is the debut single from Natasha Nicole. Laura Marling and Joni Mitchell inspired the song. It’s about Nicole’s struggles with depression and anxiety, but writing it helped her bring out her creativity. Listening to the song, you will also feel confident and it will give you a morale boosting lift.

‘Alright in the End’ has a bright trumpet that dominates the chorus. This is great because the listener feels a warm and positive glow. The production is stripped back which is great because it compliments Nicole’s voice well. The lyrics celebrate positivity and individuality because they encourage the listener to take time out for themselves and relax. When Nicole sings, “It’ll be alright in the end” in the chorus, it brings about the optimism that we will get through this difficult period.

I like ‘Alright in the End’ because it’s uplifting. It demonstrates how honest Natasha Nicole can be, and I can’t wait to hear more from her in the future.

Words by Ermis Madikopoulos

Track Review: Under // Bethany Ferrie

Bethany Ferrie is influenced by the likes of Lewis Capaldi and Ed Sheeran. I already knew her from her last single ‘Stayed’, which had a big sound. Its chorus could easily be sung in arenas. She wrote new material in lockdown, and is back with a new song, ‘Under’. The song will be released on July 10th.

‘Under’ is about a relationship breaking down and the heartbreak that follows it. The sad guitars work well with Ferrie’s tender vocals because they pull you into her situation. This allows the listener to feel the emotions with Ferrie, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

I really enjoyed listening to ‘Under’ because it is a beautiful song. The lyrics resonate with anyone who is in a difficult period of trust, while Ferie’s emotional delivery will reach more people.

Words by Ermis Madikopoulos