Browsing Tag

essex

Indie sleaze voraciously came back around with Sweet Houdini’s antagonised earworm, Metaphorical Red

Posted on 6 April 2024
Sweet Houdini

Essex’s Sweet Houdini’s latest single, ‘Metaphorical Red‘, opens a temporal gateway back to the anthemics of 90s alt-rock with the swagger and grit that infectiously shakes, rattles, and rolls with a palpable sense of antagonism and volition.

The supersonic and vortexical electronic cuts weave seamlessly around thunderous drums and effect-laden guitars, reminiscent of the Black Keys’ bluesy grooves; this sonic backdrop sets the stage for a snarling confrontation that captivates from the first verse, making ‘Metaphorical Red’ a sludgy earworm that rivals the likes of Mansun.

Sweet Houdini doesn’t just pay homage to the alt-rock era; they reinvent it. Their sound crosses the Atlantic, delivering harsher sonic palettes reminiscent of US Alt Indie. The track is a testament to the band’s ability to channel the spirit of 90s icons like Nirvana and The Smashing Pumpkins, while injecting their unique personality and magnetism.

With ‘Metaphorical Red’, Sweet Houdini has done more than kick up a storm; they’ve choked the atmosphere with a resurgence of indie sleaze. Their energetic live performances, known for authenticity and genuine crowd interaction, mirror the raw emotion and energy of this track. It’s a bold statement in the alt-rock scene, proving that Sweet Houdini is not just a band to watch, but a force to be reckoned with.

Check out Metaphorical Red when it drops on April 5th on Sweet Houdini’s official website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Karan Karma has unveiled his scorcher of a sophomore disco-funk RnB pop hit, Dangerous

Posted on 18 June 2023

The Essex, UK singer-songwriter, Karan Karma, turned up the heat enough to trigger another heatwave with his disco & funk-infused RnB pop sophomore single, Dangerous.

His infectiously salacious soprano vocal lines will make him an instant hit with any fans of the King of Pop, The Weeknd, Bruno Mars and Charlie Puth; he comes into his innovative own through the disco grooves, which are as slick and stylish as the ones found in Red Rum Club’s chart-topping hits.

Reminiscences aside, Karan Karma established himself as one to watch through the precision in the balance between commercial appeal and creative autonomy. Using his own voice instead of assimilating another’s, he’s easily one of the most authentic artists in the UK pop circuit. For more slices of soul, slap him on your radar.

Dangerous is now available to stream on Spotify and YouTube via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Yet Today: Grayston feels a deep wound brewing on the rather fantastic A Vision in My Mind

Posted on 12 May 2023

Recorded at Threecircles Recording Studio in Wimbish, Essex, Grayston has just opened our ears properly again like an otolaryngologist on the rather eloquent release to alleviate pain, A Vision in My Mind.

Grayston is a hugely experienced UK rock band that pulsates with a thunderously created sound and takes us into a much better world through their edgy music creations.

”Framework for the song was written in 1997, but lyrics rewritten in early 2023 as a gesture to those going through a life crisis like bereavement, divorce, or tragedy of some nature.” ~ Grayston

Guiding us through the troubles and guiding us to a happy heart, Grayston are the kind of underground legend who exits music venues with fans sweating in delight after each performance.

With a vivid vision and so much to relate to, this is a hugely impressive performance to swim deeper into when the cold waters try and flush all the goodness away like a wicked vacuum cleaner.

A Vision in My Mind from UK rockers Grayston is an enlightening experience for the betterment of many who are going through tough times. In a challenging world, this is an example of what is possible through the power of quality music.

Sung with a ferociously passionate vocal delivery, we are fed so many soulful tidbits to learn from for the next time we fall.

Hear more on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Silly Love: Faith Louise drops dynamically reflective romantic love letter on 8th single Heartbreak

Posted on 18 March 2023

After last exhilarating us with her previous single Summer Fun, Faith Louise performs with maturing excellence on a love story which will tangle many souls into a web of wonder on Heartbreak.

Faith Louise is an Essex, UK-based pop singer-songwriter phenomenon which has released 7 successful singles and is signed to Regent Street Records.

”It is a song about the unsureness and worry of your heart being broken in a relationship that’s actually a really healthy one. It explores the confusion of why such a good person has entered your life, and how the mind thinks about the what-ifs and maybes. All feelings many of us feel and can hopefully connect to whilst listening to the song.” ~ Faith Louise

Wondering how this love will conquer the moment when she doesn’t give it up quickly, Faith Louise sings with honesty and courageousness in this revealing message.

With exquisite vocals and a range that could make many listen twice, this is a rather lovely effort from such a caring heart who is in a dream of introspection.

Heartbreak from Essex, UK-based indie pop singer-songwriter Faith Louise is a sensational track which is surely cinematic in nature. Feeling stuck for a moment and wondering what the future is holding, we are opened up to a stunning performance by one of the most imaginative artists in the game.

Turn this up on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Ella Hayes sold soul-pop sanctuary in her debut single, Recovery

Posted on 18 September 2022

Essex soul-pop singer-songwriter Ella Hayes paraded her vanquished skeletons and shared her growing pains in her debut EP, Colour Me In, which follows her through her journey of addiction, awakening and expressive creativity.

The standout single, Recovery, was a means of catharsis for the artist, which she extended to the airwaves as a powerfully inspiring affirmation that addiction doesn’t have to be a life sentence. The pop-rock orchestral layers set the perfect tone for her candour, which leaves few stones unturned around the epiphanous lyrics, which resolvingly prove that sanctuary is always in reach, despite how low your rock bottom feels.

“All my life I’ve been terrorised by the lies my head tells me” is one hell of an opening lyric; one that sets the bar she continually transcends throughout Recovery.

Recovery is now available to stream on Spotify

Review by Amelia Vandergast

 

Nicki Shakes shares a relatable thirst in her single, I Need a Drink

Posted on 17 September 2022

Country singer-songwriter-sensation Nicki Shakes shared a relatable thirst in the standout single, I Need a Drink, from her debut album, Rise. For everyone that has ever wanted to evade the nefariousness of their consciousness, the bluesy swagger of the melodically upbeat Country pop rock single has all the makings of a playlist staple.

Her eclectically matured sound may sonically take you to a dive bar in Tennessee, but the accomplished UK-residing artist tours her soulful tales of heartbreak and woe across Essex and London. What comes as much less of a surprise is the international airplay Nicki Shakes has garnered with her energy that epitomises artistic dynamism.

I Need a Drink is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Climbed the Walls: UK rockers High Society wonders if it’s all worth the struggle on Hard to Breathe

Posted on 21 August 2022

Tackling the difficult conversation of mental health that is often brushed under the carpet, High Society shows us their excellent intimate sold-out show success that is matched by a truly rousing performance on Hard to Breathe.

High Society is an alternative rock/grunge band based in Herts/Essex, UK who have emerged as one of the most electrifying live acts around.

”Formed in 2020, in the wake of the pandemic, High Society is an outlet for the trials and tribulations of two twenty something young men struggling to find their place in these uncertain times we live in.” ~ High Society

Time travelling our thoughts to when there was only darkness, High Society is in splendid form with a rather earth-shattering track that will have you thinking about how you perceive yourself. They are supremely brilliant here and bravely transport us to an exceptionally memorable moment that many have experienced before.

Hard to Breathe from Herts/Essex, UK-based alternative rock/grunge band High Society is a rather gripping experience that takes you through the rollercoaster of life. Stitched with a thrill-a-second mix of a time-is-ticking euphoria to the veins that will stir you into a new mode of thinking, this is a lock-the-doors and shake to the ribs track, that shall get you in the zone again.

Listen up to this new single on Spotify and see more via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Anna Wells became the UK’s brightest pop luminary with her self-actualized single, No More

Posted on 18 August 2022

Starting with the syncopated bluesy piano, Anna Wells’ latest progressive synth-pop single, No More, due for release on August 18th, 2022, instantly draws you in through the quirkiness that assures you that the Essex, UK-residing artist is autonomously electric enough to deserve your undivided attention.

The dance-worthy, marginally Avant-Garde beats and sporadically theatric vocals could sell the record alone; the empowered and self-actualized lyrics heighten the listening experience to the nth degree.

“I don’t need that kind of man in my life no more because I’m not so insecure anymore”, may just be the lyric of the year – if prizes go for those. It perfectly encapsulates theh human proclivity to martyr ourselves to misery through the subconscious belief we don’t deserve more. I officially love her.

Check it out for yourselves by heading over to SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

No Stress: Excellent Essex singer Faith Louise lives life to the fullest on ‘Summer Fun’

Posted on 29 August 2021

Recently signed to Regent Street Records and produced by the highly regarded Ashea at SAFO Music, Faith Louise brings her loyal friends along for the ride of a lifetime on her latest stir-the-soul single ‘Summer Fun‘.

Faith Louise is a sixteen-years-young pop artist, tea enthusiast and actor from Clacton-on-Sea, Essex in the UK.

“A cup of tea makes everything better.” ~ Faith Louise

This is the story of going for the groove in your heart as the wind takes you places to see what’s out there, as you look for the sunrise and have that joyous time you have been missing. With a party vibe entrenched all over this fantastic single with so much bounce, this is the track to get you in the mood to have some fun again. Enjoying the moment before it ends, is the way to stay alive in this often darkly-lit cold world after all.

”As a massive KPop, 90s, Club and Pop music fan, her new original releases will show you her own take on her love of this style of music.” ~ Faith Louise

‘Summer Fun‘ from the youthful Clacton-on-Sea, Essex pop singer-songwriter Faith Louise, is a breathtaking-beat packed track that has you remembering those exciting days with your close mates. With glorious vocals from a sensational singer who is on top form here – as each word sung makes you smile fondly – this is the type of single to put you into a good mood, no matter what else is going on in your life.

Hear this new single on Spotify and see more on the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

What’s Fake Or Real: Formidable Essex emcee Untold Poet shows us the two sides of the coin on ‘Harvey Dent’

Posted on 9 May 2021

Whilst confidently flushing away the trashy fake noise and opening the willing sink to unleash more realness on the awaiting world, Untold Poet flips the switch just right with his explosive new single about finding that truth to set you free again on ‘Harvey Dent‘.

Untold Poet is a superb Essex, UK-based rapper and singer-songwriter, who was formerly the lead of New Subjects. Now fully on the solo trail as he finds his way, he stomps in to shake our attention with a thoughtful edge.

He raps with such an impressive fluidity as he attempts to chase away that demon who is attempting to block his view. Untold Poet flows with such supreme skills and drops the bars with impressive power and consistency.

This is story about learning who to trust in this sneaky world, that can kick you down like a rugged Sunday league defender at any second. You look for the truth as you feel that things are in a bit of a blur within your eyesight — as you seek that real authenticity and might be lost for now. You know in your scout compass where to go and are just looking for the elusive keys who are playing hide-and-go-seek, so you may unlock the right door to freedom forever.

‘Harvey Dent‘ from the high caliber UK emcee Untold Poet, brings us an anxious soul who is feeling the walls closing in, as he looks in between to see which way he wants to go. The world can be a mix of truths and lies, so which road you turn to can define you so quickly — if you unwisely choose the wrong path — that is filled with treacherous undesirables.

Stream this top new single on Spotify and see more news on his IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen