Browsing Tag

Isle of Wight

The Optimists prescribed the antidote for catastrophists with their explosive indie garage punk hit, Not a Big Deal

Posted on 28 July 2024

The Optimists have been making cynics meet their match since their 2018 debut which made all the right waves in the UK indie scene. With their latest single, Not a Big Deal, the Isle of Wight five-piece cranked up the monolithic volition to exhibit their biggest hit to date and etch a new chapter in their legacy that has reached the a-lists of Isle of Wight Radio & BBC Solent.

With crescendos of garage rock antagonism in the same vein as Fidlar mainlined into the scuzzy production around the melodic indie increments that are fraught with tension, the razor-sharp hooks dig in deep enough to pierce the soul.

Not a Big Deal is the ultimate track to shed inhibition and neurosis to. By extolling the virtues of disregarding the immaterial, the juggernautical hit is an irresistible invitation to indulge in the catharsis of being carefree.

If the outfit becomes as big as their guitar and synth riffs and stage presence, don’t be surprised if you see them at the top of the indie charts in the coming years.

Not a Big Deal was officially released on July 19. Stream the single on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Feeling Sick: Marlee grows exhausted from those games on One Day (You’ll Wish)

Posted on 2 May 2023

Powered by Ankattarian Values, Marlee shows the whole world that she is moving on as she knows her previous lover will certainly miss the tender touches eventually on One Day (You’ll Wish).

Marlee is a South London, UK-based Isle of Wight-born alternative artist and music producer who loves dressing up in drag and is a self-professed real-life cartoon character.

”Starting out with an acoustic guitar as a 15th birthday present; she gigged her way around her hometown of the Isle of Wight as a solo musician, cutting her teeth in pubs and holiday parks which lead to opening for the legendary Level 42 at the Royal Albert Hall when she was just 16. Since then she has featured on backing vocals for one of the band’s songs (‘Build Myself a Rocket’ – Sirens EP), even performing live with them at a multitude of venues and festivals including Indigo at the O2, Bestival, Isle of Wight Festival and Camp Bestival.” ~ Marlee

Astonishing so many tender ears and giving hope to those who are still stuck inside a liaison which has flamed out, Marlee is a rather outstanding soundtrack to getting over the past. This is electric stuff which will surely entice many to take a 2nd or 3rd listen.

One Day (You’ll Wish) from South London, UK-based Isle of Wight-born alternative artist/music wizard Marlee is a pulsating performance which might startle many hearts and inspire others to live out their dreams. In an often-selfish world, this is a rather terrific single track to open up many eyes to the truth within a fickle time for humanity.

Hear this fine single on SoundCloud.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Dedicated to Tash: Sammie Jo shows love for her tragically lost friend on Next to You

Posted on 12 February 2023

Dropping her emotional debut single which might cause many a tear to flow down our cheeks, Sammie Jo performs with so much love and care on her stunning first release to hold hands with, Next to You.

Sammie Jo is an Isle of Wight-born indie electronic dance artist who is bravely overcoming many mental health challenges which are facing her each day.

Aching for the touch of that hair and desiring an extra moment in time, Sammie Jo delivers on every level. Featuring a pulsating beat and so much to ponder on this liquid drum and bass pop anthem, there is a sensational energy to bathe in briskly through this excellent effort.

Next to You from Isle of Wight-born indie dance act, Sammie Jo is a rather special song for many reasons. Showing so much passion and with a lyrically emotional aura, this is a rather super effort to admire for its beauty.

Looking for that sweet smile and walking a million miles, we find a hugely memorable anthem for the lost souls in our memory.

Rest in peace Tash Pink. Sammie has done you proud.

Hear this fine track on Spotify. See more on the IG page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen