Browsing Tag

Kate Bush

Jessie Berkshires – Enough: An Ethereal Synth-Soaked Lesson in Self-Discovery

Posted on 29 February 2024

Jessie Berkshires’ latest single, Enough, is a masterful blend of alt-pop finesse and 80s nostalgia, wrapped in a neon glow of modernity and soulful conviction. The single opens with Berkshires’ ethereal harmonies which weightlessly drift across the stabbing synth lines.

The intro’s melodic foundation sets the stage for a rhythmically compelling backbeat that kicks against the rest of the reverb-swathed instrumentation to create an immersive experience reminiscent of a neon-drenched dreamscape.

Berkshires’ vocal delivery is a study in artful beguile, echoing the haunting allure of Kate Bush. Her voice, a serene yet strident force, weaves through the track, delivering catharsis and conviction with equal measure. The lyrics, a poignant reflection on independence and empowerment, resonate with a poetic clarity that strikes at the heart.

The track’s production is a deft mix of contemporary magnetism and retro charm. Imagine pouring Warpaint’s style into The Human League’s mould, and you’re close to the unique cocktail that is ‘Enough’. It’s a sound that’s as deliciously poured as it is thoughtfully concocted.

In ‘Enough’, Jessie Berkshires offers a lesson in how to blend past and present, pain and hope, into a track that’s as empowering as it is enchanting.

Enough arrived on the airwaves on February 16. Stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Puts You At Ease: Bessie Deakin loves the freshness of the Magic Man

Posted on 18 April 2023

Inspired fully by Kate Bush and Stevie Nicks, Bessie Deakin enters our hearts in the best way imaginable with her sultry ways which are so genuinely sweet on Magic Man.

Bessie Deakin is a fast-rising London, UK-based indie jazz singer-songwriter and creative who performs with love so pure and caring.

Reenergized from her show at the legendary Troubadour on the 12th of April 2023, we are thrilled to the core by a sensational talent who is an angelic wonder in an often cruel world. Bessie Deakin is terrific here and projects her voice above the noise and seems to unwrap the plastic covering our lungs to let us breathe better again.

Magic Man from London, UK-based indie jazz singer-songwriter Bessie Deakin is an ear-warmer of note to ward off that unconscious, lonely romantic-less feeling. Sung with comforting energy which feels so good on our brittle bones, this is an angelic release from a kind soul who makes music to heal all weary spirits.

Listen up closer on SoundCloud.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Laurel K Adams has released her artful country-pop crossover single, Dancing in the Eye of a Hurricane.

Posted on 20 October 2021

The 17-year-old singer-songwriter and instrumentalist Lauren K Adams has released her debut alt-county-pop crossover EP, The Introduction. The standout single, Dancing in the Eye of a Hurricane, carries the coveted gravitas of an artist that has dedicated their life to honing in on their craft, but discernibly, the melodies that her poetic lyrics breeze through are as natural as breathing. If you could imagine a hybrid of the best parts of Cohen, Stevie Nicks and Kate Bush, you’ll get close to imagining the ingenuity on offer here.

You’d be seriously hard-pressed to find another up and coming artist with such succinct talent when it comes to capturing the multifaceted complexities of the human experience. The airwaves are an infinitely better place for her debut. The motivation for it goes beyond the yearning for accolades; it stems from the far less factious inclination to empower her listeners.

Dancing in the Eye of a Hurricane is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Lina and the Lions – This Fire: 80s Synthpop with a K-Pop Kick

Posted on 30 January 2021

‘This Fire’ is the first single to be released from the forthcoming debut album ‘Second Nature’ by UK-based artist Lina and the Lions which revives the New Wave 80s Pop sound with a K-Pop kick.

With shimmering glassy synths and melodic hooks, sharp enough to ensure that this entrancing earworm isn’t easily forgotten, fans of 80s Pop and contemporary dark Pop alike are going to encounter a playlist staple when they delve into this amorously visceral and stylistic release.

The instrumentals may be cutting and atmospheric, but Lina Lane’s soulfully effervescent art-pop vocals burst through and demonstrate her ability to make higher pitches resonate with infectiously high-energy soul. It’s hard not to get excited about the potential of Lina and the Lions. They’ll be releasing their album gradually over 2021. Get them on your radar.

This Fire is available to stream via Spotify now. For more information on Lina and the Lions head over to their official website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

A real story about current confusion: Alutepena Hughes-John brings her uniquely talented music to help with the current UK ‘Lockdown’

Posted on 21 November 2020

The driving drums drop in so sweetly, as we are introduced to an authentic voice that breathes new life into the dull year of stale air, and dark clouds. This is all about the trauma about the ravaging bite that is 2020 and the rhythmically energy brought forth, is a pleasant listen from Alutepena Hughes-John. The Surrey, UK based performer speeds into the wild waters with the relevant ‘Lockdown‘.

Her voice is so smooth and authentic, her various styles and bands in her armor mesh with much enthusiasm here, this is a performer with so much to offer our sad hearts. The frustration of how the UK lockdown has been handled is so apparent, the confusion and poor management is described vividly, the shocking levels of sadness of the people is for all to see. The end is not in sight, and seeing other countries open up again, gives even more ammo to the weary-eyes souls of the once-proud nation.

With a vibrant energy that shines through the gloomy skies, the new single makes you smile as stories of sacrifice and not knowing what is right to do, and what is not. The vocals swim through the rock-filled waves with aplomb, her words are so hauntingly honest, and will make you feel better about things as you aren’t alone.

With her music style changing all the time from Steampunk to Goth dependent on her mood, the wildly talented Alutepena Hughes-John shows us all that creativity is alive and strong on ‘Lockdown‘. The citizens of the UK will just have to be a bit more patient for a while until the rain has passed, for this is a time that has shown who the great leaders are, and who are the ones that need to sit down, and leave big decisions to wiser souls.

Hear this supremely real song on her Soundcloud and see more on Instagram.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Trippy, Edgy, Taut And Strange…Scere Doesn’t Follow The Rules

Posted on 2 December 2017

Built on a slow, meandering  pop pulse and sitting somewhere between an old soul record and a trippy, down tempo urban groove, Because I is a wonderfully intriguing song. It is non-conformist and complicated, textured yet leaving space to generate atmosphere and anticipation, it is glitchy, mercurial, full of pent up energy and more than anything it is brilliantly different.

Not quite addictive enough to be pop, not fast enough to be a dance record it creates its own genre, one which skirts trip-hop, tips its hat to the likes of Kate Bush or Tori Amos but which ultimately is so different that it fits into a genre all of its own. There are not many acts that you can say that about but the  enigmatic Scere is certainly one of them.

Annika Brown: Amanda Palmer Meets Steampunk (Only for The Brave)

Posted on 27 November 2017

Annika Brown’s Latest track Apocalypso is a theatrical spectacular. Nothing quite could prepare me for what was about to unfold over the next three minutes as I hit play on YouTube. It’s hard to pay attention to the actual sound of the track after watching the official music video in which she embraces Kate Bush style dramatics. I certainly won’t be forgetting what I’ve just heard in a long time.

Annika’s sound Is definitely an acquired taste, I’m not sure tracks such as Apocalypso will ever fair well in the mainstream, however she’s created an eclectic mix of sound which she imparts her Emily The Strange demeanour within. Even when she’s playing an acoustic guitar in the woods her unique charm is never dampened. . But that’s just part of it’s charm. Alternative music fans are in for a treat with this act. With operatic vocals, doom riddled melodies and classic piano backing track. There’s a hint of Victorian hysteria within her music, which she reincarnates through her Gothic Soprano vocals. The Same as can be heard with acts such as a Emilie Autumn and her signature Fantasy Rock styling.

Head on over to her website where you can keep up date with her musical ventures. Her latest album The Devils Story Book featuring Apocalypso is available to download or stream now!

 

Hannah Harper Whets Audiences Appetite

Posted on 17 November 2017

London based Hannah Harper seems to make music which wonderfully captures the city that she is based in. It is at once artistic and slick, pushes pop music into quirky, staccato dance realms, feels wonderfully urban, uptown, classy and shimmers with the pace and edgy energy of the city around her. At a time when pop music seems to have hit a formulaic, production line creative process, where most are content only to make music in the mould of what has already been successful, Hannah’s debut single marks a fascinating departure.

Already picked up by BBC movers and shakers, Appetite is the sound of things moving on, of barriers being pushed aside of new paths being beaten through previously unexplored territory. But the clever thing is that whilst offering something new, it isn’t too radical either. The beats and the structures are still familiar it is just the way they are put together is intriguing. It is, in fact, the best of both worlds, a new sound but one for which there is already a captive audience via popular radio and clubland playlists. It is safe to say that the evolution of pop music just took a very big stride forward.



Kate Thomas – Stone Pillow – A Driven Single Where The Energy Of Rock Blends In With The Intimacy Of Folk

Posted on 20 October 2017

Kate Thomas is an artist with a unique approach to rock and folk music. Her sound is laced with powerful guitar melodies and energetic vocal performances that feel fierce and spontaneous. There are many layers to the artist’s sound and vision: Amazingly, Kate set out to combine a simple songwriting approach with a very personal and unique twist to bring her music to life. Her recent release, “Stone Pillow”, is a perfect example of how the artist goes about building an intricate plot of sonic textures and atmosphere, upon which she is able to lay down a compelling flow of expertly written lyrics with an emotional overtone.

This release is a remarkable sign of growth and accomplishment from an artist who has really progressed, one song at a time, showcasing a lot of passion and commitment to her art.

“Stone Pillow” is certainly one of those songs that would immediately get classed for heavy rotation in your personal playlist, and we’re certain you won’t be getting tired of it anytime soon!

Chamik Zhang releases romantic pop track ‘I Wish You Well’

Posted on 29 July 2017

When we think of romantic pop music of substance, even in the more commercial world, we generally think of the high-concept and artistic direction of Kate Bush and Tori Amos or the high volume commerciality of kitsch dinosaurs such as Elton John or Billy Joel (though The Stranger is an album that should be studied in music colleges the length and breadth of the country.) Well, with I Wish You Well, Chamik Zhang finds a middle way that combines integrity with appeal.

Chamik Zhang makes short work of blending Damien Rice minimalism with just the right amount of commercial melodicism. Heartstrings will be tugged, emotions unleashed, young women will swoon and the world will feel just that little bit more poetic. And when did the world ever not benefit from such happenings?