Browsing Tag

liverpool

The Ruby Tears launch their first ‘Satellite’ and are about to hit orbit

Posted on 29 November 2020
https://therubytears.bandcamp.com/track/satellite-2

Formed at the start of the first Covid 19 lockdown in March by Manchester musician and former frontman of John Peel punk-pop picks The Bloody Marys John Goodfellow and Jeff Skellon (former bassist with 80’s Liverpool favourites Lalabambam), ‘The Empty Heart EP’ – the third (yes count ‘em) release from The Ruby Tears – shows just what can be achieved by ‘remote working’, Goodfellow and Skellon not (yet) actually having met in the flesh.

Working instead from their respective home studios during the pandemic, with ‘Satellite’ the pair have crafted a piece of classic, seventies-styled-yet-updated New Wave pop-rock in the vein of The Attractions, The Stanglers, or Magazine.

There’s some stellar guitar work from Skellon, all percussive muted strumming and mellow, ‘woman-tone’ lead, Goodfellow’s vocal laid-back and gruff in the way that all good rock music should be, the ‘with the words you never said’ refrain sticking around long after the final notes of Skellon’s guitar have died away. ‘Classic’ is an overused word these days, but ‘Satellite’ is a slice of classic New Wave in the best possible way; climb on board with The Ruby Tears, because there’s every chance this is going to go stellar.

The ‘Empty Heart EP’ drops across streaming platforms on the 4th December. You can listen to ‘Satellite’ on Bandcamp, and follow The Ruby Tears on Facebook.

Review by Alex Holmes

The deep love desire: ‘Unravel’ from Kristrun is an electronic waterfall of succulent sounds

Posted on 28 November 2020

Icelandic native Kristrun is an electro-pop artist like no other as she weaves her way out of the recording studio and into your breathless body, holding your heart and doing what she pleases with it. Her exquisite voice brews up to percolate something so very mysterious as you shiver briefly in your seat, listening to each sound to find out what is going to happen next. This is out of a scary movie at first and each little noise makes you quickly scan the area outside your house to see what is out there. She has that rare gift that makes you wait in anticipation and fascinates at the same time.

The Liverpool, England based musician then dazzles her spectacular vocals and the penny drops into the ocean. Her peacefully pure voice is a wonderland of escapism from the darkness of the world. The beat is so futuristic and is way ahead of its time. Adding to the vivid story is a consistently special sound that is so sweet and tender. She sings about wanting that special love and letting her partner take what they like from her. Kristrun just wants to love and to let you unravel with her and experience that very feeling inside that some can’t even imagine exists.

With trip-hop and industrial influences, mixed with her love of underground dance from living in the UK, this is an elegantly classy performer who sends us into a different atmosphere with ‘Unravel’. Kristrun is a creative mind who gives out a message about love that must be heard. She desires it all and to feel the true soul of someone with you intimately, is the only way to love deeply and really know who you are with.

Hear this futuristic marvel on her Spotify and find out more on Kristrun’s IG and Facebook.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Sahara Line has paid a scuzzy ode to Prog Rock with “Plead”

Posted on 2 October 2020

Alt-Rock fourpiece Sahara Line has cooked up a progressively fierce storm with their single “Plead”. Any fans of Muse, 30 Seconds to Mars and Pink Floyd are going to want to pay it some serious attention.

Plead defies the Geographical constraints which constrict so Liverpool-based artists, Sahara Line will put the city back on the aural map with a completely new scuzzy Prog Rock sound. But if you immerse yourself deep enough in the track, you’ll get to pull out the psychedelically mind-warping nuances which the city is famous for.

The pulsating distorted rhythms may bring a sludgy amount of doom to the gothic soundscape, but the striking vocals cut right through it, with crystal-clear harmonies which will crawl under your ribs, it’s safe to say that Sahara Line is one of the most exciting acts around in the UK right now. Their completely authentic, soul-quakingly evocative sound is exactly what the airwaves need.

You can check out Plead for yourselves by heading over to SoundCloud now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Ruby Tears are here with the fantastic single ‘Make Up Smile’

Posted on 15 September 2020

‘Make Up Smile‘ from The Ruby Tears is one of those songs that makes it all worth it. The Liverpool & Manchester connection dribble up and score such a great goal with this new single.

This duo was born from the womb of the weird life that is Covid Lockdown. Right now, The Ruby Tears has been an entirely online collaboration between Manchester solo musician John Goodfellow and Liverpool guitarist-songwriter Jeff Skellon. Imagine when they can practice live together? The music is already incredible so what comes next could be truly ground-breaking.

Taken off the new EP ‘Fallen Star‘, ‘Make Up Smile’ is a lovely entry in the music world with indie-rock flows and that road trip kind of feel. This is that type of song you turn up loud of leave it, playing it again and again until you are feeling okay.

This is such a classy song, made with such care and the production value is quite scrumptious for the tired ears of 2020. This is that uplifting song for the ages, the vocals grab you and help you carry on. You smile and start to dance around, avoiding burning out from this crazy year that we have all faced. ‘Make Up Smile‘ from The Ruby Tears is an underground gem.

Click here for the Spotify page.

Head through to the Facebook page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Indie Folk vibes with Jeff Jepson’s ‘On Repeat’

Posted on 19 August 2020

Isle of Man based singer Jeff Jepson reminisces about love on his brand new single called ‘On Repeat‘.

Jeff Jepson is a prolific singer-songwriter who was born in music city Liverpool. Now recording & performing in the Isle of Man and beyond to a loyal and attentive following, he has been a mainstay of the thriving Liverpool acoustic scene, having supported artists as diverse as Martin Carthy, Slow Club and the Fratellis.

An artist with a voice of gold that makes each day better. This is a fine singer-songwriter that sings from the soul with his real lyrics and passionate vocals that are a pleasure to listen to.

‘On Repeat‘ is a fine song from the talented singer-songwriter that has a strong voice and who tells real stories. The passion in his voice tells you the story of this artist that loves to be on stage. Also a producer, there is nothing Jeff can’t do in the music scene. I love his honesty and the music makes you feel calm. Just what 2020 needs.

Stream here on Soundcloud.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Lively Liverpool singer-songwriter Harry Tonks fascinates on ‘Fading’

Posted on 16 August 2020

English singer-songwriter Harry Tonks strides in with a fab new indie-pop song that sums up 2020 called ‘Fading‘.

Harry Tonks is a young singer-songwriter based in Liverpool. After starting to play guitar when he was just 10 in Cheshire, he was in cover bands by the time he was 11. Fast forward to 2020, Harry decided to release his first single ‘Scars Last Forever‘, which gained positive reviews and received radio play on BBC Introducing.

With ‘Fading‘ being Harry’s 3rd ever released single, you can feel him improving after each song. With a soulful start and a strong voice, this is a track that gets into the groove quickly and don’t let go. You remember those good days and some friendships fade after a while as we evolve and move on.

Liverpool’s Harry Tonks sings from the heart and this is a fine single to add to the playlists far and wide. ‘Fading‘ is up there with the best of 2020.

Stream this brand new track right here on Spotify.

Click here for the Facebook page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Liverpool’s Tom Swan rips in with emotional indie-rock single ”Apart”

Posted on 14 June 2020

Sometimes we are just too far apart and nothing can be done to change it. Circumstances have brought you and your loved one to this stage and it hurts so much. One moment you are looking at the stars together and next you are texting but it’s not the same.

The Silver Lining EP was released on Friday 5th June 2020 and this is the 2nd single to be brought out via Field Green Records.

Liverpool native Tom Swan dives into the music game with a delicate song of emotional proportions. He is so sad about what happened with his lover and brings us into his story with perfect precision. He misses them so much but knows he can do nothing about it. ”Apart” is a really good debut from the UK singer-songwriter  who will now go from strength to strength. He has a strong voice and the guitar riff on here at the end is truly fantastic. Tom Swan is a new name to watch and we hope to hear more from this talented singer as he surely plays all over the UK. New fans await.

Stream this song and the whole EP right here on his Soundcloud channel.

Follow Tom on his Instagram page to get news on when he is playing live and more.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Warrington’s Kaleiders pay homage to their roots with ”Subway Station”

Posted on 10 June 2020

With an energy-filled style that keeps you thoroughly hooked throughout, Garage Rockers Kaleiders are proud of their new release and it shows. I love everything about ”Subway Station”. The track is stacked with heart and includes a catchy melody that is guaranteed to have you singing along joyously, all through the track.

After gigs in Manchester, Liverpool and London, I feel like this act are making their name known in the UK and the music just seems to improve after each release. With their debut album set for later on in 2020, these are exciting times for the 3 piece.

Kaleiders take us on a journey in the local subway station, falling asleep on trains and wishing that she was still around with regret tingled lyrics of lost love. The band are punk inspired and have garage rock influences that keep you listening intently. ”Subway Station” is a fantastic single that has been delivered via the train speakers at exactly the right time and the results are spectacular. This is a band that deserve more respect and will surely be rocking out live as soon as venues open up in the UK. The crowds await.

Stream this fantastic single and more on their SoundCloud page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Liverpool Popstar Sam George gets the dancefloors ready with sweaty with sexy ‘’Think About You’’

Posted on 20 May 2020

‘Sam George’ is a well established solo artist who is surely going to blow up in 2021. With a seductive voice and dance-laden music that just wants to be enjoyed. Based in the heart of the music capital, Liverpool in England, surely this is Sam’s moment to break out. The follow up to 2019’s popular ‘’Over the Sunrise’’, this is a solo artist with all the right moves.

Adding Indian flutes and with fellow Liverpool based producer Kova (Reece Cairns) on his team, this is a powerful combo that is working. This is fresh and shaven Pop with sexy lyrics. A true dance floor slider, the clubs will be full of Sam’s music when this lockdown finally passes and we can all enjoy being free again. 

‘Sam George’s face is going to be plastered all over billboards very soon and we should take note. He is part of a new wave of artists with a positive message and for that, we need to raise a glass and get involved. If Justin Timberlake ever needs an opening act while in the UK, he should call up Sam and make it happen.

Listen to proud Liverpool native Sam George here on SoundCloud.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Chris Howard releases Fool For You – a multi-featured soul pop effort

Posted on 18 May 2020

A multi-featured soul pop effort is what best defines Chris Howard’s new track Fool For You.

From the song’s structure to arrangement and piano patterns, Fool For You sets a milestone for soul music and captivates through Howard’s immensely powerful voice.

A dedication to a loved one for whom he’s ready to be a fool for despite the “long road of hardship, of pain and tears”, the song speaks to those who in relationships are willing to step forward when things go wrong, through all obstacles. Throughout the song you can actually feel a passionate torment in his vocals (an incredible interpretation) but still appreciate that forward-looking, unflinchingly positive, soulful vibe.

Perfectly matching what I always look for in R&B and Soul music, the downtempo helps dramatize the story and musically enhances this emotional Slow-jam.

Trust me on this one, you won’t be fooled if you check out Fool For You on Soundcloud.

Review by Jim Esposito.