Browsing Tag

Lockdown Music

Alexander Joseph – Invincible: Hearteningly Essential Indie Pop

Posted on 25 August 2020
Alexander Joseph

From the first few dreamy notes in Alexander Joseph’s latest Indie single “Invincible”, we were hooked. The sincerity of the soul, the impact of the heartening lyrics and the ingenuity which lies within the modernistic Electronic Indie Rock soundscape ensures that Invincible unravels as a rapturously resonant single.

Alexander Joseph has a different approach to songwriting to most artists. It’s the same approach he uses as a Paralympic and Olympic sports coach. He uplifts and offers support for anyone brave enough to persevere through adversity.

People often talk about needing to be able to separate the art from the artist when arguing about cancel culture, but Alexander Joseph’s single proves just how impossible that is. His inspiring charisma shines right through Invincible.

Invincible is the 5th track on Alexander Joseph’s EP “Broken But Beautiful” which is due for release on September 4th. You’ll be able to check it out for yourselves from the date of release via SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Amber Lee reflects our melancholy back at us with “Doubt”

Posted on 25 August 2020

“Doubt” is the recently released compellingly resonant Pop single from up and coming singer-songwriter Amber Lee which perfectly captures the collective mood felt over recent months.

Saying that it is hard to see past doubt may be hard. Easing into this strikingly evocative single and finding a connection definitely isn’t.

Amber Lee’s modern and stylistic take on Neo-Classic Pop complete with sonic synth lines drips with contemporary appeal. If any voice can lead this generation of Pop artist’s, it comes from Amber Lee’s larynx.

You can check out the official video to Doubt which dropped on August 15th for yourselves by heading over to YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Gus – Colors: Tear-Jerkingly Uplifting UK Hip Hop

Posted on 21 August 2020

It’s not every day we get the pleasure of describing Hip Hop as mesmeric, but we couldn’t help being transfixed by UK-based Hip Hop artist Gus’ latest hazy single Colors.

Colors kicks off with a stunning low-tempo Jazz piano arrangement before the atmospheric beats create the perfect platform for Gus’ bars. It’s within the Rap bars that Gus’ sets himself apart with an insane amount of distinction.

Gus didn’t just scratch at the surface for the lyricism, he dug deep to offer his own experience of oppression. Yet, there was no apathy or anger within his tone, simply a request for understanding and an olive branch of connection to everyone else who feels defeated by injustice and prejudice.

I could say Colors is emotional and compelling, or I can admit that I was a teary mess before the track was even halfway through.

Colors is available to stream and download through all major platforms via this link

Review by Amelia Vandergast

KOMIE are set to release their altruistically imploring charity single “10,000 Angels”

Posted on 20 August 2020

Presently, it feels like it would take the descent of celestial creatures to lead us to salvation. Just in case they don’t show up, Pop artist KOMIE has released their arcanely powerful charity single 10,000 Angels.

10,000 Angels was orchestrated with a funky Indie Pop vibe and resoundingly imploring Pop vocals which won’t fail to instil you with optimism. The captivating soundscape validates the negative emotions which can manifest during trying times. It is also a powerful reminder that you don’t need the powers of divine intervention to positively change someone’s life and save the day.

As part of their mission to spread a little love and the message of altruism, the profits from 10,000 Angels will be donated to charity.

You’ll have to wait a little longer until you can check out 10,000 Angels for yourselves, in the meantime, head over to SoundCloud and check out their former releases.

Follow KOMIE via Facebook to stay up to date with the release.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Evadaze Ft. Lachlan Andrews – ‘Are We Still Good?’: Perfect summer lockdown electropop

Posted on 15 August 2020
https://soundcloud.com/user-731520196/are-we-still-good-feat-lachlan-andrews/s-MLaLzc17dfc

‘Are We Still Good?’ could be the story of 1,000,000 fledgeling lock-down romances, soon-to-be couples forced into isolation and unsure what, if anything, comes next. Catchy, bouncy, electronic pop perfectly backs singer Evadaze’s breathy delivery, guest vocalist Lachlan Andrews delivering a spicy counterpoint in this two-way conversation about love, life, and what might be.

It’s catchy and well-produced, the piano-led melody leaving plenty of space around Shortt’s vocals; the hook finds its way into your head, ear-worm like, and stays put around Lachlan and Shortt’s vocal interplay on the final chorus. A perfect summer antidote to lockdown blues.

You can check out Are We Still Good for yourselves by heading over to SoundCloud now.

To keep up with the artist’s new releases, head over to Evadaze Facebook page here

Review by Alex Holmes

UK producer Hazlee drops dazzling new electro-pop dance track ‘Don’t Hide Away’

Posted on 13 August 2020

UK producer Hazlee is done being in the shadows on his brand new party slider for 2020 called ‘Don’t Hide Away‘.

This new track from the London based artist was written during the early stages of the unfortunate and tragic lockdown that we all face as humans right now.  ‘Don’t Hide Away‘ was inspired by the sadness of not being able to see friends and family at a difficult time which we all can’t wait to be over. Music made from tough times and lots of love is infused here on this fine track.

Hazlee has been creating music under different guises for the last ten years as a London busker and part of the Borough of Barnet’s band with which he played the Royal Albert Hall. Now a fully dipping his whole soul into being a successful solo musician, ‘Don’t Hide Away‘ is the 2nd single from the young new star on the scene.

This is an all night track that is best served with some cool beverages and lots of fun vibes by the beach or party. UK’s Hazlee comes in with an attitude of just enjoying the music and not focusing on genres. What feels good is going to be released and I love this style. Real soul that makes us think of better times.

Stream this sparkling effort from the breezy team on Spotify.

Don’t hide away from the awesome Insta page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Alise Ashby has released their powerful new Pop Ballad “Gotta Learn to Love” featuring Gabriela Martina

Posted on 5 August 2020

From the first few baroque notes in the award-winning composer and songwriter Alise Ashby’s latest semi-orchestral single “Gotta Learn to Love” featuring the vocals of Gabriela Martina, I was transfixed. The cinematic release is resounding in every possible way.

The pandemic and lockdown gave the world an opportunity to better themselves on a global scale. I was filled with naïve optimism that humans would start to act through empathy, love and compassion instead of hate and fear. Yet, we seem to be moving in the exact opposite direction. Alise Ashby’s latest single is a powerful (in more ways than one) reminder that we can only progress as a society if we learn to love, not just romantically, but to extend that love to the rest of the world. If they won’t listen to Gabriela Martina’s vocals, we may be doomed.

You can check out Gotta Learn to Love for yourselves by heading over to YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Cub\cub has captured the alienating chaos of lockdown in their feat of Ambient Electronica “False Spring”

Posted on 4 August 2020
https://soundcloud.com/user-12064490-607493505/false-spring

Leeds, UK Artist and producer Cub\cub took a unique approach with their COVID-19-inspired latest release “False Spring”. The ambient soundscape captures the chaos and alienation with poignant precision.

With the hazy vocal whispers ethereally floating above the stylishly dreamy synths which carve quiescently consoling melodies, finding resolve in False Spring is all too easy.

As a fellow nihilist, I have to applaud Cub\cub’s tendency to orchestrate mixes containing optimism and hope while never leaving out the relatable dread and fear which resonates in their atmospheric sound.

You can indulge in the smooth ambience of False Spring yourselves by heading over to SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Dan B. and Zorenzo teamed up to cook up a powerfully sobering feat of Indie RnB Hip Hop “Please”

Posted on 3 August 2020
https://music.apple.com/us/album/please-feat-zorenzo-single/1516182145

After a string of successful singles, up and coming US Rap artist Dan B. has dropped a firestorm of a hit with his latest release “Please” featuring Zorenzo.

Every time I hear a contemporary track tackling current issues, I feel my perspectives shift. After hearing Please, my perspective took a seismic transposition. The slow and evocatively compelling feat of RnB Hip Hop is sure to hit a nerve if you have a shred of empathy left Their sobering introspection which shows just how deeply systemic racism is ingrained within our society will leave you grounded, but Please is anything but your usual morose RnB single. It’s empowering, it’s comforting, and importantly it’s educational.

I’m not ashamed to say that I couldn’t make it to the end of the mix with dry eyes. The stunning Alt-Rock instrumentals which lay down absorbing riffs behind the solid structure of the drumbeats are the perfect sweetener to this sobering hit.

There’s also plenty to say about the poetic air to Dan B.’s lyrics. I could tell you all about it, but you’ve got ears. You can check out Dan B.’s latest single Please which dropped on June 17th for yourselves via apple music.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Teddy Roric reminds pop fans that wealth doesn’t always come from money with “Rich in My Mind”

Posted on 29 July 2020

German Pop artist Teddy Roric has released their most uplifting single yet with “Rich in My Mind” which brings brand-new meaning to the term contemporary Pop.

Since lockdown started, there seems to have been a shift away from the fascination of the rich and famous. Naturally, this means Pop fans wouldn’t be all too impressed by artists lyrically and visually flaunting their financial privilege. Rich in My Mind makes the irony of Pop artists trying to make resonant music while offering nothing relatable even starker.

If you’re looking for an aural pick me up which serves as a poignant reminder to see the value in what matters, look no further than this infectiously radio-ready retro Pop hit.

You can check out Teddy Roric’s single Rich in My Mind for yourselves by heading over to SoundCloud now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast