Browsing Tag

Simon and Garfunkel

Phil Coomer prescribed love as a drug in his latest release, All the Medicine I Need

Posted on 7 February 2024
https://youtu.be/eNRKiL6PZT0?si=2dDJrrguCrbBzFlA

The folk-pop evocateur Phil Coomer used all his award-winning song-writing stripes to decorate his latest single, All the Medicine I Need, with a sense of sentimentality that will see your soul swell with gratitude for everyone who sweetens your world.

As the orchestral strings quiver, the tenderly fingerpicked acoustic guitar strings amplify the warmth spilling from Coomer’s folky Americana harmonies which shine with crystalline soul as they emanate the soft and intimate folk vocal style of the late 60s and carry the same affecting mesmerism of Nick Drake.

Even when artists pen their own material, it isn’t a given that they will orchestrate something original; there’s never any danger of assimilative pedestrianism when you slip into a Phil Coomer folk score; just how it is possible for a salve for the soul to feel so expressively raw is an alchemic paradox that stands as a testament to his songwriting virtuosity.

All the Medicine I Need will be available to stream and purchase on all major platforms from 05/06/2024. Until then, you can stream the music video on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ten(or)s Across the Board for Cameron Owen’s Striking Rework of Bridge Over Troubled Water

Posted on 2 March 2023

After growing up to the sounds of Simon and Garfunkel, listening to Cameron Owen’s classical reworking of Bridge of Troubled Water was an evocative trip of nostalgia. Yet, it was the cinematic crescendos which gripped the senses tight enough to leave a mark which made this a truly unforgettable release.

Tuning this consolingly dulcet classic into a cuttingly intense orchestral masterpiece that is enough to stun you into arrestive awe was undoubtedly no easy feat, but Cameron Owen, armed with his beguilingly commanded operatic tenor range, stunningly succeeded.

With the number of accolades and awards under the British Pianist and singer’s belt, we’re hardly coloured surprised by the international virtuoso’s talents, but God damn, he epitomised visceralism with this dramatical reinvention. I genuinely can’t bring myself to stop listening to it.

Hear it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

A&R Factory Present: Miccoli

Posted on 3 March 2017

Birmingham three-piece, Miccoli are set to release their new single on on the 3RD of March 2017.

‘Idle Stranger’, the follow-up to last year’s ‘Silent’ EP, was self-produced and recorded at Clarion Studios in Penang off the coast of Malaysia. Available to download from all the major outlets, the track is a near perfect piece of infectious Indie Pop which completely encapsulates the band’s vocal harmonies and ear for a catchy tune. The first indication of what to expect from the eagerly awaited debut album, the new single is accompanied by a stunning video filmed in Venice and directed by up and coming photographer Valentio McKenzie.

After spending most of their childhood studying and making music, twin brothers Adriano (vocal and acoustic/electric guitar) and Alessandro (piano, vocal and acoustic guitar) teamed up with their younger sister Francesca (vocal, piano and harmonica) and decided to form the band a few years ago.  Taking inspiration from the likes of Simon and Garfunkel, The Police, Crosby Stills And Nash, Fleetwood Mac and the classic hits of Motown, the three siblings set about crafting their own blend of haunting, melodic and eclectic sounds to great effect.

Miccoli has since toured extensively throughout Europe and America; hanging out with Motley Crue along the way and have recently performed at the Wireless Festival in Hyde Park. Previous singles have attracted the attention of public and critics alike and have seen them feature on American, British and Asian television and pick up airplay on national and regional BBC radio as well as Internet and college stations across the board.

Having spent the last year in the studio, the band are now ready to set out on the road again and perform the songs that will make up the forthcoming debut album. In what promises to be a busy and exciting year ahead, they will announce live dates in the very near future.