Browsing Tag

UK Pop

Maddison Skies instilled even more assured positivity on the airwaves with their pop-rock sophomore single ‘Fireworks’

Posted on 9 March 2021

There was no forgetting British pop group, Maddison Skies after hearing their inspiringly optimistic debut single, ‘To the Moon and Back’. Their sophomore single, ‘Fireworks’ hit the airwaves in February 2021, instilling even more assured positivity on the airwaves.

This time, they’ve moved away from the perfect pop formula to incorporate elements of indie rock into the electro-pop hit which boasts a slightly 90s pop feel, but when the guitar solo starts blazoning through the track, Fireworks becomes anything but assimilative.

With another track in the pipeline, it is definitely time to start paying attention to the UK-based trio.

Fireworks is now available to stream via SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Seb Turner-Moore proves the evocative potential of dance pop with ‘Another Love’

Posted on 9 March 2021

Prepare for your dance pop preconceptions to be obliterated by teenage singer-songwriter, Seb Turner-Moore’s latest entrancingly melodic single ‘Another Love’ which proves that earworms can have just as much evocative potential as classic ballads.

The perfect pop formula was definitely found when Seb Turner-Moore penned Another Love which may remind you of pop from previous eras, but the essence of the energetic track is futuristic feel from the sheer pioneering distinction.

At just 18-years-old, the East Sussex-based artist discernibly has what it takes to take 21st-century pop to resounding new heights. They may say that through age comes experience, but the proverbial ‘they’ would probably also agree that Seb Turner-Moore is a natural born talent.

Another Love is available to stream via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Faith Louise – What I Need: K-Pop-tinged 90s Dance Pop

Posted on 27 February 2021
Faith Louise

When you’re fifteen and already produced by Ashea, with your second single debuting on BBC Introducing, you’re clearly doing something right. 1,000 Spotify streams in 48 hours, and 12,000 YouTube views in the official video’s first week of release is worth taking.

Now, Essex’s Faith Louise is back with new single ‘What I Need’, a delicious slice of K-Pop-tinged 90’s club/dance with a catchy little hook and a earworm of a chorus that sticks in your head and follows you round for days. Again produced by Ashea at SAFO music, ‘What I Need’ is a perfect little pop track – think Ariana Grande mixed with Little Mix – dancey, energetic, and catchily upbeat.

You can check out ‘What I Need’ on Faith Louise’s website or on Facebook.

Review by Alex Holmes

Take a hit on pop singer-songwriter Veronika Utri’s ‘Cigarette’

Posted on 8 February 2021
https://soundcloud.com/veronika-utri/veronika-utri-cigarette

With a style heavily influenced by Tom Odell, Taylor Swift and Avril Lavigne, Austria-born, London-based singer songwriter, Veronika Utri’s, sound offers tender intimacy, cinematic imagery and a magnetic spike of attitude.

The warm embracing tones in the standout single ‘Cigarette’ will undoubtedly be of appeal to anyone else dealing with the emotional fallout from unsated romantic cravings. The soul in the vocals is just as addictive as the substance which shares the name of the dreamy single.

With her accessible ‘girl next door’ vibe and evocatively brave lyricism, it’s hard not to anticipate big things in the immediate future for Veronika Utri.

Cigarette is available to stream via SoundCloud.

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

Jack Buckley has made his soul-rippingly-raw debut with ‘Let Go’

Posted on 31 December 2020

Indie pop artist Jack Buckley has made his debut with the soul-rippingly-raw hit ‘Let Go’, which will hit you with the same evocative weight as tracks by the National and Frightened Rabbit. There’s even some Dessner-style sonic guitar blazing behind the trepidation-laden piano keys which take the score to a cinematic level.

Stylistic reminiscences are incredibly fleeting in Let Go, as the track runs through, you won’t have much cognitive function left to find similarities as you’re overwhelmed by the sheer amorous agony the single contains. In a time when most relationships are superficial and disposable, it almost feels like a blast from the past hearing Jack Buckley’s ardent vocals, but it’s a kiss with a contemporary fist.

With their sophomore single in production, you’ll definitely want Jack Buckley on your radar in 2021.

You can check out Jack Buckley’s single, Let Go, on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Maddison Skies have made their Pop debut with their optimistic playlist staple ‘To the Moon and Back’

Posted on 27 December 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztCUceB6Z70

We’ve heard our fair share of debut singles this year after so many artists were driven to find the catharsis in expression in chaotically confusing times, but very few, if any, were as soul-meltingly powerful as ‘To the Moon and Back from Maddison Skies.

Maddison Skies consists of Gracie May, Thea, and Sophie; three phenomenally talented UK-based vocalists who banded together through adversity. On their first real life meeting, they recorded their debut single to instil some much-needed optimism on the airwaves. To the Moon and Back is a stunning Indie Pop testament to the power and necessity of love, if you’re not convinced, their harmonised vocals will give you all the assurance you need.

If this is the future of girl groups, colour me excited.

You can check out the official music video to Maddison Skies’ debut single by heading over to YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Frederika has put soul back into moody electro pop with her third single ‘Not Him’

Posted on 19 December 2020

UK singer-songwriter, musician and producer Frederika has released her captivatingly raw third single ‘Not Him’ and poured soul back into the moody electro pop genre.

Her faultless harmonic vocal timbre draws you into the melancholy which the track was penned with. Anyone who can relate to being stuck on someone while the rest of the world seems odious at best will undoubtedly feel the weight of this powerful yet sonically delicate soundscape.

With an EP in the works, Frederika is well worth putting on your radar. Her ability to capture the agony in romantic disparity is practically unparalleled.

You can check out Not Him for yourselves by heading over to Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Override Anxiety with Breaking Pop artist LIIYO’s Latest Single ‘Overwhelmed’

Posted on 9 December 2020

Usually, Pop ballads tend to narrate love stories which only seem to reflect Hollywood-style romance, with their latest single, ‘Overwhelmed’, London-based Pop artist LIIYO cut the pretence and projected plaintive resonant emotion which we have all felt at some point during lockdown.

Ultimately, Overwhelmed is reassurance that no matter how powerless you feel, no matter how much you feel like your sanity is slipping, those feelings will fade.

Overwhelmed is a sonorously cathartic aural extension of the artist’s compassion and tenacity when it comes to offering his fans exactly what they need to hear. It may have been their first time orchestrating a ballad, but LIIYO was able to bring a striking amount of maturity to Overwhelmed which followed on from their two precious releases ‘Bad Reaction’ and ‘Dizzy’.

With their affinity for KPOP, 90s RnB, Soul and 80s Electro all feeding their way into the mix, which was produced by Will Henderson, the instrumentals are as tender as the lyrics and vocals which offer pitch-perfect Pop harmony.

LIIYO may have only made his debut in Summer 2020, but previously, they were lending their talent to KPOP-inspired UK Pop groups who were responsible for bringing plenty of KPOP fever to this side of the pond. As a solo artist, LIIYO started to strive to find their own sound, instead of celebrating a pre-existing one. The result? Darker, deeper, more meaningful music that will undoubtedly become plenty of people’s playlist staples.

You can check out LIIYO’s latest single Overwhelmed for yourselves by heading over to Spotify.

Keep up to date with new releases from LIIYO via Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

UK Alt Pop artist Parkerxx gets dark and Avant-Garde with her latest release ‘Lights Out’

Posted on 6 November 2020

Horsham, UK-based artist Parkerxx proved with her latest single ‘Lights Out’ that she is blessed with the ability to offer a mainstream sound without ever having to compromise on the distinction you can find within it.

With her tendency to take inspiration from a myriad of sources such as fashion, art and literature, her sound boasts a transfixing Avant-Garde air. Paired with her striking vocal range, Lights Out is a commanding mix which will allow you to feel like a moth to a flame right from the first verse in this intoxicating Dark Pop track.

All artists create music for different reasons. Parkerxx’s reason to endeavour with aural expression makes investing in her sound even more worthwhile. In her own words, here’s what she had to say:

“I create music because it is impossible for me not to. It has always been an outlet for me and has allowed me to process emotions and experiences. I find the human experience fascinating and I hope that when people listen to my music they feel less alone and connect with the messages.”

You can check out Parkerxx’s single for yourselves by heading over to Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast