reviews

The Singles Review

November 29, 2016 — Leave a comment

Pussy Riot

‘Punk Prayer “Virgin Mary, Put Putin Away”

A decent track by the infamous Russian all-female punk group, Pussy Riot, which incidentally is also the one that made the headlines/news a couple of years back with its video. The song itself is a nice combo of church choir music infused with aggressive and energetic punk with some full-on lyrics. In a way it’s a reminder of what punk was like in its heyday. Lastly if you don’t mind strong language then you might like this the s-bomb’s dropped a few times. It’s only two minutes long and isn’t actually that bad.

 

Cassius (ft Ryan Tedder & JAW)

‘The Missing’

This is quite a good dance track at its best and being only 3 minutes 47 seconds long its not all that bad. There’s a line ‘Makes sense baby’ which circulates quite a bit throughout and gets you hooked in, also Ryan Tedder’s voice is well suited to this which cuts straight through some of the backbeat. The video for this track to this is looks like a photography/film set combined with lots of people kissing/snogging all the way throughout.

 

You Me At Six

‘Night People’

Another serving from the lads and it sounds a little bit different from other stuff that they’ve done previously, it’s 3 minutes 6 seconds long. I wouldn’t say it’s altogether fantastic but it’s different at least and Josh makes good use of his vocal range, pushing it out a bit. If you’ve ever seen the video you’d be left wondering just how much they’ve taken after White Stripe’s Seven Nation Army as it’s a practical dead-ringer, but having said that it looks alternative.

 

 

 

Olly Murs on The Graham Norton Show

November 25, 2016 — Leave a comment

Currently watching former X-Factor singer Olly Murs sing his latest track ‘Years and Years’, and it’s not all that bad and I’ll admit Olly’s got a good voice for the song. The song however doesn’t really appeal to me though it does sound upbeat. Nice light display during the performance and the backing singers seem quite good. Sadly I won’t be rushing to get the single anytime soon. The song from his from his new album 24 Hours

 

 

Album Reviews: Disclosure ‘Caracal’

November 23, 2016 — Leave a comment

The second album from duo Disclosure, packed with hits such as ‘Omen’, ‘Magnets’ and ‘Hourglass’ each track is as great as the next and it’s steady progression from Settle. For further detailed review go to Album Reviews page

disclosure

Album Reviews: Stevie McCrorie ‘Big World’

November 18, 2016 — Leave a comment

The debut album from new artist Stevie McCrorie who won the fourth series of The Voice UK (team Ricky). For a debut album this is brilliant and demonstrates what a great artist @steviemccrorie is in the making. 11 tracks, McCrorie is an artist to keep your eye on. For more detailed review go to Album Reviews page

mccrorie

 

One To Watch: Evil Scarecrow

October 12, 2016 — Leave a comment

This is the first of a new feature for the Nottingham Post, it’s sole idea being to focus on new artists from Nottingham, it’s called One To Watch. For full review go to the  Published Pieces page. Here’s Evil Scarecrow

NN19-NEP-E01-S3-004-0930-CD

 

The Singles Review

May 26, 2016 — Leave a comment
Alice Russell
“Got The Hunger” (Tiklah Remix)

Heard in the latest coffee advert, Nescafe Azera – the one where the woman makes a hot beverage then walks through the (London) city with a camera in the early hours and photographs the cityscape whilst the sun rises. Now I only heard this once via the advert and just fell in love with it instantly (pardon the pun). One very smooth, soulful track and I just love the woman’s voice as it’s just so melodic and captivating. The ‘Got The Hunger’ lyrics just circulates around your ears as you’re listening and just seems to echo in a soothing way. Look it up on YouTube, you may find yourself liking it.

 Mr. Scruff

“Get A Move On”

Used in the recent B&Q Kitchen Jump In advert. The one with woman who jumps through a tablet looking for the perfect kitchen and eventually gets it, along with the perfect guy to. I openly admit I’ve got a soft spot for jazzy music so I quite this track, it sounds like it’s from the retro years and has been completely revamped and sounds amazing. The video accompanying this track is a 3 minute 25-second-long video with basic animation but is defo good viewing. For me this song is quite upbeat and has got a nice American style vocal sewn in with a rhythmic backbeat. Even if you’re not completely into jazz give it a try, I dare you.

Dnce

“Cake by The Ocean”

Joe Jonas’s new group since the split from his brother band and I admit it, I’m not a huge fan of the Jonas Brothers but I definitely didn’t see Joe putting this single out, it is seriously catchy. Very upbeat and probably one for the summer playlist and is just energetic listening. I saw Dnce perform this live on Graham Norton’s chat show, that was just over three minutes of my time actually not wasted. If there was ever proof that he’s veering away from his brother’s, this song’s it. The video accompanying this song both good, and a bit amusing; just Dnce performing whilst people grab chunks out of a huge wedge of cake then getting into a food fight. What you may or may not have known is that the song’s about sex on the beach. Joe Jonas, I think I may be seeing a completely different side to you.

   

Nottingham Post article for MacMillan Fest 2015

November 24, 2015 — Leave a comment

A review I did for the Nottingham Post covering the recent MacMillan Fest. My first professional piece for a local paper which I’m proud of. I look forward to doing more for them in the near future.

http://www.nottinghampost.com/MacMillan-Fest-2015-Review-pictures/story-27750564-detail/story.html

 

 

 

The Singles Review

August 27, 2015 — Leave a comment

Maroon 5

“This Summer’s Gonna Hurt…”

This is one amazing single and is one of the reasons why you remember why you loved Maroon 5 and after the first few seconds you’re already hooked and that’s before the first lyric. Very catchy and upbeat song and after more than a decade in music this band’s music just gets better and better and Adam Levine’s vocals are absolutely fantastic. This is definitely one for the summer playlist and one you can help but love. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself singing ‘This Summer’s Gonna Hurt’ from the top of your voice.

Example

“Whisky Story”

One full on energised tune, just incredible listening and you’re going to want to listen again and again. Example’s vocal are as amazing as ever and is a reminder why he’s an amazing artist in the British music scene and is just sheer proof that he just seems to get better and better. If you thought ‘Change the Way Kiss Me’, ‘Looking for Love’ were amazing then ‘Whisky Song is a move in another direction. Just stick this one your playlist and be amazed by what you hear.

TS7 ft Taylor Fowlis

“Heartlight”

This northern lass has got one of the most haunting yet soulful voice that you’re going to hear in a while, and even the bass is just spot on. The song itself is brilliant and the first lyric ‘Couldn’t escape if I wanted to’ is catchy. All the way from Liverpool and yet still unknown to many this woman’s got a catchy dance/R&B track that’s just too good to ignore. Just listen and after the first 15 seconds it wouldn’t at all be surprising if you hit the repeat button on this one.