2020’s Most Unexpected Music Collaborations

There were a lot of unexpected moments in 2020 (both good and bad), but by far some of the most unexpected moments in music were some of the music collaborations released throughout the year. Iconic rock star legends collaborated with millennial pop stars, rappers paired with punks and New Jersey natives teamed up for unique collaborations we wouldn’t have even dreamed of.

Take a look below at some of our favorite unexpected collaborations from 2020:

SINGLE REVIEW: CHARITY STOW – WAKE UP

The future is here. Upcoming Nottingham based singer-songwriter Charity Stow has released a brand new single called “Wake Up”. The music video also premiered on December 19th 2020. The music video does not distract elements in the song and fits in perfectly, making Charity’s voice the main act. 

Charity talked about how she wrote the song over a year ago, and the meaning of the song has only become more and more important to her. Charity claims it is about trying to get through to those who cannot see things the same way as you do; about positive change, and how that is something we should all want for the future.

Creeper makes a comeback with their album Sex, Death & the Infinite void

After the end of 2017, the Southampton born band,  creeper laid low on the music scene after fans thought that this was it for the band, then going on to write their new album Sex, Death and the infinite void that was released in July  2020.

This is creepers second fully formed album made up of 16 new songs. This album is made up of a selection of songs along with some album breaks that are talking pieces at the beginning and in the middle, such as “Celestial Violence” which is a short track to remind the listeners that love is almost meaningless.

This is a common theme through creepers albums because it gives the listeners more of a background and storyline to follow throughout the album along with the way that all the breaks then feed into the next song seamlessly. This type of music creation isn’t too common and this is what gives creeper the slight upper hand on creating an album that is so unique. 

INTRODUCING: SASHA SKY AND HER NEW SINGLE ‘DOUBTS’

London girl Sasha Sky jumps into the world of music with her first single “Dobuts”, a song no longer than three minutes but filled with plenty of meaningful lyrics.

With a sobbing piano and a voice full of feeling to accompany throughout, “Dobuts” is a full and whole pop song filled with electronic vibes; this sound helps get listeners in the mood for Sky's lyrics. The story that the song tells us is not an easy one. In fact, it shows us what seems to be a decisive moment; the moment before making a decision that could effect the singer in a very shocking way. 

Throughout the song, Sky shows us an almost unbearable pain that she knows how to slow down, but her fear of making the decision leaves her with many doubts that make her doubt everything, even herself.

Shame Shame or Breakout? The Foo Fighters are back with their 10th album, Medicine at Midnight

“It's like a pop song with lots of shouting in it”: Dave Grohl and Co. veer away from their traditional hard rock sound toward an almost summery, pop-oriented album with Medicine at Midnight.

After having the first weekend to fully digest the latest offering from Foo Fighters’, Medicine at Midnight, Archie provides his thoughts on the group's first entry to change up the post-grunge formula in favour of a more pop-rock sound.  

Faye Webster pays homage to her indie roots in 'Better Distractions'

American solo artist Faye Webster was initially pigeon holed into the role of a new girl on the indie and folk music scene. But whilst she was enjoying the music she was making; she soon found herself growing tired of being restricted, and wanted to allow herself and her music to branch out into new territory and she wanted to explore new and different avenues of the musical world. 

Webster’s new single Better Distractions is an infectiously easy listening delight that not only pays homage to her indie style roots, but also incorporates a dreamy R&B lounge style that give the song an almost lullaby esque feel. It’s very much a song that listeners get lost in, there’s something about the soft vocals provided by Webster and the soothing melody of the song that just wraps you up in a little bubble of your own and takes you away without you even realising. 

Puma Blue Navigates Self-Acceptance in his Debut Album: In Praise of Shadows

Jacob Allen, better known under the alias Puma Blue, emerges from his struggle with insomnia in his debut album In Praise of Shadows. Sincere, vulnerable lyrics sewn with melancholic synths, lo-fi hip-hop beats among fleets of jazz and blues, abstractly traverse a young man’s path to self-acceptance. Unlike the wearing agony sensed in earlier EP’s Swum Baby and Blood Loss, Puma Blue empowers darkness in this solemnly hopeful album.

Profoundly influenced – in-title and in-sound – by Jun’ichirō Tanizaki’s essay on Japanese aesthetics, Puma Blue details that the 1933 text provided clarity when recording In Praise of Shadows. As a result, the record transcends genres and intersects auras of sound to emphasise quiet moments as notable as noisy ones. His sonic juxtapositions perform in cycles, like the rotation of day into nocturnal hours, forming ephemerality that requires slow and intimate digestion.

‘Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not’ 15 Years Later

Alcohol, clubbing, and night outs, all things that seem pretty foreign in 2021 whilst we go through this global pandemic, but 15 years ago, the Sheffield indie rock band Arctic Monkeys created one of the most iconic albums of the 21st century, almost documenting their northern night out. The 2006 album, released on 26th January, is considered to be a concept album concerning “the lives of young Northern England Clubbers”. 

‘Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not’ takes it name a line from the novel Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, written by Alan Silitoe. Frontman Alex Turner chose the title as he recognised the similarities and appropriateness of the title between the album and the novel - linking the going out on Saturday Night then coming home on a Sunday morning. 

‘No Gloom’ by Rosehip Teahouse is an example of indie brilliance

An entrancing song, accompanied by a fittingly quirky music video, ‘No Gloom’ is an anthem for a generation defined by individuality. With its smooth guitar and hypnotic vocals, this track in no way means to try and change the world, but that doesn’t mean it can’t make it a more interesting and meaningful place to be.

The opening beats, together with a warm guitar strum, introduce the listener to the general feel of this nostalgic, reminiscent track. Along with the opening scene of the music video, the listener gets the impression that the minds of the band members behind it are palaces of artistic genius. We are shown a shot of an abundance of interesting and seemingly misfitting objects, all perfectly cohesive. From the very beginning, it becomes apparent that this song and music video are examples of musical brilliance.

JP Saxe and Maren Morris’ new song gives an insight into writing love songs, Line By Line

If there’s one thing we can guarantee, it’s that a JP Saxe collab always hits the spot. This time is no different.

JP Saxe is back with Line By Line, a duet with Maren Morris in which their voices melt together as they present us with a song that is flawlessly written, from the lyrics to the melody.

Line By Line, released 16^th Jan, is – simply put – a love song about how hard it can be to write a love song. Wondering if what you can fit into a song could possibly be enough, they say that they’ll just have to keep writing them for the rest of their lives – which to I say, keep them coming.

I know we’re all sick of hearing about vaccines at the moment, but, hear me out...

Ahhh, The Vaccines. Their debut 2011 album, ‘What Did You Expect from The Vaccines?’ was the soundtrack of my mid-teens and in particular, the summer I left secondary school. I thought that house parties were the best thing since sliced bread (oh, for a house party now), I was going to gigs in the big smoke and hoping that maybe, just maybe, Dad might let me go to a festival with my mates next year (future Ellie hates to disappoint here... but he does finally cave in 2013). 

The Vaccines therefore hold a very strange place in my heart, not only because they remind me of that particularly confusing and naive period of youth, but also because I’ve always felt guilty about how quickly I discarded them and moved on to the next big breakthrough act as I was far ‘too cool’ for their next album, apparently. I have sheepishly kept my distance from much of their music since, feeling too much of a traitor to get back behind them so felt like this article would be a good opportunity to revisit them. I guess I got my comeuppance in some way as I now feel incredibly old upon realising that their debut album was released a whole DECADE ago. Truce?

IDLES ‘Carcinogenic’ – Live and socially-distant for Independent Venue Week

With this year’s Independent Venue Week taking place in lockdown, IDLES pay a socially-distant tribute to the venues that made them into a powerhouse that they are today. Scattered around the beloved Bristolian haunts – The Louisiana, Exchange, The Mother’s Ruin, The Old Duke, and Trinity Centre – the members of the band perform individually, eventually forming the track ‘Carcinogenic’ off their newest album ‘Ultra Mono’.

IDLES are phenomenal live performers. Their gigs are full of that frantic, deliriously euphoric energy that is the Platonic ideal of gig-going, as the exuberant pulsation of the crowd is commanded by Joe Talbot’s gruff vocals and the band’s onstage antics, while the whole thing crescendo in an ecstatic howl. Hence, it is strangely unsettling to see the band apart, in empty venues, playing for an exclusively online audience. Somehow, they pull it off, and the infectious riotousness of their performance is palpable off screen.

Mia Rodriguez is BEAUTIFUL & BITTERSWEET in her latest track

Mia Rodriguez may have initially found fame on TikTok, but the Australian star is now finding her feet in the world of music. At just 18 years old, the star has already released 3 singles since signing with City Pop records in late 2019 and she doesn’t seem to show any signs of stopping anytime soon. 

Her newest single BEAUTIFUL & BITTERSWEET is very much a track that is all about what is says on the tin with the lyrics being a tale of the pain in the pleasures of life and the dark side of some of the lighter things in life. She expresses this contrast in lyrics such as ‘that’s why we fight and make up in a day’ and ‘love, we got that kind of love, the one that cuts you deep’ to demonstrate the bad within the good and almost pulls back the curtain on love to show that it’s not all brightness and rainbows and show that in some cases there is this dark and almost toxic side to what people think is the perfect notion of love. 

Ritalin Revenge and Conald pair up for a jazzy lo-fi feat

Tongue in cheek jazz-hop that’ll make you think romance is alive and well.

Have you ever fallen in love? Have you ever wished that someone was always with you? Bath hip hop artist Ritalin Revenge clearly has, though not typically. For one I don’t think proclaiming yourself a “simp” for someone isn’t necessarily going to give you any positive attention. 

The jazzy and somewhat psychedelic instrumental certainly (for me) invokes a party where you’ve had too much and you’re trying to keep it together and not fall over from the sofa onto the floor. I can definitely imagine this track playing in the background via Spotify as a vibe, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. 

MEET… Kevin Abstract

For fans of Frank Ocean, Tyler, the Creator, Troye Sivan, Rex Orange County

Clifford Simpson, better known as his stage name Kevin Abstract, is a rapper meets singer-songwriter meets director meets founding member of Brockhampton hailing from Corpus Christi, Texas and perhaps the textbook definition of what a self-made artist is. Although he first gained mainstream recognition in the music scene with his debut self-released album MTV1987 in 2014, he’s been producing and working on his music alongside a group of his then virtual internet friends, now fellow band members in Brockhampton since he was a young teenager. It shows - just listen to any song of Abstract or Brockhampton to see what I mean...

“Paper dreams, honey”: 15 years of The Kooks’ Inside In/Inside Out

As the Kooks’ debut album celebrates its crystal anniversary, we look back at its conception, its cultural impact and how it sparked a brief rivalry with Alex Turner and the Arctic Monkeys.

The year is 2006, Nintendo has released its groundbreaking Wii console, Italy defeats France 5-3 to win the World Cup and Fergie is in town bringing down London Bridge. 

2006 also saw the release of one of the most beloved debut albums from a modern day indie band, no not Whatever People Say I Am That’s What I’m Not, but the often overlooked, Inside In/Inside Out by The Kooks, which turns 15 this year. 

Fickle Friends release new EP amid these ‘Weird Years’

After a three-year span without new music; Weird Years (Season 1) is the latest helping from Brighton indie-pop quad Fickle Friends.

The aptly named EP, released on 15 January 2021, consists of five heavenly dance-around-your-room tracks, and is perfect start to what is the first instalment of a collection due to be released over the course of the year.  

Opening with What A Time, we are brought into the EP with sparkling electronic beats, and lyrics which contemplate that being stuck inside isn’t necessarily as awful as it seems. With the second verse boasting ‘I don’t miss going outside, oh, what a time, what a time to be alive,’ I found myself instantly transported to being sat on a train, on my way to see them live in Cambridge.

Mountain Bloom's latest labour of love

For those of you who have been following our blog for a longer amount of time, you may remember reading about synth-pop band Mountain Bloom. Having thoroughly enjoyed their EP back in 2020, I was only too excited to hear about the release of their debut album ‘Mountain Bloom’ on the 26^th of February 2021. The guys were lovely enough to give me a little sneak peak of the album so I could tell you all what I thought.

The album has been a labour of love for Mountain Bloom. Niall Coffey, Nick Ellis and Aaron Scott began working on songs for the album as far back at 2016 when the band they were in broke up. The songs themselves were written and recorded in the house Ellis and Coffey shared in Blackheath, London. Most of said songs began as a fledgling idea, whether it be a drum loop, a theme, a sound, a verse, you name it. It was from this seed they let the songs grow… or rather ‘bloom’.

 

Billie Eilish and Rosalia Collab for a Passionate, Heavenly Spanish duet, "Lo Vas A Olvidar."

Grammy winners Billie Eilish and Rosalia, "Lo Vas A Olvidar" song dropped January 21, 2021, and the response has been phenomenal. The duet collaborated on a bilingual soundtrack for an HBO special, Euphoria Part: 2 Jules. 

The song title roughly translates, "You Will Forget It," becomes part of the song's chorus; Rosalia harmonizes with Billie Eilish, "Can you let it go"/ "Lo vas A Olvidar." Rosalia also sings, "Dime si me echas de meno' aún, Dime si no me perdonas aún" ( Tell me if you miss me yet, Tell me if you forgive me). 

Celeste exceeds all expectations with highly anticipated debut album 'Not Your Muse'

Although this may be the 26 year old’s first full length debut, her name has been on the lips of many for years prior to its release. We’ve had tastes of Celeste’s music dating back to 2016 with the release of single, Daydreaming, and EP’s The Milk And Honey (2017) and Lately (2019), in which she established her powerhouse vocals and sultry neo-soul sound. 

More recently, Celeste has rightfully found herself at the centre of many mainstream moments, with her music soundtracking Sky Sports weekend coverage, leading the famous John Lewis 2020 Christmas advert, and appearing on Disney movie, Soul. 

Ready to get Lonely Together? Patience Single Review

What happens when you mix funky house music with a slight 90s vibe and catchy lyrics? Answer - Patience by Lonely Together. The single released earlier this January is the bands first release of 2021 and distinct from their previous releases in having a throwback sound that reminds you of a late 90s number.

Lonely Together is the brainchild of American artists Rosie Matsumo and Zach Cooks also known as SAFE TRVLS. According to their Facebook fan page, the duo from Bellingham, Washington met at Western Washington University before eventually forming Lonely together in 2018.

MEET... Phoebe Green

I first discovered Phoebe Green when I was messing about on Soundcloud at the tender age of 16, discovering that she had released a cover of Arctic Monkeys’ classic ‘When The Sun Goes Down’ with her younger sister, Lucy Green. Since then, I’ve been obsessed with her sound - no other young artist has even come close to influencing me as much as her music has or resonated with me on such a deep, personal level.

Hailing from Lytham St Anne’s in a rural part of Lancashire but adopting Manchester as her home away from home, Phoebe went from small town to big city to follow her aspirations of becoming a successful singer.

At 16, Phoebe impressively penned a full-length album, 2:00 AM, which she then recorded at 17 at home with her sister and then self-released it on her 18th birthday; an unbelievably impressive achievement for someone so young, even releasing merchandise to go along with it (not to mention it sold out). 

The Reytons – Jealous Type single & video review

After a busy start to the year with singles ‘Shoebox’ and ‘Red Smoke’ already released and an incredible response from fans, The Reyton’s never fail to disappoint.  Like most other bands, The Reytons saw themselves having to cancel their shows due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but the boys didn’t let that stop them with releasing brilliant tunes. There really is no rest for the wicked.

The four-piece are from South Yorkshire are known for their high energy and buzzing shows with unstoppable crowds. One of their last shows before the start of the first UK lockdown at the Deaf Institute in Manchester was a huge success – it was an extremely sweaty gig and a remarkable performance.

Death By Rock and Roll

The Pretty Reckless, New York bred band, briefly known as ‘The Reckless’ formed by the instantly recognise-able adolescent actress Taylor Momsen, and TPR have carried a presence throughout the music scene since their debut. In 2020 we saw ‘The Pretty Reckless’ sign to ‘Fearless Records’  in early May, the band initially planned to release their album sooner. However the surge of the coronavirus pandemic provided their inability to tour, and inevitably the release of the bands fourth album’s “Death By Rock And Roll” released only days ago on  February 12th 2021. 

Jason Derulo Teams up with Adam Levine in thrilling new track ‘’lifestyle’’

The multi-platinum singer Jason Derulo released his magnetic new track ‘’lifestyle’’ featuring grammy award singer Adam Levine. The track was also accompanied with a dance video which premiered in January 2021 on YouTube.

Derulo is back with a bang and has been really active on social media recently, interacting with his fans through daily videos on Tiktok and Instagram, talking and asking questions to his fans.

He has become well known for creating funny and entertaining content for his fans and taking their advice on what to do next. It is an uncommon approach for an artist to get this intimate with their fans, but Derulo breaks the mould and does things completely differently, clear believing in being honest and open about what he is up to and taking his fans along for the ride wherever he goes and whatever he is doing. 

British pop trio Years & Years release cover of Pet Shop Boys’ ‘It’s a Sin’

British pop trio Years & Years have released a cover of Pet Shop Boys’ ‘It’s a Sin’ to accompany the new Channel 4 drama of the same name. The cover turns away from Years & Years usual synth pop sound with a piano led track, allowing space for the lyrics to really resonate with the audience. 

From one synth pop group to another, the passing of the torch here is especially appropriate with both Pet Shop Boys’ and Years & Years being celebrated within the LGBTQ+ community. The lyrics provide an incredibly moving image of what it means to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community, expressing that anything and everything you do as an LGBTQ+ person will inevitably be deemed as sinful because of something you cannot change, and frankly shouldn’t have to. 

In Conversation with Natalie Grace and 'Go for Gold' Single Review.

‘Go for Gold’ is the newest single release from the 22-year-old, singer-songwriter Natalie Grace who whilst finding time to write music, is also in the midst of finishing her popular music performance degree at the BIMM Institute in London. 

The single, which was released on the 19^th of January, had soon gained popularity after it had been streamed by over 1,100 listeners on Spotify in less than 24 hours. 

Natalie writes about her personal experiences of rejection as a budding artist and the opportunities which have sadly been lost, but what could make the rejection worse? - knowing that it has been achieved by someone closer to you, a best friend. This highlights the complexities of being emotionally torn between, feeling proud of your friend’s success and feeling envious.  

The honesty in the writing draws you in like an open diary. Natalie is ambitious and driven which is expressed through sporting references , ‘Every time we go for gold, you get the money, my medal is sold’, ‘I’ve had my last chance for a victory dance at the finish line, you’ve finished your run and had all your fun, now let me finish mine’. With what is considered to be her proudest release to date, the song radiates true strength and resilience. 

The vocals have a Pixie Lott-esque style which play over an electronic sound. Natalie has an incredible singing voice and after scrolling through her official Facebook page, I came across her cover of ‘Ivy’ by Mabel, if you want to see just how amazing she can sing, I suggest you check it out. I promise you won’t regret it...

A Song to Last a Lot Longer than a One Night Stand – Conspiracy by Gardner Leonard

An up-and-coming band based in the West Midlands; Gardner Leonard have released another single after getting down to serious work in 2020. Making the use of the strange year it was they have been releasing new music at a fast pace. 

The alternative pop-punk/emo duo have come smashing through the gates to showcase their amazing music. Conspiracy is yet another single from their debut album Milquetoast, the second to be found on the album which is markedly different from the first Wish It Was Me. Conspiracy was released on New Years Day and is a brilliant way to ring in the new year.

Squid – 'Narrator' Single Review

For fans of: ‘Black Country, New Road’, ‘Dry Cleaning’ and ‘Do Nothing’.

After all of Squid’s esoteric groundwork over the past four years, we are all finally sitting on the cusp of a debut album… Squid have recently shared their single, 'Narrator', accompanied by their first official music video. 

The new track illustrates the “places, events and architecture” existing within the monolithic cityscape of their upcoming album, Brighter Green Field – set to release on the 7^th of May.

'Expect the unexpected', Georgina Shine dicusses all things new music with Drug Store Romeos

Hailing from Hampshire, musical trio Drug Store Romeos comprised of school friends – Sarah, Charlie and Jonny have been bringing their alternative, indie, dream pop magic to the world of music and brightening the ears and the lives of listeners. Through their career, the band have seemingly created their own ‘area’ of music with their own sound rather than slotting into a genre we already know. With the band making bold moves from the outset, it’s clear to see that they are passionate about what they love and who they are and Drug Store Romeos are definitely ones to watch.

After releasing their newest single Jim, Let’s Play in November 2020, I got the opportunity to have a chat with the band about their music, their February 2021 socially distanced tour and lockdown life.

More Than Adequate - A Strong Debut From One of Britain's Most Exciting Bands

In the summer of 2019, a band called Black Country, New Road caused fervent discussions through word of mouth and music forums alike. They had just released their second single ‘Sunglasses’, a sprawling and chaotic song, which saw them marry together a post-rock (and distinctly klezmer) sound with witty, anxious, and socially relevant lyricism.

They were quickly hailed as the best band in Britain by many publications (and in the world by one), and were whipped up in a whirlwind of hype that saw them appearing in festivals and selling out tour dates with only two singles to their name.

Not many bands have the start BC, NR do, and those in a similar position of being lucky, or perhaps unlucky, enough to be bestowed with such overwhelming praise right out the gate often succumb to the pressure of having to live up to the expectations of hungry listeners.

The Best Upcoming Bands From Manchester

Over the years Manchester has become a hub for some of the most exciting musical talent in the UK. From Morrissey to the Monkees, Manchester has been at the centre of musical history for decades now and is showing no sign of slowing down with a new wave of artists making their first steps into the spotlight.

1. M60 https://youtu.be/3EEcVZM5jxo 

This group of four young men from all around Manchester playing traditional indie rock and roll with a typical Northern swagger sounds like a story we've all heard before, but it's a story that usually ends with festival headline slots and arena tours. These lads are going to move on to bigger venues sooner rather than later and were ready to tour before the pandemic put that idea to rest. They have just released their latest single "Ashtray" which looks set to start their 2021 with a bang and kick off what should be a huge year for this band.

“Real Growth Takes Time” - the new EP by Sody

British singer-songwriter Sody (otherwise known as Sophie Dyson) released her new six-track EP “real growth takes time” at the end of 2020.

Since she put out her first single “Sorry” in 2016 the now 20-year-old pop-singer has been impressing with her unique rich vocals and her raw and emotional songwriting. She mainly writes about ever-present topics like relationships, breakups and friendships in an introspective and relatable way, but she’s not afraid to put a lot of personal experiences into her work to craft songs that don’t really sound like others.

In contrast to her mostly acoustic and piano-based EP “I’m Sorry, I’m Not Sorry”, her new EP “real growth takes time” features piano and guitar-based songs and she experiments with more electro-pop sounds and drum-beats.

The Ella Sisters sing an ode to young romance on their track ‘James Dean’

With its harmonious piano motifs and slick vocals, ‘James Dean’ by the Ella Sisters is a perfect tribute to the ups and downs of young romance. The excruciating love story, accompanied by hauntingly brilliant electronic beats doesn’t seem far from the likes of Taylor Swift’s 2014 album ‘1989’.

Within the first few bars of the track, the listener becomes immersed in this compelling love story. The listener is lured in by the melancholy piano before being thrown into a swimming pool of energetic electronica, very much establishing the general theme of the song. On singing ‘I’m not afraid of all your fears and your ghosts’, the Ella Sisters don’t ignore the flawed parts of a superficially glorious romance; a title like ‘James Dean’ would perhaps indicate the story of a Hollywood, fairy-tale, jealousy-provoking love. Using their clever lyrics, they encapsulate the wonder and sometimes imperfect nature of an unsteady and spontaneous relationship, while simultaneously making the listener long for their own ‘James Dean’.

Lizzie Reid has releases new track ‘’Been thinking about you’

The Glasgow native Lizzie Reid has released a new song called ‘’Been thinking about you’’ which was previewed in her latest EP Cubicle. The song is a sweet sensual jazz-inspired melody which Liz uses to delicately surface her experiences with love. 

It is a song that takes you back in time and makes you feel as if you are in a luxurious hotel lobby in the 1960s. You wouldn’t be wrong for getting swept away in longing for love as it builds up with reverbed drums and before you know it, slowly quietens back down into romantic, soft tones.

This is no doubt some of Liz’s best work yet. Inviting yet so mystical. She expressed on Instagram how she originally put this song together on Garageband. It has come along way since then, and she has now recorded it professionally which was probably the best decision she ever made. 

The Staves release astonishing new folk album 'Good Woman'

The Staves released their newest album Good Woman this past Friday on a very rainy day where I was. When I tell you this album made my day please believe me. This album is damn good.

The Staves are a sister trio who made their mark on the folk scene with their unique blend of vocals and harmony. I think most people can agree that there’s something special that happens when family members sing together and if there wasn’t proof before, The Staves are proof positive. But it’s not just the harmonies that draw a person in, it’s the songs themselves. 

Watching their musical journey this album was always going to be good. From their beginnings with very acoustic, stripped back folk songs, to their later work with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon where they started enhancing their songs with synth blends, this album is a culmination of their work and another stop on their upwards trajectory.

Regent - A Revolutionary release?

Having recently announced the release of their debut album for later on in 2021, Southampton four piece Regent are back with a spunky new single ‘Just A Revolution’. In a follow up to their previous, somewhat more mellow track ‘Today’, Regent are truly demonstrating the depth of their songwriting prowess in a punchy track that sounds as though it could kick you in the face. 

With a heady mix of influence pulled from the likes of the Rolling Stones and Oasis, topped off with just a sprinkling of punk ‘Just A Revolution’ boasts grungy guitar riffs, drama and lyrics packed with a punch. 

Sam and Sounds - UK songwriter releases a sweet, poppy, indie tune that’ll be sure to give you a sugar rush

It’s not often a song makes you wonder about your sugar intake, especially if you’re someone like me who drinks two black coffees a day to get moving.  However this song, “Silly”, did. 

Here, songwriter Sam (I’m presuming his surname is “and Sounds”) has written a song that can get you thinking about how you appreciate your partner but also has written something catchy. Is the chord progression cheesy? Hell yes it is, but to keep it less boring Sam brings in a guitar riff that is just catchy enough to get you thinking about it afterwards and boy does it stick in your head. 

Adding to this sugar-sweetness is Sam’s charming, boyish voice. The way Mr. and Sounds pronounces the title of his single is so uniquely childlike it would bring back memories of actual childhood. It didn’t in my case but I’m sure it would for other people.

‘Walk me home’, a musical existential crisis

London’s Oscar Robertson and David Bardon, aka Sunglasses for Jaws, have released a teaser track for their third album ‘Everybody’s Made of Bones’, which is set to be released in June. Previously the band have been incredibly experimental in their sound and their new track ‘Walk me home’ is no different. They have surpassed even some of their riskier tracks and jumped straight into the deep end of psychedelic madness. It is undoubtedly quite an achievement to be able to turn an existential crisis into a catchy three-minute track but Sunglasses for Jaws have managed it.

Pale Waves tackle gender norms in latest track 'You Don't Own Me'

 Pale Waves’ latest song is unlike anything the band has ever put out before. “You Don’t Own Me” is the fourth single to be released off their upcoming Sophomore Album “Who Am I?” and it encompasses the angst and exhaustion they feel towards societal gender norms. This really showcases the direction the band are taking with the new album. It’s essentially a big middle finger up to the patriarchy.

Heather Baron-Gracie, the band’s lead singer’s vocals are especially impressive in this song; you can feel the passion and angst in her voice as she repeats lyrics which have undoubtedly been said to her time and time again. The direction Pale Waves is taking lyrically is especially refreshing. It’s clear that Heather is singing from experience and how she almost shouts the lyric “Don’t show too much skin / Don’t even start to speak your mind” just highlights how fed up she is of hearing things like this.

No Vacancies return with Indie track 'Without You'

Manchester indie band, No Vacancies are back with their new single ‘Without You’ (released on Friday 15th January), following their last single ‘She’.

Love a bit of indie? Love a bit of rock n roll? No Vacancies have truly captured the indie rock n roll sound throughout the songs they have already released but this can be definitely be heard in ‘Without You’, especially if this is the first song you are listening to by the band, it really gives you a taste of what the band sounds like. 

BIRDY – ‘Surrender’ Single Review

After taking a five-year hiatus from making music, Birdy has returned with a new single ‘Surrender’, which marks a considerable shift in tone from her previous 2015 album ‘Beautiful Lies’. 

Five years might seem like a long break, but Birdy hasn’t been idle in her time off, instead taking the opportunity to experience the world and learn more about herself. The young singer was first discovered when she was just 12 years old and has since gone on to achieve 21 platinum singles and number 1 albums all around the world, so a pause from her busy music career probably felt long overdue.

The personal growth she experienced in her period of self-discovery is reflected in her new track ‘Surrender’, where the theatricality and wonderment of songs like ‘Keeping Your Head Up’ from her previous album are replaced by quiet acceptance and an unfiltered view of the artist in pain.

Six artists who absolutely nailed quarantined concerts

In isolation, where many of us now find ourselves, music is more important than ever as it makes the mundane loneliness of this new way of living more bearable - this is something that both music fans and artists know well. This naturally led to the phenomenon of “at home shows”, which delighted music-lovers with the prospect of inviting their favourite artists into their homes (albeit, virtually) to perform stripped-down versions of their most beloved tunes. 

With that in mind, I figured I’d look back to a time where we all thought the pandemic would be over in a couple of weeks and look at some of my favourite quarantined concerts from last year-  and don’t worry that cover of ‘Imagine’ didn't make the list...

Girli Impresses with upbeat indie track 'Passive Agressive'

‘Passive Aggressive’ is the latest release from London based singer GIRLI (also known as Milly Toomey). As her first release of 2021; the track sets off the year following a number of 2020 releases including ‘Letter to my Ex’, ‘Has Been’ and ‘LIVE THE WEEKEND’.

‘Passive Aggressive’ starts the year off with a bang. The track references two faced friends who are kind to your face but talk badly of you when you are not there. GIRLI tweeted “send this to anyone who’s ever talked nasty behind your back, and then acted super nice when they next saw you”. A scenario I’m sure many will be able to relate to to some extent.

Georgie 'simple things' - single review

Mansfield musician Georgie has released her newest single Simple Things - a song that features on her new album At Home and if this is any indication of what to expect from the album, then listeners can expect big things from the artist because her single is quite simple a masterclass in music. 

Simple Things is a beautiful and simple song that takes the listener on a dive straight into their heart and their mind. The purity of the piano melody and haunting vocals of Georgie herself make for a stunning sound and an almost euphoric style sound.