Not Another Music Blog.: track review

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Friday, 9 February 2018

The Worst and Best of New Music Friday (09/02/2018)

It's New Music Friday and we're here to guide you through the worst and best tunes released today. Click the titles to listen!

Worst

James Bay - Wild Love

James Bay has reinvented himself. He's finally cut his hair off and with the hairstyle change comes an awkward musical shift. Ditching the acoustic guitar for synths and auto-tune doesn't make for great innovation and this new song screams of unoriginality. Lilly Allen once referred to James Bay as the most tasteless herb of the same name and we have to agree.

MARSHMELLO & Anne-Marie - FRIENDS

The formulaic pop tune strikes again. The laziness of this predictable tune is unbearable. Anne-Marie is phoning in her vocal performance whilst MARSHMELLO has created a tune of sparse trap beats and annoying synth sweeps. It just sounds like any other pop tune from the last 5 years. Boring.

Jay Sean - Emergency

Washed up R&B singer Jay Sean is back with a new piano ballad. It's drab, whiny and ultimately cringey. Also, we all know auto-tune is used in every single pop song nowadays, but please please please use it properly. The corrections are so easy to hear in this tune it's unbelievable.

Marsicans - Wake Up Freya

Indie is in a bit of a rut at the moment, and if bands like Marsicans keep churning out this rubbish it won't get any better. Paint-by-numbers guitar pop needs to finish. Avoid this track.

Honourable Mentions

Calvin Harris & PARTYNEXTDOOR - Nuh Ready Nuh Ready

The Wombats - Black Flamingo

Best

Kendrick Lamar - Black Panther

This has got us super excited for the new Black Panther film. With amazing production, Kendricks signature flow and Black Panther references, what's not to love? The whole soundtrack which is curated by King Kenny himself drops today and its a must listen for any Marvel or music fan.

Goat Girl - The Man

Goat Girl announced details of their self-titled debut album earlier this week which is released through Rough Trade on the 6th of April. 'The Man' is the latest single from the all-girl punk group. The simplicity of the instrumentation coupled with the snarling attitude of the vocal performance ensures Goat Girl are ones to watch for 2018.

Peace - Power

Worcester boys Peace return with their new single 'Power'. Harry Koisser is on top form with his lead vocal and the insanely catchy chorus is perfect for the summer festival headline slots. We can't wait to hear what Peace have in store for the rest of 2018.

Nilufer Yanya - Thanks 4 Nothing

Nilufer Yanya makes sparse and effortless jazz-pop. Her new single has moments of unexpected heaviness intertwined with a bossa nova vibe. Her vocals are mellow yet they speak of anger and frustration. This is what pop music should sound like, interesting, different and beautifully constructed.

Honourable Mentions

Ezra Furman - Maraschino-Red Dress $8.99 at Goodwill
Laura Misch - Lagoon
U.S Girls - Rosebud
GUM - The Underdog

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Thursday, 25 January 2018

Track Review: Lucky Girl - 'Awake'

Fresh from a recent name change, Lucky Girl have released their brand new single 'Awake'. The Hastings-based indie band, formerly known as Laura Palmer cite their influences to include The Maccabees, Fleetwood Mac and Dry the River.

The track opens with a simple, heavily reverbed guitar riff before thumping drums are introduced. The London Grammar influenced lead vocals then takes centre stage. The sparse instrumentation allows for the vocals to breathe and build with a delicate touch before the chorus finally kicks in. In the choruses, lead guitars harmonize with the vocal melody to accentuate and add another layer of dynamic as the drums and bass pick up the pace creating an unexpected but highly welcome groove.

'Awake' is a brooding epic of a track with dark themes and melodic tones throughout. The song plays on simple ideas to good effect but there are moments where Lucky Girl could have been more daring. The final stages of the song sometimes drag and it's here where a little more experimentation could go along way.

With 'Awake', Lucky Girl have carved out a musical style that feels unique and with the right amount of experimentation and a little more audacity, the four-piece from Hastings can really make a name for themselves.

Listen to 'Awake' below.

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Tuesday, 23 January 2018

Track Review: Geowulf - 'Sunday'

Australian natives and London-based dream-pop duo Geowulf have released their brand new single titled 'Sunday'. The single arrives prior to the release of their debut album 'Great Big Blue' on the 16th of February. Since 2016, and the release of their beautiful debut single 'Saltwater', Geowulf have garnered critical acclaim for their dreamy indie-pop tunes whilst racking up more than eight-million Spotify streams along the way.

The steady pace of the track is reminiscent of all Sundays (especially ours) and the warm, glistening production by Duncan Mills (Peace, The Vaccines) gives the track that extra sprinkle of magic. Star Kendricks whistful lead vocals are complimented brilliantly by the soothing backing vocals of Toma Banjanin to create beach-like imagery. The introduction of the lead guitar towards the end of the track adds another layer of gentle dynamics before one last rousing chorus.

'Sunday' is a melodic slice of hazy pop with catchy vocal hooks and dreamy synth work that is sure to get fans dreaming of the summer. We can't wait to hear the new album and we're expecting big things from Geowulf in 2018.

Find the track on all good streaming sites or listen to 'Sunday' below.

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Wednesday, 17 January 2018

Track Review: Mitch Bullen - 'Distance'

Mitch Bullen is a London based singer-songwriter from Melbourne, Australia. He draws influence from artists that span different eras such as Ray Charles and Bon Iver. Performing regularly around London, his songs are inspired by life, time and relationships.

'Distance' opens with a rhythmic, finger-picked acoustic guitar part that sets the melancholic nature of the track. Bullen sings with a gentle tone reminiscent of Dallas Green that fits with the guitar brilliantly and his soft falsetto is controlled and calm against the pulsing instrumentation.

Bullen has a talent for creating textures that build throughout the song. The added bass pulses and layered vocal harmonies are a lovely touch that give the song depth and purpose. Unfortunately the drums in the track are mixed slightly too high and when they're introduced the harshness can be quite jarring. A little less compression here could have gone a long way.

Overall, 'Distance' is a well-written, melodic and dreamy slice of folk-pop. Mitch Bullen has delivered a song of captivating melodies that is sure to capture the imagination of many people to come. 'Distance' will be released on all good streaming platforms on the 19th of January but in the meantime, listen below.

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Friday, 12 January 2018

The Worst and Best of New Music Friday (12/01/2018)

It's New Music Friday and we're here to guide you through the worst and best tunes released today. Click the titles to listen!

Worst

Jack White - Connected by Love

Jack White is back and weirder than ever. This tune simply doesn't work. The track opens with some strange dubstep wobbles before Jack's crooney, off-kilter vocals are introduced. The whole thing just feels super awkward and the odd vocal melody is nothing but annoying. The organ solo is OK, but the track as a whole misses the mark completely.

Fall Out Boy - Wilson (Expensive Mistakes)

After being transported back to 2005 last night at an intimate Fall Out Boy show in Brixton, we could've been forgiven for expecting good things from the new FOB album. Unfortunately not. This track stinks. The dance/pop influenced instrumentals feel cringey and overblown and the 'Woah's' in the chorus are just plain lazy. Maybe it's time for a Greatest Hits tour? No-one wants this new stuff.

Vance Joy - We're Going Home

Australian ukulele playing troubadour Vance Joy has returned with his sickeningly drab single. The most boring chord progression linked with mundane melodies and predictable instrumentation makes this song one of the most forgettable singles we've heard in a long time. With the likes of this bloke and Mr. Sheeran clogging up the 'acoustic' space in the charts, it's no wonder the genre is at a low.

SKYGGE - Hello Shadow Feat. Kiesza

Most pop music nowadays sounds like it's been made by robots, but we don't actually want REAL robots making it. SKYGGE is an artificial intelligence experiment which consists of computers programmed to sequence music based on data and algorithms. This is pretty worrying for pop music as a whole and to be quite honest, the tune sounds terrible too.

Honourable mentions

Hailee Steinfeld x BloodPop - Capital Letters

Lil Skies - Big Money

The Hunna - Flickin' Your Hair

anton. - i need you here Feat. Folly Rae

Best

David Byrne - Everybody's Coming to My House

Talking Heads front man David Byrne returns with his brand-new single 'Everybody's Coming to My House. Vocally the track is wonderful and their are moments of real gold. The drum beat is driving but chaotic and the rest of the experimental instrumentation glistens throughout. We can't wait to hear Byrne's new album which his released in March.

Oscar Jerome - Smile on a Screen Feat. James Massiah

London-based multi-instrumentalist Oscar Jerome has been making a name for himself in the South London music scene recently. His new single combines attitude with punk, jazz, hip hop and funk to build a fresh and unique sound. A must listen for fans of Tom Misch and The Clash.

Sunflower Bean - Crisis Fest

American rock trio Sunflower Bean are back with their first single off their upcoming album 'Twentytwo in Blue'. The track is simple but catchy. The bluesy, 70s influenced riffs are a lovely touch. Expect big things from Sunflower Bean this year.

Jay Rock - King's Dead Feat. Kendrick Lamar & Future

Jay Rock has enlisted hip hop giants Kendrick Lamar and Future for his new track which is also the latest off Marvel's Black Panther soundtrack. James Blake also shows up for a warped middle-eight before the track transitions into a dark trap beat. Everyone is on top form here and it's a joy to listen to.

Honourable mentions

Kali Uchis - After the Storm Feat. Tyler, the Creator & Bootsy Collins

Hookworms - Static Resistance

Karen O - YO! MY SAINT Feat. Michael Kiwanuka

Finally, shout out to Shame and their debut album 'Songs of Praise', a full review will be coming in the next week.

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Tuesday, 9 January 2018

Track Review: yawwn - 'Partisan'

'Partisan' is the debut single from Wimbledon-based indie five-piece yawwn. The band have worked with producer and fellow Wimbledon native Lou E to craft a sound that blends psych-rock with indie-pop to great effect.

The track opens with a lovely drum groove that is brought to life by arpeggiated synth loops and a psychedelic influenced sample that sounds as if its been pulled straight off an American TV show in the 60s. The instrumentation is adventurous and daring with little moments of experimentation throughout the verses. In the chorus, the simple vocal hook contrasts well with the busy and exciting rhythm section. The chorus is very strong. The simplicity of the lyrics ('I have a feeling that I'll need you always') coupled with the catchiest of vocal melodies will have live audiences singing in droves in no time. The final stages of the track are a joy. The drum groove simplifies and the brilliant vocals and chord progressions amount to a triumphant pop influenced climax.

For a debut single yawwn have pulled off something really impressive here. The track is catchy, fun, experimental and overall the band show great musical talent. The tune launches on the 13th of January at the first of their 'CLUB YAWWN' nights in Wimbledon before the release of their debut EP later on in the year. It's exciting times for yawwn and 'Partisan' has definitely peaked our interest.

Check out 'Partisan' below.

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Friday, 5 January 2018

The Worst and Best of New Music Friday (05/01/2018)

It's New Music Friday and we're here to guide you through the worst and best tunes released today. Click the titles to listen!

Worst

Liam Payne & Rita Ora - For You (Fifty Shades Freed)

We can't believe they are still making these Fifty Shades of Whatever films but hear we are. The dull one from One Direction has teamed up with Rihanna wannabe Rita Ora to deliver this awfully drab dance number. It's fantastically forgettable, much like the films.

Arlissa - Hearts Ain't Gonna Lie Feat. Jonas Blue

We were hoping that 2018 would be the year that tropical house died. Sadly, it seems like this isn't to be. Arlissa has joined forces with Essex based producer and DJ Jonas Blue to create a tune that plays on all the current EDM clichés. Big drop? Check. Vocal samples? Check. Pitch bending synth lead instead of a proper chorus? Check. Oh how inventive of you!

DON BROCO - Come Out to LA

We genuinely believe guitar music is going to come back in a big way this year, but if rock bands start churning out material like this new DON BROCO single then consider our prediction a failure. Terrible lyrics and vocal performances coupled with finger clicks and dodgy synth stabs make this new tune a recipe for disaster.

Showtek & Moby - Natural Blues

We can only hope that Moby got paid an absolute fortune for this abomination. This weird remix/collaboration of Moby's prefect original now has added trance synths and a massive house beat resulting in one of the most awkward releases of the week.

Honourable Mentions

Fetty Wap & KDL - With You
Tofer Dolan - Electric Heart
Wolf Alice - Don't Delete the Kisses (Charli XCX x Post Precious Remix)

Best

Justin Timberlake - Filthy

Mr JT is back. The pop legend has taken his music in a super funky, electronic, grown-up direction. The production is magnificent with frequent JT collaborator Timbaland taking the reigns to create a weird and wonderful experimental funk number. The dirty, maximalist ending might not be to everyone's taste but we can't wait to hear what's next.

Bruno Mars - Finesse (Remix) Feat. Cardi B

Pop maestro Bruno Mars has released a new version of 'Finesse', now with added Cardi B. Simply put this tune is a whole lot of 90's influenced fun. Bruno Mars proves why he is the master of the pop hook and the way he and Cardi B play of each other is great. We challenge you to not want to dance to this.

FREAK - Everyone's the Same

FREAK have started the new year with a bang. There's riffs galore in the new single from the punk boys from Chelmsford. The tune is fast, bold and in your face with Connar's lead vocal taking more of a melodic turn compared to previous FREAK releases. This one will definitely knock your socks off.

Superorganism - Everybody Wants to be Famous

We were blown away when we were lucky enough to see Superorganism perform this tune on Later... with Jools Holland back in 2017 and the official recorded version is just as good. Full of fun samples and quirky production, the eight-piece 'supergroup' are in for a big 2018.

Honourable Mentions

MGMT - Hand It Over
James Blake - Vincent
Kendrick Lamar & SZA - All the Stars
The Vaccines - I Can't Quit
Emma Gatrill - Two Wooden Spoons
Cozz - Questions

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Thursday, 4 January 2018

Video Review: Megalomatic - 'Cesspit'

Scottish power trio Megalomatic have released the video for their hard-hitting track 'Cesspit' in support of their new EP 'Symbolism' which was released in September of 2017. Formed in 2013 by Craig McKenzie (guitar and vocals), Jamie Barnes (drums) and Ben Reffin (bass), the lads take influence from artists such as Biffy Clyro and Mastodon to create dark, heavy and melodic tunes.

Directed by Stuart Breadner, the video explores themes of depression and anxiety which are symbolised by the lone figure sat in the theatre. Yellow balloons marked with static smiley faces surround him and as he grows more anxious and fantasises about destroying the balloons. The video is brilliantly made and the message is clear and precise.

Musically, the track is powerful and dark. Heavy guitar riffs coupled with intricate drum fills give the song a sense of groove. Moments like this show a hint of experimentation that can sometimes be lost in current metal music. The melodic breakdown is a welcome change allowing the track to breath and the little guitar lick at the 3:23 mark is a real touch of class.

With 'Cesspit', Megalomatic have created a monster. The song and video marry perfectly ensuring the band have a unique presence in a metal scene full of the same old clichés.

Check out the video for the track below.

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Wednesday, 13 December 2017

Track Review: Monocle - 'Jan1'

'Jan1' is the new track released from Bristolian noise-rock trio Monocle. This is the second release from their impending 2018 EP following on from their brilliant debut track 'Crabs'. Monocle was born out of a mutual desire to create something weirder, heavier and nastier than previous musical projects and it sounds like they have done exactly that.

The track opens with noisy guitars that contrast well with the tightness of the kit giving the tune a sense of heaviness whilst also creating an unconventional groove. The most captivating part about 'Jan1' has to be the vocal melodies. Delivered with sincerity and passion, vocalist Becky Whitlock sometimes sounds like a woman possessed. The melody chops and changes throughout, showing an incredible vocal range full of different tones and techniques. The experimentation doesn't stop there. The song structure is unorthodox, there is no clear 'verse, chorus, verse, chorus' structure which could make the tune a challenge for some listeners. It's these individualistic musical traits that ensure Monocle stand out from the crowd.

With 'Jan1', Monocle have released a challenging body of work that pushes the boundaries of the noise-rock genre. With this second teaser from their impending EP, the trio have definitely peaked our interest. We can't wait to hear what's next.

Listen to 'Jan1' below.

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