Home Blog Page 102

Addley shares new EP ‘We Can Talk For Hours’

0

Liverpool-based artist Addley has made a name for himself on his home circuit performing live with a dynamic five-piece set up and releasing a string of press acclaim singles. Fusing nostalgia with innovative songwriting, he laces his pop sound with an alternative twist.

With his latest release, Addley unveils the final moment for his debut EP We Can Talk For Hours. Utilised as the opener, the title track is the newcomer to a four-track roster, opening up the world of electronica and indie that Addley so effortlessly creates. The lights steadily get brighter and more colourful, the production merging a natural feel from the vocal with a vast and expanding set of pulsating synth design, the pump of the bass, the drum’s shuffling four-to-the-floor sensibility and the occasional electronic scream all feed into a sense of emotional momentousness.

As new sounds rain down on the audience, the vocal stays steadfast, soaring through the air and making the night more hazy by the moment. ‘Blue & Gold’, ‘Say It Anyway’ and ‘Take Me Home’ all retain the glow of their single status, but the four tracks come together to create a vibrant debut experience.

Addley shares, “This EP is a collection of songs written with a dance floor in mind and they’re mostly about escapism, desire and loneliness. The songs here are confessional, in some ways obvious and others not, but cathartic, showing how nightlife, dance floors & all that comes with it has been a release for me – sometimes in an unhealthy way.”

Plus Music PR

Marko Ivic reveals intricate debut album ‘When I entered there was a room’

0

Marko Ivic is a Venezuelan-Croatian-Italian pianist, composer and sound designer, who creates explorative music around the human experience. Born into a vibrant cultural backdrop, Marko draws inspiration from everyday moments, his work shaped by classical piano education at the University of Zagreb and the Conservatory in Amsterdam.

Influenced by the likes of Philip Glass, Steve Reich and Brian Eno, Marko fosters a meditative focus, spanning genre and roles for an immersive experience.

Constantly vanishing into the mist but reappearing with more elegance, Marko Ivic’s debut album When I entered there was a room is the perfect culmination of the sound he has been forging with recent singles. His exploration of the piano’s darkest and most comforting traits allows the listener to skip through intricately curated worlds, each song a pocket of inspiration in its own right.

Whether part of the wistful joy continued in ‘Shimmer’ or ‘Vanishing Point’, the reflective self-romance of ‘Mudita’ or the beautiful openness of ‘Andromeda’, Marko brings a total emotional connection to his portrayal, the performance itself adding multiple layers of depth to the overall sound.

A talent and an artist in the truest sense, he shares, “This album explores the vast potential of a concert grand piano interacting with live audio processing. The result is a collection of pieces rich in rhythm, pulse and delays, but also full of colour, lyricism, and emotionally charged landscapes.

The idea behind the album title is to portray music as a space where you can connect with yourself—your inner reflections, thoughts, emotions, and what you want to express. The ‘when’ signals a possibility: if you choose to go inward, you will find a space that has room for you.”

Plus Music PR

Merlot Embargo unveil infectious single ‘Alone’

0

Merlot Embargo as a band first arrived after a period of reflection. The duo were involved in a near-fatal car accident, leading to introspection and a newfound drive for creativity. Since then, Scarlet and Geoff have taken their songwriting both to the stage and the studio, challenging societal conventions and speaking to a broad range of personal issues.

Their music provides an understanding of life’s toughest moments and uses it to make listeners feel heard. This continues to be true with the pair’s latest song ‘Alone’, written at a time of pandemic isolation. There’s a gracious element of self-awareness, ignorance would be bliss, but life is never that simple.

Embracing a pop-tinged sound, the band bring vibrant songwriting, the flowing blend of guitar and synth showcasing both instruments at their best. The production is ethereal and intricate, allowing for the melancholy to rise into a vibrant final climax, a singalong chorus that stick with you.

The band explains, “We wrote this song during the isolation of the pandemic, but it of course touches on many universal themes; the primary one being just being tired of the solo life and wondering if you’ll ever find your someone. We had a blast making this song, too. Our bass player Jeremy produced it, and you can feel his push for authenticity. We recorded most of the instruments in a single live session, with vocals, and overdubs on some key parts after the fact.”

Plus Music PR

Cydel Lee unveils upbeat ‘Sundress Season’

0

Singer, songwriter and rapper Cydel Lee made his debut in 2022 and has since released over fifty singles, exploring relationships and lifestyle in his lyricism. This fast-paced release schedule has made his 2024 one of constant forward momentum, something set to continue with his upbeat new single to round out the summer ‘Sundress Season’.

Production filled with bright instrumentation, keys, guitars and grooving bass setting the tone of summer days, Cydel takes hold of the romance-drenched lyricism and performs with a similar sense of sun in his delivery.

Tight, rattly drums power up Cydel’s switch from rapped verses to softly sung refrains, a balance of love and lust engulfing his emotions, he shares the song is about,catching the eye of that one girl in a party full of models. Although the girls are all wearing the same type of clothing, there’s one that sticks out with her image of success”

Sliding into the final chorus, audiences will be easily caught in the joy, gently swaying along with the smooth undertones.

Plus Music PR

The Open Flames release the restrain of ‘Drop a Coin’

0

Making a debut as a fresh new outfit, members of Sleepy Kitty, Harvey Danger and Say Yes Do Nothing are coming together from across the pond to reignite old sounds and showcase new perspectives. With experience under their belt, they experiment with a cinematic sense of alternative rock and pop. Comprised of Paige Brubeck, Evan Sult, Dave Eastman and Len Bendel, the four-piece release ‘Drop A Coin’ under the guise of The Open Flames.

The track starts with a fizzing bass line and a gently plodding slice of classic rock guitar. Poetic vocals take hold, finding the balance between natural, singular layers and a haunting double-track, further echoed with eerily angelic harmonies.

The metaphor of “paying a tithe to a blind girl sitting at the Gates of Hell”, is used to evoke a feeling of hesitation and unease. All the while, the noir continues to grow darker, melancholy moving forward and a restrained evil rising up through the grates. Capturing, pained, but confident in narrative delivery, it’s a strong first outing.

“The studio is where we get to lose ourselves, ditch the rest of the world, and make unreal things real,” says drummer Evan. “We were playing the hell out of our instruments, and then Duncan [Thornley, engineer at London’s MAP Studio] was playing the whole studio itself as an instrument. ‘Drop a Coin’ was the perfect example of that. It was the ideal way to dream an album to life.”

Plus Music PR

Keep It Real by Munzer

0

This one is for the real ones! 

The world of social media has become filled with people who wear fake masks and disguise their truth with twisted lies, but here comes one of the realest rappers in Australia’s music scene: Munzer. His latest Hip Hop track “Keep It Real” is a testimony that you can still maintain your truth and genuine identity among those who might not honor their principles. 

“I have worked extremely hard and conquered many obstacles alone to get to this point and I do not intend to stop at any time soon,” shared Munzer. “The music industry is my goal and a career utilizing my musical artistry is my dream. I am now in the pursuit of doors to walk through. And I believe my latest song “Keep it Real” is a good start.”

The pop-infused track, which is produced by Johnny Bullz of Bullzeye Beats, opens up with violin and flute influences that sets the scene for Munzer’s smooth explosion of a flow. “I’m about the real sh**, I ain’t about the bullsh**, I’mma keep it real,” raps Munzer explicitly. The chorus is catchy and doesn’t feel repetitive, before the outro has Munzer rapping soul to soul and wraps up the song on a high note.

Munzer draws inspiration from artists like Kool G Rap, 2Pac, 50 Cent, Big Pun, Pop Smoke, among many other icons. He released his debut album in 2014 before performing at many notable events. He also left his footprint on the radio and continues to grow with time; his latest track “Keep It Real” is proof of his artistry, lyrical genius, and incredible presence. 

“”Keep It Real” is sure to please. Not only is it a cool vibe to dance to, but seeks to educate and spread awareness of the many situations plaguing society,” concluded Munzer. So, take this song as a reminder to keep things one hundred!

A Force to Be Reckoned With: Frank Palangi’s “Dynamite”

0

An interesting heavy metal find is “Dynamite” by indie rocker Frank Palangi. Palangi started his musical career over a decade ago, with a noble focus on charity and proving that “Rock Isn’t Dead”.

Influenced by a number of the greatest bands to ever come, he takes inspiration from the likes of Metallica, Megadeth, Daughtry, Three Days Grace, and 3 Doors Down. His music goes to show that heavy metal music isn’t always styled by growling, but rather an energetic presence that radiates through every song.

His latest release “Dynamite”, which was put out in 2023, features the rockstar’s versatile abilities to strike his electric guitar coupled with a signature vocal sound that effortlessly travels through the musical ladder. You can also hear in the background the screams that compliments the sound greatly.

The song takes a slow turn after the first verse, before accelerating fully once again to keep the listener engaged to the maximum. The bridge features an incredible guitar solo before the chorus takes another turn to keep you on the edge of your seat – headbanging, of course.

Since his debut, Palangi has been lucky to work with producers including Rogers Masson, Rob Coates, Brain Craddock, along with Brad Blackwood, Gavin Lurssen, Robert Venables, and Adam Ayan. He opened up for many artists like 3 Doors Down, Red Sun Rising, Buckcherry, Candlebox, Aaron Lewis, and the list goes on and on.

With his last song and many endeavors on stage, Palangi is proving to be a force to be reckoned with and we can’t wait to hear what’s coming next!

Enter the Unknown by VØLVE

0

Experimental, cinematic, and enigmatic folk are a few descriptions that befit Vølve’s latest release ‘Enter the Unknown’. A captivating musical journey that’s filled with color and style, ‘Enter the Unknown’ is a testament to the artist’s imaginative mind and creative musical tool palette.

Inspired by the mythology of her Nordic culture, Vølve is the stage name of Danish musical artist Helene Navne, based in Copenhagen, and whose stirring folk composition ‘Enter the Unknown’ has just dropped. ‘Enter the Unknown’ is a magical journey of majestic demigods toying with moons and stars, sung and arranged in a truly arresting fashion, ‘Enter the Unknown’ is a gently electrifying piece of alt pop that is utterly unforgettable.

The composition is laced with a potent sense of melancholy that is exacerbated by the song’s sparse and unusual instrumental arrangement, all adding up to create a sense of loneliness that draws you helplessly closer to know more about the enchanting fantasy Vølve is creating with her lyrical imagery, vocal softness, and ethereal musical cues. Beautifully mixed, ‘Enter the Unknown’ is an enthralling sonic experience as much as it is an intellectual or a visual one.

With Vølve’s star on the rise, and with Agnes Obel’s name already shining bright, Danmark is sure leaving a big impact on the landscape of powerful neoclassical composers, capable of truly moving pieces of art. Whether it is something in the air or in the water, or maybe it has got to do with the breathtaking nature of the land, we are just glad Danmark keeps giving us those invaluable gifts.

 

Album: Heading East by SUKH

0

Manchester-based singer-songwriter SUKH struck a special chord with me. A junior NHS doctor who happens to be passionate about music and writing emotional songs and thought-provoking lyrics… a true inspiration to look up to. SUKH has just released his latest full-length album named Heading East, and I’ll be breaking it down for you today.

The album opens up with Kind, a big and upbeat song that shows us most of the elements that Sukh loves to implement into his music: clean lead guitar melodies, effected guitars in the backing layers, upbeat energetic drums, and his sweet bright vocals. Sometimes, we can hear a double-layered vocal or a mini guitar solo, and it feels refreshing to listen to a musician who’s not as entirely predictable as mainstream music nowadays. The second song, For The Road, has more of an Americana vibe and some deeper vocal pitches from Sukh. There are some similarities to Country music and 60s rock, but you will notice that you can’t label this man to one genre tag or general style due to the versatile nature of his writing and his unique voice. 

The third song, Far, shows some slower drums playing side stick and soft snare drums giving a soulful vibe, but they are coupled with ambient guitars usually found in Indie Rock and Alternative Rock (think Arctic Monkeys or The Black Keys). This song has a beautiful hook which makes use of Sukh’s richly layered vocals, making it my favorite song on the entire record. Conquered is another surprising song, because of its melodic and romantic synths…with super romantic lyrics and softer vocals to go along with them. Love Atom makes the most creative use of layered vocals on this album. The way every layer compliments and harmonizes with the other is very special, and the song’s atmosphere sounds romantic yet mature and powerful. The electronic percussion has a pumpy 80s vibe. 

Faith continues with the 80s vibe, this time with a powerful bass guitar and big drum machines (or they could be live drums sounding like 80s drum machines); the way the piano is mixed with the guitars during the verses, and the refrain makes this a wonderful tune. Home is an ambient/atmospheric ballad with a calmer instrumental and a sombre atmosphere. The guitars on this one are guaranteed to give you goosebumps. The eighth and final track, If You Are, has an electronic/synth bass sound with Sukh’s ethereal chanting and a lot of falsetto to make for a dreamy sound that majestically closes the album.

In conclusion, this is a well-crafted record that draws influence from many different eras and many different subgenres of Rock, Blues, Country, and Americana. And while no two songs sound the same, you will find that Sukh succeeds in making a musical fingerprint that‘s unique and a sound that knows no rules or restraints. 

Vik by FOSS

0

SIMPLE, RAW, DEEP, AND ABSOLUTELY POWERFUL

“Vik” by FOSS is an absolutely brilliant track reflecting a unique sense of rooted stillness. You are transcended into a different dimension where everything feels unfamiliar yet calming and reassuring. From the very first note, Vik draws you in with its ethereal beauty and emotional depth, offering a soundscape that feels vast yet intimate.

Composed during a six-month isolation retreat in the Icelandic wilderness, Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Romain Collin channels the raw solitude and endless expanses of nature into the song. The town of Vik, a mystical place that inspired the track, is evoked through haunting, ambient soundscapes, with the song feeling like a personal confession. Sounds from the Icelandic environment: wind, water, and the distant echoes of vast landscapes are carefully woven into the fabric of the music, creating an atmosphere that is as organic as it is ethereal. The song reflects on loss and longing, yet it’s beautifully minimalist in its execution, with each sound working together to evoke a sense of surrender and timelessness.

The production is key to the song’s immersive power. Collin’s subtle vocals are delicately balanced with Jeremy Loucas’ masterful post-production, which uses analog gear to create a warm, raw, and timeless feel. The sound is intricate yet simple, with layers of synths, natural elements, and atmospheric effects creating an expansive, dreamlike space. The balance between electronic elements and the sounds of nature mirrors the contrast between the isolation of Iceland and the vibrant energy of New York, where the album Shapeless was finalized.

“Vik” feels like drifting through time and space, its minimalist structure allowing the listener to get lost in its expansiveness. The song doesn’t rush; it takes its time to unfold, reflecting the quiet stillness Collin experienced while composing it. The analog richness, combined with the organic sounds of the Icelandic wilderness, gives it a nostalgic yet futuristic feel, as if it’s suspended between worlds.

With its raw power and quiet beauty, Vik is a track that lingers, offering peace in its simplicity and depth. It is a profound invitation to pause, reflect, and connect with the natural world in an entirely new way.