Calboa Excites With ‘A Condition Called Loneliness’

Words by Alfie Mcdowell.

Calboa returns with ‘A Condition Called Loneliness’ and by heck is this is an energetic track. I am hooked on this fine indie specimen who hails from the music-rich city of Hull in the north of England.

He reminds me of early Doherty. It is not just his unique image but also his ability to churn out indie hit time and again. This new one though takes on a new direction for the up and coming name, and it did not disappoint me.

It follows a similar theme to his previous release ‘Same Shhh’. We hear him speak about the negatives of mundane life, but yet we can all pretty much get onto his wavelength, especially since we are all sick to the back teeth of lockdown and this pandemic. Furthermore, he speaks volumes on this release, and it has all the ingredients to make it a classic indie anthem.

Nevertheless, it has a more feel-good and upbeat aura than his previous track. I like that juxtaposition between his lyrics and the music. You cannot help but feel positive even if the word choice is remarkably poignant. It kicks off with a likeable rhythm and an edge which will get you gripping to it instantly.

Great work Calboa, please do keep them coming. You can listen to ‘A Condition Called Loneliness’ below.

Misty Shape Excite With Midnight Train

Words by Max Jordan.

Misty Shape are a rock band who you need to keep high on your radar. They deliver hits time and again and their new track ‘Midnight Train’ is testament to the band’s unforgivable talent.

They hail from Russia, and they delve into an area of the music industry which not many people go. They have an authentic rock vibe but yet provide heartfelt deliveries with infectous melodies. The new track ‘Midnight Train’ takes a slight paradigm shift for the up and coming group. They tend to go for a giant fuller rock sound but yet they tone it down here. I like what they are doing.

It kicks off with a jazzy guitar intro which provides massive sentiment. We are then in with a sublime vocal from the lead vocalist. I can almost touch her emotion in her strong performance. I can hear her passion oozing out, and it makes for a refreshing listen. We are then in with the signature rock sound which the band deliver so well. There is a huge drum beat and a James Bond-style chorus which will grip you within an instant.

Overall, it is an excellent song from Misty Shape. You can check it out for yourself below.

Near Death Experience Release ‘Conquer’

Words by Alfie Mcdowell.

A new week is upon us, and we have a treat this week, with the latest release from British band ‘Near Death Experience’.

They have an authentic, fresh indie sound which I have been relishing ever since I hit play on their new track ‘Conquer’. It brings a nostalgic vibe, but yet there are heaps of modern elements which makes it a refreshing listen for anyone who loves the best from yesteryear but also a fresh angle too.

Vocally, the band are flying high. The singing is on top form with a poignant vocal delivery from frontman Ian Whiteling. The smart vocal structure matches the energetic instrumental tremendously well, and everything is oozing with confidence. It has a 70s feel going on, and I could not help but find similarities with Mark Knopfler within the vocal section. But, there is also an Inspiral Carpets vibe going on too, which makes it quite an exciting find.

Overall, the band have taken an already incredible sound and added their unique stamp onto it. The song formation works well; they have plenty of energy, and their performance is hard to fault. You can listen to ‘Conquer’ by Near Death Experience below.

Outline Give Us ‘Candid’

Words by Alfie Mcdowell.

‘Candid’ is one of those tracks which makes the hairs on the back of your next stand up. Outline are smashing it. They are from Birmingham but yet they are spreading their wings with a track which is gaining coverage globally.

I first came across this song late one recent evening. My goal was to find a track which was going to excite me. What a treat it was to hear such a charismatic release from the gents. It has a relaxed vibe. There is nothing about it which is annoying, and it makes for a refreshing listen if you want something original and unique.

The track has a beat which got me tapping my foot. I could not help it. Can you? Also, the vocal which the band put out is on top form. They hit their notes in effortless style, and catchy melodies and nail-biting hooks are what the group do best.

Who does it sound like in the industry? It is not too far away from The 1975, but vocally it is very different. I do not hear any exact similarity vocally, but we do hear the singer’s Midlands accent poking out at times which I relish. Is it their best song yet? I would genuinely say yes. The group have taken us into a new direction with their sound. They have ditched the jazzy feel heard a lot on their previous hits. There is some of that influence audible in various places, but the indie-pop realm is the route they have taken. It works tremendously well. I could not find any fault within it. The structure is tight, each musician plays their part, and it makes for an enjoyable time.

So, wait no longer, get your ears around it now. You can listen to ‘Candid’ below.

Yulanda Sabrina’s Debut ‘Easier’

Words by Max Jordan.

Yulanda Sabrina is fresh on the scene. She has not been around long but yet is already making traction. Her sound is mesmerising. Vocally, she delights, and her debut track ‘Easier’ is enough for us to want her to stay.

She centres her music around a strong synth and a killer vocal. It works well. Although, I am curious to know if she will keep this structure moving forward. Musically, the track does not disappoint. Although there is nothing huge about it, it works. It is relatively chill and toned down. Perfect for those late evenings relaxing in your garden.

Its has a contemporary R&B vibe but yet it has an underground and raw feel to it too. We hear the freshness in the artists vocal delivery. It is her first track, and we can tell. It is almost like when you smell the fresh paint on a newly decorated room. The confidence which Yulanda Sabrina has is on full display too. Yulanda has a gift, and she uses it to its full potential, and why not? I would also if I could sing as she does.

So a little about the artist. She comes from a background of making YouTube videos. Her channel is hugely popular, and her music is probably going to follow a similar trend. Her musical ability is evident. But, we are questioning why she has taken so long to get her music out there? Maybe perfection is what the singer was looking for before leaping into the music world. If perfection is her goal, then she has just hit it here with ‘Easier’. I have to say; it is one of favourite R&B and soul tracks of recent times. See if you agree by listening to her debut single ‘Easier’ below.

Lucas Rizzo Gives Us ‘Hell Of A Heaven’

Words by Max Jordan.

‘Hell Of A Heaven’ is the latest and most reputable track I have come across today on new music Friday. It is everything which an electronic pop song should be. I like the depth within the release, and the blend between soft and dark pop harmonise each other effortlessly.

The beat could shake even the sternest of listeners. The melody, although dark in delivery puts out heaps amount of inspiration and the vocals are quality driven. I could not help but feel an ultramodern feel here. It is not something anyone who has never done before, but it is not what you would expect from this genre. I like that. As a result, I enjoy the rawness of the direction and the vulnerability it brings.

Structurally the song works wonders, and it leads us on an adventure from the very beginning. It is almost like an emotional rollercoaster with the theme one minute being hot and then cold. It is relatively clear to notice that the singer comes from a background of producing and also working in the music business. He has that professionalism which you do not usually witness with new artists who are breaking out onto the scene. Also, the experience he has picked up along the way so far is making his music even more powerful with each release he drops.

But, we will have to hear more of this artist in the coming months to see if he is sticking to this direction of music. I think he should because it not only wins my vote but also the votes of his social media following which is blossoming nicely since ‘Hell Of A Heavens’ release day.

You can listen to the new single below.

Danny Smart Delivers ‘She’s Mine’

Words by Louise Sako.

Country music is flowing from Danny Smart’s veins. He drops country hits effortlessly, and each one he brings us appears to captivate us even more.

I am an addict when it comes to new music and fresh as you like Danny’s track is pleasing me. He is a singer who takes on a whole new level of originality. His style is unique with a distinct flavour. Not a sound you often hear from an artist hailing from sunny Barnsley.

‘She’s Mine’ has a strange kind of influence on me. They are influences of country rock, but I am also hearing a nostalgic vibe going on too. Lyrically, it is similar to the rock bands of the great 60s, and he echoes his lyrical tongue with quality here. The music is also a bold statement. He is not shy to throw on his guitar and deliver some of the finest bends we have heard in recent time. The guitar is a dedicated stand out to me; I love the sound which he has got going on. It is energetic and leaves me itching to hear more.

I have always relished guitar music. I first got into it when I heard a Jimi Hendrix album. There is no kind of similarity here with Hendrix, but his guitar skills are mesmerising. Also, the rhythm section behind the track makes for a great listen. If like me, you will find it hard not to tap your foot. So, where does he go from here? I think if the music keeps as good as this, then he is going to break it easily on the country scene. But, the industry is more open than it has been before; therefore, who knows we could be seeing him climb the charts as he progresses. Top job Danny, please do keep them flowing.

You can listen to ‘She’s Mine’ below.

JOSHUi Grips Us With ‘Ends’

Words by Alfie Mcdowell.

JOSHUi is a legend in his own right. He is a Hip Hop gem which many are starting to notice. Why? Because he has a quality which speaks for the masses. Also, his musical ability is going from strength to strength with each release gripping us into his brand even more.

I am relishing his new release ‘Ends’. It is a style of music which I do not usually review, but I knew I had to once I tuned into it. I like how he is speaking his story, and he puts it cleverly into a smash hit. It is almost like a short film with his lyrical tongue, taking us on an unforgettable journey. He speaks about his community. There is no end for JOSHUi, even if it appears there is.

His music shouts volume. It starts with a siren ringing out before a strong instrumental and sublime rap from the London based artist. He boasts a sound which we hear quite a lot now coming from the underground grime scene. But, he is not shadowing anyone. It is what sticks out to me the most. He is unique with his delivery, and although there are influences from the greats, it is still fresher than a bag of apples.

Say what you like about Grime. But one thing we all cannot dispute is its massive rise over the last few years. We could hail thanks to the likes of Stormzy and Skepta for making it more commercial and better known. But, artists like JOSHUi are also leading the path and taking us into a new realm of this exciting space. Therefore, if I were you, I would grab this one while it is hot. You can listen to ‘Ends’ by JOSHUI below.

Abel Razal Releases ‘Project 9’

Words by Alfie Mcdowell.

Abel Razal smashes it with his new release ‘Project 9’. What a genuinely majestic track this one is. I love how he has taken a Prince vibe but yet crafted something very unique of its own.

He has teamed up with M.A. Teweun on this piece, and she lends an unforgettable vocal performance. It is a pop gem, but yet there is plenty of flavour for everybody. I can hear a rock edge, but there is also a funk feel going on too, which makes it distinct from the get-go.

It starts with a smooth intro lead with a divine solo vocal performance offering lots of octave coverage. It has a gospel theme at the start. However, this does not follow into the rest of the track, proving that it has lots of variances. Abel also joins M.A Teuwen on the mic after a few bars, and he offers his backing vocal in a style we hear in Prince’s discography. I like that, not many people do that. It is a catchy track, and great for listening to in the red hot sun, we are getting at the moment.

The chorus is pretty out there. It’s bold with an infectious melody and a backbeat sitting behind it, adding even more groove to the already funky record. I could not help but notice an 80s influence too along the way. But yet there is plenty of contemporary screaming out too. Musically, it is structured well, and there is nothing which makes me get tired of it. There is a kind of Pharrel feel within the instrumental sections too.

Overall, I am on board with ‘Project 9’. Also, it is great to see an artist following in the direction of some of the greats. I will be keeping this on repeat for some time.

You can listen to ‘Project 9’ below.

Hayden Brenen Drops Fresh Music

Words by Louise Sako.

Summer is well and truly underway. It is not the smell of B.B.Q.s and stale lager coming from gardens which are reminding us though. It is the new track from Hayden Brenen.

His new release ‘Mi Carino’ has all the feel-good qualities we need as we head out of the lockdown phase. It has heaps amount of likeability, and with a strong and infectous melody, it is hard not to get right behind it. The British singer has teamed up with L.D.N. on this piece, and as a pair, they work tremendously well.

It is a Latin themed song. We hear the singer delve between his English and Spanish tongue which is strikingly poignant in its own right. I like how he has blended a Mediterranean feel with a contemporary pop vibe because it shows his ability to vary his sound. Also, the rap which we hear from l.D.N is awe-inspiring, adding a more underground and hip hop theme to the release.

Ask me who Hayden Brenen was a few weeks ago and I would not have been able to tell you. But, I am now seeing him everywhere. Why? Because music lovers globally, including ourselves, are realising how much talent the chap possesses. Also, it fills a niche, which we all need. Latin pop has been rising over the years, but it keeps getting better and better, and this track is leading the way for 2020 pop gems.

Does it sound like anything else I have heard? Yes, it is not exactly 100% unique in its delivery, and we do hear a Luis Fonsi influence peeking out of the track in various sections. But, its tone is in a realm of its own, and the characteristics the pair bring shine clear as day. You can listen to ‘Mi Carino below’.