I have been listening to music since I can remember: every genre, every artist, every edgy and niche subculture.
I am a great listener: I take pride in discovering unheard gems, trying to connect with their authors.
It never gets old, really… somehow, music keeps hypnotising us, surprising us, always, always offering something new. Must be some sort of magic.
In ‘Monster’, the carpet matches the drapes, with meaningful and hard-hitting lyricism pairing well with the track’s melancholic and gritty pop-rock character.
In ‘Supporting Role???’, we find Arlesque at his best, exploring the depths and pitfalls of emotionally intensive relationships and the need to maintain a healthy self-worth and independence.
Aptly titled, ‘People Pleaser’ narrates the painful yet necessary process of breaking free from external validation. In that sense, we suspect that a large number of listeners will relate deeply to the song.
The Lemon Grove appear to be channelling their deep understanding of human nature into their music. ‘Muscles & Bones’ follows such an ethos, too.
Embodying new wave and 90s-leaning pop-rock influences, ‘River of Light’ feels brooding and crepuscular, moving with quiet confidence and hidden melancholia.
Oscillating between fuzzy guitar-driven ethos and orchestral electronica, sunday works thrive in the brooding and liminal space that exists among quietness and euphoria.
Talented producer southpaw teams up with rapper Era51 and singer Blvck Svm, a very effective collab that approaches modern hip-hop with deep eclecticism and hints of leftfield character.
Across five tracks, ‘Wash Away’ feels constantly brooding and bold, exuding heightened aural urgency and lyrical melancholy.
Sam Ostler is the kind of songwriter listeners find relatable, boasting observant, vulnerable lyricism not afraid to delve into painful emotions and human connection. ‘Closer Than You Know’ is the perfect evidence of that.
‘Before I Lose Faith In You’ embraces the sweetest soulful pop there is, a slice of blissful and dreamy goodness delivered on top of a nostalgically elegant arrangement.
Audren is adamant about focusing on the positives, as that’s the only way we can turn around a disastrous reality. Perhaps if we were all kinder and more understanding, the world would be better off.
‘Today I Thought of You’ confirms the level of introspection and emotional analysis that constantly runs throughout Elwood’s songwriting.
