Song reviews

I didn’t think that fey indie pop was still in fashion yet that is the very path that Sandy Shorts have chosen to follow. Their song “Dimpleface” is laidback, melodic and makes you want to wear a cardigan even when the sun is shining. Sweet.

Looped into a world of angst fuelled bleakness, Debdepan add enough musical aggression into their downbeat synth pop sound to make their words worthy of a listen. “Habit” duly exudes purpose without added complexity.

Talking of style, next up is Kat Robichaud and her song “Alien Sex” resonates with theatricality and a certain, rather trashy, quirkiness. The lyrics suggest the human race has a tried and tested means of interacting with alien invaders. Indeed we do.

No doubt about it, “Look Where We Are Now” is a song decorated with ironic lyrics that are delivered with a curiously appealing mix of loops and laconic vocals. The Helmut Bergers are definitely downbeat but they do have style.

Laying on the emotions like his job depended on it, Scott Quinn powers his way through “Loving You Is Easy” like a man on a mission to ensnare the attention of bored housewives everywhere. This is perfect radio fodder.

There is much in the way of weight to be found in “The Evil Order” by thrash metal stalwarts Violator and, with some decent and decipherable lyrics keeping the song right on course for the dark place, they score with this one.

It’s not often that I come across a band that can convincingly sound angry but Templeton Pek do indeed sound angry and, while “Artifact” sounds more American than British punk, their song still resonates loudly with honesty.

The combination of harmonies and country music influences is the special sauce that makes “Needlepoint Heartache by twins Surely Shirley into more than just another story song from sentimental street. It’s old school but still so very fresh.

Upbeat and commercial, “Written In The Stars” will no doubt become a singalong festival favourite over this summer. Liv Dawn hits all the right notes with this one and duly continues on her journey to become the new Amy Macdonald.

As songs go, this is a fragile one that drifts, lyrically and musically, inside your head. “Waterphile” is therefore a perfect accompaniment to contemplation with the delicate female vocals and piano proving rather enchanting.

Hey, another Finnish band. Morimus walk the introspective path beloved of indie bands back in the day and “Lice” mixes melancholy and melody to good effect. If you ponder greater things whilst drinking a cappuccino then this one is for you.

No one could accuse Cosmic Kitten of being anything other than robust in their approach and their song “Hole In My Soul” duly rumbles with discontent, raucous female vocals and much macho power chord riffage. That will do nicely.