Song reviews

For many, Trembling Bells will always be the preferred purveyor of hippy trippy folk rock time travelled from better times to today. Their song, “Christ’s Entry into Govan”, rambles accordingly but the appeal of Lavinia Blackwell’s voice remains eternal.

A confident song with all the best musical influences displayed clearly for all to hear, “Song” should keep Dante well forward in the minds of those who book festivals for the summer season and get them one step closer to a well-deserved corporate sponsorship.

“When I Wandered Alone” goes all minimalist before blending everything from loops to vocals into an oppressive reflection on the pioneers of early synth pop. Some might say basic and some might say brooding but Trianglecuts are the night.

“Hips” proves that the pop song is alive and well and Ukrainian band Brunettes Shoot Blondes making a chart bound move with all the confidence of band who truly deserve to be on the way up. They have my vote anyway.

I can’t remember the last time I used the term “jazz funk” without irony yet the Lydian Collective seems to be both jazz funk and ironic with their instrumental song “Legend of Lumbar” having both melody and an intellectual purpose.

“Finding Peace of Mind” flows like the river at night with its post dancefloor beat exemplifying simplicity whilst also demonstrating that Kainalu has figured out that sometimes less is more. That works for me.

Although an obvious escapee from the dance floor, Eric Sharp nonetheless demonstrates that there is more to his skill set than keeping those feet moving with “Night Turns to Day” providing the kind of hypnotic nuzzling that takes you from club to home.

Helga Arvesten manages to avoid sounding quite like anybody else with her angst ridden song “Don’t Speak” and successfully evokes the kind of emotional confusion that many will identify with. Drama is good and there is plenty of it in this song.

“Christmas Home” isn’t your standard Christmas song but Brent Steed at least has his heart in the right place even if the message is considerably bleaker than you might expect in this season of joy to the world.

You don’t often find melody in an indie rock song these days but Finland’s Varvara use that usually missing link to decorate their song “Identical” to fine effect. Notably smooth vocals keep the mood reflective yet rather uplifting.

Mid-paced songs burning with emotional intensity seem to be this week’s fashion with “Another 20 Seconds” by Circumnavigate being another example albeit one distinguished by Sigrid Zeiner-Gundersen’s rather wistful voice.

Obviously aimed at the mainstream market, Glasgow’s Anna Sweeney ticks all the radio friendly boxes with her mid paced song “Wind and Fire”. Many have tried the same approach but, with the right promotion, she might just give the people what they want.