Song reviews

“The Human Race” finds Jens Wennberg up to his usual tricks with acoustic guitars and distant drums leading the song towards the restrained melancholy of his voice. If you liked his previous releases then you will like this one too.

You get a whispered intro mentioning Laura Palmer and you get a minimalist swing Badalamenti groove. You get enigmatic lyrics and you get whisper in your ear sensual vocals. “The Black Lodge” is Chris Isaak in a dress only I can (practically) guarantee that Jenny Gabrielsson Mare looks better in a dress than Chris Isaak ever would.  With a bit more reverb, this would be a wicked game.

Noisy indie rock from Bristol band Whales in Cubicles, “Disappear” shows them to be a band that operates within the limits of the genre but who remain capable of taking things further. The evidence, as always, is in the lyrics.

Rolling it on down the river are Scottish and Man’s Ruin. They claim to be an experimental folk band but “Working For The Man” is nothing less than toughened up country rock mixed with big city words. All credit to them however for sounding like red meat is their staple diet.

Summer must be on its way and Australian indie poppers Hungry Kids of Hungary look set to the official provider of a sunshine song for the season. “Sharpshooter” is nicely edgy in its sonic style and has the all important big chorus to get you singing along. I am feeling the heat already.

With the song truly in her heart, Elvira Stitt demonstrates a surprising – especially for one so young -- mastery the of big ballad style with “Headstrong”. She handles the poetic lyrics with poise and feeling which is much more than might reasonably expect of a singer songwriter on the way up. Genuine Glasgow talent and I don’t say that very often.

Another day, yet another singer songwriter. This time it is the turn of Scottish wandering minstrel William Freeman to take a shot at fame and his song,  “Lend A Hand”,  is a touch melancholy, played with sensitivity and dexterity and would nicely accompany a walk on the mellow side. A convincing performance then but, perhaps unfortunately for him, there are many more like him out there.

Another day another singer songwriter. Harriet Jones has an appealing voice and – assuming she wrote "In The Basement" – a pretty solid songwriting skill set. However, the clumsy and clunky arrangement robs the song of any momentum leaving Ms. Jones rather more exposed than she needs to be. If thus song were to be re-recorded professionally then I am certain that she would make a much better impression.

Driven along mercilessly by a nervous guitar, “Summer Wine” seems a positively whimsical song for someone like Daniel Badeie. That said, a good pop song is what it is and, with summer approaching, “Summer Wine” should find many friendly ears ready to fall for its inescapable charm.

Swedish five men and maids in a row doing the deeply meaningful deed thing, Bernard and Bianca go quite large on the emotion with a swelling chorus driving “Karelia” along. It’s a bit indie, it’s a bit power pop and it is sure to get them over the half way mark on the bill at any major European festival this year.

“Michael In The War” is a somewhat lackadaisical sort of anti-war song that falls short of actual protest. The primitive band in a box production does however hint at Apples in Stereo as an influence but the end result, in all honesty, sounds incomplete and a bit awkward.

Edgy and sitting upon the edge of indie rock territory, Cloneasaurus – as musicians anyway- sound more than a little uncertain throughout “Strongbad the Good dancer” which is at odds with the clearly confident male vocals. Give them a bit of time to mature. That’s what I say.