Song reviews

Not quite offbeat but definitely not quite conventional, Drug Store Raid effectively demonstrate that post punk can be matured in something a bit special and their song “Ernie Playing Blues” is evidence of that.

Middle Class Guilt engage maximum rambling mode with their song “Skald” tempo shifting like an art rocker recovering from a post punk trip for its five minute duration. That said, I’ll take that approach over merciless looping every time.

Eerie Indie Adam has lost his offbeat sensibilities over the years but has replaced them with the ability to take his properly constructed songs like “I Never Thought You Couldn't Not” all the way to the bridge where festival success forever waits for him.

“Meet On The Moon” takes a train trip to the dream pop station but Alex Amor’s return ticket has sensitive singer songwriter stamped all over it so at least she has enough steam to get her song of the heart back home.

Castlebeat secure their seat on the indie pop bandwagon to yesteryear with “My Love” and all those retro loops live once more in this song. It’s quite a catchy song and is a possible reminder that yesterday was a lot simpler than today.

Nobody seems to write happy songs anymore and “Tomorrow” by Larissa Grelli is no exception. Angst and introspection power her words but it would appear that we are all in this together so at least the overall message is positive.

No doubt about it, “Reverberations” is a muscular song and, despite a plethora of power chords, The Sirens - Jody Ellen and Tara Chugh – still manage to inject enough emotional depth into this song to make it memorable.

There is some poetry to be found within “Patience Peaceful Breathing Slow” and Isabel Rumble seasons her song with swooping harmonies and an almost cinematic approach to catharsis. There is maturity to be found in this one.

Almost desperately pleasant, “Thorns” has all the lyrical content that would be expected of a sensitive singer songwriter on her way up and Anika Louise undoubtedly has the voice for such emotional introspection.

Samfire sounds like a singer with an artistic purpose and “Take” might well get her further along the path towards the approval of those who like a bit of class served up with their listening snack. Arty but worthy nonetheless.

“Unhinged Byproduct” is the kind of song that sounds like urban discontent bottled alongside big city anguish. No idea who Jesus Cringe is but he is probably incompatible with the majority of electric cars. Play loud and scream.

Vibrafonics do a nice line in retro soul with a bit of seventies rolling off into the sunset psychedelia added to keep “14 Days and 14 Nights” interesting. Decent vocals and a horn section take the groove out of town.