Song reviews

“Thickslap” is a rambling and untidy slice of lo-fi grunge rock from Cleveland’s Stalkers. Despite the technical flaws however, there is playfulness to the performance of the song that indicates that this band won’t be getting struck in someone else’s rut.

A rough and ready demo from an earnest Glasgow singer songwriter, “Rosė Wine” shows Stevie Lightnin’ to be free of those all too common Nick Drake staring at the ground influences. Instead he shows that he has a clear desire to entertain here and that, in itself, is quite refreshing.

There’s always a place in my heart for some oddball European electro and that’s what you get from Camilla Sparksss with the female non vocals and a simple sequenced beat providing proof that “Precious People” is borne of arthouse sensibilities. Andy Warhol would definitely have approved.

Immensely elegant - and therefore piano driven almost by default - “Walls Cave In” shows Berenice Scott to be a performer of class and some distinction. Whilst it is unlikely that she would ever sing a song that would scare your aunt, Ms Scott is nonetheless rewardingly soothing to the ears.

Flynn, judging from “Luv” at least, is a seriously lightweight acoustic duo with Kate Nash and candy floss prevalent amongst their influences. That said, they possess a certain unforced charm that might be just enough to allow them to stand out from the crowd.

Wistful seems to be the theme of the week and Bronagh and The Boys turn “Green” into an earnest and touching song that will tug at the heart strings of many.  Underneath that obvious commercial appeal however are some downright quirky lyrics that suggest that there may be a knife wielding poet hiding amongst Bronagh and her boys.

Some wistful Swedish neo electro pop from Marie Lalá this time with “Without You” being the kind of lost love song that seems destined for an afterlife in karaoke land. You won’t want to sing along but you will. You will you will you will.

Whilst clearly of the sensitive singer songwriter persuasion, Queenfish & Other Tales – aka Ewa Wikström - takes a more thorough approach than normal with “Dive In” being both emotive and elegantly arranged and Ms Wikström’s voice hitting just the right balance between melancholy and dignity.

A rambling yet appealing seventies style rock song, “All Returns”  shows Wolf People to be a band in awe of a past that was, in all probability, gone before they were even born.  However, the male vocal makes the most of obvious folk influences and, with skilled musicianship bringing up the rear, the result is pleasingly atmospheric.

Once again disappointment is the order of the day for Algernon Doll’s “Cassini” proves to be yet another downbeat and interminable scuzzathon tripped up by too many influences and minimal musical skills. Simply dull.

They must be doing some serious genetic engineering out there in Scandinavia as they seem to have an inexhaustible supply of upbeat electro pop bands. “When My Heart Breaks” shows Vanbot to be another chip of the old retro block but there is absolutely nothing wrong with that and a good pop song is always welcome here.

A newcomer to the world of third rate laptop electronica, Jack Jefferson tries to put as many awkwardly edited sounds and inject as much unfortunate vocal processing into “Sin City” as his lack of imagination and ability will allow. No one should have to listen to this.