Song reviews

Showing commendable persistence, Firewoodisland gives us more of the angst powered musical complexity that has been their signature sound and “Hollow Coves” will, once again, prove effective ear candy for those who have mature musical tastes.

Grungy overdriven guitar drives “Oak Tree” forward with a persistence and purpose that marks Nate Smith out as the kind of guy who stills puts passion, and perhaps even some anger, into his music. An antidote for our antiseptic times.

The Voice Tree retro this one to the max with the ominous oppression of the sequencer once again using the drum machine of analogue descent as a weapon to get your attention while sweet female vocals provide the counterpoint that gives “Electromagnetic Pulse” life.

You can’t go wrong with the Islandman groove and “Shu!” duly mixes the organic and traditional with the kind of locked to the loop hypnotic rhythms that only a computer can create. Close your eyes and see all the colours of the rainbow.

It almost seems an insult to describe a song as melodic in these computer controlled days but that is exactly what “Those Who Stay Behind” by The Hengles is. Those optimistic sixties influences are much to the fore and the song is none the worse for that.

Right on the money for a pop song of today, Jason Kerrison’s “I Will If You Will” demonstrates a complete understanding of what it takes to get some airplay these days and he even throws in a positive message to make the song complete.

Minimalist lo-fi from Common Holly and, in her wistful folk flavoured way, Common Holly turns her song “Measured” into an angst ridden poem of delicacy and persuasive intent. It’s the kind of song that sneaks up on you.

“Upside Down” is infused with both woozy charm and a sense of purpose and those who like a bit of lyrical substance to accompany their alt-rock riffs will find this song by Indian band Unohu much to their liking. Worthy of a listen or three.

I like this one. Sofia Härdig casts her looped to the max hypnotic spell over her song “Infatuation” and makes it seem like those minimalist lyrics are actually incantations. It’s a plastic world that we live in and she knows it. Enjoy!

Using technology to positive effect, Gabriel Eva loops her way through “HEY!” with sinuous style and smart lyrics that effectively make a simple point about the days we live in. So, while this is a happy song for unhappy people, it will make your day better.

There is no shortage of retro eighties funk influences to be found in this, no doubt Paisley Park, inspired song but Chin Injeti carries it all off with some style of his own thus making “On My Own” worthy of a listen or three.

If you like it old school, then you will like Kate Clover. She digs up all that post punk American style vibe and uses it to decorate her song “Channel Zero” with in your face vocals, riffs and nihilistic attitude. Play loud because that is how it should be.