Song reviews

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.

Following the casual indie pop groove is the action plan for Alas The Sun and their song “You and Your Love” duly worms its way into your affections with laidback puppy dog charm and downbeat lyrics. Rather pleasing to the ear.

Whilst robotically perfect in the rhythm department, “Totally Faking” also shows that Salt Ashes has something organic to display in her shop window even throwing in a guitar solo to crank up your ear enthusiasm. It’s an approach that works rather well.

This one sounds angry. Rectangular math rock tends to do just that and TRAPS duly kick the angst up and down an eight minute street littered with the corpses of overdriven guitar riffs and bang it until it hurts drums. Their song “Cyborg” is coming to get you.

There is always a place for retro worship on the dancefloor and, duly, Sweetwood’s song “One and Only Lover” locks it to the clock of days gone by whilst adding enough love for the era to make it all worthwhile to your ears.