Welcome to a brand new week and my top five choices of music releases for the week ahead! I hope you find something you like, nay, love here! Part with some cash, I dare you… ;-)
The other day, I stumbled across some sounds that quickly turned out to be the musical version of Pringles – you know, once you pop, you just can’t stop! Fyfe (AKA Paul Dixon, formerly David’s Lyre) is set to release his debut album, “Control“. The 24 year old has put together a group of songs which demonstrate his ability to meld varied vocal harmonies with experimental electronica techniques. From behind his painted mask, he delights, inspires and challenges the senses all at once.
If you’re feeling the need to listen to something tender, captivating and intimate, then look no further than Yowler‘s new album “The Offer“. Perhaps better known as Maryn Jones from All Dogs, she’s now branching out to produce her own work. There’s a mystery to these songs – the pure, breathy vocals and dark, minimalist guitar sees to that, before you even get started on the introspective lyrics. I’ll be very interested to see where Maryn goes with this project in the future.
Charlie Cunningham is set to release his second EP, “Breather” this week. On the face of things, there’s a gentle buoyancy to this man’s music, but looking deeper there’s a flicker of pain reflected in his words and the tones of his voice. I almost feel he’s trying to suppress those feelings while he’s performing his songs, and can’t help wondering how it would sound if he didn’t hold back. Nevertheless, this is a charming, expressive EP and worthy of your time.
Direct, powerful, self-assured, euphoric. These are all words that I used to describe the music of Laura Welsh whilst listening to her debut solo album, “Soft Control“. The formulaic rise and fall of the music and lyrics are reminiscent of Florence and the Machine in style, but for me there’s an extra flourish within Laura’s delivery that I find intriguing and almost hypnotic. Have a listen for yourself…
Finally this week, I recommend you get the sounds of Lowell into your life. I chose her song, “The Bells”, as my Song of the Week this week, and feel it was much deserved. With her debut album “We Loved Her Dearly“, Lowell has a clear vision, and is attempting to execute it. She sings a lot about gender politics, and around her impassioned lyrics she places interwoven melodies and layered vocals. She’s not perfect – there is room for improvement here; occasionally I feel her vocals are everso slightly lazy, but maybe they’re intentionally slurred, what do I know?! However, what she does is provide a thought-provoking and simultaneously enjoyable group of songs to listen to.
Other new music releases this week:
Fences – Lesser Oceans
Yumi Zouma – II (EP)
Jeff the Brotherhood – Wasted on the Dream
Will Butler – Policy
Cancer Bats – Searching for Zero
Matthew F. White – Fresh Blood
Heems – Eat, Pray, Thug
Young Guv – Ripe 4 Luv
Evans the Death – Expect Delays
Cold War Kids – Hold My Home
