Author: Lucy Lerner

Sara Jackson-Holman releases Nuclear War as part of her Candy EP. Showcasing her distinctive dreamy style, the song is a love story set amongst political tension. Ain’t that truth. Despite the topic, Sara manages to create something a little more upbeat with a sing-song chorus, twinkling sound effects and cascading drums which create a fitting mood. It screams of cinematic spendour and above all, hope. Lately they’ve been talking about nuclear war Let’s get married before it comes Sara comments on her new release on her social media, “It’s a song that holds hope and anxiety at the same time,…

René Miller releases the memorable Forget to Forget You. It is an accomplished, glossy, soft-rock song with a very catchy hook. Electric guitar patterns gather pace while synth swells erupt with warmth. It’s very clear from the lyrics what René Miller is saying. Forget to Forget You is simply about not being able to get over an ex-love even though you know you should. Even while kissing someone else, you are still thinking of your ex: Feels like a 9 to 5 getting over you, you I kiss a strangers lips still I think of you, you Oh I hate…

Let Nia Ekanem be your shelter. Times are particularly tough for us all, but this song resonates with any struggles you are going through at any time. Nia Ekanem was inspired by personal challenges when he wrote Shelter but soon realised he didn’t have to face them alone.    Shelter begins with beautiful strings and then Nia’s expressive vocals drop. The drums kick in and more texture is added in the form of gospel harmonies. As each layer reveals itself, like a long-awaited present, it touches your heart as you lose yourself in its vulnerability. I’ve been beaten and broken,…

Listening to Anna Wolf is an experience in itself. New single Helmets blurs genres and ideas and is incomparable to anything else. Wolf is all about expressing mood and feeling in her music. Helmets is a brooding piece featuring tribal beats, a pulsing bass, distinctive vocals, and an ethereal cord pulling it all together.  “‘Helmets speaks of truly manifesting why it is important to love one self before being able to fully love another. The lyrics are various metaphors for finding one self in a position of self harm, but then soon to realise the importance of loving one self…

You never know what to expect when you open Pandora’s Box and Tebi describes that feeling perfectly. The song was inspired by a chance meeting with an ex a year after breaking up. When they saw each other again it felt like they had opened Pandora’s Box as the rush of feelings was instantaneous and they were back to square one. “A Feeling of beautiful euphoric chaos amidst all the clear warning signs and lust” – Tebi Pandora’s Box features nimble vocals from Tebi, smooth harmonies, sweet hooks, and a hip-swinging afro-pop fusion. It’s a very accessible song with clear,…

Enter the smooth groove and sultry tones of Cal Maro with Bad. Dripping with sexy soul and lo-fi funk, Bad gives off Maxwell-esque vibes. The song changes tempo just over half-way through then continues with Maro’s languorous groove and soulful sound. You feel like you’re getting two songs for the price of one and Cal Maro gets to show off all his skills in this clever project. “It’s a strut. It’s tequila in the system. It’s the moment you’re so shook, you know things are out of your control. But you’re past the point of nervousness or doubt; you’re feeling…

Core N Shell drops the playful Backbones. Telling the narrative of a romance gone wrong, Core N Shell encourages you to laugh about it instead of feeling blue. The playful lyrics are the backbone of the song along with a stylised indie-pop sound, electronic driving beat, fun sound effects, and soaring chorus. Backbones take you back to high school and the feeling of being in a group of girls where they are cheering you on and telling you to pick yourself up. “When cheerleaders voices tell you to get back on track, getting your heart broken because of a guy…

London band Flawes has dropped a live video for bouncy song Still Not Ready taken from their debut album Highlights. Unfortunately due to COVID-19, the band has had to cancel their UK headline tour but released a taster with their live music video. “All the live footage in the video was shot during our last tour across Europe supporting AJR! Seeing as our headline shows have been postponed we thought we’d put this together to remember those good times. We can’t wait to play our rescheduled headline shows for later in the year!” – JC The band exudes energy in…

“Trust me I’m a doctor, I’m your happiness concoctor” Kat Koan can take the darkest of subjects and create something creative and forward-thinking. And don’t let a global pandemic stop her from releasing a masterpiece either. Doctor is about the rapid increase in prescription drugs being used to deal with mental health issues. Doctor features layer upon layer of warping synths and an undulating groove with clever sound effects such as ventilators. Lyrics are all too real but Kat Koan injects her own black humour. “a pill to chill, a pill to wake, a pill to make you hard” The…

Ebb & Flow is the fun and fresh new single from Valencia James. The song is from the Australian artist’s debut 5-track EP Light & Shade. It is a danceable number with synthesizer melodies that fully expand. An uplifting track with distinctive electro-pop elements, Ebb & Flow is about getting the most out of life. “No matter what, I’m going to live and take risks for a better future rather than playing it safe. Life is always going to throw you curveballs, but it’s all about how you handle them and keep moving forward.” – Valencia James Valencia James’s new…