Author: Marcus Adetola

Five singles deep into her debut album, Essy drops Dream Come True, a synth-driven pop-rock ballad that packs more punch than its dreamy title suggests. It’s a track that could easily slot into a playlist alongside The Killers, but Essy’s sweet yet unexpectedly powerful vocals carve out their own sonic territory. From the first lines, “I don’t like the noise round here / It’ll stay with you for years,” Essy sets up tension between the clamour of the music world and a longing for something quieter. When she follows with “I much prefer the Tucson sun / Walk the desert with no-one,” you get…

Chase Atlantic Drops a Sonic Bomb Chase Atlantic’s music has always been a swirling vortex of genre-defying soundscapes, but their knack for crafting earworm melodies stands out as their secret weapon. Their latest single, “Die For Me,” dropped on August 23, 2024, showcases this talent while catapulting their sonic boundaries into uncharted territory. As the first morsel from their upcoming fourth studio album, “Die For Me” delivers a satisfying hit of Chase Atlantic’s signature style while teasing an intriguing evolution of their sound. The Trio’s Fingerprints All Over It Mitchel Cave, Clinton Cave, and Christian Anthony—the trio behind Chase Atlantic—wrote…

Fureurs Secrètes by Meimuna delves into the power of words—those kept inside, those that hurt, those scrawled in journals, and those screamed in silence. The song, sung in French and part of her upcoming album C’est demain que je meurs, quietly but powerfully reflects on unspoken emotions. Meimuna sings, “Pourquoi faut-il encore que je parle de plage / Moi j’ai grandi sur le flanc des montagnes,” highlighting a contrast between her origins and the expected narrative. She grew up on mountain slopes, not beaches. Her roots are steeped in cold realities. This track follows the success of her previous single Arracher…

Sugar Peas by Stefan J. Selbert features gentle guitar strums that create a warm, inviting sound. The guitar work is precise and intentional, forming the backbone of the song’s nostalgic atmosphere. Selbert’s guitar playing is skilful but not flashy. It provides a steady, soothing rhythm that complements his vocals without overshadowing them. The guitar work is consistent throughout the song, maintaining a calm and measured pace. The overall sound of Sugar Peas is rooted in folk and Americana traditions. It doesn’t stray into experimental territory, instead offering a familiar and comforting musical experience. The instrumentation is straightforward, focusing on acoustic elements that support…

Francis On My Mind’s Hide burst with energy and attitude right from the get-go, the song’s infectious rhythm grabs you, while Francis’s confident delivery asks, “Why should I hide my true self?” Her voice rides the upbeat production, capturing your attention. The production is lively and layered, driving the song forward with a buoyant, uptempo vibe. The chorus, “Why Should I Hide,” feels like an anthem, a line you’ll find yourself singing along to without even realising it. Francis On My Mind doesn’t just stick to one lane. She weaves pop hooks with retro synths and electronic beats, creating a sound that’s both…

Honey Ribar’s song Here I Am (Glorify You) emerges as a heartfelt prayer through melody, distinguishing itself in a genre often filled with predictable patterns. Instead of following the typical formula for worship music, Honey opts for a more personal and introspective approach, delving into themes of surrender and overcoming addiction. Her voice is incredibly strong, capable of dominating the track, yet she chooses to hold back, allowing her vulnerability to shine through. This balance between power and restraint reflects the song’s message about finding strength in letting go. The musical arrangement complements Honey’s vocals perfectly. It blends ambient synthesisers…

Stepping into Honey I Do, the fourth release off The Coo’s debut album, we’re invited into a richly woven narrative of love found against the odds, released on a bright August 12th, 2024. This track is an anthem of hope triumphing over doubt, set against an Americana and indie folk backdrop. The song begins unassumingly with Jara Holdert’s acoustic guitar strums, her voice clear and inviting. As Matt Arthur’s electric guitar melds into the arrangement, the track subtly promises something bigger ahead. The setting is intimate yet expansive, hinting at growth. Indeed, it expands—the introduction of lively percussion transitions the…

Adelina by Ocie Elliott hits a sweet spot for anyone who loves stripped-down, earnest music. The heart of the song lies in its raw simplicity: just two voices, an acoustic guitar, and the kind of honest, straightforward lyricism that can stop you in your tracks. The duo, Jon Middleton and Sierra Lundy, know exactly how to blend their voices to create a mood that’s both uplifting and a touch melancholic. Their harmonies are tight, yet they carry a breezy, effortless quality that’s rare. It’s the musical equivalent of a heartfelt conversation on a long drive through the countryside—unassuming but deeply…

In Tragic Nostalgic, Grayson Foster serves up a heaping dose of millennial malaise wrapped in catchy hooks and dreamy synths. This indie-pop confection taps into the collective quarter-life crisis of a generation caught between childhood comforts and adult realities. Foster’s vocals float atop a sea of reverb-drenched guitars and vintage samples, taking you back to simpler days. The lyrics paint vivid pictures of neglected Tamagotchis and favourite TV theme songs, evoking a bittersweet ache for lost innocence. However, “Tragic Nostalgic” is far from a mere exercise in nostalgia. Grayson Foster’s sardonic wit shines through lines like “Getting older is scary ’cause…

Smallpools’ Socio Empath is a sonic rollercoaster that thrills and provokes in equal measure. This alt-pop gem wraps weighty introspection in a glittering package of infectious rhythms and soaring melodies. The track bursts to life with punchy drums and shimmering synths, creating an instant earworm. Electric and acoustic guitars weave through the mix, adding depth to the polished production. Underneath it all, a solid bassline keeps the energy high, propelling the song forward. Socio Empath is a clever term for the disconnect between feeling deeply and taking action. The band captures this modern dilemma with lines like “Thoughts and prayers and I-don’t-care’s…