Reviews
‘Light Up The Sun’- Sean T MacLeod, bringing warmth and reflection
There is something refreshingly unhurried about Sean T MacLeod’s new single ‘Light Up the Sun’. At a time when much of modern music seems determined to grab attention as quickly as possible, the Irish singer-songwriter allows melody, atmosphere, and thoughtful songwriting to carry the song’s emotional weight. Best known as a founding member of Dublin outfit […]
‘Catharsis Caught’- Dave Des, finding beauty in new beginnings
Some albums arrive with the urgency of youth; while others carry the wisdom of experience. Dave Des’ debut record ‘Catharsis Caught’ belongs firmly in the latter camp as he offers a collection shaped by a lifetime of observation, reflection, and personal discovery. What makes ‘Catharsis Caught’ particularly compelling is the story behind its creation. After spending much of his […]
‘Slightly Different Reality’- Maverick Smith, finding hope in the cracks
Over these last few years, it feels as though Maverick Smith have quietly been carving out their own place within the alternative rock landscape. Never chasing trends or reinventing themselves for the sake of relevance, they have instead focused on something far more difficult to achieve: authenticity. And with their third album ‘Slightly Different Reality’, the […]
‘baby, mess me entirely’- blue pablo, turning desire into a beautiful self-sabotage
There is a seductive unease running through blue pablo’s ‘baby, mess me entirely.’ On the surface, the Albuquerque artist delivers something sleek, intimate and alluring, but the song’s real power lies in the discomfort beneath that gloss. Drawing from the emotionally stylised worlds of Lana Del Rey, Shygirl and Rihanna, blue pablo shapes a sound that […]
‘The Madness’- Ryan Collins, capturing the thrill of the moment
There is a particular feeling that arrives when anticipation reaches its breaking point. It’s the moment before the whistle blows, before the lights dim, and before everything you have been waiting for finally begins. Ryan Collins taps directly into that sensation on ‘The Madness’, a vibrant and energetic collaboration with Ty Taylor that transforms competitive tension […]
‘Let Me See The Real You’- Stefanie Michaela, finding strength in vulnerability
In an era where carefully curated identities often dominate both online and offline life, Stefanie Michaela’s ‘Let Me See The Real You’ arrives with a refreshingly direct message. Rather than celebrating perfection or presenting an idealised version of human connection, the LA singer-songwriter turns her attention towards the courage it takes to be seen as we truly […]
‘Rain’- Forgotten Garden, turning heartbreak into a slow-moving storm
Some songs are able to capture the exact moment a relationship ends. While others explore the aftermath, when the initial shock fades and the reality begins to settle in. Forgotten Garden’s ‘Rain’ belongs firmly to the latter category, tracing the emotional fallout of separation with a quiet intensity that leaves a truly lasting impression. The Scottish-Portuguese collaboration […]
‘Goodbye’- Andrew Cushin, striking gold with a powerful anthem
Over these last few years, Andrew Cushin has steadily transformed from one of the North East’s most promising young songwriters into a genuine force within modern British guitar music. Following in the footsteps of artists like Sam Fender and Jake Bugg, he has built his reputation through songs that speak directly to everyday experiences. And […]
‘Hollyhocks’- Henry Nielsen, painting beautiful portraits of life’s quiet outsiders
Over these last few years, it feels as though the resurgence of folk-inspired songwriting has often leaned heavily on nostalgia. Plenty of artists have borrowed the aesthetics of the seventies, but few have managed to capture the emotional honesty that made those records so enduring in the first place. But on his new LP ‘Hollyhocks’, Henry […]
