Track of the Week:
Sam Fender – Seventeen Going Under
Well, well, well. The lad from shields has made a return. And a bloody well good one at that. Seventeen Going Under sees the songwriter cover familiar territory, whether it’s the anthemic saxophone that rises into the second verse or the impassioned lyrics retelling a mischievous adolescence. What’s really impressive is the way that these elements feel elevated, emphatic and brilliantly composed across the track’s near-four-minute runtime. If it ain’t broke, why fix it, right?
Also new this week…
Billie Flynn – Hey Stranger
One for the fans of super-sad, ‘I really miss ya’, break-up make-up songs. A lovely songwriter with an even lovelier vocal.
Opus Kink – This Train
Opus Kink swap the Wild West for a light up disco dancefloor. There’s still a cowboy feel to this one, plus a bit of pirate chanting, but there’s a smooth swagger to it that’ll get you moving.
Regressive Left – Cream Militia
Big Depeche Mode vibes on this new one from Regressive Left. I’ll give you a tenner if you can listen to this without nodding your head at some point – it embeds itself into your skin this one.
Hi Frisco – Uno Mas
Taking the broad and spacey aesthetic they established on their first full-length album, and adding a rich and euphoric dose of glittering production, it feels like Hi Frisco are capturing a truly mesmerising sound right now.
The Golden Dregs – John
This new song by Cornwall songwriter Benjamin Woods deals with the death of a childhood friend, poetically addressing memories of individuals who have passed away. There’s grief, regret, and the passing of youth. A bold, magical track.
Bess Atwell – Nobody
‘Nobody,’ which opts for a more humble and stripped-back approach, once again highlights Atwell’s rich and complex approach to songwriting. A raw, intimate and heartfelt release.
Ziyad Al-Samman – Dark Horse
We’re loving this number from Ziyad Al-Samman, a songwriter who gracefully elevates his influences. ‘Dark Horse’ is a wistful and romantic track that pays homage to bad-boy crooners like Lee Hazlewood, Elvis Presley, and late Dion whilst never feeling forced.
Temptress – Anxiety
A decadently-layered R’n’B track from London duo, Temptress. The band opt for a darker and altogether richer sound on ‘Anxiety’ which keeps its instrumental open and its vocals intimate.
