Tag Archives: Soul

EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Soul, New Music, Soul

Toshín ‘Get Your Life’ EP

Dublin soul-infused pop-funk sextet Toshín have released their debut EP ‘Get Your Life’.The EP was recorded by Rob Kennedy in his studio in Donabate, Co. Dublin. It was co-produced by Zapho (Ele Breslin) and the band themselves. Zapho also co-wrote lyrics for two of the songs, “Eat, Sleep, Sex, Desire” and “Seriously”.

‘Get Your Life’ is a fun richly textured EP as Toshín create wonderful soul smacked tunes with R&B influences and a tasty peppering of Motown. These guys have a tight sound that oozes confidence and sass. They provide jubilant sounds with sublime saxophone blasts, tantalizing bass grooves and superb guitar work. Toshín possess the mesmerising ability to create elegant moments with their music through the use of wonderful strings and vocal harmony.

The funk flavoured licks and buoyant backdrop glitter with swagger and attitude in ‘Seriously’ and ‘Eat, Sleep, Sex, Desire (ft. Zapho)’ as the band layer the tracks with lush textures and grandeur. Jazzy keys and warm brass elements create a sophisticated and wholesome soundscape. The guitars in each track flamboyantly prance with a fluid majesty that maintains contrasting elements of grace and ear-splitting, fret-melting aspects with gritty undertones – all while blending perfectly against the driving bass grooves and elastic beat. The band veer their songs from wiggle worthy sensuality to mosh pit mania seamlessly creating something enjoyable for everyone. Toshín chat through the jam-like ‘Get Your Life (Interlude)’ while ‘Oh Lord’ provides that enthralling glimpse into the bands Motown faction. With its sway-like tempo building tension and creating a smoky atmosphere, the track forms the bands transition into a sound which is darker and more gripping than its predecessors while the outstanding recent single ‘Knock Knock’ is a refreshing strong and moving finale to the EP.

The obvious factor holding all these fantastic and instrumentally deft tracks together is Tosin Bankole’s retro, big-lunged, soulful vocals. She commands attention and controls her powerful voice masterfully bellowing with might before cooing with a sultry sweet rasped tone. She can evoke such emotion, passion and sass with just her voice alone –  its mesmerising. 

Within each track on ‘Get Your Life’ the band flex their Motown, indie and funk/soul muscles to create a sound that is as lush and vibrant as it is moving and honest. Toshín present an EP brimming with big soul stompers, smooth R&B gems and oodles of swagger. The dynamic soundscapes, crisp production and fizzy rhythms within ‘Get Your Life’ is admirable. Toshín have built a fine body of work doused in professional prowess and slick musicianship.

About the EP Tosin says: “This EP is about getting your life! It’s about feeling good about yourself, and being the best you can be. It’s also a mixture of emotions; “Oh Lord” is about daddy issues, “Seriously” is about being a queen, and “Eat Sleep” is about trying to get the ride. Isn’t that what we all go through?”

You can catch Toshin live at :

20/02: Spirit Store, Dundalk

22/02: Crane Lane, Cork

27/02: Roisin Dubh, Galway

29/02: Smiddy’s, Mullingar

01/03: The Nail Bar, Trim

05/03: Empire, Belfast

12/03: The Grand Social, Dublin

Stream ‘Get Your Life’ below 


Author : Danu

Blues, Indie, Indie Blues, Indie Soul, New Music, Soul

Cavey ‘About To Start’

London’s alt/rock band Cavey have released their new single ‘About To Start’ produced by Blaenavon’s Frank Wright.The four-piece consists of Luke Cave (Guitar, Vocals), Alexander Chalstrey (Piano, Organ, Rhodes), Chun-Ting “Refa” Wang (Upright Bass, Bass guitar) and Adrian Ortman (Drums). The band combines classic sounds and inventive songwriting to create their own brand of soulful, contemporary rock’n’roll.

‘About To Start’ is a bluesy, soul ballad which focuses on the unfulfilling side of life as a musician. This passionate number swoons and pines over blues drenched guitar laments, jazz jangles on piano and a staggering drowsy rhythmic backbone. There is  a vintage classic posture in this track as it glides with finesse and elegance, oozing a maturity and richness that is to be admired. Cavey have crafted this track beautifully as twinkling piano elements gracefully hop and bounce between wistful pines on guitar while Luke Cave mourns and coos passionately over this rich, vibrant and captivating backdrop. Filled with warm tones and sensual textures from the elastic bass lines this steamy, weepy track is a whisky soaked sob of emotional perfection.

Stream ‘About To Start’ below  

 

 


Album Release, Album Review, Blues Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll, Soul

Maker ‘DEA’ Album

Kent four piece Maker will release their twelve track debut long-player, ‘DEA’, on Kidda Records on 6th April 2018. Made up of band members Alessandro Marinelli (vocals), brothers Andrew Donaldson (guitar) and Gavin Donaldson (drums) and John Austin (bass) Maker bring a sound brimming with psychedelic bluesy punch and stirred with a fist full of soul. The band have already picked-up fans in one of the world’s most acclaimed guitarists, Rich Robinson (The Black Crowes/Magpie Salute), as well as Simone Marie (Primal Scream) and Tom Meighan (Kasabian). Their debut album ‘DEA’ was recorded at the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales where artists such as Oasis, The Stone Roses, Queen, Black Sabbath, Kasabian plus many more have all recorded seminal albums. Produced by Nick Brine (The Stone Roses, Oasis, Teenage Fanclub, Imelda May), the album was recorded over just fourteen days and every track was recorded with the band all together playing in the same room.

‘DEA’ is a timeless swagger filled pure rock album with all the boozy soaked blues, fire loaded soul and leather dressed suave you’d expect from this four piece. From the first shredding riff of ‘Soul’ you know your in for one hell of an album. Its gritty, rough around the edges rock with enough sass and swagger thrown in to create a sleek steamy blazing rock track. With powerful vocals and strut ready atmosphere teamed with passion and soul, it’s an anthemic and fiery start. The debut album’s title, ‘DEA’, comes from the initials of the album track ‘Dead Ends & Avenues’, a track which is about triumph in the face of adversity, making your own luck and succeeding despite life’s hurdles.It’s a foot stomping infectious number that shuffles and prances with a rebellious two finger salute. These guys keep pelting out the sizzling licks brain crashing drums and rugged brawny riffs over infectious melodies and feel good blistering stamina to create an album that is wholly satisfying and invigorating. With shredding guitar solos and oodles of red hot energy this album is locked and loaded and set to scalding temperatures. The Lenny Kravitz– esque ‘Move Your Feet’, bluesy sensual ‘Quick Getaway’ and funky flavoured ‘Curtain Call’ all ooze trade mark shots of their raw, brawny, slick rock and roll. While the sultry ‘Girl Quit Your Crying’ brings a slower tonality with its bluesy and soulful tone and sensual sway -like tempo. Featuring steamy guitar licks and a elegant piano feature before building to a mighty crescendo with punchy drums and expressive vocals this track is passionate and powerfully sharp all while cruising on sultry and sensually smooth swagger. Maker use this album to showcase the versatility in their sound as they whack out the twanging glorious ‘John’s Pharmacy’. With its country- esque twangs and glowing warmth teamed with peppy piano, it’s a joyous little ditty.There is no end to their slick rock and roll, ‘Soaked Up’ floods through reinforcing their golden rock and roll drenched flamboyance that makes you want to dance. Each anthemic track is like an instant shot of confidence and a strut ready soundtrack to boost you with feel good vibes and make you feel like you’re the sh*t. While the smooth tender tracks like ‘Comin In From The Rain’ cools the tone and sets the perfect scene for summer evening chill time. It’s delicate and passionate without becoming sappy. It is tender and emotional in a raspy sweet rock and roll way. ‘She’s On A Replay’ is a sultry dark mysterious track that is worth the wait, slotting in second last on the album it’s a strident laid back swagger laden banger steeped in spine chilling blues that creeps in, all mysterious and eerie before the explosive chorus. The intensity of the verses tease the thrilling chorus to come while slick guitar licks slither around the brawny melody and blistering riffs.The sweet warm twangs of  ‘(Little Bit Of) Soul’ brings us to a calming mellow end to the album. It’s soulful and charming with glimmering guitars behind a melty passionate melody and punchy drums which then builds into a stomping anthem. It’s a euphoric sublime end to an album that packs some mighty beefy punches and swagger soaked kicks.

Maker have already headlined many of the UK’s most prestigious venues (including rocking London’s legendary 100 Club in March 2017 as part of the ‘Best Of British Blues Explosion’), played as special guests to some of the UK’s finest artists (including band hero Wilko Johnson) and shared bills with the likes of The Cribs, Dizzee Rascal and Mark Ronson, to name but a few. The band have a handful of brand new live shows just confirmed (with further dates to be added in the near future).

‘DEA’ is released on Kidda Records on 6th April 2018 for more information head to Makers Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/Makeruk/

 

Stream ‘Soul’ below

 

 


Indie Soul, New Music, Soul

Population 7 ‘Lowlight’

Population 7 are a nine piece alternative UK hip-hop and neo-soul band from the West-Midlands.The band have released their video for their new single ‘Lowlight’. This chilled effortless cool track exudes soulful breezy swagger and placid grooves.So laid back with velvety vocals lush harmonies which is blended with vocal rapping these guys present a smokey fluid track that evaporates, glides and cruises with ease. A soft beat encases the track in a buoyant blanket while gentle piano floats with fine elegance adding a cold classy chicness. It’s soaked in a subtle panache with a fiery attitude displayed through the rapping but still holds a delicate finesse and soulful passion.

Watch the video for ‘Lowlight’ below


Indie, Indie Soul, New Music, Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Michael Jablonka

Michael Jablonka is a musician from London. In addition to performing as Michael Kiwanuka’s chosen guitarist Jablonka has been fine-tuning his own powerful 21st-century take on bluesy alt-funk and soulful indie-rock. The 27-year-old has been gigging since the tender age of 14 as an in-demand guitarist for hire. Those who have enjoyed his dextrous services include Charlie Brown, Stooshe, Shakka and Delta Maid. Jablonka’s intense yet universal alt-rock’n’soul tunes scream for wider appreciation and ‘Peacefully’ is the first of a dynamite double-A to be released by Jablonka on Lost In The Manor Records.

‘Peacefully’ erupts with a blistering guitar riff that sizzles and scorches into a whip crack slapping rhythm. Jablonka’s vocals, raspy and soul infused bleed over the melty infectious melody. It’s so satisfyingly heavy and fuzzed with sharp enthralling guitar exuding red hot fiery swagger. Jablonka is cool and majestic while the massive anthemic chorus explodes with a combustible rawness. Edgy and refined it’s an electric soul belter that will leave you gobsmacked. This guy has so much talent it seeps from every note, every lyric, glowing like divinity, it’s a track to gather the masses and consume them in its celestial sound. It’s a slap in the face announcing a true musician in all his glory. Put it on repeat ‘Peacefully’ is your doorway to escapism, consume and absorb this divine track. Keep an eye out for this guy.

“Peacefully is about separating yourself from a rough situation,” says Jablonka of the track produced by Ben ‘BJ’ Jackson at NXNE Studios in London. “Everyone is constantly in need of escapism.”

Stream ‘Peacefully’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Soul, Indie-Pop-Soul, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

James Ghareeb ‘Do It With Luv’

Singer-songwriter James Ghareeb has announced the release of his new single ‘Do It With Luv’ from his forthcoming EP available later this year. Ghareeb first found success after becoming a social media breakout star through his Vine videos. He started making short clips covering the likes of Justin Bieber, surpassing over 6 million views along the way.  In 2015 James recorded his first EP ‘Hanging From The Stars’ which debuted at number 4 on the iTunes chart upon release. During that time, the Lebanese American, caught the attention of critically acclaimed produced Tony Ghantous (Kris Allen, Disney), who quickly began work on Ghareeb’s sophomore release.

 ‘Do It With Luv’ is a crisp fresh sun soaked tune that radiates laid back vibes and good times. Laced in tropical rhythms with rock pop elements and an infectious delicious melody it’s slick cool and oh so catchy. Sharp zests of guitar squirts between rich clap along rhythms and velvety vocals. Lush backing vocals “woo” adding colour and vibrancy. The track cruises with mellow easy-going euphoria and elastic bounce. It’s breezy sun kissed and mind numbingly dreamy all while packing some nice perky stabs of R&B and soul. Tightly wrapped in intricate sleek production and fine musicianship this track rolls in on a wave of carefree bliss. I’ll look forward to hearing more from James Ghareeb

Stream ‘Do It With Luv’ below


Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Soul, New Music, Rock and Roll, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Dull Blue Lights

The Dull Blue Lights are a band in between. Drawing from influences as varied as Motown soul, Nuggets psychedelia and Jamaican rocksteady, the Philadelphia-based group’s definitive blend of cascading harmonies, screaming guitars and relentlessly grooving rhythms lives somewhere between each one. The band calls this in-between sound Basement Soul. Their new single ‘Press Play’ is the latest single from The Dull Blue Lights’ upcoming self-titled debut album, due out July 13th which was produced by Andrija Tokic (Alabama Shakes, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Benjamin Booker, Clear Plastic Masks).
‘Press Play’ is a juicy fruity blend of slick rock and roll. Sharp nimble guitar teamed with relentlessly shimmying rhythms, this track is a massive explosion of feel good bright rock and roll. It’s cool with smooth vocals and a swagger infused cruising glide that creates an impulsive strut and prance. Exuding flamboyance and panache this track is the slick back charmer that will have girls swooning from the first note. It’s a track reminiscent of 50’s rock and roll mania. Once that rich rhythm section kicks in you won’t be able to stop yourself from dancing. With quirky organ chords thrown in and a melty infectious melody, it’s a swanky stride of explosive energy and slick musicianship. Oozing soul and passion this track is vintage cool and sublime while also remaining current. A must listen.

Stream ‘Press Play’ below


Album Release, Album Review, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Blues, Indie Soul, New Music

Aja Volkman ‘Sandy’ Album Review

Aja Volkman, the former female front for the LA rock-trio Nico Vega, has announced her long awaited solo debut with the release of her debut album ‘Sandy’. Featuring the lead single ‘My Man’, the album will be available to download on all major media providers from May 19th. Born and raised in Oregon, Aja Volkman began her musical career at a young age and it quickly progressed into a prodigious talent. Volkman’s musical career opened up after she joined forces with War Paint front woman Emily Kohal and for the first time in the public sphere, she unleashed a provocative vocal that would soon define her career. Her foray into the music world continued in 2004 when she forged the successful LA rock trio Nico Vega. After teaming up with Linda Perry (Gwen Stefani, Pink, Christina Aguilera), Nico Vega released their first full-length album in 2009, which received critical acclaim. In 2015 Nico Vega continued to gain popularity after landing an opening slot for Imagine Dragons and now after a short hiatus, Aja Volkman announces her return to music with her debut solo album ‘Sandy’.
‘Sandy’ is a cosy intimate album immersed in beautiful heartfelt delicate tones with country twangs drizzled on top to add a speckle of fun and vibrancy to the album. Dripping in vintage bluesy soul the album displays a sophisticated sound with rich depth and satisfying textures. ‘My Man’ kicks off the album setting a 50’s or 60’s romantic sway-like scene. Elegant and graceful it glides like a fairy tale waltz. The soft instrumentation and sweet lulling backing “sha la la” vocals create a dreamy swoony affectionate flow and glide to this beautiful track. Volkman’s honey soaked vocals coo the luscious melody creating the perfect soothing fanciful scene to blissfully loose yourself  in. This track is irresistibly smooth and velvety as it oozes and seeps idyllic romance. Volkman follows this with track after track featuring  sweet gentle lusciously rich textures. ‘Bother Me’ brings warm country twangs to the candied delicious sound. While ‘Nobody’ adds a bounce and vibrancy with a sassy attitude. The album is speckled with jazzy piano elements in tracks such as ‘Deep Love’ and mysterious steamy tones in ‘Skeletons’ all while maintaining an exquisite knack for ear worm melodies. ‘Sandy’ winds down to a graceful, tender almost peaceful end with ‘Cracked’. Volkman has created a collection of heartfelt eloquent tracks that display her classy elegant and affluent musicianship.
Aja Volkman recorded the album with singer-songwriter Joshua James in Utah and it has taken over a year to put together. ‘Sandy’ is out May 19th and you can get her brand new single ‘My Man’ as an instant download when you pre-order the album from April 28th.
Stream ‘My Man’ below


Indie Pop, Indie Soul, Indie-Pop-Soul, New Music, Soul

Just Alex and Yan Etchevary ‘Til Midnight’

Singer-songwriters Just Alex and Yan Etchevary have announced the release of their new single ‘Til Midnight’ available on major media platforms from April 28th. The single is taken from the duo’s forthcoming EP ‘GLASS’ due for release May 12th. Before launching their collaborative project, Alex and Yan both enjoyed respective successful solo careers. Canadian singer-songwriter Yan Etchevary gained international recognition with the single ‘The Way You Want Me’ with DJ Lucky Rose. The song was nominated for the Heatseeker award at the 2016 Canadian Music Week Awards and has garnered over 9 million stream on Spotify. The Canadian powerhouses have joined forces to record the single ‘Til Midnight’, a modern ballad which is sure to invoke the emotions of any listener. Recorded in Montreal, the single hosts a list of contributors who have worked with some of the world’s biggest names, including Tom Coyne (Adele, Bruno Mars) and Stephen Kaye (Ziggy Marley). Just Alex cites Sam Smith as his inspiration for the single, which was recorded with a live quartet at the songwriter’s studio.

‘Til Midnight’ is a twinkling delight packed with soul and tender emotion, its light dimming mood setting smoothness that flows with an effortless sway. Feathery light elegant strings caress the track and sweep it into a romantic flurry. Creamy vocals and light piano feature glide  through the track with passion and delicacy. ‘Til Midnight’ is a swoony dreamy pop track that oozes romance from its core

Stream ‘Til Midnight’ below


Indie, Indie Soul, New Music, Soul

Jetty Rae ‘Queen of the Universe’

Jetty Rae is a singer and songwriter originally from Northern Michigan. She released her first full-length album, ‘Blackberries’, in 2007; her first EP, ‘Nobody’, in November 2009; and a lullaby album, ‘La La Lu and the Lazy Moon’, in July 2011. Her album ‘Drowning in Grain’ was released in February 2012 (peaking at #130 on the CMJ 200 charts), ‘Climbing Clouds’ in August of 2013, followed by a Christmas album ‘More Than December’ in November of 2014. 2015 saw Jetty’s first collaborative project under the moniker ‘Pen Pals’ with the release of the album ‘Gold’. Jetty garnered the attention of JetBlue when she played at the opening of their new Terminal at JFK International Airport. MTV. com interviewed Jetty for their ‘Needle In The Haystack’ series, and her song ‘I Love You’ was selected as a free download and featured on their up-and-coming artist blog. Jetty Rae shared the stage with Sarah McLachlan and Miranda Lambert at Lilith Fair in Detroit where she was handpicked by Sarah McLachlan and Terry McBride as the featured local artist. Jetty’s music has also been used in a number of TV commercials for brands such as Microsoft, PetCo, Truvia, Nabi Tablets and more.
Jetty has released her new single ‘Queen of the Universe’ off her first full-length album in four years, ‘Can’t Curse The Free’. This sultry soulful track is packed with passionate darkened swagger and attitude. Its a fiery dangerous smothering sensual track oozing feminine power and dominance. Strong bold vocals lay down the law with sizzling red hot soulful tones and sass. Its a luring dangerously smoking smoulder that burns with intensity. The soft coaxing beat teamed with sticky licks on guitar create a sway-like flow. Jetty’s compelling vocals hold the main centre point of the track, it pushes you into submission with such ease, like she used alcohol and luring steamy distraction to get what she wants. Determined striking chords on guitar are an empowering nod to women everywhere. This track gives an image of a powerful dangerous woman with the world in her hands.
Stream ‘Queen of the Universe’ below