Australian singer-songwriter Mark Braham has recently released his debut album ‘After A While’.Currently residing in Canberra, Mark Braham also serves as a producer and mixing engineer, regularly working on projects for local and national artists as well as the development of work in the film and TV industry.
‘After A While’ is an acoustically driven album as Mark Braham provides emotive foot tapping tunes of indie folk. With sweet melodies and easy on the ears acoustic backing each track on the album flows beautifully into the next. From the twanging guitar and warm melody in ‘After A While’, the cheery vibrant ‘Space Between the Sound’ and ‘Don’t Save Me Yet’ to the soft twinkling piano in ‘We Were Young’ and ethereal ‘Always Son’ Braham creates each track meticulously building tender emotion and passion into each component part. ‘Any Real Reason’ fleshes out the country twang element of the album while ‘Million Dollar Star’ introduces elegant string arrangements to flutter between the piano. The entire album is an emotional and personal collection of acoustic music presented by Mark Braham with final track ‘This Is Our Lives’ ending with uplifting tones and exuding snug comfort as nostalgic tones stream throughout.
‘After A While’ is a wonderful warm collection of tracks, perfect for those who love chilling and listening to acoustic music.
Last Race Home are an Indie, Acoustic band consisting of members Denis Ferrige (Lead Vocals, Harmonica and acoustic guitar), Steven Otoole (Backing vocals Lead Guitar), Jim Corry (Drums), Phil McCardle (Backing vocals and Bass Guitar), Stephen Greenhalgh (Trumpet) and Donna Jevens (Backing Vocals) and formed in Manchester. Their style ranges from beefy foot stomping tunes, hard bitten northern melancholy and uplifting anthems with bold storytelling lyrics. The band have recently released their new single ‘Whiskey & Roses (Revolution Radio)’ a track about the death of a radio station in Manchester.
‘Whiskey & Roses (Revolution Radio)’ is a melodic number smothered in melancholic tones and a tender sweet melody that tugs hard at the heart strings. From its subtle twinkling guitar intro this track warms the cockles of your heart. With passionate easing vocals teamed with a sweet catchy melody its instantly likable. The track builds becoming more passionate with trumpet injections lifting it and adding a triumphant warmth and vibrancy to the song. The lush backing vocals harmonise perfectly while a rich foot tapping rhythm drives the track with a punchy spring and infectious buoyancy. Though the tone is sombre this track manages to maintain a peppy lift and glowing reassurance that will have you bopping along in no time.
Watch the video for ‘Whiskey & Roses (Revolution Radio)’ below
Grant Ashman and Mark Neat who are collectively known as Delta Howl are set to release their debut single ‘Reach The Shore’ this Friday. The duo who both grew up in Dudley recorded, mixed and mastered the track in their own studio. It’s the first single off a five track EP which is due to be released in the summer. ‘Reach The Shore’ is a foot tapping clap along friendly track wrapped in warm nostalgic tones. This track bops along with a chirpy spring in its step. Simple yet effective with mellow acoustic guitar jingles and hand clapping feature it glows with bright qualities and a honeyed melty melody. Sweet county twangs create a cosy camp fire atmosphere while soothing passionate vocals give a snug toasty comforting quality. Bursting with raw emotion this catchy track leaves an imprint in your mind and will have you swaying and singling along in no time.
Olly Flavell a Manchester-based singer-songwriter currently studying at British and Irish Modern Music (BIMM) Institute, has released his new single ‘Back to Life’. With wisdom beyond his years and a youthful flair, carefully crafted material naturally flows from this talented 20-year-old making him stand out from the crowd. In combining influences from the realms of pop, country and rock Olly creates a contemporary sound with nuances of classic melodies and traditional lyricism. Olly obtained slots at festivals such as 2000 trees and has played iconic venues such as Birmingham’s Genting Arena and the ICC Symphony Hall. Olly’s skillfully crafted songs have earned him the opportunity to write toplines for Swedish dance music and also write for the likes of Little Mix. Collaborations with Tim Lord and Ben Newbury, stylist and video director to artists such as James Bay, also feature on his list. ‘Back to Life’ warms with country glowing qualities and emotionally charged lyrics. This track gleams with sweet melodies and cosy reassurance. Twinkling guitar and a cushioned beat adds a fluffy bounce and vitality while Olly’s soothing vocals flood with passion and emotion. This gentle tender track builds to an anthemic sing along chorus that is heart warming and sway worthy. Bursting with positive chord progressions and beaming tones its a track that will settle your soul.
Olly Flavell is set to record and release a five-track EP in May entitled ‘Indigo Sunrise so keep and eye out for that.
Stream ‘Back to Life’ below
Leeds boisterous acoustic-led indie alt-rock band The Elephant Trees have released their debut single ’90 Degrees’. Band members Martha Phillips,Will Milton, Sam Hugh-Jones and Tom Palmer formed in early 2015 and have been writing and gigging relentlessly ever since.They have spent the time since their inception honing their live show and supporting artists such as Jake Isaac, City of Lights, and Billy Bibby (ex-Catfish and the Bottlemen), as well as playing venues such as Leeds’ Belgrave Music Hall and O2 Academy. They blend a more acoustic singer-songwriter style with huge riffs and singalong choruses to create a unique and infectious sound. ’90 Degrees’ is an impressive blow of raucous causing energy blistering with strident guitars pummelling drums and fiery energy. A forceful thudding beat kicks of the track followed by an infectious gritty scorching riff. ’90 Degrees’ builds in momentum into a frantic mosh worthy crescendo with shredding guitar solo and a sing along bridge that will have a live audience bellowing at the top of their lungs. Its crafted for massive live shows and frantic crowds. Confident attitude infused swagger driven vocals add punch and fight, its a song that screams don’t mess with me. Dramatic stops and hefty rhythm teamed with strident guitars, its a mighty and exciting debut from The Elephant Trees. These guys are ones to watch.
Watch the video for ’90 Degrees’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
