You Should Be Listening
- Eleanor Mussell
- Apr 4
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 18
My most on repeat songs as of right now!
Not two words I would have ever thought to put together, but it just works. Marie Davidson’s sultry voice paired with an addictive electronic instrumental amalgamate into an absolute piece of art. My observation is that this is a message of self-love and somebody learning that you don't have an unspoken obligation to impress others; Davidson brings this across in the most creative way. The sass in her delivery and the cheeky little riff during the chorus all combine to make something brilliant and super, super catchy. I really enjoy the way she can sound so passionate and so not bothered all at the same time, it's a skill I wish I could master too.
If I'd been robbed at gunpoint, I think I'd write a song about it, which is exactly what Sports Team did. Bang Bang Bang is a western/country-inspired tune, opening with a perfectly yeehaw guitar riff and and whistle. There are very diverse sections of Bang Bang Bang that make the song really interesting to listen to. It comments on ridiculous American gun laws using examples of very minor problems being ‘solved’ via gun violence. For such an important topic, the song comes across as very unserious, with fun brass elements and call and response vocals, and it just feels very American. For a British band, I was convinced.
Sleazy rock at its finest, The Peep Tempel have one thing to say and, Carol, I'm looking at you. I regret not having discovered this song earlier because it is such a catchy banger. Hoping to save Carol from a supposed romantic heathen named Trevor, The Peep Tempel declares their love in a song of warning. Deep, dirty basslines and a single strum of the guitar are enough to portray the urgency in which Carol must receive this message. I am beginning to believe that Australia can not produce bad musicians, however, I must know what “Carol you're my spade, I'm your bucket” actually means. Please tell me.
The power behind this song is simply astonishing, using musical elements inspired from around the globe to create an intriguing instrumental. The piano and guitar riff playing simultaneously at the beginning drew me in instantly, to then being met with dampened drums and bass makes it feel warm and soft. Intertwined with Merve Erdem’s controlled vocals, singing softly a story of immigration and how difficult it is to adapt to a new country's approaches to living and working. There are sections of an almost gospel choir during the chorus that melt my soul This joined together with Kit Sebastian's incredible talent, has produced a stunning song from start to finish. I cross paths with Kit Sebastian's music a lot, maybe it's time for a deeper dive.
If I could put this entire album on this list, I would; what a perfect debut this is. I actually can not stop listening to this song, it's always stuck in my head and I genuinely believe it is one of my favourites of the YEAR so far. Bringing an indie pop vibe to the fore, Divorce delivers a soft opening, slowly introducing each instrument until joined by beautiful vocals. The harmonies throughout this song are so brilliant, their voices blend together seamlessly and sound totally angelic (no pun intended). The verses don't prepare you for being shoved into a minor key build-up, before reaching the heavier chorus featuring mind-blowing harmonies and strummed electric guitar. The emotion travels through this song so successfully that I can feel every word.
I genuinely believed that this was a ‘Family Rain’ song initially because of the similarities in style, even down to the vocal effects. It's got sleaze and rock woven right through it with that grungy guitar riff and bass. Vocal layering, heaps of reverb and echo have made a really individual sound, so much so that sometimes I'm struggling to figure out what he's trying to say, I do love the backing vocals too. The bridge section feels very Tame Impala inspired; after all of the loudness comes a moment a calm where synth joins the party and the bass takes over from the guitar. It's been stuck in my head forever and you should really be listening to it right now.
Without trying to sound weird, ‘It’s You’ sounds welcomingly damp. All of the instruments are very softened and play along to a funky little drum machine beat, then accompanied by vocals performed by LA Priest. This song somehow sounds both like something you’d listen to on a beach in a hot place or on an empowering walk through a park. I am just so obsessed with LA Priest’s voice, he provides such a unique delivery with little ad-libs and flicks that put a big stamp on his excellent work. Towards the end of the song, the guitar is distorted and to me sounds like what being very drunk feels like. Did he give the guitar one beer too many? Will we ever know? It’s easy listening taken to a new level and is always a ‘getting the train’ favourite of mine, it makes me feel like I am the love interest in a film.
I couldn’t think of a more impressive collection of legendary artists than those that form ‘Everyone Says Hi’, I couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard any of their stuff until now. ‘Brain Freeze’ is an epic piece that sounds orchestral in some places and chunky in others. Nick Hodgeson came packed with his gorgeous vocal range and tone, assisted only slightly by a dreamy effect that really just enhances the vibe of this song. The beginning of this song feels like a phone call across space, with lyrics about escaping to live in a fantasy which could really, refer to anything. This was their debut single and a strong one at that, I think the mix of music styles alongside the range of talent in this new band has combined to create something amazing.
I cried on the train when I listened to this for the first time, and not even just a little bit. It’s surprising how two instruments and two vocalists can make you feel something so deeply. A soft, acoustic guitar playing simple chords, a piano that drifts across the base melody so gracefully you wouldn’t know it was there if you weren’t listening for it, and the mesmerising harmonies of Helen Dixon and Christie Gardner forming a simplistic yet meaningful song. Sitting at a comfortable 3 minutes long, It’s Not The Same In Winter’ has repeating verses that are harmonised most of the way through. The song refers to the feeling of emotional distance to perhaps someone you were once close to, not being able to recall memories of them despite that prior closeness. It is absolutely beautiful, and it did take me a few listens to stop crying to it, I think it’s a topic we all know so well.
I’m so happy I stumbled across this song, it’s giving me 'the end of a film where two characters in love finally reunite' vibes. The message I get from this song is the indecisiveness of youth, especially relating to love, nobody quite knows what they want at first. With a perfect collaboration of voices, Folk Bitch Trio perform the most beautiful three part harmony that makes my ears jump for joy. Armed with folk-y guitar, a simple drum beat and bass, every time I listen to this song I feel the need to run through a field, the album art also influences this feeling. I have the honour of seeing these guys live at a festival this year and I absolutely can not wait. The only criticism I have is that I need it to be longer, I need more of this song!
Discover something new and give these fantastic songs a listen. Read more reviews and much more at thesoundreview.co.uk.
Kommentarer