Jess and The Bandits – My Country Christmas

If there’s one Christmas album that is determined to lift you out of your lockdown blues then it is the new release from country band Jess and the Bandits. My Country Christmas is a barnstorming record that has happiness and joy written all over it. Opening track ‘Sleigh Ride’ is emblematic of the album’s resemblanceContinue reading “Jess and The Bandits – My Country Christmas”

Philippa Hanna – Christmas: The Greatest Story

Philippa Hanna’s latest release remains firmly in the realm of Gospel music with a Christmas EP that comes hot on the heels of Christian worship album Stained Glass Stories. Whilst the latter may have been full of the Country singer-songwriter’s original material, Christmas – the Greatest Story is packed with covers of well-known carols bothContinue reading “Philippa Hanna – Christmas: The Greatest Story”

Eleri Angharad – New Sin

With her new single comes a new sound for Eleri Angharad. The Swansea-based singer-songwriter is getting dark and going deep with New Sin, a song about “two lovers, locking eyes and beginning a steamy love affair”. She has stepped away from her country and folk roots for this one, entering into a sultry pop productionContinue reading “Eleri Angharad – New Sin”

Lucy Blu – Got It Covered Christmas

Few can break down my resistance to the festive season starting before Advent. Yet here I am, in early November, listening to Christmas music, and enjoying every minute of it. The person who has managed to assuage my Scrooge-like insistence is Lucy Blu. And her new EP ‘Got It Covered Christmas’ is that rare seasonalContinue reading “Lucy Blu – Got It Covered Christmas”

An Interview with Izzie Walsh

‘Balcony’ is the brand-new single from Manchester-based artist Izzie Walsh. Here, she tells us all about it, as well as life in lockdown, her recent TV appearance, and her passion for the music industry. Hi Izzie! You’re about to release your brand-new single ‘Balcony’. Can we expect a continuation of your unique country/bluegrass sound? OrContinue reading “An Interview with Izzie Walsh”

Introducing Hannah Dorothy

UK Country artist Hannah Dorothy is about to release her debut single, and we’re delighted to introduce her for the first time here on Belles & Gals* ahead of its release on November 9th. ‘Never Again’ is a catchy country song with plenty of easy-listening vibes. Much like Vic Allen, behind the soft vocal tonesContinue reading “Introducing Hannah Dorothy”

Donna Marie – Good Time Girl

UK Country artist Donna Marie continues her penchant for single releases in 2020 with ‘Good Time Girl’. The Warrington warbler further demonstrates her versatility after the thought-provoking ‘This World’ with a complete gear-change into a song that let’s off plenty of steam. With a hard-edge drumbeat and prevalent electric guitar, there is a real countryContinue reading “Donna Marie – Good Time Girl”

Sabine – Standing There

Shropshire-based artist Sabine’s new single ‘Standing There’ is a complimentary follow-up to her latest EP ‘Heart of Mine’. It continues the theme of hope in the midst of heartbreak, and is told using the same style of instrumentation as found on her most recent record. Opening with a powerful guitar chord that reverberates with anContinue reading “Sabine – Standing There”

Ward Thomas – ‘Invitation’ Livestream Concert

Who would have thought that six months ago travelling to a Ward Thomas concert would take a matter of seconds. Even if their Unfiltered tour had gone ahead back in April/May, no one would have believed it possible to be able to attend without leaving your own home. Yet in the age of social distancingContinue reading “Ward Thomas – ‘Invitation’ Livestream Concert”

Wildwood Kin – Homegrown Sessions

With coronavirus restrictions taking hold of the live music scene for the foreseeable future, it appears we may have to get used to the online livestream. The hustle and bustle of people may be absent but the presence of high-quality sound, lighting and camerawork can help recreate the kind of intimate atmosphere synonymous with theContinue reading “Wildwood Kin – Homegrown Sessions”