After a quiet 2024, Olivia Lynn returns to the UK Country scene with her new single ‘Open’. It is a reminder of how infectious her blend of British Pop and Modern Country is. How masterful her lyrical storytelling can be. Here, the expectant mother doesn’t just show her vulnerability but makes it the central themeContinue reading “Olivia Lynn – Open”
Category Archives: Single Reviews
Helen Maw – The Moment
The new single from Helen Maw feels like a fitting companion piece to her debut album. The hinge on which she now pivots. For after “distilling her emotions” in ‘Growing Pains’, ‘The Moment’ is that decision to let go and move on. It continues her penchant for soulful storytelling. But it’s the guitar rather thanContinue reading “Helen Maw – The Moment”
Rebecca Richards – Aces are High
Having come to associate Rebecca Richards with the Country ballad, ‘Aces are High’ shoots across to the other end of the spectrum. Her new single is more ‘Goodbye Earl’ than ‘Wide Open Spaces’. With plenty of electric guitar to boot. Telling the story of how one woman overcame a violent and abusive childhood, the songContinue reading “Rebecca Richards – Aces are High”
Katy Hurt – Seasons
Katy Hurt is becoming adept at soundscaping. Carving out a liminal space into which she deposits her emotive lyrics. In her new single ‘Seasons’, they set sail on a sea of frank honesty. Inviting the listener to explore feelings of change, uncertainty and inevitability, against a vivid backdrop of abstract Folk/Pop. As with ‘Oh Girl’,Continue reading “Katy Hurt – Seasons”
Katy Hurt ft. Two Ways Home – Merry Christmas Everybody
The scream of Noddy Holder is as synonymous with Christmas as mince pies and fairy lights. It is also emblematic of the chaotic and wild excitement of the whole song. So Katy Hurt‘s version of ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’ is a refreshing take on this British classic. Through the gentle meandering of an acoustic guitar andContinue reading “Katy Hurt ft. Two Ways Home – Merry Christmas Everybody”
Katie Nicholas, Katherine Priddy, & Demi Marriner – A Triple Review
Ghosting, aloofness, deceit. All themes that spring from Katie Nicholas’, Katherine Priddy’, and Demi Marriner’s latest singles. ‘In Your Shadow’ is the first. A melancholic tune from Katie Nicholas that could easily have featured on her ‘Feather’ EP. With a heady mix of vibrant strings, they communicate the vulnerability of one who loves but isContinue reading “Katie Nicholas, Katherine Priddy, & Demi Marriner – A Triple Review”
April Moon, Amy-Jo, & Vic Allen – A Triple Review
Woven into the songs of April Moon, Amy-Jo and Vic Allen are aspects of love that intertwine. Released on the same day, they speak across the generations to form a picture of the dreams, desires and pressures of the everywoman. Starting on a Saskatchewan farm, ‘Uptown Lady Life’ tells the story of a young girlContinue reading “April Moon, Amy-Jo, & Vic Allen – A Triple Review”
Caitlin Mae – Mr Moving On
Welsh Country artist Caitlin Mae retains the rock and ratchets it up on her latest single. ‘Mr Moving On’ contains more than a streak of what has become her signature sound. This is a production with plenty of electric guitar and heavy drumbeat. Instruments that speak to a narrative of regret. This is a caseContinue reading “Caitlin Mae – Mr Moving On”
See Emily Play – What the Hell is BDD
It feels like See Emily Play is breathing new life into the alt-country scene. If it’s not the quirkily-named single ‘Yoko Ono was Seven Years Older than John’, then it’s the unconventional musicality of ‘What the Hell is BDD’. I say this because the subject of mental health is so often accompanied by reflective orContinue reading “See Emily Play – What the Hell is BDD”
You Kill Me – Katie Nicholas ft. Robert Vincent
The title of Katie Nicholas’ new single has become hauntingly relevant. The story of ‘You Kill Me’ is about forbidden love but it takes on a more sinister meaning in the context of its release. It almost didn’t see the light of day this week due to a technical error, exposing the dark side toContinue reading “You Kill Me – Katie Nicholas ft. Robert Vincent”