Owen Morton – Mine

For UK fans of Noah Kahan, look no further than Owen Morton. The Liverpudlian has clearly drawn influence from his American counterpart for his latest single ‘Mine’. With that same rhythmic guitar and light pop that bounces along with a smile, Morton captures the blissful joy of a romantic relationship. The link to Autumn mayContinue reading “Owen Morton – Mine”

Olivia Lynn – Open

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”

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”

Demi Marriner – The Things I Said

Demi Marriner is a consummate storyteller. Aptly titled ‘The Things I Said’, her latest EP offers up a coherent narrative of relationship breakdown and the complex road of building oneself back up. It is an emotional journey – of anger, heartbreak, turmoil, and freedom swirling in a controlled musical storm. The emphasis on acoustic guitar,Continue reading “Demi Marriner – The Things I Said”

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”

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”