Ellie Marie – Don’t Take It to Heart

Without denying a pop sensibility, Ellie Marie emphasises the traditional sounds of country on her latest EP ‘Don’t Take It to Heart’. The Bristolian Cowgirl, as she’s aptly named, layers all four tracks with a luscious pedal steel, drawing inspiration from the American South more than most UK artists. The effect conjures up an imageContinue reading “Ellie Marie – Don’t Take It to Heart”

Fiona Lennon – I Love You Baby

There’s a lovely simplicity about Fiona Lennon’s new single. From its title to its theme to its musical arrangement, nothing is complicated about love. Contentment is communicated through a beautiful blend of soft rock and country-pop. Giving ‘I Love You Baby’ a dreamy summer vibe. Lines such as “got me holding up my hands /Continue reading “Fiona Lennon – I Love You Baby”

Hannah’s Yard and Sarah-Louise – A Two-Song Review

What I love most about acoustic covers is their ability to reveal songs in a new light. That is certainly the case with two recent releases from Sarah-Louise and Hannah’s Yard. The former has put out a magical reimagining of ‘Simply the Best’, Tina Turner’s powerhouse vocals disappearing to be replaced by Sarah-Louise’ tender, jazz-inflectedContinue reading “Hannah’s Yard and Sarah-Louise – A Two-Song 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”

Mikki Evans & Gary Quinn – Mr Right Now

Mikki Evans has been blessed with a crack team of UK Country’s finest on ‘Mr Right Now’. Not only has Tim Prottey-Jones had a hand in its production, but Gary Quinn joins her as both co-writer and performer. The song is a lovely duet featuring soft and subtle vocals that sparkle around a light andContinue reading “Mikki Evans & Gary Quinn – Mr Right Now”

Amy-Jo – Young, In Love and Broke

Amy-Jo’s new single, “Young, In Love and Broke,” encompasses a mix of genres, blending blues-style sound with heartfelt lyrics. The song reflects the challenges of love in difficult circumstances, emphasizing the triumph of love over possessions. Amy-Jo skillfully incorporates acoustic, piano, and pedal steel to convey a positive message amidst adversity. The track portrays a realistic, yet whimsical, view of love and life.

Neeve Zahra – Country Kind of Love

There aren’t many stronger debut EPs than Country Kind of Love by Neeve Zahra. The Manchester-based artist has produced not only a very professional-looking record but its five tracks also exude a quality that belies her early-stage career. There is a lovely lilt in her voice which, along with the high notes she often hits,Continue reading “Neeve Zahra – Country Kind of Love”

Amy-Jo – Valentine’s Day

Amy-Jo is both celebrating and breaking stereotypes in her latest single ‘February 14th’. She puts Valentine’s Day firmly under the microscope by way of some astute storytelling. Observations range from the traditional guy ready to woo his girl with roses to the plucky man taking a risk on another who may actually be straight. Amy-JoContinue reading “Amy-Jo – Valentine’s Day”

The Rising – No Hope Without Love

One of the privileges in discovering new artists is witnessing their progression from early single releases to a later, more refined sound. Over the course of time, the raw material with which they start out matures into something that comes to represent their core identity. And it is this identity, once found, that allows themContinue reading “The Rising – No Hope Without Love”