The release of ‘Better Late Than Never’ was ironically well timed. For there was no better sound to accompany the Northern Lights than Mared’s latest record. The Welsh singer-songwriter presents a suitably expansive soundscape; with sweeping melodies, soaring vocals and carefully-crafted rhythms running through a mix of pulsating electronica, fragile folk, and lightly-dusted pop. AsContinue reading “Mared – Better Late Than Never”
Tag Archives: Music
My Relationship with ‘My Church’
Everyone has a song that means something to them. And for me, ‘My Church’ by Maren Morris is one of those songs. It has followed me for the best part of almost ten years, and recently I have had cause to reflect on how its informed my relationship with faith, religion, spirituality, and music. IContinue reading “My Relationship with ‘My Church’”
Gareth Lewis – Roots
Gareth Lewis knows how to concoct the perfect musical cocktail. The Swansea singer-songwriter has come up with a delightfully eclectic mix for his latest record, ‘Roots’. Expect a strong taste of rock, with a dash of Blues and a pinch of Country, a drop of Gospel and a hit of electronica, guaranteed to fizz andContinue reading “Gareth Lewis – Roots”
Helen Maw – Growing Pains
Helen Maw has a great deal of heartbreak to share on debut album ‘Growing Pains’. The Liverpool singer/songwriter puts the piano centre stage in a series of songs that feature break-ups, shake-ups and the odd take-up of relationships. Mixed in with these emotional stories are a variety of instruments that all serve to enhance theContinue reading “Helen Maw – Growing Pains”
Elles Bailey – The Night Owl & The Lark
The team around Elles Bailey has solidified over these past couple of years. And it’s only when hearing ‘The Night Owl & The Lark’ do you realise how integral they have become to her sound. Not that this latest EP disrupts in any negative way. There are notable differences though from her previous records. WhileContinue reading “Elles Bailey – The Night Owl & The Lark”
Amy-Jo – On Days Like These
Amy-Jo puts a contemporary twist on a well-loved classic for her first release of 2024. Not many have attempted to rework ‘On Days Like These’, perhaps because Matt Munro’s original is so definitive. Rather than make massive alterations then, the producers of Amy-Jo’s version merely update it using the latest techniques. It means a farContinue reading “Amy-Jo – On Days Like These”
Lisa T – Easy to Love
Lisa T starts 2024 with a deftly-pointed finger. Through a simple pop production that has a touch of classic Cheryl Cole about it, she presents the reality of what real relationship looks like. The stripped-back nature of the guitar chords at the beginning of ‘Easy to Love’ have more than a touch of romanticism aboutContinue reading “Lisa T – Easy to Love”
Mared & Bronwen – A Joint Christmas Review
Bronwen and Mared have been visited by the ghosts of Christmas past and present this year to tell their respective tales of home. Both Welsh singer-songwriters draw on a rich array of imagery to convey the festive season. ‘December Blues’ contains the most simple yet striking of pictures that represent a very modern sensibility. TheContinue reading “Mared & Bronwen – A Joint Christmas Review”
Jodie Marie @ The Tin Shed
“It’s like being in my living room”, says Jodie Marie. And the audience quietly agree. Last time I was at The Tin Shed, the Spring sun was streaming through the windows from the green hillside: the perfect accompaniment to Ellie Gowers. Tonight, in mid-December, it’s a different story. The black night coats the glass toContinue reading “Jodie Marie @ The Tin Shed”
Nashville: A Reflection on Anxiety and Faith on a Trip to Music City
It has been almost a month since I returned from my first trip to Nashville. My first solo trip abroad at that. I had only ever been outside of the UK and Ireland once in my life before this point, and that was with other people. Many have commented since my return on “how brave”Continue reading “Nashville: A Reflection on Anxiety and Faith on a Trip to Music City”