July Round Up

Borderlines – Back Of My Mind

Borderlines provided the soundtrack to my no-plans-Saturday with their release ‘Back Of My Mind’, which celebrates powerful guitar lines, thumping drums and inartificial vocals. The soaring sound of this musical offering kicked off our July in style, through warm and funky basslines, hook-laden compositions and powerful harmonies that bring all the elements of the track together like a rich and tasteful sauce. Influences taken from funk, rock, and indie pass the revue, and all make up Borderlines’ signature writing!

MEGA – Roots

‘Roots’ pulls on our heartstrings through stunning vocals, echoing harmonies and simple easy-to-sing-along-to lyrics. Singer and songwriter MEGA sounds mega on this soul pop release that reminds its listeners to find strength in where they’ve come from. ‘Roots’ listens like a powerful mantra that needs to be repeated as a reminder of its message. On the single that’s taken from her upcoming body of work, ‘I Am Enough’, MEGA showcases her vocal prowess and the ability to convey a story by almost exclusively using her voice.

Ariana Fig – Deep End

Canadian pop artist Ariana Fig brings a genre-blending new release with ‘Deep End’ as it stunned then hooked me throughout. Its thumping pop intro didn’t instantly grab my attention, but throughout the track’s hazy indie slash bedroom pop vibes and the usage of soulful elements she’s created a story and narrative that’s intriguing and listens like a book you can hardly put down. This wandering and eclectic release makes for a great introduction to the musical abilities of Ariana Fig!

Roko Mouth – Peach Fuzz

My roots lie within the screaming punk genre with examples of bands that I’ll never tire off being The Clash and The Ramones, in that same vein, Roko Mouth have stilled a hunger in me with the release of and introduction to their sound; ‘Peach Fuzz’. Here we go again, heavy guitars, thunderous drums, and a vocal delivery similar to a combination of influences taken from the above mentioned. It’s heavy, punching, and blunt, and sounds both nostalgic and fresh. The Manchester outfit took feelings of summer and mixes them with youthful emotions!

Lewis Knaggs – City of Millions

North London-based artist and musician Lewis Knaggs shared an emotive alternative pop release, ‘City of Millions’ made me feel a million emotions. The theatrical pop release emerges as if out of nowhere, combining an expansive vocal range with jaunty keys and influences taken from gospel. Add a few handclaps, some moving chord structures and you’ve got a lively new release that explores urban life, disconnection, and the quiet yearning for belonging.

Grave Secrets – OMWDOWN!

Let your hair down, unclench your jaw, your fists, wiggle your eyebrows, and let ‘OMWDOWN!’ take you on a heavily riffing rock release that undoubtedly will have you forget about your worries and your fears from its very first note. Dark and thunderous, thumping unparalleled, the punk rock track with roots in Los Angeles, sees Grave Secrets expand and no longer shying away from hitting anything within distance with as much fury as possible. They created a punching alt rock track and an emotive outlet at the same time.

TOY PARLOUR – Lose It

TOY PARLOUR have shared with us what we never knew we needed; a soundtrack for when we’re losing it. ‘Love It’ is a fist pump into the air, an angrily twirling and stomping punk rock track with deliciously heavy guitar lines and vocals thick and sweet as honey. ‘Lose It’ is a perfect example of what we look for in a rock anthem; a strong and slowly building intro, an eruptive chorus, and the links in-between that make us want and ache for more.

Phil Edwards – Precious

Phil Edwards shared a short film and new folk pop in release with ‘Precious’ and its music video. Those wandering and charming vocals combine well with the soft and minimalistic, guitar-driven soundscape that slowly sways as ‘Precious’ evolves. The New Zealand-based artist brings a sound similar to artists such as Ziggy Alberts and the more mellow releases Xavier Rudd shares with the world and it’s a comforting, hazy sound that I could never get enough of.