Album Review: Raye Zaragoza – Fight For You

Despite what you might think by looking at the charts or listening to the radio there are young musicians out there who are politically engaged and writing protest songs. The ability of young people to use social media to mobilise politically has been so important in the last few years of dramatic worldwide upheaval. In music, these mediums allow independent voices to be heard and shared across the world. Raye Zaragoza is one such musician, and she has recently released her album Fight For You, which is partly a response to the North Dakota pipeline protests. Continue reading “Album Review: Raye Zaragoza – Fight For You” →

July 6, 2017 1

Album Review: Bedouine – Bedouine

Spacebomb is one of the most interesting record labels in American music today, with their in house band, symphonic arrangements and attention to detail. They have already produced brilliant albums by label founder Matthew E. White and Natalie Prass so I, for one, am automatically sold on any artist they are associated with. When Azniv Korkejian approached White with her songs, Spacebomb couldn’t resist working with the talented singer/songwriter. She took on the name Bedouine, meaning wanderer, and the resultant record has a sound and texture that is both unique and yet warmly familiar. Continue reading “Album Review: Bedouine – Bedouine” →

July 3, 2017 0

Album Review: Jaime Wyatt – Felony Blues

Many artists pretend to walk on the wild side and do everything they can to create an outlaw style, as though being bad automatically gains you street credibility. Some even choose to go down that road on purpose, to live out that doomed rock star myth as a way to create authenticity. After Jaime Wyatt’s first record deal collapsed she went off the rails and found herself actually experiencing the hard reality of this kind of life. Felony Blues, a short album released in the UK this week, explores her addictions and convictions in songs with real grit and soul. Continue reading “Album Review: Jaime Wyatt – Felony Blues” →

July 2, 2017 3

Album Review: Denai Moore – We Used To Bloom

Denai Moore’s Twitter bio describes herself as ’23. Genre free. Heart full of gold, stomach full of tea’ and these feelings of youth, musical freedom, love and a little whimsy are woven into the expansive sounds and lyrical textures of her lovely second album We Used to Bloom. Continue reading “Album Review: Denai Moore – We Used To Bloom” →

June 25, 2017 0

Album Review: Beth Ditto – Fake Sugar

Beth Ditto has always been a queen to me, a trailblazing inspiration in music, fashion and life. It’s amazing to have her back and now standing solo with her debut album Fake Sugar. Continue reading “Album Review: Beth Ditto – Fake Sugar” →

June 21, 2017 0

Album Review: Big Thief – Capacity

Big Thief have wasted no time in following up their debut album Masterpiece, which was released last year. Their new album Capacity feels like an inward retreat, a record of introspection both lyrically and musically. Continue reading “Album Review: Big Thief – Capacity” →

June 20, 2017 0

Album Review: Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters

For this new record the lead singer of The Honeycutters, Amanda Anne Platt, decided to give herself top billing for the first time. Her name is emblazoned on the front of the album as she stands alone underneath, smiling. Such feelings of happiness and confidence run throughout the sound of this self-titled album. Continue reading “Album Review: Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters” →

June 15, 2017 0

Album Review: Ala.Ni – You & I

The lights dim, the film starts to whir and on screen a statue sparkles before the title credits appear. Here we have Ala.Ni starring in You & I – a tale of love and heartbreak. The screen blurs and with a crackle of vinyl the sound of music plays and we are transported back to a beguiling bygone age. Continue reading “Album Review: Ala.Ni – You & I” →

June 13, 2017 0

Album Review: The Secret Sisters – You Don’t Own Me Anymore

A few years back everything fell apart for The Secret Sisters and they endured a lawsuit and bankruptcy. Such hard luck might have signalled the end of their career but thankfully they took time to regroup and after a successful crowdfunding campaign have now signed a new record deal. You Don’t Own Me Anymore is an album that doesn’t dwell in woe but is instead the sound of a band reinvigorated, having learned life’s lessons the hard way. Continue reading “Album Review: The Secret Sisters – You Don’t Own Me Anymore” →

June 10, 2017 0