Latest Reviews

The one-chord, constant strumming of the guitar, paired with an upbeat singer, has been a signature of the rock-pop movement for decades. Often stereotyped or caricatured, we imagine beautiful singers strumming away with conventionally angelic voices—this representation, across various forms of media, is almost inevitably accompanied by insinuations of a lack of depth in both the music and the artist.

FINNEAS has released a new single, "Lotus Eater," as part of his latest album, For Cryin' Out Loud. While this review focuses on the single, remember there’s plenty more to explore on the album, which marks his third full-length release, excluding two deluxe editions of previous records.

Fie Eike is back with another wonderfully relaxing, piano-driven track. Her latest single, "Omrids," is a melodic treat, featuring only piano—beautifully and masterfully. The song starts off strong and sustains its promise throughout. The melodic theme comes in at just the right moment, adding an extra layer of beauty. Fie hails from Denmark, where this track was created. I'm not sure if it should be classified as Danish folk music, though it does remind me of some old Swedish folk songs I'm familiar with. But honestly, the genre doesn’t matter much here—just listen to it!

Kygo and Imagine Dragons, two pop powerhouses, have teamed up for a new track titled "Stars Will Align." It's a natural collaboration for these chart-topping artists, and on this song, they show not only their individual strengths but also an impressive synergy. Both are known for their high-energy hits—think "Believer," "Radioactive," "Stole The Show," and "Firestone." Ring any bells?

Barry Can’t Swim has recently released a new EDM-infused banger titled Still Riding. The title perfectly reflects how the song feels to listen to. Some songs really carry you through them like a moving train, constantly pushing forward. Sometimes that momentum can feel overwhelming, but Still Riding is definitely a chill ride. It has a beat reminiscent of artists such as Fred Again, Four Tet, or Mall Grab.

The Aces are back with their latest track, “The Magic,” and there’s a lot to appreciate here. The standout for me is the undeniable funk they maintain throughout the song. It strikes the perfect balance between cool, upbeat, and catchy. Songs like this can easily veer into cheesy territory, but The Aces have kept it incredibly tasteful.

Katy Perry has just released her latest album, titled 143. After listening through the entire project, I’m ready to share some insights. First, let’s figure out why the album is called 143. A quick search reveals that “143” is a numerical shorthand for “I love you,” and it’s also reportedly Katy Perry’s personal “angel number.” This symbolism fits well with the album cover, where Perry is portrayed in a love-filled, angelic state.

Geordie Greep has sent shockwaves through the British rock scene with his declaration that Black Midi, the now-legendary duo he once helmed, is officially on hiatus and not something he's keen on revisiting anytime soon. Black Midi has always been characterized by bold improvisation and a lack of fear in stepping outside the comfort zone. Yet, with the release of Greep’s debut single, Holy, Holy, it’s abundantly clear why he wants to stay away from Black Midi. It’s experimental, for sure, but it’s far more structured and crafted with purpose compared to the trembling chaos of Black Midi.

A$AP Rocky recently dropped a track titled Taylor Swift, and it’s a classic trap banger, packed with hard-hitting drums and clever bars throughout. Before diving in further, I highly recommend watching the video while listening for the first time. It’s an unexplainable mix of abstract imagery, cleverly put together, that pulls you in and makes you want to pay attention. Filmed in Kyiv, Ukraine, the video blends street visuals with a dose of surreal film magic.

It’s been over a year since I last saw Tenille Arts perform at Canvas Manchester, where we had the chance to interview her. Since then, she’s released a collaborative song with LeAnn Rimes, opened for Luke Bryan on his Canadian tour dates, and seen her latest album, To Be Honest, featured in Time Square Spotify billboard ads. Things are certainly looking promising for the Canadian country singer.