We've listed singles/EPs/demos in order of star rating. Best first.
Reviews by Jason Ritchie, David Wilson
LISBEE STAINTON Sidekick (Western Songs)
Lisbee Stainton has released a couple of enjoyable singles to date and this
latest one is no exception. She has a light, summery vocal and this song you
could see on future TV shows needing a summer tune. Lovely harmonies on the
mid-section and this song deserves to be a hit. A nice ray of sunshine in these
dark times...****½
Review by Jason Ritchie
THESE REIGNING DAYS - Living It Up (Ecco Recordings)
The band's debut single 'Changes' was very good indeed, reminding me of the
mighty Muse. This new song though sees the band go for a highly catchy indie
rock song, with a nod the 80's in the guitar and the Ultravox approved synth
riff.
I am sure I can hear some pomptastic church organ towards the end of the song.
Based on these two songs alone their debut album due in the summer is shaping up
to be one of the year's listening highlights. ****½
Review by Jason Ritchie
JAMIE HARTMAN Before I Close My Eyes/Buddha Allah Jesus Jones (Flat Cap
Records)
Third single lifted from his excellent new album 'III', which has already been
album of the week on BBC Radio 2. This double A side single has the mellow
refrain 'Before I Close My Eyes' and the more upbeat 'Buddha Allah Jesus Jones',
a tune perfect for a summer's day. Do check Jamie Hartman out as he is a superb
singer and has pop rock tunes to die for. ****½
Review by Jason Ritchie
THE LUCKY STRIKES Beast Burnt Down
'Beast Burnt Down' is a slice of indie tinged folk that sounds like the
Waterboys, especially the vocals, I had to check it wasn't Mike Scott on guest
vocals. Infused with fiddle and banjo, this is a pleasant enough track that
suggests that The Lucky Strikes may be worth further investigation when their
new album, of which this is the title track, is released. ***
Review by David Wilson
BENSON Benson EP
This three track EP is an introduction to the happy, bouncy world of Benson.
They produce excellent indie rock, drawing together a rocky Springsteen like
sound with a healthy dose of SKA. Mixed together they create a unique sound
driven along on a sea of brass, this would be a blast live. Best of the bunch is
the SKA heavy 'Don't Wannabe You' which would have you dancing and sweating in
equal measures. A fun EP from a fun band. ***½
Review by David Wilson
GRAHAM GOULDMAN Daylight (Rosala Records)
10CC's Graham Gouldman is a busy man, fronting 10CC on their 40th anniversary
tour and releasing a new solo album entitled 'Love & Work' due for release in
August.
This is the lead single and dedicated to the late Andrew Gold, who Gouldman
worked with in Wax best remembered for the hist single 'Building A Bridge To
Your Heart'). In fact the album is dedicated to Andrew Gold as well.
It is a pleasant tune - perfect daytime fodder for BBC Radio 2 - nothing special
but fine to listen too. ***
Review by Jason Ritchie
THE CAST OF CHEERS Animal (V2)
The band's second single, following on from 'Family' which had rave reviews from
various BBC Radio 1 DJ's. It isn't bad but sounds like many other indie pop
bands out there and can't say I'd play it again. **½
Review by Jason Ritchie
FIST FULL OF LIES If It Wasn't For This I'd Still Have Everything
Fist Full Of Lies are billed as 'an aspiring punk quartet' which sounded
quite promising, what they are though is another twin vocal, nu metal/hardcore
outfit. The 4 tracks on this, their debut EP, are not too bad, especially the
snappily titled ' I Am Jack's Lingering Regret', but there is nothing here that
stands out particularly
As debuts go, I have come across worse, but FFOL will need to up their game to
take things further. **
Review by David Wilson
BEN CALVERT & THE SWIFTS Valpolicella Girl
This is a new single from Ben Calvert and co which was inspired by a sunny
afternoon drinking wine from the Valpolicella region of Italy with a circus girl
from Bath. It is a whimsical, lightweight folk tinged track reminiscent of The
Kinks and Belle and Sebastian. This is a song for a summer fete on the village
green with Pimms on ice. **
Review by David Wilson
BROKEN BROADCAST Good Afternoon Mr Moon
Americana can take many forms, some upbeat and happy with jangly guitars and
others, like this example, are lo-fi, angst ridden slices of joyless music.
Listening to music should be an enjoyable pastime, but listening to this was a
life draining experience not to be repeated or recommended.
It takes allsorts to make the world and someone must like this, possibly the
band's mothers, I however, would rather stick my jam covered hand in a wasp's
nest rather than listen to this again, it would be less painful. *
Review by David Wilson
