Tag: Pop/Rock

Fresh New Tracks, Vol. 48 – eLxAr, Joe Peacock, Kevin Robertson, Sorry Ghost

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews7 Comments

Time for another installment of my Fresh New Tracks series. Today I’m featuring new songs by, in alphabetical order, Italian electronic/synthwave duo eLxAr, English singer-songwriter Joe Peacock, Scottish singer-songwriter Kevin Robertson, and Los Angeles-based indie pop/rock band Sorry Ghost. I’ve previously featured the first three on this blog, while this is the first time I’m writing about Sorry Ghost.

eLxAr – “Lights at the Edge of the Road”

eLxAr is a fascinating electronic/synthwave act from Italy consisting of Luca, a pianist, composer, producer and game designer, and Alex (short for Alexandra), a singer-songwriter, digital designer, illustrator and multi-faceted artist. Not only are both of them multi-talented and creative, they’re also passionate about social justice and environmental issues. I first wrote about them in March 2024 when I reviewed their powerful anti-cyberbulling single “Nessuno Vede”. They’ve since released a lot more music, and I thought it was time I featured them again on this blog. Their latest single is the enchanting instrumental track “Lights at the Edge of the Road”. About the song, the band states: “I think there’s something mystical about traveling at night. Look out the window and it’s only darkness. Darkness and the streetlights, passing by the car as if they were divine fires, falling directly from the sky.” The darkly sensuous groove and crystalline synths beautifully capture the aura and mystery of a night drive.

Joe Peacock – “Not Love”

Joe Peacock is a British singer-songwriter and musician born and raised in rural Herefordshire and now based in Birmingham. Describing himself as “a genre-hopping storyteller, whose music has been compared to Bowie, Blur and Costello”, he’s a hard-working, thoughtful and talented musician who continually experiments and pushes himself beyond his comfort zone. And like eLxAr, Joe also cares deeply about the environment, social justice and inequality. The prolific artist has released a tremendous amount of music over the past four years, including three albums – I’m Only Here in 2021, Before the robots told us where to go in 2021, and Mirror Neuron Generator in 2022 – as well as numerous singles and five EPs, two of which, The curse of the mind and Beast Mode, I reviewed. He’s also one half of art-folk duo The Missed Trees, his side project with singer/fiddle player Louisa Davies-Foley.

His latest single is “Not Love“, an alternative rock song exploring the futility of trying to make someone love you when they’re just not interested. Joe elaborates: “The single’s about reversing the traditional lines in songs about unrequited love, as I find that a bit creepy and people should realise that going after someone who doesn’t reciprocate never works and just makes both sides unhappy. All the incels and toxic masculinity stuff comes in there a bit, too.” I love his shimmery and grungy psychedelic guitars as well as clever lyrics like “I tried to woo her with charm and wits, but she was just not having it./ I danced close to her in a club to get the opportunity to rub myself against her body.” 

Kevin Robertson – “Kings Of Most Of Yesterday”

Hailing from Aberdeen, Scotland is Kevin Robertson, a singer-songwriter and guitarist who makes a very agreeable style of jangle and psych pop. Strongly influenced by a range of influences including 60’s pop, classic and psychedelic rock, 80’s jangle music and 90’s Brit pop, he’s been actively recording and releasing music both as a solo artist and as a member of Aberdonian (I love that word) jangle pop five-piece The Vapour Trails since 2019. In a relatively short period of time, Kevin has released an impressive amount of music under his own name, including four albums – Sundown’s End in 2021, Teaspoon of Time in 2022, Magic Spells Abound, an aptly-titled collection of nine exquisite songs I reviewed in 2023, and The Call of the Sea in 2024.

Now’s he’s back with his latest single, “Kings of Most of Yesterday“, which dropped yesterday, June 20th. The song is the second single from his forthcoming fifth album Yellow Painted Moon, to be released July 11th. Written and sung by Kevin, who also played acoustic and electric guitars, the song includes additional eclectric guitar and bass played by his son Scott Robertson, with drums and mellotron by Nick Bertling, who also produced the track. The song features Kevin and Scott’s beguiling twangy guitars that remind me in spots of Dire Straits’ “Sultans of Swing”. It’s a beautiful song with an understated, yet powerful message about the ephemeral nature of each generation’s dominance within a given culture, with each gradually passing the torch to a younger generation who will then lead: “Change it has to come. The generations live and die. The kings of most of yesterday shall fall. Tomorrow goodbye.”

Sorry Ghost – “polyester (yes sir)”

Without question, one of the most irrepressibly charming – and might I add best-looking – bands around today is indie pop/rock four-piece Sorry Ghost. Originally formed as a pop punk band in Baton Rouge, Louisiana by guitarist and vocalist Matt Polito and bassist and vocalist Dan Anton, along with Ryan DeJean and Nick Broyles, they released their debut EP Win By Default in late 2016. Ryan and Nick later left the band and Tyler Hernandez briefly joined the lineup as drummer, at which point they released their debut album The Morning After in April 2020. Tyler departed in 2021, after which Matt and Dan relocated to Los Angeles, where they were eventually joined by Tate Silver on drums and Sean Duong on guitar and vocals to complete their current lineup. The new location and lineup steered their musical direction toward a breezier indie pop/rock sound, and their popularity has continued to grow.

The guys have a wickedly cheeky sense of humor, calling themselves ‘iconic indie idiots’ whose music is “a potent blend of optimism and frustration, loud and soft edges, encouragement and rejection“, and frequently delight their fans and followers with hilarious and endearing video reels of themselves on Instagram and TikTok. I follow then on Instagram, and their posts never fail to put a big smile on my face. Their videos are also highly entertaining and creative, evidenced by the one for their new single “polyester (yes sir)“, which dropped yesterday. Directed by Jeremy Stewart, produced by Katherine Myers and shot by Luis Adrian Lara, the video shows the guys performing the song in a bucolic setting in the Santa Monica Mountains, with Dan playing a decidedly frustrated office executive. My take on the lyrics is that they speak to feeling stuck in a job or lifestyle you hate, acting out a part that doesn’t feel genuine or fulfilling, with ‘polyester’ representing the wardrobe you’re forced to wear: “When I step right into line. Just a little to the left. Step right don’t you lie, There’s so little to me. Left my life ‘low the frame. Now I’ve found me to blame. Polyester that’s a yes sir, I can’t take another gesture.” I love the song’s mellow vibe that sits in a sweet spot between sunny and melancholy, as well as the colorful blend of jangly and chiming guitars accompanied by pleasing harmonies.

THE BRIGADIER – Album Review: “Sailing the Seven Neuroses”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews17 Comments
Boat photography by Ben Yates.

I recently learned about The Brigadier, the music project of singer-songwriter, musician and producer Matt Williams, when he reached out to me about his new album Sailing the Seven Neuroses. Originally from Wales but now based in Devon, England, he’s had music in his blood since his teens. He grew up listening to his parents and older siblings’ records that ran the gamut from rock and roll, country and bluegrass to 80s pop, new wave and rock, plus his dad plays guitar and banjo and was always in bands. Matt started learning to play guitar at the age of 13, and began playing in a series of bands. By the early 2000s he was living in Brighton, where he fronted a band called Brigadier, where he was the main songwriter and singer. Though they rehearsed for quite a while, the band never really took off, and when they eventually fell apart he kept the name as a solo artist.

In 2007, he released his debut album View from the Bath, and over the next 10 years he released another five excellent albums, as well as four seasonally themed EPs. Influenced by some of his favorite acts like Queen, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Nick Lowe, The Divine Comedy, early Genesis and Pink Floyd, Steely Dan, Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, as well as country rock, 60s, 70s & 80s pop, and synthpop, his highly melodic music is a pleasing blend of power pop, rock, folk and synthpop elements, featuring relatable lyrics reflecting his life and relationship experiences expressed through his comforting low-key vocals.

In addition to his prolific music output from 2007-17, Matt also produced and recorded soundtrack work for documentaries and short films, and his music garnered both local, national and international radio coverage, including BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Southern Counties and Radio Devon, as well as performing live sessions and interviews for BBC Southern Counties and BBC Devon, and in USA and Europe, as well as magazine coverage. He’d intended to continue with his music, but life, family and jobs took precedence, leaving his time and energy for making music rather depleted. Now, after an eight-year hiatus, he’s back with his seventh album Sailing the Seven Neuroses, which dropped yesterday, June 18th.

Photo by Digital Horse Brasses

All songs on the album were written, performed and produced by The Brigadier, with the exception of drums on “The Purge” and “Hot Solace”, which were played by Emily Dolan Davies, “What about tomorrow?” by James Carmichael Dooley, and “It’s you I think about” and “Don’t go to bed with a bad mind” by 444. Mastering was done by Wayne Bassett (who’s also a member of Welsh electro/art punk band Head Noise, who I’ve featured several times on this blog) at Robot Recordings. And rather interestingly, like all previous albums by The Brigadier, Sailing the Seven Neuroses features 13 tracks.

I’m always a bit apprehensive when an artist I’m unfamiliar with approaches me about possibly reviewing their album, but my reservations were quickly put to rest as I listened to Sailing the Seven Neuroses, as there’s much to like here. The album opens with “Bleak Companion“, a marvelous power pop song that hooked me right from the start. The lyrics speak to dealing with the day to day routines of work and obligations that seem to get in the way of living: “I’m so tired of having to get out of bed to do the things I have to do, but there’s no other way.” In addition to the infectious driving melody and stellar guitar work, I love the airy synths and Matt’s exquisite layered vocal harmonies.

The song gently segues into the lovely second track “The Purge“, and as the song unfolds it’s clear Matt hasn’t lost a step during his long time away from music. In fact, his musicianship and vocals sound better than ever. This song reminds me of some of Todd Rundgren’s early work, though the harmonies seem to channel the Beach Boys in spots.

Those wonderful harmonies are on full display on the incredibly pleasing “Blessings“, which features some gorgeous jangly guitars and spirited piano keys over a lively, upbeat melody. The Brigadier admonishes us to appreciate what we’ve got and not compare ourselves to others: “Count your blessings before you mess things up reflecting on the stuff you haven’t got. Don’t compare and contrast, ’cause you’ll only take a fast track to feeling pretty down about your life.“

The great songs just keep on coming. “Peace within the Poison” has a delightful retro 60s vibe that calls to mind some of the great pop songs by the Lovin’ Spoonful and Beach Boys, but with a contemorary treatment. And once again, I must call out The Brigadier’s lush vocal harmonies, which are also nicely featured on the enchanting “Perfect Surprise“.

The Brigadier takes us into the 80s with the exuberant, synth-dominant beauty “Hot Solace“, a song about not letting petty problems and slights get the best of us: “I won’t let the melancholy come over me. I let the pouring rain wash away the pain.” Midway through the album is the title track “Sailing the Seven Neuroses“, a somewhat quirky but beautiful instrumental track with a bit of a tropical flair that ventures toward ethereal psychedelia at the end. Next up is “Man about the House“, a terrific power pop gem serving up grungy guitar work and insistent piano keys layered over a strong toe-tapping beat.

On “Heaven’s in my Heart“, he creates an enthralling otherworldly soundscape with a colorful mix of spacey and carnival-like psychedelic synths and resonant guitar work that seem to channel Pink Floyd in spots. His little symphonic flourishes and soothing breathy vocals are delicious. Those 80s influences are back on the irresistible love song “It’s you I think about“, featuring sparkling synths and warm guitar lines. And on the effervescent “Everyday an Ordeal“, vibrant piano and organ take center stage, fortified with arresting rock guitar chords and Matt’s joyful comforting vocals as he sings of wanting to find a bit of escape from life’s daily struggles: “Everyday an ordeal. Everyday the frustration is real. Everyday the struggle within. You just want to find a place to hide away.”

With it’s stomping beat, soaring choruses and exuberant blend of chiming, twangy and gnarly guitars, “What about tomorrow?” reminds me somewhat of “Hot Love” by T.Rex with a bit of Pet Sounds-era Beach Boys thrown in for good measure. And saving the best for last, The Brigadier closes the album with “Don’t go to bed with a bad mind“, a glorious five and a half minute-long tour de force that really showcases his impressive songwriting and musicianship. He seems to effortlessly pull together beautiful melodies, numerous time changes and fascinating musical textures from a dizzying array of styles and elements, yet it all works beautifully. And I know I’m beginning to sound like a broken record, but once again I must make note of those gorgeous harmonies that so strongly echo the Beach Boys. And in fact, in a recent interview with Aldora Britain Records, Matt responded to a question as to his favorite artist with “Queen or The Beach Boys depending on the day.”

Sailing the Seven Neuroses is a beautiful album that keeps sounding better with each listen. Every track is superb, with no weak ones that make me want to skip past, which isn’t something I can say about very many albums. The Brigadier is most definitely back!

The Brigadier’s socials:  Facebook / Instagram 

Find his music on Bandcamp / Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube

EML’s Favorite Songs – “All the Things She Said” by Simple Minds

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Favorite Songs14 Comments

Although Scottish band Simple Minds are most well-known (in America at least) for their 1985 hit “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” (which I do love), their 1986 single “All the Things She Said” is one of my favorite songs by them. I love everything about it – that slow-burn of an opening with wobbly synths accompanied by gentle drumbeats, followed by a sultry guitar riff that expands into a glorious soundscape of sweeping strings, intense piano keys, roiling guitars and dramatic percussion, finally ending with a flourish that’s like a rock version of a classical piece. Then there’s the double threat of lead singer Jim Kerr’s sensuous fervent vocals, accompanied by soulful backing vocals by American singer Robin Clark.

Simple Minds formed in Glasgow in late 1977 from the ashes of punk band Johnny & The Self-Abusers, who split up due to internal strife, with a lineup consisting of Jim Kerr, Charlie Burchill, Brian McGee and Tony Donald, all of whom were teenagers at the time. Donald would soon leave the band, while Mick MacNeil and Derek Forbes joined, and the band would continue as a five-piece through 1981. They released their debut album Life in a Day in 1979 to limited success in the UK, and finally broke through with their fifth album New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84) in 1982, which reached #3 in the UK and #69 on the Billboard 200 Album Chart, marking their first album to chart in the U.S. But it was their song “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”, used in the opening of the 1985 film The Breakfast Club, that catapulted them to international fame. Written by Keith Forsey and Steve Schiff, and previously offered to Billy Idol and Bryan Ferry before Simple Minds agreed to record it, the song became a chart-topper in the U.S. and many other countries around the world.

Over their 46-year-long career, Simple Minds have released 21 studio albums, 11 live albums, 10 compilation albums, 14 box sets, 68 singles, and five video albums, selling more than 60 million albums worldwide. They were the most commercially successful Scottish band of the 1980s, and despite numerous changes in personnel they continue to record and tour to this day.

But back to “All the Things She Said”, in an 2015 interview with Songfacts, Kerr said the song was inspired by an article he read about Polish political prisoners in the Soviet Union. “There was an interview with wives of guys that had been away for a long time, taken away, and some of the beautiful quotations that the women had used became sort of the background for that song.”

The song was included on their seventh studio album Once Upon A Time, released in October 1985 and produced by famed music producer Jimmy Iovine. The album features their four highest-charting hits in the U.S. – “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”, “Alive And Kicking”, “Sanctify Yourself” and “All the Things She Said”. The song reached #4 in Ireland, #6 in the Netherlands, #9 in the UK and #28 on the US Billboard Hot 100, though it reached #9 on the Billboard Hot Rock Tracks chart.

Don’t you look back on a big lost world
Crying out tomorrow
Don’t you look down like the heroes say
Come tell me all about it
Take me to the streets where the bonfires burn
Take me in your arms and I’ll fade away
When I hear you say what you got to say

Anywhere you go, you know I’ll still be waiting
All the things she said, she said
Little darling close your eyes, there’ll be no compromising
Of all the things she said, she said

Throw me to the street where the heartbeats beating
“Beating all around me”
To the peaceful revolution
And the perfect wave, surround me
Tell me ’bout the ocean moving in slow motion
I see it glitter in the sun
Then it’s freezing in the moonlight
Never look back, never look back, never look away

If freedom comes and goes, you know I’ll still be waiting
All the things she said, she said
You’ve fought the fight so long, no surrender to temptation
Of all the things she said, she said

Stars will fall out for you
Luck will surrender
I’m calling out to you

Oh to be near you in the first morning light
I’d be with you, I dream about you
If I could leave here, I would leave here tonight
I’d be with you, I’d stay with you tonight
Tonight

Anywhere you go, you know I’ll still be waiting
Of all the things she said, she said
When I look into your eyes, I see a new day rising
Oh all the things she said, she said
Through the eyes of love, and to never know what hate is
Of all the things she said, she said
She said, this is our time, she said, this is our place
This is the space my heart wants to be
Little darling close your eyes, there’ll be no compromising
All the things she said, she said

Fresh New Tracks, Vol. 47 – Bealby Point, Between Daze, Guardrail, Royel Otis

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews12 Comments

I seem to have gotten into a pattern of publishing at least one Fresh New Tracks post each week, and hopefully I’ll keep at this until I burn out or fall back into another of my periodic funks again. For my 47th edition, I’m featuring songs by, in alphabetical order, Canadian indie rock band Bealby Point, Maryland alternative pop-rock band Between Daze, Chicago pop-rock-punk band Guardrail, and Australian indie pop-rock duo Royel Otis.

Bealby Point – “Better Off Eventually”

Vancouver, British Columbia is a wellspring of musical talent, as there are several terrific acts from that fair part of Canada I’m especially fond of. I recently wrote about two of them – dwi and Western Jaguar – in a previous Fresh New Tracks post, and another favorite is alt-rock band Bealby Point. Named after a local beachside vacation spot, the four-piece consists of childhood friends Jack Armstrong (lead vocals), Clayton Dewar (lead guitar), Jordan Studer (bass), and Zack Yeager (drums). I love their buoyant, high-energy alternative/garage rock they cheekily call “music to fold laundry to“, and their sound, particularly due to Jack’s vocal style, at times reminds me of The Strokes. Their description of themselves as “four approachable guys making cool music” is genuine, based on the mutual respect, camaraderie, and joy of spending time together that’s so evident in all their photos and little acoustic performance sessions they frequently post on TikTok and Instagram. I’ve been following them for more than four years and have featured them four times on this blog, most recently two years ago when I reviewed their single “America”. Their 2021 single “Talk to Me” ended up on my 100 Best Songs of 2021 list.

On May 13th, they dropped their latest single “Better Off Eventually“, a rousing indie pop song speaking to feelings of frustration amid superficiality in the world and yearning for a life filled with meaning. The band elaborates: “This song was conceived in Clay’s basement as part of a batch of songs we wrote and tracked almost 3 years ago with our long-time friend and confidant Matt Di Pomponio (who mixed and produced the track). It’s been sittin’ in the Bealby Vault ever since and we have been patiently awaiting it’s time to be unleashed unto the world. Now is that time. It’s about struggling through life’s battles, learning along the way, owning who you are and being unapologetically true to yourself, no matter what! This song means a lot to us and we hope you find something in it for you.” I love the song’s breezy, upbeat melody, highlighted by Jack and Clay’s colorful intricate guitar work and driven by Jordan’s thumping bassline and Zack’s spirited drumbeats. All of Bealby Point’s songs are so good, and “Better Off Eventually” is no exception.

Between Daze – “Call Out”

Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland is Between Daze, an original songwriting/recording project comprised primarily of Johnny Burkhead (vocals), Scott Rodenberg (guitar) and Kenn (guitar), along with Mike Coyne (bass) and Kevin Walsh (drums). Preferring to remain rather anonymous, they have no photos of themselves on social media or music platforms. They’ve been making alternative pop/rock and roll music together for over 20 years but really began hitting their stride in 2021 with the release of their single “Burn For You”. In the years since, they’ve released a total of eleven singles at the rate of two or three a year. Their latest is “Call Out“, which dropped May 1st. Johnny reached out to me about the song, and as I do with acts who are new to me, I checked out their back catalog to get a better feel for their music. I ended up listening to all eleven of their singles, and can honestly say I like them all.

The band says “Call Out” “tells a story about finding the best in yourself and being able to take on whatever comes your way. It’s about not letting things beat you down for too long, that things will turn for you and eventually be better. Keep believing in yourself, and build the confidence to take on the world!” To drive home their optimistic message, the guys serve up a barrage of roiling gnarly riffs, driving bass and thunderous drums, creating an exhilarating backdrop for Johnny’s fervent vocals. The beautiful cover art for the single was hand painted by artist Jane Link Mangano.

Guardrail “First”

Photo of Xack, Ty, Kevin & Ken by Kennedy Cottrell

Chicago-based Guardrail play a hard-hitting, high-energy style of rock drawn from a blend of punk, pop and metal, which on some songs reminds me of acts like Green Day, Blink-182, Sum 41, and even the Beastie Boys. Formed in 2014, the band has undergone several changes in lineup, and now consists of Kevin Andrew (lead vocals), Ken Ugel (guitar, vocals), Ty Olmstead (bass, vocals) and Xack (drums). (Ken is also guitarist for Chicago bands The Million Reasons and Wild Gravity, while Ty also plays in the band Ghoul For A Goblin.) They released their debut EP wordswords in 2015, and have since followed with two more EPs, numerous singles, (one of which, “Social Meteor”, I reviewed in 2021 and has garnered over 220,000 streams on Spotify), and a full-length album Content in 2023.

Yesterday, May 14th, Guardrail dropped their first new single in two years, appropriately a terrific cover of the Cold War Kids’ 2015 masterpiece “First“. I’m a longtime fan of Cold War Kids and “First” is my favorite song of theirs (it ranks #27 on my Top 100 Songs of the 2010s list). It can be risky for an artist or band to cover a song we love, but the moment I heard Guardrail’s version, I was thrilled. While Guardrail maintains some of the vibe of the original thanks to their chiming guitars, they speed it up with frantic drumbeats, jagged guitar riffs and Kevin’s fervent rapid-fire vocals, giving their version greater urgency and more of a punk feel. Cold War Kids’ original runs 3:20 minutes, whereas Guardrails is shortened to only 3:07 minutes. The band states they “recorded a bunch of covers during the pandemic times, so while we work on new music we’re gonna finally put ’em out.” I say, bring ’em on!

Royel Otis – “moody”

Australian guitar-pop duo Royel Otis was formed in 2019 by Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic over a shared love of the same music and bands. Based in Sydney, their sound draws from elements of indie pop, indie rock, new wave, pop rock, post-punk and psychedelic rock. The duo released two EPs in 2021 and 2022 to little notice until the song “Oysters in My Pocket”, from the second EP Bar n Grill, gained traction in late 2022. Their third EP Sofa Kings, released in 2023, proved more successful, with the breakthrough title track marking their first appearance on American charts, eventually peaking at #12 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart. In late January 2024, they released their electrifying cover of “Murder on the Dancefloor”, the 2001 disco pop hit by British singer-songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor (which she co-wrote with Gregg Alexander, former frontman of the band The New Radicals, who had a hit in the late 90s with “You Get What You Give”), which they performed on the Australian radio station Triple J for their Like a Version program. The song went viral and reached #1 on the Billboard Alternative chart, as well as my own Top 30 chart. I couldn’t get enough of it, and it ended up ranking #4 on my 100 Best Songs of 2024 list. The guys quickly followed with their debut album Pratts & Pain in February 2024, which debuted at #1 on the ARIA Australian Albums Chart, and went on to win four awards at the 2024 ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Music Awards.

Now they’re back with a new single “moody“, which dropped on May 9th. It’s a love song of sorts, detailing a problematic relationship with a woman who drives the singer crazy in both good ways and bad. She’s jealous, bitchy and cranky, yet he’s hopelessly in love with her: “She’s always givin’ it to me. Late nights, she always accusin’. Last time, she said she would kill me. My girl’s a bitch when she’s moody. But she’s my everything. She’s all that I need.” I love the song’s languid laid back groove, highlighted by Royel’s terrific guitar noodling and Otis’ sweet vocals. I think it’s gonna be a hit.

Fresh New Tracks, Vol. 44 – dwi, E-Klozion x Liam Croker, Set the Tone, Western Jaguar

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews8 Comments

For the 44th installment of my Fresh New Tracks series, I’m featuring new songs by an array of international artists I’m particularly fond of, including, in alphabetical order – Canadian artist dwi, French producer E-Klozion and English singer-songwriter Liam Croker, Welsh band Set the Tone, and Canadian artist Western Jaguar. I’ve previously featured all of them on this blog, with the exception of E-Klozion who is new to me.

dwi – “Doom Scroll’n”

Photo of dwi from his Facebook account

Based in the suburbs of Vancouver, British Columbia, dwi is the music project of singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dwight Abell, who’s also the longtime bassist for Canadian alternative/power pop band The Zolas. He’s an immensely creative, talented and imaginative guy, with a totally original sound and an endearingly quirky vocal style that make his music so uniquely distinctive. I think he’s one of the brightest stars today in the Canadian music scene, or anywhere really, and I’m quite fond of him. He’s released two outstanding albums – Mild Fantasy Violence in 2021 and Zoo Life in 2023, both of which I reviewed, as well as numerous singles. Three of this songs – “Good Friend” (2021), “Party4One” (2022) and “Overrated” (2023) – reached #1 on my personal Top 30 chart.

Today dwi’s back with a wonderful new single “Doom Scroll’n“, a nostalgic, melancholy song he calls his “sappiest” yet. It was recorded, engineered and produced by James Younger and Jeffrey Innes, who are both members of Canadian indie rock band Yukon Blonde and also played on the track. In an Instagram post about the the song, Dwight noted “Originally the post chorus hook was played using this mutilated digital synth midi sound but James was like ‘fuck that I’m playing guitar’, and it was a very correct choice.” James also mixed the track, which was mastered by Montano Mastering. The song starts off with a twangy guitar line, then settles into an exuberant melodic tune with a strong, head-bopping groove overlain with lots of marvelous and quirky musical textures. The lyrics speak of missing a woman he was once romantically involved with but no longer sees, and how he tortures himself by scrolling through her social media posts on his mobile phone: “And there’s a ghost, she’s living in my phone. And I can’t look away from her, so instead I’m doom scroll’n“

The photo used for the cover art is of Dwight’s wife Caitlin taken on one of their date nights.

 

E-Klozion x Liam Croker – “Never Coming Down”

E-Klozion is an electronic music producer and self-described “intergalactic DJ” based in Montpellier, France. Composing music with strong emotions drawn from various influences (ethnic, oriental, bass music, psychedelic, techno, house and organic), his mission is “to sow groove on the dancefloor”. He’s played alongside many internationally renowned artists such as Boris Brejcha, Nto, Extrawelt, Ann Clue and Arjuna. Liam Croker is frontman and lead vocalist of Manchester, England-based electro-funk/soul collective WINACHI, who’ve been releasing infectious sexy grooves – which they describe as “swaggering Mancunian tenacity spliced with smooth Californian G-Funk soul” – since forming in 2015. I’ve featured them and their music numerous times, most recently in March 2023 when I reviewed their single “FOR YOU I’D KILL” featuring Natalie Wilde. I had the pleasure of meeting Liam and his fellow WINACHI band members Antony Egerton and Inder Goldfinger in 2022 when they played at the landmark club The Mint in Los Angeles.

Now E-Klozion and Liam Croker have teamed up to create a new electronic dance/funk single “Never Coming Down“, which drops today. The track was co-written by them both, and produced by E-Klozion, who programmed the cool synths. Liam sang lead vocals on the track, Antony Egerton played guitar, and English singer-songwriter Christie Bellis sang backing vocals. The song is a seductive celebration of the hedonistic joys of partying with beautiful people at the dance club: “You’ll never hear me ask for just a touch, because just a touch won’t ever do much for me. You’ll see. I’m never coming down, never coming down, never coming down, cause it’s too low. Once your lost is found, where do you go?/ I’m a professional sinner, this is what I do. I ain’t no beginner baby, and I ain’t through with you.” I like the song’s funky groove and the interplay between Liam’s sassy playful croons and Christie’s teasing backing vocals. The entertaining video for the single was filmed “during an extremely hot sweaty night” at The Black Sheep music venue in Montpellier.

Set the Tone – “All for Nothing”

Photo of Set the Tone from their Facebook account

Hailing from Pontypridd, Wales (the birthplace of legendary singer Tom Jones) is Set the Tone, a pop/rock band comprised of Liam Richards on acoustic guitar and vocals, Nate Jones on electric guitar, Dan Hayman on electric guitar and backing vocals, and Rob Williams, who recently replaced outgoing member Kage Jones on bass. With their winning combination of intelligent songwriting, an infectious and pleasing sound melding elements of classic and contemporary rock, folk and pop, and charismatic stage presence, the guys have quickly built a loyal following in South Wales. Almost a year ago to the day, they released their first singles “Happy” and “Take This Chance” on April 26, followed by “Do You Really Wanna Know?” on July 5th and “Here We Go Again” on November 29th. I reviewed “Here We Go Again” last December, and the song ended up spending eight weeks on my Top 30 chart earlier this year.

The guys returned on April 4th with their fifth single “All for Nothing“, a rousing kiss off song with a harder-rocking feel than their previous releases. Over a hard-charging galloping beat fueled by a throbbing bassline and aggressive drums, the guys layer a hearty blend of melodic and grungy guitar riffs that create a thunderous backdrop for Liam’s fervent vocals. The lyrics touch on a relationship that’s run its course and is now broken beyond repair. Liam proclaims his antipathy toward his former romantic partner, while still retaining enough grace to wish her well: “I can’t wait to get over you. Now our time is done, it’s through. Take good care of your life. Not coming home to you tonight. Now it’s done, it was all for nothing. A complete waste of time.” “All for Nothing” is another fine effort by Set the Tone, keeping their record for putting out excellent songs fully intact.

Western Jaguar – “Flower Box”

Photo by Dale Klippenstein

Another personal favorite artist of mine is Western Jaguar, the music project of singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jeffrey Trainor, Like dwi, he’s from the Vancouver region of British Columbia, Canada, and has been releasing music since 2013 as both a band comprised of an evolving lineup of musicians and more recently as a solo artist. Skillfully blending indie rock, dream pop and shoegaze, he writes songs exploring common themes of life, love, emotional well-being and loss, expressed through poetic, relatable lyrics which he delivers with pleasing vocals. I’ve been following him for nearly seven years, and have featured him four times on this blog, most recently last May (2024) when I reviewed his single “Repossess”, which was later included on his fourth album Vacationland. Two of his songs, “Disappear” (2019) and “Darling” (2023) have reached #1 on my Top 30 chart.

On April 18th, he released his latest single “Flower Box“, a rather melancholy but poignant song about someone who keeps making bad relationship choices. Jeff has this to say about the song: “‘Flower Box’ looks at a broken relationship, but viewed from a caring outsider’s perspective. It’s clear to the narrator that this person whom this friend is engaged with is a bad fit for them, and the narrator attempts to sway them to see the truth. The repeating line, ‘Are we doing this again?’ hints that this is not the first time they have felt the need to interject about the poor circle of partners this person has chosen.” With a sense of sad resignation in his voice, Western Jaguar laments “She thinks that he can be a good man. I think that he’s a good salesman. All she wants is for him to fully love her, but he’s too busy playing games on servers with her brother./ I just don’t know what you see in him.“

Taylor DeRousse Releases New Video for “Death Of Me”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews8 Comments

Taylor DeRousse is a talented and lovely singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from the Detroit area with an impressive resume. I first learned about her in January and featured her and her single “Growing Up Is Scary” in a Fresh New Tracks post. But to reiterate, the highly accomplished young lady not only writes, sings and records her own original songs, she also owns a music school and studio called Tailored Harmonies Music Co, plus has a B.A. degree in Music with an emphasis in Piano Performance, as well as an MBA. According to her website, she’s been teaching music in a variety of capacities since 2014, including as a private music instructor, studio music teacher, group class instructor, middle school art & music teacher, theatre vocal coach, and collegiate music tutor. While her primary instruments are piano, guitar, and voice, she also plays the ukulele, violin, mandolin, and bass guitar.

Inspired by artists like Alanis Morissette, Phoebe Bridgers, Stevie Nicks and Carole King, Taylor writes pleasing indie pop-rock songs featuring relatable lyrics about life, love and loss. She released her first single “Pins and Needles” in 2020, and last September (2024), she began dropping a series of singles which culminated in the release of her debut album Running Back To Me on March 28th. One of those singles was “Death Of Me“, a quietly intense and emotionally powerful song about a broken romantic relationship that she originally released last November.

Today she releases a poignant new video that brings the track to life (no pun intended). Directed and produced by Secret Park Creative, the video shows a forlorn Taylor going through the motions of trying to do chores at a bar where she works while singing the bittersweet lyrics about how the hurt and pain of the failed relationship has left her feeling broken and shattered. As she recalls painful moments in the relationship, along with signs that he was toxic for her, she expresses how it will be the death of her. But by song’s end, she comes to realize that she’s stronger than she’d imagined, and that she refuses to allow him or the pain he’s caused to be the death of her after all. The still-intact mirror on the ground at the end of the vido indicates that she’s no longer broken.

Isn’t it funny how 
When you asked me out
I hesitated and you came back jaded it ain’t life or death girl it’s only a date
Don't you think its funny how
Looking back now
We always said Romeo, Juliet 
Guess I didn’t know, that you’d be my last breath 

Everything is muffled now
Midnight on the phone screaming how you’d rather kill me than try at all
Red wine stain on the carpet floor
Should've gone to bed but I’ll have one more
Cause you’d rather use me than feel at all
Now I know, This alone, Might be the death of me

I didn’t think, on the day that I met you
I’d be writing the will, for the girl that was left in me
Give it a few years, surely that’s all you needed
You carved out my heart, only then I conceded

Everything is darker now
Ghosts and past lives reminding me how you'd rather kill me than try at all
Talk is cheap but you held true, 6 feet under now I know there’s no getting over you 
Now I know, this alone, will be the death of me

So dig a hole, and don’t bother with flowers, write here lies the girl, 
who gave too much to others
Dig a hole, and don’t look behind you, here stands the girl
Who’s had enough of you 

Everything is over now
The ghost of you don't hang around 
Cause i’d rather kill you
Than lose it all
Now I know
This being alone
Won't be the death of me

Taylor’s Socials: Facebook / Instagram / Threads / TikTok

 

JESSE DANIEL EDWARDS – Album Review: “Jesse Daniel Edwards”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews10 Comments

Jesse Daniel Edwards is a singer-songwriter and musician I recently learned about when his PR rep reached out to me about his new self-titled album. Upon giving Jesse Daniel Edwards – an exquisite collection of songs sung by Jesse with just a piano accompanying his beautiful voice – a listen, I was instantly enchanted, and eager to share it with my readers.

Born and raised in rural eastern San Diego County in Southern California, where he had no exposure to TV or the internet, Jesse left home at the age of 16 and spent the next few years busking on street corners around the U.S. and abroad. While singing outside of bars on Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee, he got to know the late Al Bunetta, the longtime manager for John Prine, who became Jesse’s mentor. He spent the next few years writing songs and honing his craft by touring and performing full time. In May 2020, he released his beautiful debut single “Secret of You”. Nearly three years would pass until his next release, the album American Dreaming in March 2023, featuring seven tracks with strong Southern rock and rock’n’roll elements.

As if wanting to make up for lost time, he quickly followed three months later with a second album Violensia. With a totally different pop sound and vibe that reminds me of the more flamboyant songs by artists like Billy Joel and Rufus Wainwright (Jesse’s vocals also sound like theirs at times), Violensia is highly entertaining both musically and lyrically. As its title suggests, the album touches on various aspects of violence and twisted relationships with a cheeky sophistication on songs like “Dream Where You Can’t Wake Up”, “Drop Dead and Die”, “Matches & Gasoline” and “Everything Makes You Sick”.

Last October (2024), Jesse dropped his next album Clap Trap Venus, this time featuring 11 outstanding colorful tracks showcasing his continued growth as a songwriter and musician. Through songs titled “Hell Called Earth”, “Occasionally Joy”, “Wrong About God” and “Jesus and Other Drugs”, he examines his faith and emotional well-being in this crazy and uncertain world we’re living in.

Now Jesse returns with his deeply personal and stripped-back self-titled album Jesse Daniel Edwards, released today via Cavity Search Records. Recorded last April (2024) at Memphis Magnetic Recording Co., a space he calls his “favorite tech lab in the galaxy, a butterfly-net-shaped place designed to catch dreams“, the album marks a new chapter in his ever-evolving musical journey. He performed his songs on a Chickering Grand Piano as the only musical instrument, which were then recorded on 2-track tape by recording engineer Scott McEwen. Capturing the raw emotions and vulnerability so beautifully expressed on each song, this pared-down approach contrasts with the more elaborate, rock-driven sounds of Jesse’s previous works.

Many of the tracks on Jesse Daniel Edwards are reworkings of previously-released songs, reflecting particularly meaningful moments and memories Jesse chose to revisit. He explains “Life itself is a process of overwriting information, a moment can feel like forever, and yet a life so short.” Further elaborating on the unique nature of each of his prior albums, he adds “Every one is different, simply because they occur at different junctures in your life.” In a sense, Jesse Daniel Edwards feels like both a culmination and a new beginning, a sort of love letter to the past and a way of re-examining his musical journey over the past 12 years.

The album opens with “I’m So Happy (I Think I Might Cry)“, which was released as the album’s lead single on January 24th. The original version of this song was released in May 2023, and included on Violensia which dropped the following month. The song starts off slowly, with gentle piano keys and Jesse’s tender croons, but gradually builds as his piano playing becomes more intense, his vocals rising to an emotional climax at the end. The honest lyrics speak to how popularity, money and material things don’t necessarily equate to a happy existence: “I’ve had so many flings, and been burned by so many flames. And guess what, a twin bed is plenty of space at the end of the day. And the money comes and goes, it’s kinda fun sometimes I suppose, when you forget it’s all just paper. And all the fine things and fancy clothes are just fine things and fancy clothes. Never forget they’re just dust collectors at the end of every day. And the truth is I lied, when I said I was fine. I’m so happy, I think I might cry.”

Listening to the album, what strikes me most is how rich and full each song sounds, despite the fact we’re hearing only a piano and Jesse’s vocals. Employing both instruments – the piano and his vibrant voice – to their fullest, he manages to create breathtaking soundscapes that fully envelop us in their lush and captivating warmth. And though most songs touch on sad or bittersweet topics related to love and loss, they’re always incredibly moving and pleasing to the ear.

On the melancholy but beautiful “This House Comes With A Ghost“, Jesse softly sings with a sense of sad resignation about lost loves and regret that have occured over time within a house: “These walls have seen it all, the stories they could tell. Of broken-hearted love affairs and bittersweet farewells. These walls have seen a lot, a lot more than most. This house comes with a ghost.”

Next up is the aforementioned “Everything Makes You Sick“, another song that was originally released on Violensia. I love Jesse’s dramatic piano trills and raw vocals as he sings “And to every broken heart that came before, I just called to let you know I don’t need you anymore. But I’m gonna be okay, even though everything makes you sick these days.” A third song from that album Jesse revisits here is “Nobody’s Got Me“, a bittersweet song in which he laments about having no one in his life to call his own: “Everyone’s got someone, everyone but me. Nobody’s got me.”

The tender piano ballad “Remember How To Love” has Jesse admitting his shortcomings in keeping up his part of the care and feeding of a romantic relationship: “If I could remember how to love you, maybe you’d remember how to smile. If I could remember how to love you, maybe you’d forget I need reminding once in a while.” On “Wrong About God“, a song that originally appeared on Clap Trap Venus, he plaintively sings from the perspective of a man filled with cynicism and regret resulting from his time serving as a chaplain in the army: “Learning to let go is just unlearning to hold on./ I just wish I could see my friend, and tell him we were wrong. Wrong about the job, and I was wrong about God.”

With “Secret of You“, he revisits the beautiful love song that was his debut single, in which he sings his praises of a loved one whose attributes aren’t immediately apparent to those around her: “She’s a glass of wine in a paper cup. Proof that something fine can be something rough. Watching her’s like watching the sunset in the rain. You know it’s there, and you know it’s beautiful, but you know you’re gonna have to look through the gray./ Someday, everyone is going to feel exactly the same way about you as I do. Until then, I’m going to keep the secret of you.”

“Omaha” sees him looking back with bittersweet fondness on a relationship that didn’t survive, but harboring no regrets: “My oh my, what a sight you are for these sore eyes./ Be sorry for loving me, be sorry for leaving me. Be sorry for what you can’t take back. But those nights we spent in Omaha, spending tomorrows we didn’t have, baby don’t be sorry for that.”

“Left Your Coat Behind“, a reimagining of a song originally featured on American Dreaming, sounds a little like an early Elton John song with its urgent and intricate piano keys. The lyrics seem to be about a couple having a furtive affair: “The clock on the wall is screaming at the clock in the hall, and I know I’m running out of time. You’ve only just arrived, now you’re saying goodbye. It seems I wanted to tell you something, but it slipped my mind. Have you realized that you left your coat behind?“

Closing out the album is the Billy Joel-esque “So Passes the Light from the Eye“, a song I’m guessing is about the ephemeral nature of life: “So passes the sun from the sky. So passes the long day into that long black night with a flicker, and a whisper, then you die. So passed the light now from your eye.” His vocals rise from a soft croon to commanding along with his stirring piano. It’s a fitting and majestic end to this delicately beautiful, yet deeply affecting and powerful album.

Find Jesse’s music on Bandcamp / Spotify / Apple Music / Amazon Music / YouTube

STILL TRAFFICO – Single Review: “Who’s a Fraud?”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews14 Comments

January 10th was apparently a big day for new music releases, and I featured three singles that dropped that day on my recent installment of Fresh New Tracks. One I missed – because I was not yet familiar with the band who recorded it – is the wonderful song “Who’s a Fraud?” by English alternative pop-rock band Still Traffico.

Originally formed in London as a four-piece named Peach, the band renamed themselves with a rather unusual but certainly distinctive moniker Still Traffico in the summer of 2023, when they reduced down to three members consisting of Cam McColl (lead vocals/guitar, Dan Carabine (lead guitar) and Dan Arthur (bass). Influenced by everything from Chanson Française storytelling to African desert blues to post-rock and more, Still Traffico make a blend of indie pop and post-punk they call “Railway Pop” and cheekily describe as a “sound that clanks and shunts… but soothes.” After listening to their songs I’d say that sounds about right.

Still Traffico released their debut single “Seagull” in September 2023, and since then have dropped three more excellent singles, the latest of which is “Who’s a Fraud?” While not quite jangle pop, it most definitely features some marvelous jangly guitar work, as well as really lovely twangy guitar notes accompanied by a subtle but solid bassline and spirited percussion. It all works beautifully to create an enthralling and memorable backdrop for Cam McColl’s immensely pleasing vocals. I like “Who’s a Fraud?” more with each listen, and think it’s their best song yet.

The poetic lyrics seem to speak to those who think of themselves as pure of heart and mind with the best of intentions, yet are quick to judge others they feel are wrong or inferior to themselves:

I tore the lid off
Light hit the eggshell walls
What lurks underneath
Can't be concealed anymore.

It's coming for you
In all your comfort
Turn your face away
when it matters.

So who are you calling a fraud?

You've seen the world
You've got your measure on things
Now, hold yourself
Like we're the same?
It's night and day.

I tread alone
in familiar places.
Step into the road
as the lights turn red.
To find that people behind me follow.
To feel.. that cars can't kill.

You know the world
You've done your own reading
So, hold yourself
like we're the same?
It's night and day.

So, who are you calling a fraud?

Still Traffico’s Socials: Facebook / X / Instagram / TikTok / Threads / BlueSky

Find their music on Bandcamp / Spotify / Apple Music / Soundcloud / YouTube

MIKEY J – Singles Review: “She’s So Fine/Fell So Hard”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews13 Comments

Hailing from the fair city of Melbourne, Australia is singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mikey J (aka Michael Johnson), who humbly refers to himself as “just a dude who loves music“. Inspired by some of the great songwriters of the past, life experiences and his family, his songs are a mix of rock, blues, folk, funk and indie influences, all of which he performs and records in his simple setup at home. He’s been writing and recording music since his teens, releasing his first self-titled EP in 1999 at the age of 17 with his then band Blue Tracer. In 2011, he released a solo album Happy “​六​” Anniversary, inspired by and dedicated to his wife Ella. Nearly 10 years would pass until his next release ISO​-​Inspiration, an album inspired by the Covid lockdown, in October 2020. Since then, Mikey J’s been on a creative tear, dropping five more albums, most recently Muffet Way, a 14-track behemoth he released last May, as well as numerous singles.

Now he’s recorded his latest album Made in China, another ambitious work to be released in March that will feature 14 tracks inspired by the twelve years Mikey J spent living in Shanghai. The songs delve into love, growth and personal struggles, reflecting the people, places, and experiences – including a pet and a typhoon – that shaped his life during that period. In a recent interview with Marc Schuster for his Abominations blog, Mikey J explained “It’s where I became a man. I moved to China pretty much on a whim after leaving a pretty toxic relationship, for what was supposed to be maybe two years at most of fun! I then met the girl of my dreams, we got married, had a kid and all of a sudden it was twelve years later! It was such an exciting period of Shanghai’s development as well – 2005 was when it really started to develop in a big way and it was just so fun! I wanted to write an album that was a little more thematic than I have previously written and China seemed a pretty significant part of who I am. I had some ideas about people, places and events that were pretty memorable and it just kind of came together! Of course, there is a good smattering of my patented sappy love songs about my wife to boot!“

Last month, on December 5th, he released the first song from the album, “Where Do I Belong?”, and now returns with two more songs released as a pair, “She’s So Fine” and “Fell So Hard“, which dropped January 9th. Both songs are totally different in sound and structure, with straightforward and honest lyrics about meeting and falling in love with Ella, the woman who would become his wife. “She’s So Fine” opens strong with a gnarly, almost bluesy guitar riff accompanied by snappy drums and a thumping bass groove. Mikey J’s impressive guitar prowess is on full display as he layers multiple textures and riffs throughout the song, highlighted by a great solo in the bridge. Mikey J said that the song was somewhat inspired by The Easybeats, an Australian band from the 1960s, while “Fell So Hard was inspired by the Beatles.

“Fell So Hard” has a slower tempo, with a melody and instrumentation reminiscent of songs by the Beatles in their mid-career period of 1966-68. I really love the mellotron sounds as well as the jangly guitar work that nicely channels that of George Harrison. Mikey J doesn’t have a particularly strong singing voice, but his vocals are endearing and heartfelt as he sings of how he fell for Ella: “I met a girl who stole my heart, she snatched it clean away. I was alone, just drifting through life, but I fell for her that day. She looked at me, and the world seemed to stop. I fell for her so hard that fateful day.”

I like that “She’s So Fine” and “Fell So Hard” offer up a completely different vibe and sound from each other, and also that both sound different from “Where Do I Belong”, with its hard-driving beat. It’s a clear indication of Mikey J’s ability to cross music genres and styles in his songwriting and musicianship, which he puts to good use on Made in China, making for an interesting listen indeed.

Here are the songs on YouTube:

And on Spotify:

Mikey J’s Socials: Facebook / X / Instagram / Threads / BlueSky

Find his music on Bandcamp / Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Soundcloud / Amazon Music

SET THE TONE – Single Review: “Here We Go Again”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews8 Comments

Set the Tone is a pop/rock band from Pontypridd, Wales (the home of legendary singer Tom Jones) that I recently learned about when their bassist Kage Jones reached out to me about possibly featuring them on my blog. From what I can tell, they appear to be a fairly new band, as they began posting to their Facebook and Instagram accounts this past April, to coincide with the release of their first songs “Happy” and “Take This Chance”. In addition to Kage, Set the Tone is comprised of Liam Richards on acoustic guitar and vocals, Nate Jones on electric guitar and Dan Hayman on electric guitar and backing vocals.

With their winning combination of an infectious and pleasing sound that melds elements of classic and contemporary rock, folk and pop, intelligent songwriting, and high-energy performances and charismatic stage presence, the guys have quickly built a loyal following in South Wales. The moment I listened to their latest single “Here We Go Again“, I liked it immediately and knew I wanted to write about them.

The song starts off almost folk-like with a lovely little acoustic riff that’s soon joined by soothing strings, shimmery electric guitar and assertive drumbeats as Liam sings with a heartfelt earnestness. The instrumentation is outstanding throughout, and I love the the warm vocal harmonies. Everything builds to a stirring anthemic crescendo in the final chorus, making for a song that’s incredibly satisfying – that feeling you get when a song just hits you in all the right spots.

The poignant lyrics describe a contentious relationship in which a couple continue going round and round, fighting then making up without ever resolving their deeper-seated problems: “Here we go again, falling out the wrong side of the bed. An argument that just won’t seem to end. Then we’ll all pretend everything’s alright. Forget about it, all go out tonight. We knew it would just end up in a fight.“

I’m impressed at the fine songwriting and musicianship of Set the Tone, and if they continue delivering the level of quality shown in the four songs they’ve released thus far, they’ll have a bright future indeed.

Set the Tone’s Socials:  Facebook / Instagram / TikTok

Find their music on  Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Amazon Music