Album Review: Beautiful Sin – Some Kind Of Illness

Hailing from Manchester, brothers Paul and Mark Hinks – aka indie rock outfit, SOME KIND OF ILLNESS – latest album, ‘Beautiful Sin’, could be described as smooth as a Sunday morning with a tranquil introduction through instrumentals ‘Within A Shadow’ and ‘Ghost’ with the latter featuring a slight sinister spin on the album’s theme.

Third offering ‘A Moment In Time’, first offers a full set of vocals, that’s so smoothing, to the equally smooth and inmate setting. ‘A Lament Reprise’ adds another dimension to the album with its slight electronic drive to the production, uplifting a bed of atmospheric soundscapes similar to what’s offered in the previous productions. ‘Beautiful Sin’ also interrupts the album’s soothing vibe with the distorted and racing guitar riffs breaking through the production, giving off a feather-light and (perhaps 60’s-inspired) Americana feel.

The album concludes with ‘7 Days’, which ventures into a more sinister side of indie rock, with guest vocalist Jenny Jen shedding some light and sweetness to the whole arrangement.

Through their fourth album, SOME KIND OF ILLNESS has effortlessly combine two worlds – indie and rock music –  in a way that’s accessible to those who aren’t massive fans of the aforementioned genres. Have a listen to ‘Beautiful Sin’ below:

Must Listen: A Moment In Time 

New Music Video: Cerise Dream – Temple of Angels

Following the release of their sophomore EP, ‘Foiled’, and debut U.S. tour in 2018, which saw them sharing the stage with the likes of Iceage, Beach Fossils, Boy Harsher, and John Maus, Austin and Los Angeles-based post punk/dream pop band TEMPLE OF ANGELS are back with their first single of 2019.

‘Cerise Dream’ sees the band further explore a more melodic direction, perfect for those summer days. The single was released as a 7″ last Friday (14th June) along with the digital release through post-punk tastemakers Funeral Party Records.

In addition to the 7” release TEMPLE OF ANGELS unveiled the music video for ‘Cerise Dream’, directed and edited by vocalist Bre Morell in collaboration with Director of Photography, Erynn Patrick.

Watch the video for ‘Cerise Dream’ below:

Album Review: Southwood Waltz – David Ayscue

DAVID AYSCUE‘s debut album, ‘Southwood Waltz’ offers a simplistic yet whimsical approach to his singer/songwriter folkore/Americana fusion, allowing his mellow and delicate vocal instrument to poke through as he documents his transition from youth to adulthood.

‘New York’ gives the eight-track collection a stunning introduction, where the gentle guitar melodies takes centre stage and provides that real authenic acoustic setting.

‘Sliverlake Sunday’ and ‘In My Day’ slightly switches the tone and uplifts the album; the arrangements of ldyllic overtones, the horn section and satisying guitar plucks provides that real gritty soulful rock that really hits the soul.

The hauntingly beautiful ‘Where We Land’ concludes the set with it’s stripped down, guitar/vocal combo, which then builds into an euphoric Mumford-and-Sons style, 4-on-the-floor anthem.

‘Southwood Waltz’ puts Ayscue in good standing as one of the artists to watch for this year. His debut offering is not bad, not bad at all!

Listen to Ayscue’s ‘Southwood Waltz’ below:

Must Listens: New York, Penny, Where We Land

Song of the Day: Bullets – Zinnia

Toronto-based singer/songwriter Rachael Cardiello – aka ZINNIA – delivers a stunning piece, entitled ‘Bullets’, into today’s hot spot, layered with synth and driving beats, along with soothing vocals, turning all spine tinglingly fierce towards the end.

‘Bullets’ is from ZINNIA’s debut album, ‘Sensations in Two Dot’ is due out later in the year.

I highly recommend you check this beauty out, before you head out…

Upcoming Release: Phantom Planet – Carnival Youth & Birthday

Latvian trio CARNIVAL YOUTH are geared up to release their double A side single, featuring ‘Birthday’ and ‘Phantom Planet’, out tomorrow (16th March) via their own label, Carnival Youth through The Orchard.

Blending gloriously hazy vocals with Tame Impala-esque jangle guitars, the two new songs manage to pull of an incredible combination of the melodic, experimental and catchy sound for which the band have become known for.

The singles follow up to a series of internationally acclaimed releases, which gained the band the title of Latvia’s biggest musical export. Part of a new generation of bands coming out from the Baltic, CARNIVAL YOUTH became the first Latvian act to win The European Border Breakers Award (EBBA) and EBBA ‘Public Choice Award’ at Eurosonic.

Carnival Youth

Their debut EP ‘Never Have Enough’ opened the doors to the European Festivals circuit, as well as gaining the band a steady radio support across Europe and the UK, including backing from 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq.

Three years later and over two million Spotify plays, their first debut album ‘No Clouds Allowed’ ended up being rewarded as Best Debut Album of The Year in Latvia, earning them support from BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, John Kennedy on Xposure, and Jim Gellatly on Amazing Radio.

Check it the video for ‘Phantom Planet’ and ‘Birthday’ below: