Monthly Favourites #17

It’s amazing to think that this round-up review series has now entered its 17th iteration! As a fan of music across the board, I find myself listening to lots of artists from different styles and genres on a month by month basis. As such, there should be something for everyone on this list, no matter what you’re into!

Review by Jane Howkins

Photo by Becca James

Becca James – Innocent Days

Starting this list off in style is Becca James, a musician and singer with a stunning voice. Innocent Days is our first introduction to Becca’s music, but I’m sure it won’t be our last, as it’s a stunning piece of work! It’s a pop song of sorts, although it’s slightly stripped down at times, allowing Becca’s gorgeous vocals to truly shine through. It’s catchy, yet it never sounds ridiculously mainstream and commercialised, having an organic quality instead.

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Aliens Don’t Ring Doorbells – Are You Crazy?

Aliens Don’t Ring Doorbells are quite unique, as their members are based in the UK, Spain and America. Are You Crazy? is an anthemic rock song, designed to get stuck in your head instantly! The piano sounds really nice when placed against the beat, as the heartfelt vocals drift in and out of the music in a harmonious manner. It’s catchy, yet it never sounds too mainstream, making for the best of both worlds!

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Nelson Sobral – Twice The Price

Adding a little more rock and roll to this list is Toronto-based artist Nelson Sobral. Twice The Price has that classic rock and roll style that became so popular in the 60s and 70s, featuring some catchy guitar riffs that meld with the beat well. It’s quite bluesy, as Nelson croons perfectly over the music in a soulful way. The guitar solos sound really groovy too, adding more attitude to this amazing song.

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Pacificaze – Wanderlust

Wanderlust is one of my favourite songs on this list, as Pacificaze has created something really fabulous here! It’s probably best described as an indie rock song, although there are also elements of alt rock thrown in for good measure too. It’s catchy, having a nostalgic quality that helps to evoke up the emotions portrayed in the tune. Just try and listen to this without it getting stuck in your head!

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Liloe Rix – Can’t Stop

The first thing apparent on Can’t Stop is how good Liloe Rix’s vocals are – she’s got a fantastic voice, running through this tune in lovely style. The guitars are subtle in the background, but they really help to pull the song along to its satisfying conclusion alongside the driving rhythm. The backing vocals also work wonders, adding wonderful layers to accentuate Liloe’s lead vocals. Find this amazing song below!

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Michael Peloso – That Will Be Me

Moving in a more folky direction is Michael Peloso’s That Will Be Me. It’s a really beautiful piece of work, consisting of some lovely flowing piano and guitar melodies that meld together in a lovely way. The violin is subtle yet strong in the background, adding extra layers to this wondrous piece of work. And who can forget the vocals, drifting along in a gorgeous way in the background of this song.

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Darling Fitch – Rise

Darling Fitch is a US-based, Berlin-raised performance artist, musician and writer, creating unique electronic tracks. Rise is one such release – it’s possible the most experimental tune on this list. The electronic drums have an almost tribal sound, beating away in a rhythmic manner in the background as synth flourishes burst all around. The vocals are a little distorted, but they actually work really well with what Darling Fitch is trying to portray here.

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Sarantos – I Got No Money

80s music has been making something of a resurgence in recent months, and Sarantos is here to capitalise on the movement! I Got No Money is a pop song that mixes together elements of modern and 80s pop into one amazing package. One thing is clear – Sarantos has a real songwriting talent, as the song is really catchy to listen to. The emotion in his vocals is clear too, adding another awesome addition to this tune.

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Venice Heath – Different

Here’s one for all of you into your indie rock – Venice Heath blend psychedelic sounds with the indie genre to make for one epic package on Different. The guitars are expertly crafted here, running through the piece in an urgent way against the fast beat to create a palpable feeling of nostalgia. The chord sequence and synths add an otherworldly vibe, ensuring that this track will stay stuck in your head for hours afterwards!

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Ruud Voesten – Clickbait Merchants

Ruud Voesten is a Dutch drummer and composer from Rotterdam, with Clickbait Merchants being his fabulous new release. It’s an extremely jazzy number, showing off how good Ruud is at the drums. The beat is fast and funky, as a groovy bassline follows the percussion in style. The brass instrumentation is the real stand out point here though, diverging slightly as the piece continues. If you like your jazz, you must check this out!

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Marika Christine – Music And Heart

I always like music that mixes several genres together, so naturally, I was drawn to Marika Christine’s new tune, Music And Heart. It’s quite folky, yet the rhythm and piano add a jazzy vibe, making for one awesome piece of music. And let’s not forget Marika’s stunning vocals, which really add a sense of character to this folk-rocker. It’s positively upbeat too, working its way underneath your skin in no time.

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Billie Maree – Whale Eyes

Billie Maree is a singer-songwriter and musician from Devon, crafting beautiful folk songs with a traditional folky bent. Whale Eyes is one such tune – it’s one of the best folk songs I’ve heard in a long time! Billie has a stunning voice, perfectly suited to the genre of music she creates. It’s quite a simplistic track at times, featuring a flowing guitar melody put against Billie’s fiddle playing and a minimalist beat, but it sounds amazing overall!

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