Monthly Favourites #27

Spring is finally here and it seems to have finally stopped raining, which is cause for celebration in itself. However, if you really want to see the spring in, you could do worse than checking out the 27th iteration of my Monthly Favourites series. If you’ve been regularly browsing these features, you’ll know what to expect by now – a series of tracks by some amazing bands and artists from different genres, with a fully Spotify playlist at the bottom!

Review by Jane Howkins

Photo by Magnus & John

Magnus & John – Sublime

Sublime is a perfectly apt title for this track, as it really does sound sublime to me! Magnus & John have created an electro-pop track that is reminiscent of the post-punk/dark wave that became popular in the 80s, but with a cool modern twist. The synths pulsate through the music alongside the bass and drums, as the vocals glide along in a captivating manner. There’s a lot of vocal effects utilised, but they’re actually used pretty well here, fitting the themes and tone of the tune perfectly.

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Simon Andersson – Talkin’ Bout A Revolution

Musical powerhouse Simon Andersson has created something really special in new tune, Talkin’ Bout A Revolution. It’s a pop-rock song with a cheery anthemic sound – particularly when that catchy chorus kicks in, seeing Simon repeat the main refrain in a hooky way. The music is absolutely delightful to behold, having a positive and fresh sound that will get straight under your skin. The verses are a little mellower, as a pretty piano motif seeps through the music against Simon’s voice, before that killer chorus arrives again!

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Mira Sthira – Up and Down

Mira Sthira is back with another amazing tune – this time titled Up and Down. It’s another quirky pop song, having a slight alternative edge to it. The backing effects sound really cool against Mira’s vocals, which display a truly fantastic range here. As well as the pop influences, there’s also something of an electro-industrial vibe, making for something rather unique in the modern music industry. The chorus elevates things even further, allowing the full breadth of Mira’s vocals to shine through in a glorious way.

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Sheila Simmenes – Same Old Song (Eloah Blú Remix)

Next up we have jazz singer-songwriter Sheila Simmenes with a remix of one of her songs, titled Same Old Song (Eloah Blú Remix). The track starts out sounding very jazzy, using some interesting backing effects, before Sheila’s fantastic vocals kick in. The vocals are the real focal point of the track, although the instrumentation is pretty funky too. A groovy bassline appears alongside the trickling piano and drums, underpinning the jazzy vocals well. The saxophone adds something a little extra special when it kicks in too!

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Mansheen – Tru-Believer

If you like your rock music on the more psychedelic side of things, then Mansheen may be for you! Tru-Believer is, as you might have guessed, a psychedelic rock song with a hint of indie and Britpop also thrown in for good measure. The guitars have that classic 60s sound, jangling their way through the music against the rhythm section. The vocals are a little distorted, but the effects work really well with the vibe Mansheen is trying to curate here, making for something rather trippy at times!

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IN Kelly – Thought I Was Your Sidekick

IN Kelly is a Norwegian post-punk/indie rock band, with Thought I Was Your Sidekick rounding this review out nicely. The track has a driving rhythm, making you want to tap your feet along straight away. The guitars have a lovely sound when they kick in, running nicely against the bass and drums, dropping off occasionally to allow the vocals to shine through. The vocals are also rather unique sounding, but give them a chance and you might just find something new to love here!

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