This month’s installment of our Monthly Favourites review series comes directly from the Devon coast, where I’m currently holidaying. The sun is finally shining and the wintry weather seems to have disappeared, so it’s likely you’ll be wanting a new set of killer tunes to listen to as you ring in the new season. As always, the bands and artists listed here are remarkably different from one another, with a full playlist found at the end for your listening pleasure. Enjoy!
Review by Jane Howkins
Photo by Hazel Gaze
Hazel Gaze – Until I See You Again
First up is dynamic indie rockers Hazel Gaze with new release, Until I See You Again. It’s only their third single release, yet it already sounds very accomplished, also including elements of classic rock, pop-rock, folk and gospel. The track has a delightful sound throughout, hinting at the soul movement – just check out those killer backing vocals on the chorus, emerging like a beautiful choir. The main vocals have an old school retro rock sound, belting the lyrics out with power and conviction, making for one track you can’t miss out on!
Social media: Website, Facebook, Spotify, YouTube. Instagram
Joshua Pearlstein – Endorphins
Up next is Joshua Pearlstein, an artist based in the USA. His new track Endorphins is made even more the impressive by the fact it was created within a mere 36 hours, written after Joshua was rejected by a girl. The lyrics follow this theme quite well, with the music having a poppy sensibility, making this artist one to watch for the future! It’s a catchy pop song but there’s also some cool orchestral sounds, used to bolster the groovy rhythm that the track has. Joshua’s vocals are stunning too, rising up to some amazing heights during the piece.
Social media: Website, Spotify, Soundcloud, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok
Icarus Phoenix – Painting
Icarus Phoenix is a side project created by independent Maryland artist Drew Danburry, with Painting being their stunning new release. It’s got quite a unique vibe – the track is folky, yet it has more of a modern folk sound, including a full band. The guitar arpeggios continue through most of t he tune, adding a dreamy quality to this amazing piece of work. Everything sounds perfectly produced, as the vocals croon along in perfect style, keeping your attention constantly poised on the pretty harmonies on offer here.
Social media: Linktree, Spotify, Soundcloud, Bandcamp, YouTube, Instagram, Songkick, TikTok
Tessa Lee – Dear Friend
Now, we have a more traditional form of folk music for you, with Dear Friend also having elements of country and Americana. Tessa Lee is clearly a master of her art, as she’s created something lovely here – it’s a pretty steady sounding song with a slow tempo, but the pace really allows her strong vocals to shine through, particularly on the chorus. It was written during the Tasmanian lockdown in 2020, and you can really feel the emotion in her powerful lyrics as she sings along in a majestic way – find out for yourselves below!
Social media: Website, Facebook, Bandcamp, YouTube, Spotify
Ella Reid – Dance Badly
Ella Reid is another newcomer to these pages, taking this review in a completely different direction. Dance Badly is a track for those who like something to dance to, seeming incredibly funky throughout. Whilst Ella does incorporate some elements of the modern pop scene here, there’s also a retro disco vibe – just check out that groovy bassline and the saxophone solos that break off from the main melody. Ella’s vocals aren’t to be sniffed at either, carrying themselves through the music with a sultry and enticing quality, drawing you in straight away!
Social media: Website, Facebook, Spotify, Soundcloud, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok
Ignacio Wer – Much A Time In Ache
Berlin-based artist Ignacio Wer brings more of a folky vibe to proceedings with his dreamy new tune, Much A Time In Ache. It’s quite a raw sounding tune at first, but this factor just makes it all sound the more genuine and relatable, which is definitely a good thing for me! A pretty guitar melody runs through the tune, as Ignacio sings over the top, his vocals drifting in lovely style through the music. The lyrics are well-written too, showing just how talented this artist really is!
Social media: Spotify, Bandcamp
Decadent Heroes – Dawn of Fire
Italian rockers Decadent Heroes may be new to these pages, but I’m sure we’ll be sharing more of their music soon if Dawn of Fire is anything to go by! It’s a rock and roll song that has elements of both the classic rock and modern rock genres, appealing to fans of multiple styles. Interestingly, it’s an instrumental piece, but it’s so good that it really doesn’t need any lyrics. Instead, the lead guitar acts almost as a vocal line, carrying the main melody, soaring off into some triumphant heights at times.
Social media: Twitter, Spotify, Soundcloud, Instagram
Monthly Favourites – playlist by York Calling | Spotify