It’s been over a year since we released Female Voices #2, so I felt it was high time I reinvigorated the review series with a third iteration! Women sometimes don’t get the traction they deserve within the music industry, so it’s important to get those voices out there in any way possible, which is what I aim to do with this review! Who knows, you might just find your new favourite band or artist!
Review by Jane Howkins
Photo of Hana Piranha
Hana Piranha – Toxic
First up is London artist Hana Piranha – this track is actually a cover of the popular Britney Spears song Toxic, but it’s performed in quite a different way! Don’t get me wrong – it’s still catchy as all hell, but Hana manages to introduce elements of both folk and rock music here, making for something really cool. A violin performs the main melody of the track, with a full band playing the rest of the instrumentation, ramping up the heaviness on the chorus. Hana also has a particularly sultry sound to her voice too, fitting the lyrical themes well.
Social media: Website, Facebook, Spotify, Bandcamp, YouTube, Instagram, Songkick
Goldicat – Show U More
Goldicat is an electronic music duo who split their time between Manchester and Mexico, with Show U More being their latest single release. It’s one of the most unique songs I’ve heard in a long time, containing elements of disco, jazz, EDM, funk and electronica. There’s a lot going on here, so it’s the sort of track that will take a few listens to fully appreciate, but it’s well worth the effort! The vocals suit the style well, although the focus remains mostly on the instrumentation, pulsating along in time with the fast drum beat – why not give it a go and see what you think?
Social media: Website, Soundcloud, Bandcamp, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Spotify
Stottie – Blue
Stottie is a London-based singer-songwriter, with Blue being her debut single release! It’s remarkable that it’s her first official release, as the track sounds incredibly accomplished from the get go. It’s a dreamy, minimalist pop number, allowing Stottie’s vocals to really shine through in all their glory. Her voice is full of emotion here, performing with a soft and delicate manner that also fits the musical style well. The piano is particularly lovely when it appears, playing a flowing melody with a hell of a lot of soul.
Social media: Soundcloud, Instagram
Nyxotype – Spider the Spellwork
Now it’s time for something different, in the form of Spider the Spellwork by Nyxotype. Spider the Spellwork is another genre-bender of a tune, but it’s probably best described as an electro-pop/synth-pop track. The percussive beats are absolutely mesmerising, drawing you straight into Nyxotype’s hypnotic world in an instant. There aren’t really any traditional vocal lines as such, but the little phrases that appear do have an enigmatic and dreamy quality, placed well against the beautiful soundscape created by the music.
Social media: Facebook, Spotify, Soundcloud, YouTube, Instagram
Lady Mercedes – Silver Lining
Finally, we have an uplifting anthem from Lady Mercedes, a singer-songwriter from Seattle. Her new tune Silver Lining makes for a fantastic listen, sure to get you in a positive mood by the time it’s through! It’s quite a jazzy number, but there are also moments of r&b and soul – particularly in terms of Lady Mercedes’ vocals, which sound really strong here! It’s also a pretty relaxing track, ideal for listening to at the end of a long hard day at the office and perfect for changing your mood around. Give Silver Lining a listen and see if you agree!
Social media: Website, Facebook, Spotify, Bandcamp, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok
Female Voices – playlist by York Calling | Spotify