It’s been a while since we’ve done one of our Monthly Favourites reviews, but I’m happy to say the 32nd iteration is now ready for your reading and listening pleasure! We’ve got some fantastic songs for you this month, despite the shorter length of the review, so I hope you’ll be able to find something suitable!
Let’s dive in…
Review by Jane Howkins
Photo of TE/MO
TE/MO – DEVIL
Chicago-based artist TE/MO adds a fresh new sound to the modern pop scene, also introducing elements of r&b, hip-hip, electronica and even the odd classical note! DEVIL is a catchy song with more than a hint of attitude, seeing TE/MO use her vocals in an amazing way, changing her voice up throughout the tune. It’s a song with more than a little theatrical flourish – the backing instrumentation sounds really amazing against the vocals and hip-hop drum vibe going on here. What’s certain is that this is one artist heading straight for the top of the charts!
Social media: Facebook, Twitter, Spotify, Bandcamp, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok
Little Juke – Down the Rabbit Hole
Little Juke is a British band from the West Midlands who already sound suitably accomplished, despite Down the Rabbit Hole being their very first single release! The track starts out in a beautiful manner with a pretty piano melody, flowing through the tune as more and more elements are slowly added into the mix. The vocals are really strong too, carrying a great deal of soul and emotion, working their way straight into your head. The track really picks the pace up about halfway through, turning Down the Rabbit Hole into an anthemic indie-pop banger, before fading out with some glorious strings.
Social media: Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud, Bandcamp, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok
Midnight Repost – Stay
Essex trio Midnight Repost recently released their debut EP Out By Ten, with Stay being one of my favourite songs on the record. It makes for a perfect introduction to the band’s sound, opening with some lovely guitar licks and an oh so sweet vocal delivery that will hook you in in no time. Stay has the sort of pop sensibility you’d expect from the modern pop scene, backed up by a full rock and roll band, making for an ideal mix between heaviness and catchiness – just check out that chorus and see if it doesn’t have you singing along!
Social media: Facebook, Spotify, Soundcloud, YouTube, Instagram
Reid Anderson – My Dearest Friends
Next up we have a lovely new piece of folk music from Reid Anderson, sounding this review out nicely. My Dearest Friends has a mostly traditional folk feel, with the instrumentation consisting almost solely of a pretty, fingerpicked acoustic guitar motif, with the occasional string melody played over the top. Reid’s vocals really suit the style of music too, sound particularly gorgeous when the vocals harmonise together on the final chorus, bringing everything home too roost in an awesome way.
Social media: Linktree, Facebook, Spotify, Instagram
Monthly Favourites – playlist by York Calling | Spotify