The world has embraced a bewildering time in which there is a sparse supply of toilet roll and pasta shapes due to a terrifying virus causing widespread panic. However, there has been a significant glimmer of hope in this current mystifying crisis, the new release from Newquay’s own Penny Eyes, ‘Jealous Boy’. Being a huge fan of ‘The Gardens’ from their previous successful EP ‘How Do You Feel?’ released in 2019, I was super exhilarated to discover ‘Jealous boy’ and it did not disappoint. Their new indie- pop sound is highly infectious, leaving you with an aura of reminiscent envious emotion one may contain when with a significant other. The instrumentation is simply spellbinding with the guitar providing atmospheric riffs and fragmentation which is introduced at the beginning and at the end of the record. Alongside the band's remarkable accompaniment of the melody line. The track is candidly honest and pleasantly exhibits a slight melancholic feel with lyrics such as ‘I am jealous, I get so jealous’, ‘I'm jealous’, ‘Im loading my gun’. My favourite part has to be the bridge as the repetition of the lyrics and structure builds in momentum before the perceptible final chorus. Possessing the empowerment to admit to being jealous undoubtedly has such a substantial impact within this track. Lead singer Harry Bird, commented: ‘We’re really excited to release this track, it’s one we’ve been working on for a while and I think it shows how we’ve grown as a band over the last year, and it’s a real anthem.’ The song introduces a more refined soundscape from their previous works with fabulous high end production. Working with producer Ross Rothero-Bourge at Cube Recording Studio in Truro, the boys spent the weekend fabricating an indie- pop sound which is cemented when listening to ‘Jealous Boy’ and woven into the three other records that will be released very soon. Harry also states: ‘We’ve spent a long time in the studio getting the sound just right and I think it really shows.’ The track is also partnered with an official video which is self- produced and paints the narrative of the elements exhibited in the song. The song and video marries one another in aesthetic and the thematic of jealousy is distinguishably connoted throughout the visuals. You also can not miss the cactus bobble head placed upon the dashboard of the car and the simple but effective quote once the screen goes black, ‘Share with your ex’. Having already made their mark in the local music scene, with sold out gigs at The Dead Famous in Newquay, a slot at Secret Gin Garden, BBC introducing stage at The Little Orchard Cider Festival, performing at Bristol’s iconic Louisiana and gigging heavily across the county, we can only anticipate the Newquay boys to advance further with success into the music industry. With self isolation as a whole entity fabricating boredom throughout the country, ‘Jealous Boy’ can be accessed via all major streaming platforms and it is certainly a song you do not want to miss! Remember, look after yourselves and stay safe.
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After overcoming the apprehension university can bring, it's very exciting to see first year talent emerge from the caccoone and comfort of what is AMATA and embark on a personal journey of their artistry into the Falmouth music scene. Being a little smaller than I already am, I remember implementing my own artistic journey and the excitement that it contains and its very easy to envy. Up and comer Rhys Hurd has made a glorious introduction upon the Falmouth music scene with his single ‘It’s Just Us’.
From the get go, ‘It’s Just Us’ presents an acoustic feel which connotes the sense of summer, sitting by a campfire on the beach hearing the waves crash as this song is played sweetly, a song that has been created to be admired and sang along with. The atmosphere is introduced by a sweet guitar riff which then accompanies the prominent vocal melody by using a constant change of various chords patterns. After the first chorus, the dynamic rhythmic feel of the song intensifies with the instrumentation of a virtuous cajon beat, animated guitar riffs and a righteous bassline. The cajon really sets the pace of the song and is a distinguished alternative. This provides an exposed atmosphere to empower the lyrics to radiate throughout the song. As Rhys says: ‘This arrangement of the song is a stripped back sound built off acoustic guitars driving the rhythm, leaving the voice to carry the honesty in the lyrics showing a level of maturity and sophistication in RHYS’ developing sound.’ You can openly hear this in the positioning of elements that fabricate this summer tune. The lyrics that stand out in this song connote an impassioned connection for love with lyrics such as ‘There's no more you or me, there's just us’, ‘Our thoughts collide and sparks fly’ and ‘There's no more doubting how we feel’‘ very to the point and delicate. As Rhys’ aim for the sentiment was to prove the listener the sense of an ‘Emotional and personal song about love that is built on a connection of two people’s minds and passions.’. The harmonies provided by Emma Jordan and Sam Pollard marry one another and are prominent on the lyrics ‘There’s just us’ to give the listener the perception that for Rhys, the love shared between the two people are equal with one another. There is some room for development with more advancement of recording techniques and vocal diction. However, I praise Rhys for recording, producing and writing the track! Not many musicians at the start of university know how to do all three. With space to grow, we can expect Rhys to really hone his craft and make it something the industry is missing in the next few years at Falmouth. ‘It’s Just Us’ is on all streaming platforms now and if you can’t get enough, Rhys is playing at the Phoenix in Exeter on the 15th of March and returning to Falmouth to play alongside Emma and Sam for Solo Artist’s Night at Killigrew Inn on the 18th April 2020. We have seen Nana grace ‘The Celebration of Women’ successfully still, it is now time to recognise her step into the world with her personal creativity at her side. After knowing Nana for some time now, this is entirely what I envisioned her music identity to be, unrestrained, empowering and truly honest. Nana has invited us to experience heartbreak at the ‘ding’ of the hotel bell in which, hopes to receive a prodigious reception.
Influences from soul and jazz are prominent in the chord structure of the piano, bass and drum accompaniment. The piano stands out and marries her sugared vigorous vocal melodies created by Nana. The lyric that sounds out in this song: ‘Honey have you finished… Making me drown in your insecurities’ this is gritty and to the point. The groove enters dominantly into the track after the first chorus connoting the idea that she has overcome the heartbreak that had once entered her life which then follows with a fabulous layer of harmonies and a gracious ‘ooh’. Every element is polished and intertwined with one another and is placed exactly where you think it should be. Credit to producer Jack O’Hea (Kirk Francis, Long Tonic, Hexposeur, Strsome) as the mix sits very well in the ear and presents an animated narrative. When downhearted, I struggle to find songs that are empathetic and uplifting to my situation however, ‘W Hotel’ is one important song that immerses you completely and invites you to overcome despondent thoughts of loving someone or yourself. She is not some vigilante for an anthem of deliverance but purely at the forefront, connecting and celebrating flaws within herself and others in a bold confident manner. She expresses: ‘Making this song was the strongest I’ve ever felt, and that’s because it was about a time where I felt powerless and that experience has only made me more resilient…’ You can see this truly executed in the song’s indistinguishable construction of lyrics and instrumentation. With more singles to be released and touring later this year, we can expect promising revelations with the evolution of her commodity as an artist evidenced by her impactful debut. ‘W Hotel’ will be available on all streaming platforms at the end of this month so make sure you are ready to be checked in. |
Chloe Burrows-BryanThis portfolio aims to present my creations and give readers an understanding to my freelance journalism and social media marketing. Archives
August 2020
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