Blog – Page 7 – Most Wanted

Neo 21 – Enthralled

ByDaniel PackhamInMusic ReviewsOn30/08/202529/08/2025

Based in Bradford, Neo 21 is an Afrofusion artist who gets the party going with his music. Pulling from his Nigerian heritage he creates music about ambition and self-belief that inspires his listeners. His track ‘Enthralled’ has a classic R&B sound filled with themes of lust and desire. The track locks into an infectious groove that’s impossible to ignore. This adds to the up-beat summer vibe that uplifts instantly.

The track is taken from his most recent EP titled Teriqus, a project that explores a bold fusion of genres while putting his cultural identity at the forefront. Across the EP, he weaves melodic rap with the infectious rhythms of classic Afrobeats, creating a sound that feels both contemporary and rooted in tradition. What makes it stand out is not just the sonic blend, but the depth of storytelling, his lyrics are vivid and personal, painting pictures that allow listeners to step into his world. The result is a collection of songs that are emotionally resonant and musically expansive, showcasing his versatility as an artist and his commitment to authenticity.

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/Neo21ne

Urban Rift – Johnny Go

ByDaniel PackhamInMusic ReviewsOn30/08/202529/08/2025

Ever wanted to time travel back to the 1950s where rock n roll ruled over the music scene. Urban Rift’s track ‘Johnny Go’ does just that! The strong guitars and prominent hi-hats give the song the dynamic range that defines the classic rock n roll genre. Residing in the West Yorkshire area, Urban Rift show their heritage through their vocals as you can really hear the northern soul punching through.

Released as a single in 2024, ‘Johnny Go’ tells the story of a reckless bad boy who leaves chaos in his wake everywhere he turns. The track captures that spirit of rebellion with an infectious indie edge, echoing the swagger and grit of bands like Arctic Monkeys while still carving out its own identity. Driving guitar riffs and a blistering solo push the song forward, while the pounding drums add urgency and raw energy. Lyrically, its nonconformist theme celebrates individuality and defiance, making it resonate with listeners who crave music that pushes back against the norm. Bold, brash, and irresistibly catchy, ‘Johnny Go’ is the kind of track that not only entertains but also expands your playlist with something fresh and rebellious.

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/urbanriftband

Kilo_igrft – SMOOTH

ByDaniel PackhamInMusic ReviewsOn30/08/202529/08/2025

Kilo_igrft’s iconic sax sound mixed with raw stripped back vocals is what makes his music unique. His track ‘SMOOTH’ is a prime example of this. The track has no drums which pulls all the focus to the lyrics. The production also emphasises the lyrics beautifully to allow them to burst through and have the effect that was intended.

Kilo_igrft is incredibly authentic with his lyricism, and ‘SMOOTH’ is a perfect reflection of that honesty. The track dives deep into his thought process, unpacking the way he views the world and the emotions that come with it. What makes it stand out is how clearly his vision comes through — he’s unafraid to show vulnerability, which makes it easy for listeners to form a genuine connection with the music. Sonically, the production matches the theme effortlessly; the instrumental flows with an understated elegance, and the groove gives the track a natural, easygoing energy. True to its name, ‘SMOOTH’ glides from start to finish, leaving an impression that’s both reflective and undeniably captivating.

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/igraft_life/

Liam Smyth – Kinda

ByDaniel PackhamInMusic ReviewsOn30/08/202529/08/2025

Liam Smyth has endured struggle after struggle and still made his mark in the music industry. He was born with only 2 fingers on his right hand but, through great resilience became a self taught guitarist, and a fine one too! His music is an ode to this resilience and the struggle that can come along with it. Now, he “works for the local Kirklees substance misuse service helping others to reach their recovery goals.”

His song ‘Kinda’ is written from the perspective of his wife and “what it must have been like trying to love someone in active addiction and struggling with mental health issues.” The lyricism in this track shows the paradox that comes with loving someone who is struggling themselves. It emphasises the internal battle of looking after yourself whilst also trying to love someone else. Listening to ‘Kinda’ makes you feel connected and able to emphasise whether you have experienced it personally or not. The classic indie vibes of this song gives it such a contradiction to the lyricism with the raw acoustic guitar. The song makes you feel all kinds of emotions that leave you curious to find out more and that’s exactly what Liam Smyth does so well.

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/Liamsmythmusic

Eskar – Kaiju

ByDaniel PackhamInMusic ReviewsOn30/08/202529/08/2025

Eskar is an independent hip-hop artist from Huddersfield, UK. He produces pure rap tracks that flow like a river with lyrics that keep you guessing. On his track ‘Kaiju’ he features rap artist, Tonedeff. Eskar says “It was a dream coming true working with Tonedeff, having grown up with his music. This one really puts into perspective how far I have come as an artist.” In the local music industry he has made a name for himself for being an impressive rap artist who writes about real and raw topics without sugar-coating.

The track has a groovy bassline that can get anybody moving, laying down a foundation that feels both raw and irresistible. Beyond the rhythm, the lyrics act as an ode to confidence — sharp, self-assured, and delivered with conviction. Together, they create a track that doesn’t just demand attention on the dancefloor, but also resonates as a statement of attitude and individuality. The flow of the vocals is immensely impressive and makes the track sound all the more dynamic.

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/Eskar_Music

Amaya – Places Unknown

ByLillie-Apple ChartersInMusic ReviewsOn30/07/2025

AMAYA, the mesmerising duo made up of Duncan Chapman and Supriya Nagarajan, mix traditional with experimental in their new single ‘Places Unknown’. The track “takes listeners on a journey of spiritual discovery” celebrating Lord Shiva in all his glory, utilising the serene sounds of the flugelhorn and experimental landscapes.

Duncan and Supriya make a brilliant sonic team with the use of Chapman’s flugelhorn and field recordings, while “Supriya’s soulful voice and intricate Carnatic stylings bring a rich vocal presence to the stage”. This unique combination is what makes their work so special, as it brings various musical traditions to the ears of a wider audience whilst harbouring vibrant soundscapes that speak to each of us in a different way.

AMAYA also perform their timeless bodies of work live, and if you are lucky enough to catch a live performance you are transported “to another world where music and sound are the only guideposts”. If you are a fan of innovation, electronic, acoustic or traditional music, this is definitely an act to look out for.

Listen here:

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/manasamitrauk

Good Good Blood – Seagulls Beach

ByLillie-Apple ChartersInMusic ReviewsOn30/07/202530/07/2025

Nostalgic and sweet-sounding, ‘Seagull Beach’ is a song about “superstitions, and imagery that brings us strength, hope and a will to carry on”. Based in the North, Good Good Blood (also known as James Smith) uses his lyricism to remind us that beauty is everywhere, and that there is happiness in the recognition of this beauty. “The red breast of a robin, the kindness and joy of a rainbow, seagulls swarming on a beach; these types of things often remind me of the beauty that surrounds us and how lucky we are to be here, even when we don’t always feel it.”

Good Good Blood has honoured his folk influences like Bon Iver and Alex G whilst carving his very own path in the industry, and has formed a reputation “for beautiful, affecting and honest songwriting”. With the use of found sound, he sprinkles everyday noises into his music such as birds singing and children playing for a wholesome, grounded and atmospheric experience. Like magic, he conjures up songs from his minimal, lo-fi recording set up and blesses the ears of whoever is lucky enough to come across his work.

Listen here:

Kit Le Bihan – Softly, Softly

ByLillie-Apple ChartersInMusic ReviewsOn30/07/2025

Huddersfield-based singer/songwriter/producer Kit Le Bihan opens a door into dark indie rock with their new single ‘Softly, Softly’, and this track is the perfect fit for any Indie fan!

Signed to the multimedia art collective and record label Live Forever since the beginning of 2025, Kit has been honing their craft as a producer since 2020; starting with ambient beats which later developed into the combination of lo-fi, shoegaze, emo, 2000’s alt-rock, bedroom pop and electronic genres. Having already released two albums named ‘The Cities We Build’ (2023) and ‘He Called Hex’ (2025), Kit is now working on their third album ‘Nighttime In My Garden’.

‘Softly, Softly’ was released as an additional track from ‘He Called Hex’, and it revisits “the album’s darker themes, with lyrics focusing on paranoia and internal distrust”. This track uses the theme of anxiety and internal warfare to create an immersive soundscape, enhancing the lyrics and overall message of Kit’s album.

Listen here:

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/averagecradily/?hl=en

Maisy Brown – Red

ByLillie-Apple ChartersInMusic ReviewsOn30/07/202530/07/2025

Maisy Brown is a returning artist to Kirklees Most Wanted, and we are so excited to have her back! Based in Cleckheaton, Maisy’s music swings between folk, singer/songwriter and contemporary/soft/chill pop. Her new single ‘Red’ is the latest to be released before her upcoming EP, and we are so ready for what brilliant music is to come.

Inspired by the likes of Gracie Abrams, Lana Del Rey and Holly Humberstone, Maisy has spent some time lately developing her sound and her style, and after releasing ‘Red’ on the 20th June, she is preparing to release her second EP sometime soon!

“‘Red’ is part anger, part heartbreak, and part bitterness, but mostly it just feels very authentic to the kind of music I want to make.” Starting as an intimate piano ballad, the track slowly advances into a chill, synth-pop style song. This timeless mixture of acoustic ballad and synth-pop makes for a soul-touching listening experience, and one that you’ll want to have on repeat for a long time.

I worked on this song for months, and I’m so excited it’s finally out as the final single for my upcoming EP!

Listen here:

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/maisyybrown/?hl=en

Sophie & Songs – Love Betrayed Me

ByLillie-Apple ChartersInMusic ReviewsOn30/07/202530/07/2025

Sophie & Songs works through heartache and betrayal with her healing ballad ‘Love Betrayed Me’, all about unrequited love and the subsequent anger that follows. This song speaks to the part of us that continues to love in spite of the reciprocity we receive, and the emotions that coincide with this situation.

As an acoustic folk singer/songwriter, Sophie is no stranger to storytelling as she takes pleasure in reading, learning and making music. She states that she writes out of personal experience, providing an authentic listening experience whilst guiding herself through difficult emotions. She believes that nothing expresses feelings like a live performance, and she takes every opportunity she can to perform on stage.