Cuckoo – Waiting

ByAbigail UnsworthCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Cuckoo is an up-and-coming rapper who’s celebrating the recent release of his second album ‘Orpheus’. Leading this project is his new track ‘Waiting All Night’ which blends his signature Yorkshire edge and hip-hop sound with a great storytelling ability. ‘Waiting All Night’ samples Rudimental and Ella Eyre but transforms that into a fresher and more relatable song. The narrative surrounds Cuckoo’s partner anticipating him coming home from the studio whilst she’s unconditionally faithful to him and his inevitable success as an artist. The song mirrors the rapper’s complex emotions as it constantly disorientates its listener by shifting perspective.

In the first verse, Cuckoo defines himself in his ambition towards his relationship and career. As a fully independent musician, he’s committed to mixing and mastering by himself as he waits for success. He’s also grateful for his perfect girlfriend who’s always ‘Waiting all night’ for him to return to her. This universal need of waiting for progression in different aspects of life haunts the song as the third verse leaves its familiar optimism behind. In its unpredictability, ‘Waiting All Night’ then resorts to heartbreak as Cuckoo honestly admits he feels his girlfriend’s incentive is too good to be true and so he’s still waiting for the right partner.

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

Rohith Sakthy – HASRAT

ByAbigail UnsworthCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Rohith Sakthy is an award winning classically trained singer, composer and sound engineer. The latter is made evident within his new song “Hasrat” which explores themes of unrequited desire and deep longing for something more. Sakathy’s music is primarily shaped by curiosity, collaboration, passion and a drive to bring Indian music to a global stage. The use of complex chord progressions in “Hasrat” generate a sense of free movement throughout the song, meanwhile classical Indian gamaka’s ground the music in its distinctive cultural heritage. Because the song isn’t reliant upon static notes/chords, it’s independent and intricate as we’re pulled along by Sakathy’s vocals which acts as its own instrument. Rohith Sakthy is successful in his ambition to create art which resonates across cultures. He produced this track for Manasamitra and “Hasrat” received a special Jury award at the Tune into Nature Awards organised by Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

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

Hannah Rowe – Bellevue

ByAbigail UnsworthCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Hannah Rowe is an upcoming jazz vocalist based in West Yorkshire. After selling out a multitude of local venues and a summer full of festivals, her 10-piece band of close friends are now celebrating their recent EP with a new single called ‘Bellevue’. It’s a bittersweet, beautiful song which takes the listener on a journey of hesitant growth after friendship break-ups and growing apart. Rowe’s soulful sound and lyricism guide us through being young and learning to live, nostalgia and embracing the nature of change.

‘Bellevue’ starts with some enchanting, fingerpicked guitar and it’s only a few seconds before Hannah’s vocals flow into the song like water. A simply paced bassline then brings more reliant rhythm into the first verse and a lack of percussion at this point produces calm ambience with emphasis on the emotional vocals. From the beginning, this track is an obvious musical masterclass because we’re constantly being introduced to new instrumentation. So much energetic innovation is packed into this 3-minute song, yet it still upholds a sense of settled tranquillity. The chorus is vulnerable, intimate and is soon built with a swelling brass section and backing vocals which completely transform the song into its own alluring scene which still re-enforces that classic lounge jazz sound.

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/hannahr0we

Joey’s Knuckle – Love

ByAbigail UnsworthCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Breaking through the Northern indie scene are four-piece indie-rock band Joey’s Knuckle. The band’s name reveals the unpredictable punches life throws at you, with emotional lyrics layered over their fast-paced, evolving sound. The new single ‘Love’ further explores complexities of a messy, modern romance. It’s undeniably dangerous and their loudest project to date. Lead guitarist Fen comes to define this song as he drives us into the verses and chorus where the vocals gain momentum and always return crashing back with grit and a grooving bassline. Following this, the bridge encapsulates a conversational discourse between lead vocals and that familiar guitar. Then both parts cross over and build argumentative tension before breaking away into a final harmonic chorus which pulls the listener along.

The music is chaotic and volatile when it matches its intense lyricism, but the instruments do well to capture listeners and always keep us engaged. “Love” exists in its own complex liminal space, between an unstable relationship and its indefinite heartbreak. The band says, “we’ve all been through versions of this story”, a relatable need but not a want to let go. These universal feelings engrained into their energetic music is just another reason why Joey’s Knuckle are meant for a live audience. It’s intoxicatingly honest, and what everybody needs blasting through concert loudspeakers or their headphones on a late-night walk home.

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

Good Good Blood

ByLillie-Apple ChartersCategoriesInArtist InterviewsPosted onOn

His music is the product of trusting his ear and his creative vision alike, telling stories in his own interesting way. This is an attribute I am always drawn to in an artist, especially in a genre such as folk. The intimacy of each tale sat alongside his experimental recording techniques make for a unique listening experience, reminiscent of autumn in the countryside.

Read MoreGood Good Blood

Iceyslurkin – Spiders Feat. Queen Jolene (Prod. Metlast)

ByDaniel PackhamCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Blending an iconic trap beat with raw and emotional vocals really shows off Iceyslurkin’s style. Her ability to tell a story is shown off in their track ‘Spiders Featuring Queen Jolene (Prod. Metlast)’. The raw, emotional vocals portray their own personal struggle with mental health that is relatable to their audience. The echo-like vocal production on the track emphasises the uncertainty of what is real conveyed in the lyrics. 

Iceyslurkin explores the challenges of battling one’s own mind, delving into the mental and emotional toll it can take on the body. Yet, despite these heavy themes, the track manages to radiate a sense of hope and resilience, showcasing the artist’s ability to translate personal struggle into musical brilliance. The production blends signature icewave textures with inventive melodic elements, giving the genre a refreshing, airy quality that feels like a deep breath of fresh air. Lush synths, ethereal vocals, and thoughtful pacing combine to create an immersive listening experience, proving that even when confronting darkness, music can illuminate a path toward clarity. Overall, the track not only reinforces Iceyslurkin’s unique voice within the icewave scene but also pushes the genre forward, offering listeners both catharsis and inspiration.

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