Category: Music Reviews

Astoria – If I’m Like You

ByAnnaCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Astoria formed during the pandemic and have been headlining gigs ever since. Originally from Kirklees, the band are now conquering Leeds with sell out shows at The Wardrobe and the renowned Brudenell Social Club. They have released tracks through Launchpad, played at Live At Leeds and they have been featured on the Leeds United match day playlist. They are looking forward to widening the reach of their live performances in the future. If I’m Like You has a distinct ‘90s feel akin to The Stone Roses. The melodic chorus, tight musicianship and sharp lyrics combine to explore the theme of struggling with personal identity and wishing to be someone else. On this track, jangly guitars build up to a final, epic chorus resulting in an explosion of backing vocals and guitars.

For more info: here

Blue Orchid Reaction – Tiny House

BySaving Grace MusicCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Blue Orchid Reaction are a 4 piece, indie rock band who play uplifting indie/ pop rock. They are influenced by a range of different genres and artists, and they have been gigging around West Yorkshire for the past three years. Tiny House is a captivating song which starts off gently with colourful riffs and smooth Paul Heaton style vocals and then finishes on more of an aggressive note with heavy guitars and shouty singing. The dramatic shift in the mood and the tempo likely reflects the topic of the song which is about being confined at home during covid and having nowhere to escape to.


For more info: https://www.instagram.com/blue_orchid_reactionband/

Sophie and Songs – Denial

ByAnnaCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Sophie and Songs is an independent singer/songwriter who is studying Music in Leeds. She loves to write and perform for self expression and self knowledge. Denial is about the artist’s disconnection from her own thoughts and feelings.“If I’m dishonest then I can’t feel the fall.” These are sentiments that many people could resonate with. Denial is a hauntingly beautiful folk song with mesmerising acoustic guitar, rich imagery and stirring harmonies. Sophie’s angelic voice shines on this lovely, stripped back song.

For more info: https://sophieandsongs.bandcamp.com/track/denial

Carol Hodge – Waving Not Drowning

ByAnnaCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Carol Hodge is an extremely versatile and accomplished performer. A pianist, vocalist and songwriter, Carol has worked extensively with The Wildhearts and guested with punk oufits The Membranes and The Headsticks. She has toured widely around the UK. Although her roots are firmly in the punk scene, Carol has created her own sound and has produced four studio albums as a solo artist. Waving Not Drowning opens with mellow piano which leads into Hodge’s rich, strong vocals. The steady tempo builds up to a powerful chorus which Hodge delivers with ease. The passionately sang chorus is balanced nicely with tender, intricate piano. The lyrics and melodies of this Alanis Morisette like track are extremely compelling. The song tackles the very real themes of mental health issues and discusses the difficulties of life and how it can sometimes be tricky to support friends who are struggling. “We saw the ripples but we missed the signs/ I guess I couldn’t be there every time/Nobody can be there every time.” Powerful and emotive stuff!

Find out more – https://www.instagram.com/carolxhodge/

The First Ones – Clarity From Chaos

ByAnnaCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

The First Ones are an alt rock trio from Huddersfield. Influenced by Biffy Clyro, The Cribs and The Jam, they fuse metal with sweet vocal harmonies and have definite prog rock leanings. The band have gigged throughout West Yorkshire in well known venues such as Northern Quarter (Huddersfield) Grayston Unity (Halifax) and Crank Studios (Morley.)
Clarity From Chaos is a fun, punchy single with funky guitar riffs and a punk spirit. The drums go hard on this one, the bass line slaps and there is a mean guitar solo halfway through. All of this provides a frame for the confident vocals, strong melodies and appealing harmonies. This track addresses forging a path through chaos and trying to find peace of mind in a crazy world. “It feels like nothing’s sacred anymore/Dry your tired eyes/Can you wait a little longer/I’m just trying to find a better life.” The take home message from this song is ultimately upbeat; keep on going and do what you can to improve your situation.

Find out more – https://www.instagram.com/thefirstonesband/

Fishing For Compliments – Drunken Tree

ByAnnaCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Fishing For Compliments are a five piece indie/folk/pop band from mighty Huddersfield. Formed around lead singer Eileen’s songs, the band have honed their own sound which has been described as “unique”, “upbeat” and “uplifting.” Drawing on eclectic influences, the band released their debut album Off The Isle of Somewhere in 2020. They have received award nominations, gigged at venues and festivals across the North and they are currently putting the finishing touches to their second album.

Drunken Tree is a soothing, folky number with jangly guitar, evocative lyrics and a ridiculously catchy chorus. The backing vocals and harmonies give the hook an almost anthemic feel and Eileen’s vocals are a powerful and expressive vessel for the song’s story to unfold. The song’s themes touch on addiction and being tempted into unhealthy coping mechanisms, all of which is very universal and relatable.


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

Rich Reddy – NOSALEM

ByAnnaCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Rich Reddy is a Huddersfield artist who fuses hip hop with metal and dance music. He has headlined gigs locally, including a high energy performance at Northern Quarter (Huddersfield.) A versatile artist, Rich Reddy’s eclecticism means that he attracts a wide range of music fans. Rich Reddy has created his own lane with his uniquely crafted sound.
NOSALEM is a happy marriage between trap and metal with its roving bass line, heavy guitars and brooding trap beat. Rich Reddy’s combination of singing, spoken word and rap fits well with the music and the vocal effects add to the drama of the piece. This is a one of a kind single which references ‘90s grunge and nu metal bands such as Deftones.

Find out more – https://www.instagram.com/richreddy72/

Memnor – III:Infancy

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Memnor are a prog rock band who enjoy writing long form narrative songs. Their love of sound design and technical musicianship make for complex and varied soundscapes.
III:Infancy is an experimental journey full of heavy guitar and synths. There are many twists and turns throughout the song which showcases the skill and agility of the musicians, especially the drummer who frequently switches up the rhythms and tempo. The synthesised vocals are almost Queen- esque and there are calming, quiet interludes amidst the rocky guitars. III:Infancy closes the first chapter of the
New Seed Saga, a sci-fi story about a new entrant to an interconnected web of minds that see themselves as trees in a colossal forest. Enjoy the magical adventure!

Find out more – https://wearememnor.com/

Brad Mack – I’m Gonna Leave

ByAnnaCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Brad Mack has a distinctive, husky voice somewhere between Paolo Nutini and Alex Turner. Having taught himself to sing in lockdown, the artist from Batley has gone on to headline shows, play at festivals and tour around Europe. He is known for his lively, high energy indie rock. I’m Gonna Leave is a cheerful break up song which celebrates leaving an unhealthy relationship. It’s a very liberating song and the twanging guitars and addictive chorus are reminiscent of The Arctic Monkeys. Despite the subject matter, this is an upbeat song which many people could empathise with.

For more info: https://www.instagram.com/iambradmack/

Hannah Rowe – Thin Line

ByAnnaCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Hannah Rowe is a singer and songwriter from Barnsley. She has recently graduated from Leeds Conservatoire where she met her fellow band mates. Hannah and the band are going from strength to strength performing at esteemed venues such as The Wardrobe, Belgrave Music Hall, Brudenell Social Club and Band On The Wall. She has also performed at festivals such as Tramlines, Truck Festival and Y Not Festival. Thin Line is a playful song about the transition from friends to lovers and the magic involved in crossing that line. This is a jazz infused, soulful track with heartfelt and original lyrics. Rowe has a smooth, velvety, dreamy voice which she commands at will, executing flawless riffs and runs and scaling the high notes with prowess. Her range is excellent and her vocal acrobatics are impeccable. The tight rhythm section complete with funky keys and bass make this a lethal track. Lashings of saxophone and gorgeous backing vocals are the icing on the cake of this beautiful, jazzy song.

For more info: https://www.instagram.com/hannahr0we/

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