Tag: Soft pop

PENNY – Shadow Dancing

ByLuke BottomleyCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Sugary and chill, “Shadow Dancing” is a warm window on a cold night – self-conscious in the best way possible. The sweet, poetic, and slightly obsessive lyrics about watching a boyfriend’s window and wondering what he’s doing are painfully relatable – and the soft melodic vocals deliver them in a comforting dose of reassurance.

“Shadow Dancing” also happens to be a bop – just as fitting in a club as in a pair of earphones under a blanket. The soft piano drones, snap-click beat, low-key bass, and electronic bleeps make it seem a second “Dancing On My Own”

Do you feel sad sexy? Well, “Shadow Dancing” certainly does.

Find it out more – https://www.instagram.com/sadpuppypenny

Prior Silk – I wanna build you a home

ByDaniel PackhamCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Prior Silk has a real talent for turning emotion into sound. Their soft, airy vocals mixed with a piano that’s both gentle and strong create the perfect setting for the story in “I Wanna Build You a Home.” The song draws you in completely, almost like you’ve stepped into a world built from their imagination. With their mix of classical-style instruments and light electronic touches, they share their feelings in a clear and honest way.

The lyrics tell a sweet, heartfelt story about wanting someone you love to have everything they hope for—a place where they feel safe, cared for, and at peace. The whole track feels intimate and vulnerable, something that isn’t easy to capture. Warm, layered harmonies help tie everything together, making the song feel emotionally full and beautifully connected.

As the song moves forward, small details stand out—soft background sounds, gentle vocal moments, and smooth shifts in the music that make the emotion even stronger. These touches show Prior Silk’s ability to craft music that feels personal but still relatable. When the song finally ends, it leaves you with a comforting sense of closeness and mutual understanding. 

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/prior.silk/

Devon Salinas – Say It

ByAbigail UnsworthCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Devon Salinas is a singer-songwriter from Leeds who’s investing more into the city with his new single ‘Say It’ which he describes as “the biggest stepping stone in [his] whole music career”. ‘Say It’ opens with some romantic guitar layered over jazzy percussion, making way for intimate lyricism and a smooth bassline to re-enforce that atmosphere. There are uplifting vocals about experiences of love, brighter tones and some background brass. But just as we’re settling in, the chorus turns to minor chords and a shift in perspective tells us that Salinas in fact mourns the bliss of a past relationship. Although the sound remains restful and calm, verse 2 indicates the downhill trajectory of love and its gloomy consequence. Fluctuation is a key theme to this track, as the second chorus picks us up off the ground and quickly moves us towards an emotional, intense string section then final guitar solo. Devon Salinas is impeccable in demonstrating human feelings through his music. This performance of emotion lies even beneath his beautiful lyricism and into the skilled instrumentation of his song.

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

Project Charlie – Needles and Pins

ByKirklees Most WantedCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Project Charlie, a Holmfirth/Halifax-based power pop band, formed in June 2024, brings a seasoned perspective to their music. Jon, Charlotte, and Dan, all experienced musicians, balance the demands of adult life with their passion for creating original songs.

Having established themselves locally with acoustic covers, they are now focused on their original material, with an EP planned for later this year. “Needles and Pins,” their latest track, is a reflection on the fragile nature of relationships. It explores the subtle erosion caused by everyday irritations, the “needles and pins” that accumulate over time. Yet, beneath the surface of these annoyances lies a deeper philosophical question: how well can we truly know another person, and what does it mean to be known? The song suggests that intimacy, while comforting, can also be a double-edged sword, revealing not only our strengths but also our vulnerabilities.

Project Charlie’s music, with its blend of catchy melodies and insightful lyrics, offers a relatable and thought-provoking listen. Their determination to create meaningful music, even amidst the challenges of everyday life, shines through in “Needles and Pins.” & positions them as a new band to watch in the local music scene.

For more info: – https://www.instagram.com/project_charlie_band

Maisy Brown – This Is All On You

ByAnnaCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Maisy Brown is a singer/songwriter based in Leeds who is building on her debut EP, “Learning Not To Feel Anything.” Taking inspiration from the likes of Holly Humberstone and Lourde, Maisy is heading in more of an alt pop direction. “This Is All On You” is a gentle, mellow dream pop number featuring Brown’s beautiful and flawless vocals. Brown’s authenticity as a songwriter shines through in this song with her honest and vulnerable lyrics regarding a past romance. It’s an emotive, relatable song about coming to terms with the end of a relationship. Complete with 80s synths, keys and intricate guitar, “This Is All On You” is an easy listen and an excellent break up song.

https://www.instagram.com/maisyybrown

Council Pop – Dream Chaser

ByKirklees Most WantedCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Huddersfield-based duo Council Pop crafts a nostalgic journey through the heart of a 90s Yorkshire mining village with their latest single, “Dream Chaser.” This pop gem, infused with elements of contemporary, classic, soft, and chill pop, evokes a sense of longing and youthful aspiration.

The track’s harmonic undertones add depth and texture without overwhelming the modern pop sensibilities. The lyrics paint vivid pictures of small-town life, capturing the quiet moments, shared dreams, and unspoken hopes of a generation.

Council Pop’s collaborative approach to music-making ensures a diverse and dynamic sound. By inviting various artists to contribute to their work, they create a unique blend of influences that reflects the ever-evolving musical landscape.

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

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