With Just A Hint Of Mayhem

With Just A Hint Of Mayhem – Singles Round-Up 2020 Part 4 April 24, 2020

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 9:57 am
Tags: Caroline Mason, Dying Habit, If You Want Me To, Moment, Nia Wynn, Out Of My Hands, Quiet Ensemble, Who Asked You

We are almost caught up with singles reviews during this COVID-19 lockdown. So here is our fourth 2020 singles round-up.

These four tracks feature another eclectic mix of bands and singers from as far afield as Portland, Oregon (USA), Wales, and London. All of them apart from Dying Habit are new to With Just A Hint Of MayhemEnjoy!

“If You Want Me To” – Caroline Mason

Portland, Oregon singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist has produced a wonderfully simple, yet profound slice of electronic pop with “If You Want Me To”. It has a hook that latches onto your brain like the best earworm. It is supported by a stunning video set in the desert with multiple Caroline Masons. The film was produced by Christal Angelique who has achieved a retro sci-fi feel which took me back to the 60s. A great song from a multi-talented musician!

“Who Asked You” – Nia Wynn

Nia Wynn’s new single is a fine modern R & B tune that maintains a feel of old skool R & B and a hip hop vibe. Vocally she reminds me of Amy Winehouse, but Nia is very much out on her own as a great vocalist. I can imagine listening to this song while drinking a large Jack Daniels at the end of the day. Great lyrics and a late-night, smoky feel. Check out her other stuff too, this is a singer who can and hopefully will reach great heights. I am really keen to see her play live now, obviously on the other side of this lockdown!

“Moment” – Quest Ensemble

This piece bodes very well for the Quest Ensemble album due on 5th June. This London based trio take their influences from many places: modern classical a la Philip Glass, Radiohead, Jazz, and the more ethereal elements of Mogwai. It is sometimes hard to get too much emotion from an instrumental piece but Preetha Narayanan (violin), Tara Franks (cello), and Filipe Sousa (piano) manage it with ease, skill, and sass.

“Out Of My Hands” – Dying Habit

For me this is a song that captures the mood of our current times with a melancholy, soul searching feel. While there is an undercurrent of happiness there is an intricate view of our own mortality in the lyrics. “You always believe you’ll have the time, You can’t press rewind” is a great example. I absolutely love this tune and definitely want more of Dying Habit.