Here we are with our tenth singles round-up of 2020. This one features six rather spiffing tracks, which appeared in recent weeks. This roundup is a little different to all the previous ones though as the reviews are from not just me, but also a special guest. I was joined for this online listening party by one of the most well liked people on the York music scene. He presents radio shows, he is a talented gig promoter under his Northern Radar banner and above all that he has excellent taste in music. Let me introduce you to Simon Pattinson!
These six tracks feature another eclectic mix of bands and singers from Newcastle, Bristol, Wales and three from London and all of these acts are new to With Just A Hint Of Mayhem except Cat Ryan and I am sure that they will all feature again sometime in the future. Fill your ears with them now!
“Blessed Through The TV” – Cat Ryan
Bill – I liked the kind of eastern sounding guitar and drums with a very prominent bass line holding it together. Catchy and percussive, this will be a great live song.
Simon – I found it enchanting with a sound like South American pan pipes (similar to the pan pipe buskers who play in York sometimes). I would definitely be keen to book Cat Ryan for a future gig.
“Bee Cage” – Japanese Television
Simon – This is very different and perhaps out of my comfort zone. But I love the energy, especially from the build up to the middle.
Bill – Like the Flaming Lips on speed. I think I will use this for intro music to my radio show when I get around to doing one.
“Resonate” – Tomos
Bill – This is really chilled and relaxed night music and it reminds me at times of the Beloved. A dub mix of this on a great sound system would be awesome.
Simon – This reminds me of James Blake, supremely mellow. The perfect track for sitting down with a bottle of wine and a great book.
“Music Shall Live” – Denise Sherwood featuring Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry
Simon – I like this one a lot, perhaps a contender for a huge Ibiza summer tune, back in those pre COVID-19 days. This is a track that would get you in the mood for a good night out. It reminds me a little of early Chase & Status.
Bill – This is Adrian Sherwood’s daughter and her Dad gets a credit on the track too. I love the production and vocally Denise reminded me of Neneh Cherry. It has a vibe similar to the Groove Corporation or Gary Clail.
“Sunken Boy” – YOWL
Bill – Superb vocal range, it is rooted in mid 90s Brit Pop but gets much heavier towards the end before easing down again. The lyrics are bleak, angry and very much about real life. I definitely want to hear more from this band. I also think they would work incredibly well on the same bill as Avalanche Party.
Simon – I am already a YOWL fan. Most of their tracks are quite long and this one is even a little hillbilly in parts. The angry break catches you a little off guard at the end and the still from the video looks quite creepy.
“I’m Healed” – Indigos
Simon – This is groovy and haunting in equal parts. I was expecting it to change up a gear but it didn’t, although that is no criticism. I was reminded of early Wolf Alice and Sonic Youth.
Bill – I love the vocals, it felt like a cross between a softer grunge sound and classic hook laden pop. I agree with Simon on the Sonic Youth link too.
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