Heading towards the end of October 2020, is everyone else going to be really glad to see the end of this year? To ease these troubled times slightly enjoy our fifteenth singles round up of the year so far. This one features eight great tracks, which were all launched into the world in the last few months. These tunes are performed by bands and singers from Hamburg, Colombia, Austria, Stockholm, Los Angeles, South London, Washington and Brighton. Six different countries, three different continents! Only one of these acts have appeared on With Just A Hint Of Mayhem before; Phoria, from Brighton and I am extremely confident that everyone of them will appear again sometime in the future. Get these tunes into your lugholes now!
“HOY” – Fatiniza Ft. República Cangrejo
Fatiniza has been around a while and hails from Colombia, but now lives in Costa Rica. This song has a fabulous Latin feel that makes you want to dance and to smile. It is the kind of tune that is needed to help lift the mood of a depressed world. Sadly I only speak one language, English, but thankfully music is a universal language. That means “HOY” works on every level, the title, I believe translates to “TODAY” and it is definitely a tune for today. The video depicts people all around the world helping to spread the happy message and that this storm will pass! I will definitely be listening to more of Fatiniza’s stuff.
“Anyone Awake?” – Chris Flyke
This is a rather excellent example of how to produce great synth pop. At times Chris reminds me of Howard Jones and Nik Kershaw. The song draws you in quickly with its tight and instantly memorable hooks. You should also check out the X-Ray Club Mix of the track, just make sure you put on your disco trousers first!
“Uranus – Live” – Manu Delago
Manu Delago is a highly acclaimed percussionist and this track was one of the first to be released from the new album ‘Circadian’. “Uranus – Live” is just the right side of chilled and Delago’s percussion wonderfully understated, but so effective. It might fit into a modern classical genre, but I also sense elements of Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois.
“Swoon” – The Color Red
The Color Red is the brainchild of Pontus De Wolfe who has initiated an artist and producer collective in Stockholm, Sweden. This is the second release and it features vocals by Sarah Von Reis. It is an instantly accessible and catchy dance pop tune and Von Reis’ voice is at times reminiscent of Leigh Nash (Sixpence None The Richer). A dance remix would elevate this great tune into something very special.
“Roots Enterprise” – Lucid Phase Ft. Sensi Trails
LA based Lucid Phase seem able to fuse blues, rock, dub, reggae and modern ska into a mix that creates such a summery vibe that this song could give you sunburn. I recommend listening to this with your volume cranked high, a cold can of Red Stripe to hand and a freshly rolled fat spliff ready to go!
“In Kilnsea” – Tim Eveleigh
South London folkie troubadour Tim Eveleigh has a relaxed, chilled acoustic driven sound and a very smart way with lyrics. Tim wrote this plaintive, yet beautiful, tune after a holiday in Kilnsea, a small hamlet in the East Riding of Yorkshire. This tune, and Tim’s other songs, have meditative qualities, that I believe many great songs have. It feels autobiographical too, but I will ask Tim to answer that!
“Catch Us” – Waking Bear
This kicks off as a rootsy folk instrumental and builds to a soft prog-like crescendo when Ivy Jordanne’s vocals kick in. She has that powerful and emotional style that Alanis Morrissette does so well and the band are incredibly tight with an apparent ability to play in any number of styles. Put simply this is a great tune, simply six minutes of heaven!
“Fairytail” – Phoria
This needs to soundtrack an epic film, it is a gorgeous, slow building modern classical piece. It is ethereal, haunting, majestic and uplifting at the same time. It might not be the sort of thing I would normally listen to but it is sublime and heavenly!
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