Music Review: 22 Degrees & Sunny - Wolforna

 22/06/23 - 22 Degrees & Sunny is released.

I have again been given the pleasure of writing another review for the fantastic band Wolforna. I have been allowed to listen to their latest single 22 Degrees & Sunny.
A brief background on Wolforna. Hailing from Leeds, they have had a few fantastic singles in the past, they are going to go far in the music scene and are on my ones-to-watch list. "Their signature sound combines classic rhythm guitar sensibilities and melodic harmonies with a super-tight rhythm section underpinning it all. Yet here, on possibly their hardest-hitting track to date, ‘22 Degrees & Sunny’ asserts itself as another step in a heavier direction for the lads."

My thoughts on this single are nothing but good. I really loved the previous single that I wrote up called "Reset", which can be found on this site and can still be viewed. I gave it a few listens on repeat whilst writing and honestly, I just love it. The single is pretty heavy and gives a true feeling of rock. This track could be listened to all day every day, it brings you in and hooks you from the moment you listen. This is one for the playlists and definitely one for all you rock music fans!!

I love Wolforna, I think they're a great band and I really need to get out and see them at a gig one day. They've supported some really cool artists and I will be buying those tickets!! And so should you, the reader.

22 Degrees & Sunny can be found on all major streaming platforms. Wolforna can be found on socials @WolfornaUK (image 2 credit: Nathan Towers)

Music Review: Problems with Living by Tiny Forehead

 16/06/23 - Problems with Living - Tiny Forehead

I recently had contact with Tiny Forehead, a band based in Boston UK. They are a 5 piece garage band. I was given access to a recently released EP, decided to listen to all the tracks, and gave my thoughts on it. It is small with only 3 tracks. It was released in November 2022 followed up by the latest single “I Always Knew” in February 2023 on streaming. All via Six Miles Under records via distributor Horus Music. Tiny Forehead have built their sound by taking inspiration from various waves such as 60's Garage, 70's UK Punk, 80's Post Punk, Northern Soul, Surf and Indie, a great mix of genres to listen to.

Tiny Forehead have a quirky sound and no two songs are the same. Each have its own uniqueness to it, which I really liked. After a few listens I found myself pretty hooked. The sound is very different to what I am used to. It took a few tries to really grasp and get into it, but if you like the sound then this is 100% for you. When you are presented with music that is a little different, you have to not let your personal preference override anything to keep everything fair. I really had to listen to this EP several times to make sure that I was feeling every single component in each track. It happened, once the barrier was lifted all 3 tracks grew on me and sounded better and better after each loop, which saw me reaching for the volume button. I have to admit I love being handed different music, it can spark absolutely anything within the mind. With that, I encourage anyone who comes across this blog post to give the ep a chance and to give the band as a whole a chance, go stream their music, and go and see them. I say this with every band, they all deserve a chance from someone. I have this feeling they could go places and do really well from what I have heard. Problems with living sounds fantastic and I hope it gets to reach its target audience and gain a few new supporters along the way.

Tiny Forehead can be found on social media @foreheadtiny
Problems with living can be streamed on all platforms.

Single Review: Movies by the Qs

07/04/23 - Movies release day. 

The Q’s released their latest single today called Movies. I was given the opportunity to be able to write it up and give my thoughts. I’ve known the Q’s for a few months and they seem really lovely. This single is their 3rd single out and oh boy you’re all in for a real treat. 

I fell in love with this song the moment I heard it. “Mixing the anthemic sounds of late 90’s, early 2000’s Alternative Rock and their own Post-Punk oriented energy, THE Q’s have developed a sound that is both recognisable and catchy.” It got me head hopping and toe tapping almost instantly. It hit the spot and is a fab single. Everything goes together well and it truly shows off this bands talent as well. Perfect track to stick on and hit that repeat button anytime of the day.

This single is going to be a real success and I can’t wait to have it on repeat for the foreseeable. This single will be added into my “ones to watch” playlist on Spotify. I will also be checking out the Q’s in more depth and hopefully I’ll get out to see them live too. They’re from London, but now are based in Leeds. I’m just a few hours away from Leeds so will 100% make that trip. May even bring my camera along for the ride too. 

Movies can be found on all major streaming platforms and The Q’s can be found on social media @theqsuk

Single Review: Chequered by Hollows

 24/02/23 - Chequered release day.

Today marks the release day of Chequered, which is the latest single by Hollows. I knew I'd love this song as much as I love the lads and had to give it a review. This review will feel more like an essay, but it'll be great I promise.

Background.

I have plenty of history with this band. Hollows are my band sent from heaven above. I found them on the 6th anniversary of the tragic deaths of Viola Beach. I believe to this day over a year later that this band was given to me by them. Hollows look after me more than any other band on this planet, after every single show I'm reminded about "3 rings and a text" and I cannot forget all the "life advice" either. If they didn't care about me like they do, they wouldn't go out of their way to look after me wherever we go. I've literally followed these guys all over the country pretty much and even chased them into Wales with my camera not far behind. I love this band with my entire heart and I'm 100% here for the long term, just like my tattoos show. I will never not be a dedicated annoying pest who doubles up as a mate at the same time.

Chequered

When I heard this song I already knew what it all sounded like as I have indeed heard it live a good few times at previous shows. I instantly fell in love with this song, there's just something about it that I can relate to. Maybe it's because this song is a song about heartbreak, I've had plenty of that in my life from shitty people in general to awful Tinder dates!! (Undateable? Yes). The track is still like their older stuff, but still unique in its own little way. The track has its own personality and gives off a positive vibe, just like the lads do anyway. Whoever listens to this track will never get bored of it. I will never get bored of it that's for sure. I will make sure to put it in my "Ones to watch" Spotify playlist that Hollows actually feature quite a few times, they are ones to watch very closely. I can't wait to see them go off and I can't wait to be there every single step of the way.

Chequered is available on all major streaming platforms and Hollows can be found at @HollowsUK

Single review: Lonely by Muddy Elephant

 14/02/23 - Lonely release day.

The latest single to be released by the fab Muddy Elephant is Lonely. Now, this write-up could get interesting as I have been getting to know Muddy Elephant since I reviewed their last single before this one. That review went down a real treat and it's natural that I got asked to review this single too. Hailing from Chester you'd think I'd have met them by now, but not yet. I am delighted to announce I will finally meet this band at the wonderful Focus Wales event in Wrexham in May!! They are one of my newer favourites and I am starting to love them so much. Rumour is they'll be one of the next bands I get tattooed. 😝

I had a few listens to this single prior to its release, and I must say this band are right up my street!! Just like other bands I know from Chester, they are talented AF!! I found myself very quickly falling in love with this single and this little band even more than I already do. The track is extremely powerful with the most amazing vocals I have heard in a while. At first listen you wouldn't believe that this single is in fact a breakup song. I feel that I can relate to this song way more as I have myself been through some terrible breakups like anyone has. I found that I couldn't stop listening to the single and I had it on a good few times blasting out of my computer whilst writing this post up. That's when you know a song has gripped your heart and isn't going to be letting go very easily. I find that I'm becoming pretty attached to these lads now. I'm not even mad. This song might be my go-to whenever I need my music fix. It'll be off into my "ones to watch" Spotify playlist for sure.

Overall this song is just brilliant. I will certainly be playing it over and over again after this post publishes on Feb 14th. I encourage any readers to go and listen to it too. Another great song by Muddy Elephant. See you in May lads!!!
Lonely can be found on all major streaming platforms and Muddy Elephant can be found on social media @ElephantMuddy

Single Review: By The River by Apollo Junction

 10/02/23 - By the river release day.

Apollo Junction's new single, by the river, got released today! I was honoured to listen to this song and write my thoughts and feelings. Apollo Junction are fairly new on my books, but from what I've heard recently they sound amazing!! I really hope they are as good in person as they are recorded as I fell in love with this song instantly. As a massive indie fan, it really hit the spot. The single was written by Apollo Junction: Hope, Potter, Thornton, Williamson, Wilson Release by Shed Load Records  Published by Wipeout Music Publishing

At first, listen I was instantly hooked. This song sounds very similar to songs my other bands have released in the past, so I knew what I was listening to was something that I was actually going to like. I was right. I totally adore this song and even after a few spins on repeat I never got bored of it. It's upbeat, it's catchy, and it's perfect. I could easily see myself listening to this single and to this band way more, I might even have to go and see them myself!!
Every part that makes up this song just goes so well with each other and it honestly just needs to be heard. This review could honestly go so biased as I adore music that is very similar and in a similar style, but this just makes me like this band more and more. I just get so hooked on songs that instantly make me feel happier and just hits you in the right place to make you hit that repeat button every single time.
I will be looking more into Apollo Junction and pray that they come up to my neck of the woods one day so I can meet them personally. If not I shall be travelling somewhere totally random to complete my mission.

By the river can be found on all major streaming platforms and Apollo Junction can be found on social media @apollojunction

Single Review: R U Experienced? By Granfalloon & Test card girl.

 The latest single by Granfalloon featuring Test card girl recently got released earlier this month and I was given the pleasure of having a listen and sharing my thoughts about the track. Both artists that appear on this track are totally new to me and I knew nothing about either of them before writing this review. However, that may be subject to change, as I'm in the process of checking them out further. If any other songs sound like this, I'll be hooked.

At first, listen I really loved this song because of how chilled out it is. I listened at various times of the day and it instantly relaxes you. Sometimes the perfect song doesn't need to be upbeat or catchy. Sometimes you need a slower, more tranquil song in your playlists. I believe this is that song. Perfect for long road trips or lazy days at home. I know I'll be adding this to my travel playlists for those long journeys up and down the country! The backing track pairs incredibly well with the lead vocals and the backing vocals. They don't overpower each other either.
Overall, the song is just brilliant. I really enjoyed my listen and liked it so much I had to listen again and again. Very much a song for everyone's playlist. Fantastic song and has
fantastic artists, I really hope I can review more singles for them and maybe our paths will cross one day in the future.

R U Experienced can be found on all major streaming platforms and Granfalloon and Test card girl can be found on socials @granfalloonmusic & @testcardgirlmusic.

Single Review: Legion by Revivalry.

 03/02/23 - Legion release day.

The latest single by Revivalry got released recently and I was asked to listen and give my own thoughts on the song. They are a band I haven't known long so can't give much prior info. But from what I've seen so far at a gig and also having the pleasure of working with them, I can say they are one amazing band and will 100% do well and go far in the years to come.

I had a listen to Legion on my phone and I was instantly blown away!! These fellas have some true talent and are a hidden gem waiting to be found. For a very young band, these lads know exactly what they are doing.
The track has some true kick to it and the vocals match up perfectly with everything. I gave it a listen in true Shot by Court fashion, by having it on repeat a few times while I write about it. It didn't take me long to fall in love with the song at all. I could happily have it on repeat for a while and not get bored of it. I also noticed the track is upbeat and lively, but not too "in your face" which matches the lads and their personalities.

To sum it all up I absolutely love this song, and It has even been added to my "ones to watch" playlist on Spotify, so then others can hear it too.
I am genuinely excited to see what Revivalry come up with next and I cannot wait to also see them out and about in the music scene. Their next gig with me is on 20th March in my hometown of Wigan!! It'll be fab to have them on home soil. They are such lovely lads and are a pleasure to work with. They'll do so well and are already set to beat some of the older bands I work with. They are a true credit to anyone who knows them.
Just as long as they remember me when they get big!!! 😛

Legion can be found on all major streaming platforms and Revivalry can be found on social media @revivalryband

Music Review: Cold Night by Lonely Ghxst

 19/01/23 - Cold Night by Lonely Ghxst.

The latest single by Lonely Ghxst was recently released onto all major streaming platforms. I had to have a listen to the song and give it a write up so others can listen too.

This track isn't like other tracks that I have written about in the past, I have reviewed many up beat tracks in my time. This one however, was different. It's slow, its calm, its chilled. It is honestly perfect for those cosy nights in and rainy days under a blanket. This track is just perfect in every way and it really highlights what this artist can really do. They are a fantastic artist with a great voice, the vocals in this track show true power and really suit the backing track well. This would be a fab song to hear live, with the crowd all singing back with torches in the air. That's what I imagine when I hear this song.

The track is also on the shorter side but I think it really gets hits you from the very start and it doesn't need to be any longer than it needs to be. It isn't about the length of the song, its about the power and the feeling it gives you. I got goosebumps listening to this on a very frosty morning in Chester.

Overall, I think this track is super underrated and needs to be heard, it needs to be out there. I'm hoping in writing up this blog post, I can get more people to listen to it and get the song out there. It is available to stream on all major streaming platforms, it is easy to find. It needs to be heard. I love this track so much and will be checking out Lonely Ghxst properly as well.

Cold nights can be found on all major streaming platforms and Lonely Ghxst can be found on social media @LonelyGhxst1

Music Review: Killer Bee by Muddy Elephant

 16/11/22 - Killer Bee by Muddy Elephant (Release day)

Muddy Elephant recently released their latest single titled "Killer Bee". Naturally being the music enthusiast I am. I decided to check it out and write my latest review on it.

Killer Bee is a fantastic track and I fell in love with it instantly. I already follow and know Muddy Elephant from my socials but never really listened to them properly until now. I have been MISSING OUT!!!! They are a fantastic band and I really love their sound. It is catchy, upbeat and will 100% have its listeners and fans reaching for that volume button.

"The song portrays the feeling of helplessly falling for someone even when you know everything about the person is wrong for you, desperately trying to break the spell of infatuation."

I have to say I really, really love this track and I had to listen to it a few times to really grasp the vibe but once I got that I was honestly hooked. Muddy Elephant have some insane talent and they are crazy good. From start to end this song is so lively. You could easily have a good dance around to this song. At home, or even at a show!! This song is going to really go down a treat with anyone who listens. Also, I believe this band are really going to go places. They are absolutely fantastic and they 100% have a new supporter in myself. Fate brought us together and I am living for it.

Killer Bee can be found on all major streaming platforms and Muddy Elephant can be found on social media @ElephantMuddy.
They are also playing a show at the Live Rooms in Chester on the 18th November if any readers want to hear the song played live. More info is on the band's pages.

Music Review: Y R U ? - Hollywood Eyes

Y R U? by Hollywood Eyes.

Hollywood Eyes recently released their latest single Y R U? (11th November 2022) I knew I had to give it a listen and give it a glowing write up. I literally cannot fault this band one bit. I have done a lot for them in the last few years and this year alone they have really stepped up and done a lot for me, even looking after me and making sure I'm safe all the time. They're good lads and I appreciate and love them a lot. Of course, It's a lot of work being a long-time friend and supporter, but someone's got to do it.

Before listening to the track, I knew already that it was going to be great. I was 100% correct!! This song had me once again dancing in my kitchen at midnight with my dog in tow. When I had that first initial listen I was honestly blown away. Hollywood Eyes never fail to impress me and totally bless my ears with their amazing sound. They get better every single time and I just love it when new content begins to appear.

Y R U is just as amazing as any other track this band have brought out. It has a really upbeat feel to it and it never gets boring. I wanted to listen more and more, and I ended up playing the song about 10,000 times in one night. So, when the song got released, it was played even more times!!!! This song is so perfect for any occasion, and for any moment in life. You could hear this anywhere and instantly the mood would lift, and the vibes and atmosphere could easily become so much better. 

To sum up, this song needs to be heard by everyone, wherever you are in the world. This track has so much potential, and people need to see and hear what Hollywood Eyes have to offer big time. They've improved so much in the last year alone and have really come out on top post covid. I am truly proud to say I have been here from the start, and I am honoured to be reviewing their music at last (and also providing them with a few photos but that's another story)

Y R U? can be found on all major streaming platforms and Hollywood eyes can be found on social media @Hollywoodeyesmusic and @Hollywoodeyes_

Music Review: Reset by Wolforna

 04/11/22 - Reset by Wolforna - Release day.

Today, Wolforna released their latest single, Reset. I had to listen myself and jump on the hype of this single, produced at Prospect Studios in Bradford, and this new band that I have discovered.

I haven't known Wolforna long, but I already love what they are producing. After listening to Reset I had a listen to the rest of their discography to find out more about them and what their general sound is like. One song sometimes isn't enough to get a grip on a band and truly fall in love with their unique sounds. 

As I listen to "Reset" I sense the power within this song. The track has a real kick to it and the lead vocals really raised the bar for this song. There is a brief moment where the song slows slightly before kicking back into life again which I love. Described as "A journey through a moment of anger". I can totally agree with that. The track really delivers and if you love "heavy songs" then you'll love this one. I honestly think if I heard this live, there would 100% be a mosh pit!!!

Overall, I love this song. I could listen to it over and over, and I really did. I have added this song and this band to my "Ones to watch" list. I can't wait to see and hear more from this band and I would be committed to writing up more of their singles in the future. A fantastic track from Wolforna. 

Reset can be found on all major streaming platforms and Wolforna can be found on social media @WolfornaUK

Music Review: Free Me by The Coolgang Foxtrots

 28/10/22 - Free Me release day.

Today the new single by The Coolgang Foxtrots got released to all major streaming platforms. I had a listen to the track myself to see what it was like.

The Coolgang Foxtrots are a new band on my books. I have only known about them for about a month or so and I loved what I heard from this band when I first saw them live in Salford, so naturally I was fairly confident this song would be a huge hit with myself.

I can tell you all now this single is fantastic!!! I really love upbeat tracks, and this really delivered. The song really makes you start to head bop and dance in your kitchen at midnight. I had to listen to a song a few times like I always do and this song really just gets better every single time. I really enjoyed listening to it and will always enjoy listening to it. This song is perfect for any moment, whether its travelling (to and from gigs like me) or if you're at home or working, the upbeat track and fab vocals will really get you moving and passing the time in a unique way.

The song is also about lockdown and covid-19 and is completely self-produced and self-released which is fantastic to see. It's also great to see bands making songs about lockdown and creating their own spin on the experiences during that time.
This song was also played live at Retro in Manchester within a month of it being recorded.
The artwork is part of the song I love the most. As a photographer I have a keen eye on every aspect of art, and I love many art forms as well as my own. I just love that the artwork for this was created by turning a live performance image into a kaleidoscope effect.

To sum it all up the single is fab, and I love it so much. It's totally different but really represents this band so well. I cannot wait to hear more singles just like this one.
Free me can be found on all major streaming platforms and can also be found at www.thecoolgangfoxtrots.com.
The Coolgang Foxtrots can also be found on social media at @thecoolgangfoxtrots.

Music Review: My Time by Robyn Regan

 21/10/22 - My Time by Robyn Regan - Release day.

The latest single by Robyn Regan has been released today and I am so pleased to be able to write this single up. I have supported Robyn for a very long time and love all her songs. We don't speak as much due to our busy schedules, but I'm pleased she's releasing music still!!! I still adore her as much now as I did back then.

Robyn is a London-based solo artist with the best personality I have ever seen from a soloist. There's no drama when it comes to Robyn, she is extremely down to earth and loves everyone. She spreads happiness and joy wherever she goes. She's also been running a Twitch channel in the past year called "In the Shed" which she runs with the help of her brother Stan. Where they give away various prizes and play fantastic games!

As I listen to My Time, I really get a feel for the song straight away. I am in love with it just from the intro. The song is once again in true Robyn style, happy and upbeat. This song is perfect for those rainy days. I am currently writing this article whilst feeling unwell but this song really wanted to make me get up and start dancing! I feel better already listening to its upbeat backing track alongside Robyn's amazing vocals.

To sum it all up this song is perfect for everyone! its happy upbeat tune could add a smile to anyone's face and could get anyone up dancing. Just like Robyn, this song is the life of the party and I cannot wait for more music from Robyn. She is perfect in every single way and is a firm favourite with us. She also features on my "Ones to watch" list and Spotify playlist.

My Time can be found on all major streaming platforms and Robyn can be found on social media @RobynLouRegan on Twitter and @Robyn_Regan on Instagram.

Music Review: I need you by Galaxy Thief

 15/10/22 - I need you by Galaxy Thief

Galaxy Thief recently released a new single called "I need you". Of course I decided to check it out and write a review on it.

I have known Galaxy Thief for years now and even with a member change in recent months this band haven't given up or backed down at all. They still give everything their all and I am glad to still be around, sticking by them and supporting them in every way I can, despite not actually having met this band or seen them live. (whoops....)

I need you is a fantastic single. It is a bit slower than their usual songs but has very strong backing tracks and powerful vocals. This song made me stop and think for a while which was really nice to experience. I had to listen to the track a few times to really get the feel of it and to fully grasp this song. Once I had done that I felt like I knew the song, I felt like I know the band even better now than I did. This single is very powerful and I love it. There are parts that are slower and other parts are picked up by a strong backing track with true power in the drums. It honestly speaks for itself.

To sum it all up. I need you is amazing!! I really love this song so much and it is just brilliant. I really enjoyed having a listen and had to stick it on repeat for a bit, as I was finding myself going back for more every single time.
Well done Galaxy Thief on another fantastic single!!

I need you can be found on all major streaming platforms and Galaxy Thief can be found on social media @Galaxythiefband.

Music Review: Technicolour by Mosaics

 15/10/22 - Technicolor by Mosaics

Mosaics' new single dropped a few days ago and I knew I had to write about it and have this song feature in my blogs. Another fab single from the awesome band that is Mosaics.

A bit of background on Mosaics. They're a band that are based in London, who I met and got to see live for the first time back in February this year in London. Since then I have adored these lads and I will continue to do so. I don't get to many gigs as I live near Wigan, but I do hope to make their next show no matter what. But none the less I still adore these guys and they still adore me. They have another track on major streaming platforms too, called "Weekend In Paris" which is an equally fab song. Mosaics have bags of talent and they keep getting better and better every single time. I love it!!!!

As I listen to the track I am instantly in love. This track is upbeat and very catchy. I found myself head bopping almost instantly as the song started up. As the track plays on, I start to fall in love with the single more and more. This track is up their as one of Mosaics best singles I have heard since I first saw them. (Minus Johnny's song, which is the song that I learned before seeing them and is also how I bagged a setlist and a drumstick).
I really really hope I get to hear this track live someday. I will be thrilled as I just know it will sound even better than it is recorded, and it's amazing recorded. The song will make the perfect travel song and will 100% make the long journeys to see this band way more bearable. Might even make shorter journeys seem faster too.

To sum up, Technicolour is a fantastic single and really shows off the talent that Mosaics really have. They are a great band who I miss so much. It has been ages since I saw them and I really do need to put more effort into this band. I love them with my entire heart and this single really has my heart. I have added this track into all my favourite playlists so I can listen to it anytime of day, whether I am commuting to work or to a gig. Or just relaxing out in my room at home. Brilliant new single by Mosaics!!

Technicolour is on all major streaming platforms and Mosaics can be found on social media @Mosaicsbanduk

Music Review: Am I on my own EP by The Five O Fives

 13/10/22 - EP release day.

Today, the new EP from The Five O Fives was released on all major streaming platforms. Naturally I was very excited for this release and couldn't wait for it to be dropped into my music libraries. I haven't known this band very long either. I found them in July, when the Hollows lads all told me about them after supporting them at one of their shows, and said I might enjoy them. I can now tell you they are 100% correct. I adore this band and I know I am going to be around long term. They seem special and I've already made friends with their bassist Nico.

As I listen to this EP, I am thrilled with the outcome. Despite only having 4 songs, each song is extremely catchy and their lead singer Alice has the most amazing voice!! It all goes together so well and I know why this band is liked as much as it is. As I am writing up this blog post, my feet are tapping, my head is bopping, and I am humming along to the catchy tunes each song has. I cannot find anything at all to fault with anything. Its perfect!! I already know every word to the track "I came around" and it is just brilliant.

To sum it all up, I really like this EP and I really hope there are more singles and eps to come that are like this one. They have a terrific sound and I am determined to get to a show to see them live. They do have a show in Birmingham tomorrow, but sadly my day job needs me. Next gig, no matter where it is, I shall be there and I honestly can't wait for that day to come. Cracking EP from The Five O Fives, keep up the great work folks, can't wait to hear more in the future!!! 

Am I on my own can be found on all major streaming platforms and The Five O Fives can be found at @thefiveofives