On The Stereo #13

Muncie Girls: a UK indie punk band fronted by vocalist and guitarist Lande Hekt

We praise the efforts of Muncie Girls, Jimmie Allen, Archie Faulks, Union J, Jack Ellis, Calvin Harris and Sam Smith

MUNCIE GIRLS
FIXED IDEALS
Specialist Subject
With its title fittingly inspired by a Sylvia Plath poem, Fixed Ideals is another addition to 2018’s rich canon of female-fronted indie-punk releases. Among the highlights of Muncie Girls’ sophomore LP are Picture Of Health, Isn’t Life Funny, and Locked Up. Replete with chugging riffs, crisp vocals, and delightful melodies buried under the fuzz, Fixed Ideals will make strong friends with many punk fans.
DG

JIMMIE ALLEN
SLOWER LOWER
Stony Creek Records
Jimmie Allen is fast becoming one of the standout names in country music and with his latest offering he tells the story of his youth and childhood, growing up in Delaware. It’s a stunning release that tells a beautiful story and is a real highlight of the musical year.
LK

ARCHIE FAULKS
IT RAINS
Self-release
When all that remains of a relationship are memories of a happier time is it time to call it a day? Such is the conundrum at the centre of Faulks’ debut single and it’s therefore no surprise that this ballad has a duly plaintive mood to it. Affecting stuff.
DH

CALVIN HARRIS & SAM SMITH
PROMISES
Columbia
Promises brings together two of Britain’s heavyweight hit-making machines. The Grammy-winning songwriters stamp their unique gifts on the track, with Smith’s plaintive falsetto backed by Harris’ throbbing bass work and affecting melodies. Released amidst a record-breaking UK heatwave, Promises is a pop treat to be enjoyed as the sun pours itself into the horizon.
DG

UNION J FT DJ IRONIK
DANCING
Ru Listening
Union J are a really exciting pop band with a mature sound and an exciting fusion style that incorporates pop and Hip-Hop. Their new release Dancing features DJ Ironik and lyrically it has a wonderful play on words, while the chorus will get stuck in your head for days.
LK

JACK ELLIS
THE BARREL OF YOUR GUN
District South Records
In 2017 he won Best Solo Artist in at The Cardiff Music Awards. Now songwriter Jack Ellis is back with his latest single, The Barrel Of Your Gun. With a vocal delivery that rings like a muted Mike Kerr (of Royal Blood fame) and marching folk-rock melodies, The Barrel Of Your Gun aims straight for your head and will stay there for some time.
DG

Words: Damien Girling, Laura Klonowski, Duncan Haskell

Listen to these songs and other On The Stereo selections on the Songwriting Magazine SoundCloud, YouTube and Spotify ‘New Music Reviewed’ playlists.

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