On The Stereo #22

Karla Kane: a slightly eccentric Britishness here which has been given a coat of West Coast gloss. Pic: Khoi Huynh

Here’s our new music collection, spotlighting songs from Karla Kane, Lennon Stella, Jo Marches, Mackenzie Shivers, Kevin McGuire and Rattle

KARLA KANE
GOODGUY SUN
Self-release
What do you get when a song, written in England (by Martin Newell), is arranged in California? Goodguy Sun provides the answer to that very question, and it’s exactly as you’d expect. There’s a slightly eccentric Britishness here which has been given a coat of West Coast gloss. Autumn may be taking over from summer but Kane isn’t prepared to let it get her down – that’s not the Californian way. DH

LENNON STELLA
BREAKAWAY
Records/Columbia
Canadian superstar Lennon Stella has shared yet another soul-bearing single from her debut project. Fresh from sharing Like Everybody Else and Bad, the teen is back with the poignant and lyrically mature Breakaway. Stella once again showcases her breathtaking vocal and writing talents with this spellbinding song. LK

JO MARCHES
YOU’LL BE MINE
Palmboomsok
Angular and industrial with warm undertones isn’t a description you often hear when describing a sound. Jo Marches’ latest single is gritty rave meets Balearic beach party at sunset. This polarising mix has a purpose that is solely tongue-in-cheek. As fans already know, this outfit isn’t scared to experiment, and they always hit the spot. DC

MACKENZIE SHIVERS
BELIEVE
Self-release
Shivers’ powerful yet restrained vocals and immediately relatable lyrics combine with simple orchestration to lend this ballad a timeless feel. It’s one of those tracks which, once heard, you can’t believe hasn’t existed for years – perhaps the ultimate compliment. DH

KEVIN MCGUIRE
AS GOOD AS IT GETS
116 Records
UK country is thriving at the moment and the latest in a long line of homegrown acts bursting onto the ever-growing scene is Kevin McGuire. His new release As Good As It Gets seems as if it could have come straight from Nashville and it’s clear to hear that this is his most personal release to date. A classic sound that works well in 2018. LK

RATTLE
SIGNAL
Upset The Rhythm
We always like it when the definition of what makes a song is pushed to its very limits, which explains our love of this track. With percussion alone providing the accompaniment, this one is all about the drums. Vocals augment, rather than dominate, the rhythm here. Compelling stuff! DH

Words: Duncan Haskell, Laura Klonowski, Dave Chrzanowski

Listen to these songs and other On The Stereo selections on the Songwriting Magazine Spotify ‘Music Reviewed’ playlist.

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