On The Stereo #29

Emmeline: piano and vocals, a dynamic duo as timeless as Batman and Robin. Pic: Mandy Caulkins

Brand new tracks from Emmeline, Brandon Lay, Every Kid Knows, Pedro The Lion, Levy And The Oaks and Hannah Paris

EMMELINE
SUPERHEROES
Self-release
Piano and vocals, a dynamic duo as timeless as Batman and Robin. When done right, as on this sumptuous number, it’s a peerless combination which allows each part to rise from their humble origins and become something truly special. But all superheroes need a little update now and again and some modern production touches do the necessary here. DH

BRANDON LAY
LET IT
EMI Nashville
Brandon Lay is a truly exciting country artist and his latest offering is a truly beautiful piece of music. With soaring, sing-a-long lyrics and a thumping beat this is a track that brings a little bit of summer into winter. It’s a standout track and one of the highlights of 2018. Lay is an artist who knows how to create a wonderful country crossover song. LK

EVERY KID KNOWS
SPINNING JENNY
Hero Rhymes With Zero
There’s something contagious and cathartic about this indie-pop track. It whirls along as if hitched to a wheel careening through the countryside, images blur as the pace quickens and you can’t help but enjoy the ride. We’re not sure whether the song is actually about the famous invention of its title or an ode to a girl who puts your head in a spin but, either way, it’s got us feeling all giddy. DH

PEDRO THE LION
MODEL HOMES
Big Scary Monsters
Making a return as Pedro The Lion after 15 years; it’s always touch-and-go whether or not a comeback after so long is artistically worth it or an exercise in self-indulgence. But it sounds like David Bazan is finally returning to where he belongs and feels most comfortable. DC

HANNAH PARIS
NEVER BRING ME DOWN
BlackBarnMusic
Fast-rising British country artist Hannah Paris has truly found her sound with her brilliant new single. It has a bouncy pop production overlayed with preppy, feel-good country inspired lyrics guaranteed to lift your spirits and make you feel able to achieve anything. It’s a wonderful slice of country/pop and showcases everything great about Hannah as an artist. 2019 is going to be a big year for this talented musician. LK

LEVY AND THE OAKS
ON THE RUN
Telegraph Hill Records
We all love a tale of redemption and this uplifting chunk of funky rock celebrates Levy Okun’s recovery from addiction and its associated troubles. There’s a palpable sense of togetherness within the group’s music, complete with celebratory horns, which suggests they’re all glad that the hard times are behind them and they concentrate on getting their groove on. DH

Words: Duncan Haskell, Dave Chrzanowski, Laura Klonowski

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

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