On The Stereo #43

Kaina: there’s something seductive about this soulful urban pop jam. Pic: DDesigns

Here we revel in the sonic delights of Kaina, Square Halo, Carrie Underwood, Hein Cooper, Sarah Darling and Tom Hannay

KAINA
COULD BE A CURSE FEAT. SEN MORIMOTO
Sooper Records
With verses written in Spanish and Japanese, there’s something seductive about this soulful urban pop jam. Both Kaina and Morimoto deliver their vocals with an ethereal aloofness, only adding to the feeling that this track is impossible to pin down to one place or style. DH

SQUARE HALO
WHISPER TO ME AGAIN
Self-release
London producer Demetrios Loukas teamed up with Minnesota-based Treyvonce Ambers-Moore to make an album to raise awareness of Lyme disease, and this is its soulful lead single. The song’s smooth vocal harks back to classic George Michael, with early 90s R&B production to match, and an irresistibly funky bass line. It’s even got a sax solo. A worthy cause and well worth a listen. AS

CARRIE UNDERWOOD
SOUTHBOUND
Capitol Nashville
Country icon Carrie Underwood gives fans another official cut off her massive hit LP Cry Pretty. The new radio release comes in the form of Southbound which is an anthemic country crossover banger that showcases exactly why Underwood is the current queen of the genre. With its pop undertones and catchy melody this is a track made to be a radio smash. LK

HEIN COOPER
HIJACK
AntiFragile Music
Inspired by driving late at night in his VW Polo, Cooper has embellished this folk song with the crackling of electronics. As you listen, it’s easy to imagine street lamps and headlights mixing with the soft music on a car stereo – the result is an evocative vignette. DH

SARAH DARLING
A LITTLE BIT OF RAIN
Be Darling Records
The US country sensation is back with new LP Wonderland and this is a beautiful track that will tug on the heartstrings. Country is famous for its heartbreak songs and this is a great example. Darling’s soaring, angelic vocals elevate it to whole new levels while her fervent lyrics give the song real depth. LK

TOM HANNAY
THE FEEDING HAND
Low Extender
This track blends together Tom’s rough, silky raw vocal tone to create a timeless country-rock anthem. It has that smooth vibe of alternative country and smokey blues combined with a rock twist and is an absolute storm of a track reminiscent of artists from Kurt Vile to The Band. Tom is an exciting talent and this single showcases his vocal range perfectly. LK

Words: Laura Klonowski, Duncan Haskell, Aaron Slater

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

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