On The Stereo #57

Una Healy: rose to fame in 2008 as a member of the five-piece girl group The Saturdays

We’re currently sampling these new musical delights from Una Healy, Jennah Barry, The Glorious Sons, Nova Hall and M. Ward

UNA HEALY
SET YOU FREE
Self-release
It’s not often you get a country twist on a dance hit, but with this offering from The Saturdays’ singer that’s exactly what we’ve got. Her stripped back version of the 90s N-Trance classic gives new life to the lyrics about everlasting love, and the acoustic arrangement allows Healy’s sweet vocal tone to shine. It’s a mesmerising version and one that shows a new side to the talented performer. LK

JENNAH BARRY
PINK GREY BLUE
Forward Music Group
Addressing themes of body-dysmorphia, the new single from Nova Scotian singer-songwriting Barry is written to her body from the point of view of her brain, encouraging herself to be a little kinder about what she sees in the mirror. The song’s cosy quality allows you to get up close and really listen to what it has to say. DH

THE GLORIOUS SONS
PANIC ATTACK
BMG
Having already won over listeners in the US and Canada, The Glorious Sons are set to release new album A War On Everything in the UK later this month. This anthemic rock clarion call should heighten anticipation even further. Brett Emmons lets rip right from the start, doing his best to vanquish his demons. There’s catharsis to be found in his passion. LM

NOVA HALL
COLLATERAL
Self-release
Now based in Berlin, Swedish singer-songwriter Nova Hall challenges the acceptance of corruption and misused power on her new single. “Does the end really justify the means?” she asks over a rippling and brooding track. It’s alt-pop with a purpose, making us think while sound-tracking the end of days. DH

M. WARD
MIGRATION OF SOULS
Anti Records
It takes just a few seconds of guitar to be transported back into M. Ward’s world. Then come those instantly recognisable and haunting vocals and it’s as if he’s never been away. Both dusty and dusky, an imagined reunion beyond the boundaries of space and time, seems like the perfect setting over which the heralded alt-folk star can throw his spectral net. LM

Words: Laura Klonowski, Duncan Haskell, Lindsey Meier

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

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