Single Review - Look What You've Done - Jade Helliwell

 

There’s some big things coming in Jade’s world (and one very special small thing!).  Although she released two albums in her younger, formative years, she is now working on what she will consider to be her debut album, the first one since the massive leap in her music career (thanks to a small thing, that became a big thing – that Youtube video!)

In the same week that she reached her kickstarter target, Jade releases her new single Look What You’ve Done. Written in conjunction with Laura Oakes, and produced by Alyssa Bonagura, this is certainly a blend of some real powerhouse women of Country Music, and we are here for that!  A tale of falling for someone despite trying your best not to.  It’s a summer pop song, the melody is sublime, the instrumentation as ever is superb and Jade’s vocal just floats over the top.  The theme is certainly something most people can relate to and it really shows off Jade’s vocal skills.  You can certainly hear the country roots in the song, although its not strictly in that genre – but Jade is all about the performance and blurring the edges, taking inspiration from different sources.

“Born to be on stage” is a over used cliché, but Jade was definitely “determined to be on stage” – in her latest (and hilarious) kickstarter video she tells her story, from school day singing to getting more serious and winning competitions, gaining awards and plaudits along the way.  She’s graced so many festival stages now, and performed alongside some huge names, but she’s not taking any of it for granted – and if you’ve met Jade in person, success has never gone to her head or changed her, she’s still that friendly and approachable lass from Batley.

It feels like the new album marks a new era, but really its another step.  Not even Jade is sure where those steps will take her, but right now she’s just having the time of her life!

With that new album promised, we can’t wait for its arrival and a chance to review it – and we’re looking forward to that other arrival too…do we review new babies?

Look What You’ve Done, the new single from Jade Helliwell is available to pre-save now, and download or stream from Friday 27 June

Find Jade on Facebook and Instagram, and follow her music on Spotify

 

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Single Review - I Am All I Need - Scarlett Whincup

 

The title of the new single from Scarlett Whincup - I Am All I Need – makes a clear statement of the theme of the track.  Taken from her new EP, this is a song about self-empowerment and inner strength

Scarlett explains, 

This song is a reminder that no matter what life throws at us, everything we need is already within us. It’s about choosing yourself — not because you have to, but because you’re worth it.

The song starts with a strong, powerful vocal, backed by subtle guitar which both showcases her voice and sets the tone for the rest of the track.  When the instrumental drops in, the tempo rises, making this a catchy number.  The backing has a traditional country feel but with a modern sound to it.  Having played the clubs around Yorkshire, this whole EP feels like Scarlett coming out to the wider UK Country scene.  As an introduction, it’s a great one!  Scarlett’s music perfectly bridges between trad country and modern, and also acknowledges US Country whilst still being unashamedly UK – and Yorkshire!  All that club experience clearly influences Scarlett’s writing, her songs are not just easy to listen to, but fast enough to dance to – and her love of Country is obvious!

The new single drops on Friday for you to stream or download, and Scarlett will be launching the full EP live at her Band Launch Party ‘Scarlett & her Rednecks’ on May 2nd at The Hop Monkey Music Bar, Dean Clough — as she puts it 

A celebration of resilience, self-belief, and new beginnings.

Scarlett will also be performing at this year’s Pure Country Music and Dance Festival in July which, in it turn, also makes the same connections as Scarlett’s music does, with a mix of music and dancing and this time features a visiting US duo amongst the home-grown talent

I Am All I Need, the new single from Scarlett Whincup is available from Friday 2 May

Find Scarlett on her socials - Facebook, Instagram and Spotify

For more information about Pure Country Music and Dance Festival check their Facebook page

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Album Review - All I Own - Jessica Lynn

 

Jessica Lynn is an absolute bundle of energy, which shows in both her live performances and in her recordings.  With musicians for parents (who are part of her band) it is fair to say that Jessica was born to be on stage, and if you’ve had chance to see her, you will probably agree!

 

It would take too long to list all of Jessica’s attributes, but being a fighter is near the top of that list, and the new album – All I Own – is testament to her resilience.  Dealing with health issues, wider global problems that affected tours and even adopting a disabled dog, Jessica doesn’t let anything hold her back – in fact, she seems to channel it all into her music!

The first track, Bet On It, lays down a marker for the album.  Heavy guitar riff, strong rhythm and Jessica’s Country Rock vocal lets you know from the off that this is not an album of soft ballads! Something Bout You continues the vibe, albeit with a slightly lighter instrumental line, putting more focus on the words and emotion in them.  Ain’t Done With You shows that the band can drive a song in different ways, always guitar driven but this time with a great drum/percussion added to it.  The title track All I Own takes a small break from the rock, with acoustic guitar and strings perfectly accompanying the first softer song.  Jessica has the ability to switch between rocking out and emotional, at live shows she has reduced an audience to absolute silence while listening. 

Shame changes tempo again, a very Latin feel incorporating some pop style production and using the best of these styles.  If Shame is Latin, Mixed Signals is unashamedly rock, summoning up a smoke-filled dive bar sound and feel, bringing in a bluesy edge.

 

Scott Vincent

The entire album is incredibly listenable, as Jessica goers “twisting and turning” through different styles, changes of tempo, fabulous use of instrumentation to accompany each track.  From the near theatrical Mixed Signals into the more country sounding Straight Outta Luck and then the beautiful, heartfelt duet You Save Me, any part of this album takes you on a journey.  While the songs form part of Jessica’s journey, you are able to use them for your own story too.

From the evocative harmonies and steel of You Save Me, the drums and rock edge are back with 16 Miles, but this time with a gospel feel, and strings playing the part of the backing choir.  Despite setbacks – medical, global and personal, Jessica will never hide, never use anything as an excuse.  The recording of this album was a physical trial and so it is fitting that the closing track is I Never Said It’d Be Easy.  Maybe the most obviously personal track of the ten, it is an anthem to overcoming struggles but in the uplifting style that we have come to expect from listening to Jessica in the studio and live.  It’s the perfect ending to an close to perfect album

 

Silverball Country

The talent, the passion, the fight is all clear to see.  Behind the performer is a tight family and a fabulous welcoming manner.  The album is a personal journey, but one we are invited to join in with and interpret our own way.  It’s like a ten track recording of Jessica cheering us all on from the sidelines.

All I Own, the new album from Jessica Lynn is available to download or stream from Friday 17 January.

You can find Jessica on Facebook and Instagram and follow her music on Spotify

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Single Review - Something 'Bout You - Jessica Lynn

 

Something ‘Bout You is a feel-good story about falling in love and having the most amazing adventures together.

If you follow Jessica on her social media, or you’ve seen her perform live with her band, you’ll know that that one line seems to sum up her (public) life.  Married to Steve who plays lead guitar with the band and touring with her family and close friends, it sure looks like Jessica does have the most amazing adventures, especially as a lot of the gigs they play have a purpose – whether its raising money for toys at Christmas or entertaining US troops.  Jessica and the band have even recently toured in Malaysia where she took part in a panel discussion.

 

The new single is pure Jessica Lynn.  Powerful guitar intro, strong vocals, great instrumentation and a fun, bouncy melody.  The sound of the song creates a feeling of those amazing adventures – the fast pace gives almost a sense of travelling – whether that’s physical or through time, and despite listening to it on a cold misty day in England, for three and half minutes I was transported to long hot summers, and yes, adventures.

There is something nostalgic about the song and I hope it brings everyone listening back to a really special time in their lives

There is!  The song will make you think of a time – for me it conjures up an image of being young, out on our bikes exploring and having fun, but the beauty of music – and this song – is that it will bring out a different memory, a different time for every listener.

Do you wanna come along with me on the adventure of our wildest dreams

Jessica has been described as “Country Arena Rock” and her music sweeps you up, and takes you along with her.  The energy of her live shows has to be experienced, but through singles like this you certainly get a feel for it!

 

Scott Vincent

We look forward to more adventures!

Something 'Bout You, the new single from Jessica Lynn is available to download and stream from Wednesday 16 October

Find Jessica on Facebook and Instagram, and follow her on Spotify

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Single Review - Best Things - Wood Burnt Red

 

Wood Burnt Red are one of the bands that we will be looking forward to seeing at this weeks The Long Road Festival as they make their TLR debut on Friday night – on The Front Porch for the Ariat take over hosted by Two Ways Home

To make the weekend even more special they are releasing their new single – Best Things – on Friday too. 

As we have come to expect from Wood Burnt Red, the song is about real life – in this case the struggle to have it all, and the expense that goes with that!  Many of us can probably relate to the lyrics

I got a nice home, that I don’t own, 

And a car on the drive that’s not paid for.

It’s Wood Burnt Red, so it’s got a heavy sound, its got gruff vocal delivery but this time they have broken away a little from their Malvern roots and gone quite American with the sound, especially in the intro and opening verse.  As they hit the chorus they sound more like themselves and a little more comfortable, and there’s a lovely instrumental break where they sound like they are just having some fun with guitars and keys!

Unashamedly starting out as a “Dad Band”, each release and each stage performance sees the boys getting more polished with their playing and songwriting – but the songwriting hasn’t lost any of its realism or integrity, as they are not afraid to tackle real topics head on – which has included personal appearance in the past, and the difficulties of the modern, materialistic world that we all live in.

The Long Road isn’t the only festival this summer for Wood Burnt Red, having played main stage at Buckle and Boots, Black Deer with the BCMF in Blackpool to come

Best Things, the new single from Wood Burnt Red, is available to download and stream from Friday 23 August.  

Catch the band at The Long Road Festival, The British Country Music Festival and on their socials Facebook and Instagram.  If you stream music, give them a follow them on Spotify

 

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Single Review - Blue Ridge Road - Matt Hodges

 

Matt Hodges loves to perform music live, in fact he spends most of the year doing it.  If you’ve seen him at one of his many live shows, you may have heard him tell the story of taking a break in America and staying at a cabin for a few days, a side trip that inspired him to write his new song Blue Ridge Road.  The title is the name of the road that took them to that lakeside cabin, and the serenity of the cabin, compared to the frantic energy of Downtown Nashville led to the song.

When you consider Matt’s hectic schedule, its no surprise that he enjoyed a few days off – but the theme throughout the song is “Take me back”, as he sings of the freedom and allowing his thoughts to unload.  On Blue Ridge Road there are no cars, no “people chasing one last thrill”.  Matt is finding peace in nature and seems to have a longing to return to it.

Musically, the song is very restrained, as is Matt’s voice, which is effectively turned down for this track.  There is a yearning in the sound – and it is very reminiscent of Blake Shelton’s “Austin”, which is another song about longing for something you want to return to.  There is one break from the tempo when the song has a guitar break and a slight lift to describe the return to Nashville for a gig – a device which shows the difference between the town and the peaceful mountain view

The songwriting on this occasion appears to be not just heavily influenced by Blake Shelton, but also by American Country Music in general, using American phrasing (and it is of course born from am American road trip).  Could one of the leading voices in UK Country have written the same song from a UK perspective?  Maybe Matt’s next songwriting retreat could be to a stone-built cottage in the Yorkshire Dales, escaping the bright lights of Leeds or Sheffield?  Just as Matt has his own voice, we’d love to think that UK Country can have its own style and own voice.  The UK has many points of reference, and there have been UK songs written with a very UK feel.

Could Matt Hodges lead the charge of the new breed of UK Cowboys?  Perhaps sitting round the barbecue rather than the campfire, looking over the Brecon Beacons rather than the Blue Ridge Mountains?

 

We can’t wait to see where he goes next – both musically and physically!

Blue Ridge Road, the new single from Matt Hodges is available to download and stream from Friday 16 August

You can find Matt on the road and on Facebook and Instagram - and you can follow him on Spotify

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Single Review - I Never Said It's Be Easy - Jessica Lynn

 

If you’ve ever met Jessica, or if you follow her on social media you’ll know that she is a bundle of positive energy, but behind the smiles there is a singer who has always worked hard and takes nothing for granted.  Go a little deeper behind and you’ll see the struggles that she has had, including a recent sinus problem resulting in an operation and a difficult recovery.  She powers through this, just as she powered through the medical issues that she and husband/guitarist Steve had with their rescue dog Audrey.  Jessica’s new song I Never Said It’d Be Easy is about this kind of journey, the journey of making the most of everything to create your own happy ending.

Whilst the track starts with a powerful guitar solo, the vocal is quite calm, quite measured, setting the scene for us – “soak it in, it’s a good day to be alive”, with lyrics alluding to a song coming up that will help us feel better... then the chorus absolutely kicks!  Jessica takes it up several notches

“I never said it’d be easy”

The contrast between the gentle verse building up to the rocking chorus cleverly adds to the feel of the struggle for that happy life, the struggle that many of us keep hidden.

Be in doubt, this song is not a lament or a plea for sympathy.  This is a story of self-empowerment and personal fight.  Its clearly personal, its clearly heartfelt – and its clearly in the mould of Jessica’s previous hits such as Roadhouse and Crazy Idea – and in fact this was co-written with the collaborators of Crazy Idea!

 

Shaking off those struggles as she always does, Jessica is carving out the happy life, along with her family and band as she embarks on another extended tour of the US and Europe.

 

The final words about I Never Said It’d Be Easy are from Jessica

A song about positivity and hope for a wonderful future is something I feel very proud to sing while I embark on one of my busiest years yet.

 

I Never Said It’d Be Easy, the new song from Jessica Lynn, is available to download and stream from Friday 28 June

 

You can find Jessica on Facebook, on Instagram and on the road.  Follow her on Spotify too.

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Single Review - Jump - First Time Flyers

Ahead of their UK headline tour, First Time Flyers are releasing their new single Jump.  Inspired by a band member’s real life love story, the title refers to the way that you have to sometimes make the choice to jump into a relationship - as Poppy Fardell puts it

It’s about fearlessly jumping into love heart first

Gaining a reputation not just for their on-stage energy and off-stage chemistry, First Time Flyers also embrace different takes on the country genre with this new song giving a nod to the modern country sound and also – dare we say it – the Beyonce style of country music, but with their own twist to it.

Musically this track can be described as “bouncy” with the tempo and delivery matching the title.  The vocals are smooth, the instrumentation drives the song without being overpowering and the production is spot on.  Without question a well put together song, with a summer feel but that slight edge to the lyrics –

They say don’t jump cos we’re only going to fall

I’m going to jump, I’m going to fall

We are encouraged to ignore the doubters with their advice, and to take that jump – even if we fall.  It’s an empowering message while still being an anthem to love!

You’ll be able to hear Jump, and the rest of the band’s catalogue when they take to the road later this year with Jump On Tour Part One.

Happening in September 2024 the band are playing three shows in Birmingham, London and Manchester

 

Jump, the new single from First Time Flyers is available to download and stream from Friday 28 March.

Find the band on Facebook, Instagram and follow them on Spotify

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Single Review - Boy On The Train - Morganway

 

Described by the band as having Primal Scream and Rolling Stones vibes, Boy On The Train, the new single from Morganway, does indeed have those influences – at first at least!  Once the violin kicks in you know its Morganway - but with a difference.  It’s Morganway because of the energy in every line, the difference is in the vocal with Callum opening and  SJ sharing the lead this time.

It has always been hard to pin the band down to any one genre – we coined the expression “Rowdy folk” for them previously – but it is safe to say that by blending Country, Americana, Rock, and Folk they have developed their own sound, best described as “Morganway”.

The song starts with guitar, which is joined by violin, then drums – then just an explosion of energy as, well, everything joins in!

The song originated from Callum strumming a guitar at night on tour and developed into the finished article – fittingly a story of family and the separation and connection caused by touring, the inspiration being Callum’s family on their way to join the band on tour.  It’s a perfect time to release the song too, as the band have just come off a tour with Belle and Sebastian and will be playing across festivals this summer including the main stage at The Long Road Festival in August.

Boy On The Train is destined to be a crowd pleaser, and you can already hear the sing-along that will be happening as the audience join in with the incredibly catchy chorus.

Get yourself ready for the Morganway performances at this year’s festivals…

She’s got the ticket, and the Boy On The Train

Boy On The Train, the new single from Morganway is available to download and stream from Friday 28 June.

You can find Morganway on Facebook and Instagram and follow them on Spotify

Morganway are represented by Zimagined Artist Management

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Single Review - How Long Have You Known - Kezia Gill and Jade Helliwell

 

As a fan of the UK Country music scene, you will surely have come across Kezia Gill and Jade Helliwell – be it on their own headline tours, their joint “Girls Night In” tour or perhaps at one of the various festivals around the UK.  Both have their own loyal followings, built in part during lockdown with livestreams – which spawned the “Friday Night Club” for Kezia.  Lockdown (can we talk about that as just history now?) also led to remote songwriting sessions for many – and especially for two best friends.

The outcome of one of these sessions – and only the second time of collaborating this way for Kezia – was the song How Long Have You Known.  Now three years on from its creation and after performing it together live on many occasions the pair have now recorded it for release on Friday 31 May.

Written about the shock of finding out your partner is leaving, the song and the performance are emotion laden, reflecting that bolt from the blue feeling

Didn’t see it coming, didn’t think you’d break my heart

Accompanying the two powerful vocal performances is a beautiful string arrangement which blends perfectly and highlights the soulful delivery and feel of the song.

As well as being able to now download or stream the song, you’ll have the chance to hear both of these artists live later this year, as Jade takes to the road in October for her How Love Goes acoustic tour while Kezia will be touring in October and November with her The Story So Far tour.  Tickets for both are available now and selling fast!

 

 

How Long Have You Known, 

the new song from Kezia Gill and Jade Helliwell is available on all platforms from Friday 31 May

 

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Album Review - Acoustic Heart - Raintown

  

Its been a while since we’ve had an album from Raintown, but they have been busy both playing, recording – and living life with two young children!  When we saw them at Country In The Afternoon, they promised us new music and previewed some of this as part of their set.  Their new Album Acoustic Heart is finally here, with nine new songs alongside reimagined versions of Raintown’s previous songs including Writing on the Wall and Light the Fuse Up.

 

When asked about the album, Claire McArthur Bain said

This record takes an inward look at who we are as musicians and the true essence of Raintown. We took inspiration from the Transatlantic Sessions which brings together the best music of Nashville, Ireland and Scotland – three areas whose music has inspired us greatly over the course of our career. 

We wanted to peel away the layers with Acoustic Heart, unveiling the heart of each track and song. With Stevie’s rich background in trad music and our own unique perspective on country music and songwriting, we felt we had the appropriate tools to see our musical vision for this album come to life.

 

Play it Loud, is a superb opener for the album, excellent instrumentation (with the usual unusual mix of instruments, especially from Stevie Lawrence!) before Claire starts singing about not going out – is this autobiographical Claire?  Opening the album with such an uptempo joyful song is a great idea – it’s the emotion we felt when we got the album!  The tempo varies, the energy is there, and we agree with the demand to play it loud!

Day In The Sun has a wonderful Celtic feel and features Paul on lead vocals, while Claire returns for the plaintive My Whole World, opening with the emotive line “Wedding Dress For Sale” and accompanied by simple guitar and wonderful violin from Fiona Cuthill  Red Dress takes the tempo back up with an almost Honky Tonk feel, incorporating piano and horns on a track sure to get you tapping your feet if not up and dancing! 

My Drum My Beat is pure Raintown from the combined vocals to the music while Light The Fuse Up gives us almost a minute and half of instrumental intro ahead of the vocal showing that Raintown is very much a collective band.  In Your Heart shows how much power Claire can out into what is essentially an acoustic track and Run With The Night shows how much Raintown can mix styles and genres to create great, fun music. 

The stripped back cover of One Love is simply genius.  When they performed this live, you could see people taking a moment to connect the song to 90s Boy bands!

 

These Tears Tonight and an acoustic rendering of Writing On The Wall take us to the album’s final track Thankful For It All.  A slow, mellow track with again a superb blend of traditional instruments accompanying the acoustic guitar, it feels like a perfect way to end, with an element of reflection in the lyrics and an underlining of the Celtis influences on all of the music.

 

The entire album is well put together, and feels like a live gig in the order of songs, changes of tempo, changes of lead and the backing musicians who are allowed to come to the fore.  The list of instruments used in the recording is quite impressive, including as it does fiddle, viola, drums, harmonica, accordion, piano, Uilleann pipes, whistles five-string banjo, cello, dobro, saxophone, trumpet, acoustic guitar and snare drum.

Acoustic Heart really is fusion music at its very best, and, quite possibly, Raintown at their very best.

 

You can download and stream the album from Friday 26 April, and catch Raintown live at a number of forthcoming live performances.  

For more details find them on Facebook and Instagram and follow them on Spotify

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