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SINGLE REVIEW: The 48Ks – ‘Heartbeat’

By
Frank
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0

Sometimes all I need is a great song played brilliantly. ‘Heartbeat’ fits that need exactly. It’s kind of poppy and features some completely wonderful rock guitar. It reminds me of the 80s in some ways. I think it’s that combination of pop and rock, a hit of electro and strangely enough the production. Oh and the background chants.

And before you get the idea it has an over polished glossy sound it doesn’t; the 80s’sound I’m comparing it to is kinda Timbuk 3. So it’s not glossy, it comes with attitude. Look, if you didn’t live through the 80s’ rock with pop attitude thing then you’re not going to get the sheer wonderfulness of a rock band seasoning their sound with pop in the particular way they did then. The one thing you need to get is that this isn’t pop-rock.

The 48Ks are a band who know how to play. I’ve already mentioned the guitar which is outrageously good. But the other standout is the bass playing.

‘Heartbeat’ is a great song; it’s earwormy as hell and, should you feel so inclined, you can definitely throw a few shapes to it. But crucially there’s more than enough going on in it to reward a good sit down listen.

TOUR & SINGLE NEWS: Beverley Craven, Judie Tzuke & Julia Fordham announce Woman To Woman autumn 2022 UK tour, confirm release of new single ‘Humankind’

By
LSF Staff Writers
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Following the incredible success of their Woman To Woman tour & album of 2018, Beverley Craven, Judie Tzuke & Julia Fordham, are back together to announce a new tour for 2022, along with the exciting news that acclaimed British singer/songwriter, Rumer will be joining them.

In addition to these new live shows, they will also unveil a brand new single ‘Humankind’ on September 9th 2022, an environmental rock/pop anthem with a sobering and thought-provoking video, which highlights the devastating effect of human behaviour on our planet. “When Jude played us the demo on her phone both Jules and I were struck by how this beautiful song could carry such a powerful message,” says Beverley Craven.

As the pandemic enforced a global hiatus of live performances, close friends, Beverley Craven, Judie Tzuke and Julia Fordham knew that as soon as they could get back together, a new Woman To Woman UK tour would be their priority. New to the circle of melodic friendship is a special guest with BRIT nominated, Rumer, who gelled instantly with Beverley Craven when they met at a charity event. Now the fab four hit the road once again, bringing their unique show to 18 venues across the UK. Fans can expect everything that wowed them during the previous tour, with the addition of Rumer (plus other special guests), at the following newly-announced Woman To Woman UK tour dates for autumn 2022;

October

20 Sunderland – The Fire Station
22 York – Barbican
23 Perth – Concert Hall
28 Shrewsbury – Theatre Severn
29 Buxton – Opera House

November

03 Bexhill – De La Warr Pavilion
04 Guildford – G Live
05 Bournemouth – Pavilion
08 Aylesbury – Waterside Theatre
10 Cheltenham – Town Hall
11 Cardiff – St David’s Hall
12 London – Alexandra Palace
17 Manchester – Bridgewater Hal
19 Northampton – Derngate
21 Liverpool – Philharmonic Hall
24 Birmingham – Town Hall
25 Basingstoke – Anvil
26 Cambridge – Corn Exchange

Tickets for all shows on-sale now via https://www.seetickets.com/tour/woman-to-woman

For those who just can’t wait for the tour to hit the road, they recently released the absolute best bits of their 2018/2019 live tour in the shape of their ‘Woman To Woman – The Live Concert’ album. This live album follows on from the hit studio album ‘Woman To Woman’, as unprecedented public demand for the girls to come together ‘live’ again became impossible to ignore. A 23-track classic album, ‘Woman To Woman – The Live Concert’, glitters with all the excitement, charisma and electricity that only comes from those rare live performance moments, as artists and audience bond face-to-face. Personally hand-selecting their biggest global hits from across the decades, this album is jampacked with chart busting hit after hit, taken from the live shows.

“Judie, Julia and myself are genuinely the best of mates, and we missed each other so much during those isolating months of the pandemic,” comments Beverley. “That precious time together, performing live on stage, was something that we all pined for. So getting back on the road to meet our fans with a second Woman To Woman tour was a no brainer. When Rumer agreed to join us too, it was the icing on the cake. We spent those pandemic days choosing the best tracks from our first Woman To Woman tour to compile into an album so fans can enjoy and reminisce on those live times together whenever they like.”

Beverley Craven is the BRIT-Award winning singer/songwriter who became a household name in the early ‘90s with the release of her eponymous debut album, which became a worldwide smash (selling more than two million copies). Her 1991 single, ‘Promise Me’, went on to become a huge hit across Europe, hot-footed by a string of chart successes including, ‘Memories’, Holding On’, ‘Woman To Woman’ and ‘Love Scenes’.

Judie Tzuke: Since the mid 1970’s, Judie Tzuke has been a stalwart of the UK music industry. Originally signed to Elton John’s Rocket Record Company, Judie is best known for her 1979 hit ‘Stay With Me Till Dawn’, which reached No.16 on the UK Singles Chart. A prolific singer/songwriter, Judie has released more than 30 albums in the past 40 years, including ‘Sports Car’ (which reached No.7 in the UK Album Chart), ‘Welcome To The Cruise’ (No.14), ‘I Am Phoenix’ (No.17) and ‘Shoot The Moon’ (No.19), alongside three further Top 40 UK chart albums.

Julia Fordham: In 1988 Julia signed with Virgin/Circa Records, releasing her debut album, ‘Julia Fordham’, which reached No.20 in the UK chart, earned her a platinum disc, and featured her Top 40 single ‘Happy Ever After’. The album also charted in the US Billboard chart. The single ‘Happy Ever After’ reached the No.1 spot in Japan, where she has recorded TV adverts for Toyota, and still regularly tours. Julia’s follow up album ‘Porcelain’ became her landmark work, charting not only in the UK (No.13) and Japan, but also the US & Europe. A string of successful albums and tours continue to see this acclaimed UK artist right at the top of her game.

Rumer: A British singer/songwriter whose voice has been described as reminiscent of Karen Carpenter. Her 2010 platinum-selling debut album, ‘Seasons Of My Soul’, reached No.3 in the UK charts, selling over 1 million copies and earning her a MOJO Award for Best Breakthrough Act. In 2011, Rumer was nominated for two Brit Awards. She has played at Glastonbury, supported Jools Holland on his UK tour (also appearing on his show Later with Jools Holland), performed with British jazz singer Jamie Cullum at the Royal Variety Performance and appeared as Sir Elton John’s special guest at his BBC Electric Proms concert. Her fifth album, Nashville Tears was released in August 2020.

CONCERT REVIEW: Summer In The Valley – Three Valleys Gospel Choir – St Mary’s Church Todmorden – 10th July 2022

By
Diana Forrest
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The no-audition choir that doesn’t sound like a no-audition choir gave us a concert mainly of rousing gospel songs, which engaged the audience, varied with poems and a spooky story. One song was about refugees, and the author’s opinion is shown in the title “Harbour” which is what she wishes for them. Look out for the Three Valleys Gospel Choir this autumn.

SINGLE REVIEW: Bloodhound – ‘Illuminations’

By
Frank
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The third release after the band’s break away, and Bloodhound have dropped a song for our times, that is about the now and the not too distant future.

It’s about society’s ongoing obsession with social media, and the inherent toxicity within this need for connection, which ultimately affects real people in real life. It details feelings of needing to be someone else, of an overwhelming desire to be involved in every second of someone else’s life, to such an extent that we neglect to experience what’s actually going on around us. The sound and feel reflects these anxieties and the fear that, as the band themselves say, ‘Technology advancement is scary and it’s starting to consume people in such a way that genuine conversation may die in years to come’.

The song is a juggernaut of overwhelming sound; a sound built around a drone. The feel is claustrophobic; there is just no escape from this. It just doesn’t let up with only one brief respite, the thundering pounding bass heavy sound invades the core of your mind and body. It describes sonically the obsession, the fear and the anxiety.

If you fail to get this, then one listen and the vocals are going to tell you. Max’s voice is right on the ragged edge; that edge between singing and a desperate scream.

And yet, although it may at first sound like one wave of almost painful sound, there is nuance in the sound. There is a riff, there is even a tune buried deep in there. And it’s this, this combination of overwhelming power and nuance, that makes the song so good. You are drawn back and back to it; because there is always something new to hear.

‘Illuminations’ is compelling and powerfully mesmerising. There is a dark beauty in the noise, there is meaning in the noise. Bloodhound are taking their sound to a place that astounds.

SINGLE REVIEW: VENUS GRRRLS – ‘Violet State of Mind’

By
Frank
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Welcome, my friends to the show that never ends, the ever upwards march of VENUS GRRRLS. It’s kind of repetitive of me to say, but oh so bloody true, that once again the band have taken their sound to another level of excitement.

The song is a clarion call, the band explain “’Violet State of Mind’ is the anthem to your hot girl summer, be it spending time with your best mates in the sun, or falling in love with yourself and/or someone else, We want this song to be on your get ready playlists and allow you to reach into those inner deities that we know you are”.

The sound is heavy, all out, way out there. Yep it’s kind of alt-rock but the GRRRLS bring their own very special approach. There’s a tune that’s as earwormy as hell; at least in the ‘quieter bits’. There are some frankly wonderful bass things going on. And I shouldn’t fail to mention the sparkle the keyboards add. But I’m guessing that, for most of us, the thing that’s going to stick in our heads, on the first couple of listens at least, is the all out guitar freakout that the track builds to; it’s so so good. Turn this song up, way up.

The thing about VENUS GRRRLS is that they sure play heavy but their songs have a certain, let’s call it classiness. The guitars scream out but there’s much more to their sound than just loud. There’s that sense of melody for a start. This is a band who individually shine; there’s the touches that all the instruments add to their songs. When all that comes together it’s a total joy. Here there’s the upfront bass, the textures the keyboards add. And the all out beating of the drums that drives the track up and up. And who could miss the vocals, GK can scream a vocal with the best of them but she’s capable of a vocal tone that’s going to totally mesmerise you. So take the time to really listen to this, you’ll be astounded.

Just when you think VENUS GRRRLS have reached the peak, they go and prove you wrong. This is simply brilliant.

SINGLE REVIEW: Del Scott Miller – ‘Walk Me Home’

By
Frank
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0

I hope that you’ve worked out that one of my particular musical loves is the music of singer/songwriters. And the latest of my favourite Yorkshire singer/songwriters is Del Scott Miller. Del is from Barnsley and, as well as writing and singing songs, he’s a guitarist, composer and poet.

Both this, and the previous release I’ve reviewed – ‘Repeat Myself’, are in that particular style I really love; a simple and quietly emotional voice and guitar that really allows the words to ‘speak’.

There is something bittersweet about the tune, guitar and vocals on ‘Walk Me Home’. It speaks musically of a certain nostalgia, a fond look back on life. I’ll come back to this in a bit but first the sound. As I’ve said before, simple is hard to do well; it leaves the space for the listener to hear anything that isn’t right. Basically if it’s not bang on, we’re going to hear it. And, as I expected to be honest, the playing and arrangement are wonderful.

The words are beautiful. The cover might lead us to think the song is about a mother and child’s relationship, and it’s true I get that at least partially driven by the nostalgic feel. But the song comes with layers of possible interpretation. I also hear the story of a past adult relationship. And this is the joy of a great song; it’s both personal and universal, it’s about a particular thing but could also be about something else. The meaning of both words and music is at least partially driven by the listener’s own experiences.

The words, vocals and music of ‘Walk Me Home’ are powerfully emotional. They trigger memories in the listener’s own mind. This is truly beautiful.

EP REVIEW: Kinaara – ‘Colours in Black’

By
Frank
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0

Kinaara are a band I find difficult to describe; I struggled to do this when I reviewed their debut EP – ‘Across The River’, and to be honest I still am. The band describe themselves as an indie/folk – both Punjabi and Western/rock/jazz cross genre band but this merely describes the ingredients of their sound. It’s kind of inadequate in giving anyone an idea of the feel of the songs or what the basis of their songs is.

EP opener ‘Kaalay Rang’ – the first of two Punjabi folk songs – is the story of a woman who has received a gift from her beloved – a black paranda (a hair extending ornament which is plaited into the hair). She dances and celebrates, but their love must be hidden from society. This is given a sound and feel that turn it into a desert blues song. Sparse repeating guitar figures. The extraordinary thing about this song is that the Punjabi vocals fit so damn well. Frankly incredible.

‘Baa-ja-ray’ is a well known Punjabi folk song – ‘I twist a cob of millet on my palm- that’s how I get my moody beloved to come back around.’ The playful indie influenced sound is a joy; clean lilting guitar and sparse percussion.

‘Black is the Colour’ is Introduced by the acoustic tanpura- the Indian drone instrument. This Celtic song comes with a dusky sultry latin blues feel. There are – for me at least hints of that Indian/Celtic mix of The Incredible String Band. It has a simple beauty that entrances.

Next up is ‘She Spoke With Her Eyes’ – ‘My eyes are saying that I want to stay with you, you are the jewel of my heart’. This is a love song from the 1968 film Jumma Janj Naal originally sung by Noor Jehan. The band have reworked this into something that has the musical feel of folk rock with something of a blues tinge but somehow retaining the sonic feel of what I’m going to assume is the original song. The strident guitar figures, vocals and ethereal backing vocals combine into something wonderfully mesmerising. This takes you on a beautiful journey.

‘Epiphyllum’ – a flower that only blooms at night and is often seen as a sign of good
things to come – is described by the band as ‘an instrumental inspired by and based on Raga Rageshree, the ‘queen of ragas’. Pentatonic in ascent, hexatonic in descent. It is a romantic raga to be played late in the night. Folky in its beginnings building to a pseudo Indian classical climax’.

And yes, it is that but so much more. The progressive folk start is a study in the gorgeousness of a simple sparse guitar sound. While the builds to the ‘pseudo Indian classical climaxes show off the musical skills of the band; combining the torrents of notes and the folky feel into something that astounds.

The final highlight in an EP of highlights is ‘Nature Boy’ a gently flowing ballad written by Eden Ahbez, who wrote songs for Nat King Cole, Eartha Kitt and Frankie Laine. Here the band combine folk, an Asian style vocal and touches of jazz into something so beautiful I was left speechless.

This is an amazing EP from a band who have obvious musical craft and skill. The way they take their influences and make of them something that is both separately of those and a new musical genre shows that. This would be enough to make this incredibly good on its own but the beauty and emotion that the songs have take it way beyond that. This is an outstanding EP.

The info

Kinaara are a trio of vocal, electric guitar and drum kit from Leeds. They play Punjabi folk songs, and Celtic songs presented in Kinaara’s own distinctive arrangements. Begun in 2018 by singer Satnam Galsian with the aim of achieving an identity that reflected both her Punjabi heritage and her UK upbringing. She began working on arrangements of the songs of Surinder Kaur and Noor Jehan with guitar player John Hogg. Both musicians are schooled in Indian classical music but they realised that they wanted to keep an edge to the sound with an emphasis on electric guitar and drums. Jazz drummer Simon Henry completed the trio.

CONCERT REVIEW: Todmorden Choral Society Summer Concert – Central Methodist Church, Todmorden – 2nd July 2022

By
Diana Forrest
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0

Conductor Antony Brannick introduced this concert and also gave short informative talks on the last 70 years, one featuring wars and the other technology. The first part of the concert had royal associations: Elgar’s vigorous Pomp and Circumstance march no 5 featured Antony Brannick on piano and was followed by Parry’s flowing anthem “I was Glad”. The choir then sang Palestrina’s beautiful “Sicut Cervus” with its mingling melodies. Accompanist Jenny Sheldon did justice to the long instrumental buildup in Handel’s powerful “Zadok the Priest”.

The second half featured music from the last night of the Proms. It opened with three of the sea songs arranged by Henry Wood: “The Saucy Arethusa” was followed by the sad “Tom Bowling”. Then came the hornpipe, “Jack’s the Lad” with both Antony Brannick and Jenny Sheldon on piano, joined by Jonathan Whitehead on violin and Heather Hudson on woodblock. This was a triumph and had the audience clapping and stomping along and trying to keep up as the music accelerated.

Then came the more familiar Pomp and Circumstance march, no 1, also known as Land of Hope and Glory. The audience joined in, as they also did with Parry’s “Jerusalem” and the National Anthem, this time with a second verse. The Choral Society gave us a great celebratory performance.

SINGLE REVIEW: Luna Pines – ‘Forever’

By
Frank
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0

Luna Pines make beautiful music. That’s such a simple statement but why their music is beautiful is more complex to explain. It’s for three reasons; the first is that musically their songs are so wonderfully put together and I’m going to come back to the sound of this release later. The second is that the songs are so intensely personal. And the third is the words that tell the story.

‘Forever’ narrates the complexities within family relationships, band creator, writer and producer Lotte explains ‘This is a song I wrote and produced in my bedroom about my relationship with my Dad who is dying after a long battle with Parkinson’s and suffers from severe depression because of it. It’s about coming to terms with the past and forgiving people who have hurt you, and realising that you can’t give up on people – because life is very short and people go quickly. This song and the sentiment behind it is everything I would say to him if I could find the courage to’.

The song is both personal and, this is key, universal. We can relate to the words because most of us have some connection to someone who has some form of dementia. And if you don’t the song enables you to feel how that might feel for us. And then there’s the other part of the song: forgiving those who’ve hurt you in the past, something we can all relate to.

The words are moving because Lotte has chosen to put things simply and beautifully. And I know I say this a lot but this really is a song to listen to properly, to hear the words. It’s an emotional experience.

The music here is simple, it lets the words come through and reinforces the emotions. It’s dreamily melancholic and nostalgic. It’s made up of simple guitar lines, synths, waves of sound and those ‘Luna Pines touches of wonder’ sounds. The result is wonderful.

So there we are, like their other songs, ‘Forever’ is that special combination of personal subject, words that are carefully chosen and music that both compliments and reinforces.

‘Forever’ is compelling, deeply emotional, magical and achingly beautiful.

CONCERT REVIEW: Music For Summer: Todmorden Orchestra – Todmorden Town Hall – 25th June 2022

By
Diana Forrest
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0

The first piece after the national anthem was Tchaikovsky’s fantasy overture “Romeo and Juliet”. This atmospheric and tuneful piece beautifully conveys violence, love and finally a feeling of quiet sadness.

Next came Mozart’s Oboe Concerto (K314). This featured skilful and expressive Katherine Bryer on oboe. She and Mozart demonstrated the possibilities of this low-toned woodwind instrument in this lively and joyful piece.

The final piece was by Kalinnikov, a composer new to your reviewer. His forceful and melodious Symphony no 1 showed that he could well become better known. The performance proved that Todmorden orchestra is going from strength to strength.

The orchestra’s next concert is on November 19. To get on the email list, go to www.todmordenorchestra.org.uk.

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