SINGLE REVIEW: Weekly Round-Up 24/03/2025 - 30/02/2025

The Lovelines - Shades of Blue

The Lovelines channel shimmering new wave energy on ‘Shades of Blue’, blending retro 80s synth-pop with a modern, polished sheen. It’s got a tight, punchy beat that drives things forward, but there’s a trace of DIY charm bubbling beneath the surface that gives it extra character. The vocals float above with soft, dreamy elegance—ethereal and effortless—creating a beautiful contrast to the sharper edges of the instrumentation. There’s something weightless about the way the melody carries itself, like it’s gliding through neon air. It's both danceable and delicate, and totally captivating.

JH Burns – Tough Love

‘Tough Love’ drifts in with a laid-back, slacker pop feel, all mellow pacing and melodic charm, before shifting gears into a grand, classic rock-style chorus that brings real weight. JH Burns’ vocals are warm and familiar, with a sincere, homely tone that makes the whole thing feel grounded and genuine. There’s a hint of country twang tucked into the edges, and the harmonies add a soft glow to the verses. It’s catchy, heartfelt, and confidently straddles chill and punch without ever losing its way.

Jim Eannelli – Down My Road

‘Down My Road’ rolls in with a southern rock flavour and a real sense of momentum, full of bright, twangy guitars and crashing drums that drive the track forward. Jim Eannelli’s vocals are heartfelt and full of character, carrying just the right amount of grit to match the song’s restless spirit. There’s a charming, expressive guitar solo tucked in there too, adding warmth and flair. Despite the upbeat melody, there’s a darker thread beneath—one of disappointment, escape, and the urgent need to leave it all behind. It’s a road song with heart and attitude.

Leo Brazil – Why Can’t We Live Together?

Leo Brazil’s ‘Why Can’t We Live Together?’ is a gently unravelling slice of retro folk-blues with far more depth than its warm, easygoing exterior initially suggests. Anchored by earthy acoustic instrumentation and a tender, contemplative tone, the track traces a deeply personal journey—from the light-hearted beginnings of clearing a spider-infested sandpit, to the emotional fallout of divorce and band breakups. What begins as a quirky metaphor transforms into something bigger: a dialogue about regret, change, and how we all seek new homes, new starts. At its heart, it’s about understanding—both personal and social—carried by lyrics that shift from intimate to universal with graceful ease. Subtle, poignant, and quietly powerful, it’s a track that leaves a lasting emotional echo.

Jumbo Chords – Dennis Wilson

Leeds outfit Jumbo Chords deliver a nostalgic, harmony-rich gem with ‘Dennis Wilson’, blending 60s charm and mellow psych-tinged haze into something utterly inviting. The track begins with soft, dreamy guitar tones and delicate vocal layers before building into a more robust section where vibrant drums lift the whole thing skyward. It’s immersive and warm, with tempo shifts that give it a lovely ebb and flow, never rushing but always evolving. The guitar work is sweet and subtle, the production strikes a perfect balance between polish and raw authenticity, and the whole thing feels both familiar and captivating in the best way.

Naive Men Leading the Blind – Two Stars With the Circus in Town

Naive Men Leading the Blind throw precision out the window in favour of raw, instinctive energy on ‘Two Stars With the Circus in Town’—a track that leans into loose grooves, layered melodies, and an intentionally scruffy charm. The song is packed with texture: jangling guitars, tight yet lively drumming, and vocal lines that dart between hooks and off-kilter harmonies. It’s a lot to take in at first, but there’s method to the madness, and it all falls into place with a kind of offbeat cohesion. Melodic yet rough-edged, it captures a sense of lived-in imperfection that feels refreshingly human.

Matt Burke – THIRSTY

Matt Burke turns up the grit on ‘THIRSTY’, a rowdy, rock-soaked country anthem built for Friday night freedom. With a swampy Drop D riff and pounding drums at its core, the track captures that end-of-week release—the moment the paycheck hits and the beers start flowing. It’s loud, punchy, and proudly rough around the edges, fusing distorted guitars with blue-collar storytelling that hits like a shot of adrenaline. Burke’s voice carries both weariness and wildness, making this a perfect soundtrack for blowing off steam and leaning hard into the weekend. Rugged, catchy, and totally unapologetic.

Alley of the Dolls – Nähdään

Alley of the Dolls craft something quietly devastating with ‘Nähdään’—a soaring rock ballad that aches with nostalgia and emotional distance. Sung for the ones who’ve drifted away—not in loss, but in life—it holds a soft sadness without bitterness, a farewell wrapped in gentle hope. The vocals are tender but weathered, set against melodic guitars that shimmer with vintage warmth and intention. Using classic gear and roomy, organic recording techniques, the band captures a sound that feels deeply lived-in, with each chord echoing like an old memory. There’s space in the mix, allowing emotion to breathe and swell, making the track feel vast yet intimate. It’s about faded connections, but also the possibility of reconnection—a slow-burning tribute to what was, and maybe still could be.