Katie Sutherland // Meddle With Hearts

 
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It's been a while since we've heard from Katie Sutherland since the release of her debut album, but now she's released her latest EP, Meddle With Hearts.

The first track we hear is a familiar track amongst fans and title track to her debut album, Canvas. The remaining tracks on this release are all new. With Her or Not starts off as a gentle guitar driven track slowly building with the inclusion of instruments
while the The Sorry Song reminds us of a little of Because I Do (previously released under her stage name Pearl & The Puppets) Another Counsellor is a pleasant number and slower than the rest of the tracks found here.

Overall, it's not too different from what those familiar with her previous works have heard as it's sort of working along the same lines as that. It is good to hear from her once again and hopefully this (along with whatever else she is planning) will tide people over until the release of her next album.

Rating: 4/5

5 Seconds of Summer // Amnesia

 
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The latest release from the Aussie foursome is leaving us with Amnesia but more a feeling of deja vu.

Yes the last couple of tracks from them to be release were more rock and this one is more mellow showing another side to them, wanting to forget about a relationship that’s obviously meant something but now they’d rather forget. We can’t help thinking that musically, this could be this year Story of my Life hence the deja vu rather than amnesia.

Rating: 4/5

Scarlette Fever // Helena EP

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Doesn’t seem that long since we had a release from Scarlette, but soon to be upon us is her latest EP, Helena.

First up we have the title track and we have to say, throughout the track, the one thought that went through our heads was, “Wonder what this would sound like sang by Kylie” as that was initially the first vibe we thought of got from this. 6ft Woman gives a bit of rock to the proceedings and, as we thought, the remix on the last release does do this track justice.

Piece Me Back Together is a beautiful slow number full of emotion. For us it’s a track we could see in the closing scenes of a drama and for closing an album off. Finally, the last track we have is P.S. I Hate You which brings back the rough side again. We previously heard this as a live acoustic from a session in L.A. and glad that it doesn’t seem that anything has changed in this studio version.

We’ve been fans for a few years now and for us, there’s a familiar feel but with that addition to sounding more mature. The last offering of the remix may not have been everyone’s cup of tea, but hopefully this will appeal to more general fans.

Rating: 4/5

Scarlette Fever // Return of the Fever

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We sort of kept an eye on this young lady for the past few years since seeing her live supporting Mike & The Mechanics and now her latest release comes in the form of an EP titled Return of the Fever.

Although 4 tracks, there is actually only 3 songs as one of the songs, Where’s The Fun?, actually features twice. Why? Because this isn’t probably what you expected. This is actually remixes of tracks from her forthcoming album (at last check titled, Attack of the 6ft Woman…we think) and these tracks are 6ft Woman, P.S. I Hate You and already mentioned Where’s The Fun. What we’ve always loved is that the remixes of Scarlette’s songs always seems to be sympathetic to the original track (you can check out the originals on Soundcloud in case you want to compare) instead of making them something that they aren’t.

If you’re needing something to tide you over to the release (come on Scarlette, we’re waiting!) this might be up your street.But if you prefer you music un-remixed, you’re going to have a wait a little longer.

Rating: 4/5

p.s. you can check other remixes of her previous tracks also on her Soundcloud page

Claire Maguire // Claire Maguire EP

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Has it really been two years since we last heard from Miss Maguire? It would appear so, but for those who follow her elsewhere, they’ll know that she’s been sneaking tracks out for folks to hear. So what is this self-titled EP?

Well, in simple terms, it’s 4 tracks comprising of 2 new tracks (Paper Thin  & Whenever You Want It) & 2 covers (Black Coffee by Sarah Vaughn & The Last Time I Saw Richard by Joni Mitchell). The tracks feel that they are recorded in a way that allows that Maguire’s voice to simply shine through, stripped back but giving the listener plenty of room to imagine what the tracks may sound like if given all the bells & whistles.

This self-titled EP may be an indication of where Maguire’s (in some cases, long awaited) next album may be headed. But time will tell and in the meantime, hopefully this will tide fans over.

Rating: 4/5

Bentley Jones // The Closing Of The Year

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Ahhh…Mr Jones….it’s been a while since we’ve reviewed anything by him but his final release of the year comes as a bit of  Christmas bundle of tracks. So what’s he offering up on the latest EP.

The EP opens with Auld Lang Syne…well…Bentley’s take on it….but we’re a little disappointed. Auld Lang Syne is one of these well known songs that should not be tampered with. More to the point, he’s attempted it by singing it as a Scot would…and sorry, it doesn’t work! The title track of the EP, The Closing Of The Year is next up. Think you recognise it? Well…it comes from the soundtrack of a 21 year old film, Toys but it’s given new life through Jone’s interpretation of it.

Joni Mitchell’s River is next up, which is just vocal and piano before we’re treated to a re-mastered version of the track Joyful but the version that appeared on his last album, UPGRADE 1.0.

The next offering is 蛍の光 (or Hotaru no hikari ("Glow of a firefly"), the Japanese version of the first track (sort of. The Japanese version actually has different words and just sort of ‘borrows’ the melody), and it seems the arrangement suits better for this than the first. Finally it’s a solo version of track 2 to well…close the EP

So if we overlook track 1, it’s not a bad little offering considering it was brought together in only a few weeks. And it looks like he’s rocking a former Time Lord’s scarf in the artwork. And it’s the final release of the year. Just go a have a listen already!

Rating 4/5

SHY & DRS // Read All About It – The Covers EP

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Download @ Official Site

If you’re going to do a cover, then you’re at least expected to do it justice and at least make it your own. Well, the boys from SHY & DRS have done just that with their latest offering Read All About It – The Covers EP.

They’ve taken 5 recent tracks (Taylor Swift’s I Knew You Were Trouble, The Script & Will.i.am’s Hall Of Fame, Fun’s We Are Young, Professor Green & Emeli Sande’s Read All About It and Ed Sheeran’s The A Team), got a couple of mates round, changed almost all the lyrics bar the choruses and hey presto, you have an EP.

It’s an interesting take on the tracks that even with the lyrical change still maintain a similarity to the original, but yet they are completely separate.Sure, it won’t be for everyone, but considering that their debut release is on the horizon, it a nice little thing to keep those waiting tided over until it comes out.

Rating: 4/5

Alex Cornish // Play Your Part EP

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When you’ve not had a release out for a while or you’ve been busy working on your next LP or even you want to entice people down to a gig, why not release a limited edition EP? In fact, why not release it then fold all your covers, stamp them with your details and add a label to the CD…and then multiply that by 500! That aside, what’s on the EP?

Well, the good thing is that it’s 4 new tracks.Easing in with a piano driven track called If I’m In Luck, the vocals at first sound a little distorted but do work with what is otherwise clear instruments. From here we’re led into Only Thing I Know, which in itself is guitar driven and brings us a familiar sound that could easily be a mash up of a number of tracks from his previous albums.

You Wanted In has a nice little bounce to it and it’s a track we could see being used in a show. Finally we come to the title track of this EP, Play Your Part. For us, it’s a track that both finished off this little selection off nicely, yet leaves you wanting just that little bit more.

You can’t really complain about this EP. For a mere £5 (plus p&p of 70p) you get 4 well produced tracks, with a bit of what you know, a little mash and still able to bring something different. And of course a handmade cardboard slipcase to house the CD in. Lovely little item to keep you tided over until the 4th album comes out….

Rating: 4/5

Carrie Mac // Everywhere EP

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This latest offering from the Edinburgh singer comes in the form of this 4 track EP titled Everywhere.

The tracks here are very much stripped back acoustic numbers. Opening with the title of the EP, Everywhere is a cover of the well known Fleetwood Mac number although performed at a slower tempo. Next up is a favourite amongst fans in the form of Like A Star, a song which for those who managed to get their hands on the original download of this track, will hear a difference between the two and how Carrie has grown into her voice.

Stay is the second original track on this EP and you can feel the emotion in Carrie’s voice. River is a cover of the Joni Mitchell track and is again delivered beautifully staying true to the original but at the same time, manages to make it her own.

Given that it was released just at the start of December and as such, the Christmas period, the fact that the EP is one of ballads is what probably works in this EP favour. The covers are delivered with a recognition to the originals but with her placing her own take on the tracks whilst her own tracks are full of emotion conveyed in her vocals.

A lovely little collection of tracks which fans will be enjoy and would be suggested for anyone who was just being introduced to the Edinburgh singer/songwriter.

Rating: 5/5

Charlotte Church // O N E

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Buy @ Official Site

It’s been a while since Miss Church has released anything (her last release Back To Scratch was released back in 2010) but now she’s back with the first of 5 EP to be released over the next 12 months in the form of O N E.

The four track EP opens with the track The Rise, it starts off seeming quiet but by the end of it, it is a thundering crescendo, a track suitable for the opening of an album. Building on the ending of the first track is the second number, Say It’s True, a track that in some ways reminds us a little of a Coldplay track but that would be in home in the charts at the moment.

Starting off quietly and lulling you into a false sense of ethereal feeling, How Not To Be Surprised When You’re A Ghost constantly builds with Church’s huge voice, before dropping back to that ethereal sound to end with. The closing track is a fitting end to the EP, as it could easily be seen as the closing song to a film with it’s mix of vocals, guitars & strings.

It’s an interesting sound from the Welsh singer, who seems to be heading in a new direction but taking the years of experience with her to experiment with. Should be interesting to see what else comes from the other EPs in the next few months.

Rating: 4/5

Scarlette Fever // The Great Expectations EP

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We first heard of Scarlette Fever almost a year ago when she supported Mike & The Mechanics on their UK tour and now she releases The Great Expectations EP.

The EP features 3 live versions of what Scarlette calls ‘the crowd pleasers’, the ones that everyone seems to enjoy live. These are Hour Of Sunshine (which also features as the lead track as a full studio version), Cheatin’ Man and Good Day. They’re stripped back versions to reveal a rockin’ feel to them. Having had the pleasure of hearing Scarlette perform live, these are a fairly good versions of it, but to truly appreciate her to see her live.

It’s a great little offering, particularly if your not familiar with her. And with a rumour that following this there is a re-released, re-recorded deluxe album to follow with new tracks, we have a feeling that she’s one to watch.

Rating: 5/5

Lissie // Covered Up With Flowers EP

 
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American folk-rocker Lissie released her debut album, Catching A Tiger last year and once again has been brought to the attention of the public thanks to her involvement with the Twinnings Tea Company in their latest TV advert. The song (which we’ll mention further in) as well as others, features on her latest release, Covered Up With Flowers.

The title of this little EP is quite apt, given that all the tracks that appear on it are in fact cover versions of songs. Originally released last year in the US, it’s now been released here with the additional track from the TV ad (in case anyone’s wondering why we mention 6 tracks instead of 5). Opening with a live version of the Kid Cudi track Pursuit of Happiness, where you get a handle of her voice live. This is the only live track as the rest of the EP appears to have been recorded intimately in a studio.The second track on this EP is the Fleetwood Mac classsic, Go Your Own Way, which is the song featured on the ad for Twinnings.

This is followed by Lady Gaga’s hit Bad Romance which has an eerie odd feel to it with it just being a electric guitar at first before bringing in other instruments and probably because it’s at a slower tempo than the original.Joe South’s Games People Play appears next with a right country feel to it. It’s also the song where you’ll find the lyrics containing the EP’s title( And they wile away the hours/In their ivory towers/Till they're covered up with flowers). The haunting Metallica classic Nothing Else Matters plays next with the EP finishing with The Ship Song by Nick Cave.

For those who first outing with Lissie is from the ad, this make an interesting listen, particularly if you are familiar with the original tracks. The tracks haven’t been overly changed and still maintain their original sound whilst sounding unique to Lissie. It’s worth a listen if you’re wanting to test the waters with her (although you will find an Introduction To Lissie EP on iTunes!) before diving into the debut Catching A Tiger

Rating: 4/5

Chris Townsend // Electric Pylons EP

 
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Buy @ Official Site

After a successful campaign on Pledge Music to raise funds for it’s release, Chris Townsend releases his latest 5 track EP, Electric Pylons.

Opening with the rousing track Painter’s Brush before heading into the mid tempo Home Tonight. Closer starts off sounding as if it could be a slow ballad, but then the drums and guitar kick in for a long instrumental section before heading into the vocals. Piano and drum driven Stone By Stone continues the familiar rock/pop feel of the previous tracks. Finally we’re treated to a slow ballad-esque, guitar driven title track Electric Pylons completed with live electricity sound effects.

Overall it’s a great little EP. Each song is delivered with power and emotion with just the right balance between instruments and vocals maintained throughout. There is no disjointed feeling between the tracks. They just seem to flow perfectly from one to another with any awkwardness, For those that know Chris’ previous work, you won’t be disappointed. For those that don’t know, then this a recommended listen to introduce to him alongside his debut album Copenhagen

Rating: 4/5

Leona Lewis // Hurt: The EP

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With her 3rd studio album, Glass Heart being pushed back until March 2012, Lewis releases Hurt: The EP, a collection of three cover tracks.

First off, we have the title track of the EP, Hurt (Done by Nine Inch Nails and Johnny Cash). First off, if you can make sense of quiet sections congratulations. Then there is that odd dischord. The only points at which you can make sense of her is during the bridge and chorus sections where she seems to find her voice once more. Next is the GooGoo Doll’s Iris and whilst the original hadn’t exactly the quickest tempo, this version of it is just so slow that you could fall asleep to it! Slowing it to this tempo it just doesn’t work. And finally we have The Counting Crow’s Colourblind, the only song to be identifiable.

Sadly we don’t see a point to this collection. Two of the tracks are hard to identify and whilst, yes it good to make the song yours, it does help if the listener can make out what is being said and what the song is supposed to be. Leona fans will probably enjoy but that’s probably about it.

Rating: 1/5

Paul Gilbody // Eponymoose

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Not familiar with Paul Gilbody? Well, the in the briefest introduction, he’s been a session musician for artists like KT Tunstall, Alex Cornish & Horse, as well as being a founding member of the Scotland’s Gospel Truth Choir, he’s also worked with Ricky Ross and Lorraine Mcintosh, B.A. Robertson and supported Sir Tom Jones! (more details can be found on his official website)

Now that’s done, let’s look at the debut release, Eponymoose. It’s 5 tracks where it’s all him. Yes, all him; vocals, guitar, drums, percussion, beatbox and production. Using the five tracks, Paul showcases different styles, from laid back to upbeat, having something for every one. Sounds particularly good for those long drives.

It’s a great little release and hopefully it won’t be the last solo release that we have from him

Rating: 4/5

KT Tunstall // The Scarlet Tulip EP

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The Scarlet Tulip EP is the latest self released EP from Scottish singer songwriter KT Tunstall. Simply KT and a guitar, all 7 tracks on the EP were recorded live in a solar powered studio in England

With it just being KT and a guitar, you can’t help but be reminded of the Throw Me A Rope EP and Eye To The Telescope. It showcases that, despite recording with full band, she’s still got it when it coms to performing alone and that it's not all pop & rock. These 7 little tracks eminate a calm and reflective side that's maybe been missing for a while and has needed to shine.

Being available on three formats (digital, CD and limited edition 10" vinyl), there's something for everyone. Highly recommeded buy for all Tunstall fans, especially those more familiar with the folier side of her

Rating: 5/5

Wonderland // Introduction To Wonderland EP

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Wonderland is the most recent girl group on the music scene, managed by Louis Walsh and Westlife member Kian Egan. Their first offering to the music world, in the form of a Introduction to EP, is the song Not A Long Song.

It probably not something that you might expect from a debut single. It's a very laid back melody with a slight rock edge. Fortunately, the song lends itself to providing a base to showcase each of the girls vocals individually and as a group.

As for the rest of the EP, the tracks are all live acoustics including a cover of the recent Grammy winning Need You Now (originally by Lady Antebellum), possibly giving the listener a better chance to hear the girls vocals both individually and as a group.

The country/rock/pop sound separates them from what is out there at the moment with a natural sound to their music, rather than the electro-pop that seems to be drowning the music scene at the moment. With upcoming support slots with Boyzone and Westlife on their UK tours, they are likely to get quite a bit of attention meaning that they shouldn't slip under the radar. So long as they keep their currently unique sound, they should do well. One to watch.

Rating: 4.5/5

All Angels // Starlight

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After releasing their latest album, Fly Away at the start of the year, All Angels return with a 5 track EP, titled Starlight.

True Colours (originally by Cyndi Lauper) opens the EP and features the girls and guitar only, although come the second verse, they go a capella and then back to having the guitar accompaniment. Goodnight My Angel is a completely a capella track, showcasing the girls abilities beautifully.

Title track Starlight (originally by Muse) has a slight latino feels with the guitar and you can help but start sway your hips to. Adiemus works beautifully with all the girls voices working together with a little help with a drum and guitar. Finally, Infant Holy/Ding Dong is another little a capella and wonderful of joining up of two Christmas songs

Overall, the EP showcases the girls vocals beautifully, with instrumentation kept to a minimum (in this instance it is only guitar and sometimes drums) so that the vocals are not drowned out. Of course, the instrumentation also compliments the vocals, as it should. This is highly recommended if you are a fan of the girls or even just dipping into their music.

Rating: 5/5

Amy Macdonald // Love Love (Metropolis ‘On Track’ Session) EP

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Love Love is the next single to be lifted from the album, 'A Curious Thing' and whilst this would look like the official single, this is in fact a collection of songs recently recorded straight to vinyl as part of a Channel 4 show 'On Track with Seat'.

The first track is the forthcoming single 'Love Love', which is sounding better everytime that she performs it. This is followed by the title track to her debut album, 'This Is The Life'. A favourite cover of Amy's seems to be Bruce Springsteen's Dancing In The Dark, here performed simply with vocals and guitar, making it a more intimate performance. Finally we have the first song to be released from A Curious Thing, Don't Tell Me That It's Over.

These songs could be considered as live versions rather than finished polished produced versions. But that doesn't draw away from it as Amy always sounds better live than what is heard from CD. It's obvious that the more that Amy and band play the songs, the more familiar they become with it, that each live version is unique. Maybe it's because there is a pressure here that any error that is made can't be rectified as it's 'straight to vinyl'. A lovely little addition to any fans collection.

Rating:5/5

P.s. You can see Amy performing the songs and discussing bits and bobs on Channel 4 on the 11^th October @ 12.20am

Amy Macdonald // iTunes Festival 2010

 

On the 16th July, Amy Macdonald graced the stage at the Camden Roundhouse to perform a 13 song set of which, 6 appear in this new EP allowing fans who attended in person or those fans who watched online can relive the night

The 6 tracks consist of 2 from the debut album This Is The Life and 4 from present album A Curious Thing. Of the 6 there are 4 singles (Poison Prince, Mr Rock & Roll, Spark and This Pretty Face (Current single)). Overall the tracks are good selection from the nights set and gives the listener a look at how people perceived the event on the night.

It’s obvious that Amy is now fully comfortable with the material from the new album (early lives of the new album would showcase a nervousness, probably from the fact that it was new material and she wasn’t sure how fans would react) and bringing in old fan favourites is a guaranteed sing-along

Nice little selection for Amy’s first iTunes Festival appearance and hopefully it won’t be the last. Sadly lacking in a digital booklet that would have been nice to have photos from the night. However it is about the music so lets not complain

Rating: 5/5