In Oceans - In Oceans EP

1. Less Chat More Rat
2. Kaleidoscopes
3. Sharks
4. Crooked
5. Mating Rituals

Review by Cherry Pullinger
As perfectly polished and frankly unforgettable releases are making their way into popular culture, a handful of bands are rebelling and creating a rougher and edgier DIY sound. In Oceans are a part of this tiny minority, having recently released their self titled debut EP.

Their DIY Punk aesthetic is frantic and sporadic. They crack out random melodies and the off chorus with ease and surround it with off-centre riffs, agitated crashing and almost anarchic beats. They aren't tracks that flow easily. It's safe to say that they're pretty difficult to sing-a-long to and I'm not sure how well they would hold up in a live environment, but if you ever feel the need for angsty, snapping rock, this EP is a must.

BILLY GREGORY - IF YOU BE YOU THEN I'LL BE ME EP REVIEW

Billy Gregory - If You Be You Then I'll Be Me EP Review

Portsmouth based acoustic artist Billy Gregory has released his debut EP ‘If You Be You Then I’ll Be Me’ through Furious Records. It’s surprising that Billy describes himself as an acoustic artist as the first track on the EP, titled Dance, bursts out of the speakers accompanied by some great drum beats and guitar riffs as well as his trusty acoustic guitar. I have to admit, I was expecting a poor sounding, empty acoustic track but I’m pleasantly surprised by the catchy, summer time vibes that hit my ears.

Second track, Never, has a much more acoustic sound to it. Not only is the acoustic sound more evident, but it has a rougher edge than the previous track. Billy’s vocals work brilliantly with the strum of the guitar and his southern accent gives the track a raw edge, reminding the listener that we are actually listening to someone with personality in their vocals instead of a generic American twang.

It’s a short and sweet EP at only three tracks long, but closer, If You Be You, is a great way to finish things off. The track is definitely calmer and more comforting to begin with but it picks up brilliantly, transforming into a quirky, almost acoustic little pop song with a dramatic chorus and catchy lyrics which will definitely have it whirring round the listener’s brain for the rest of the day.

Billy Gregory has created a first class debut EP and its three tracks wrap up into a neat little package of brilliance. However, I feel that labelling himself as an acoustic artist isn’t doing him any favours, like the James Morrisons and Jack Johnsons of the world; he’s definitely got some great hits bubbling under the surface so should think about re-branding himself as an acoustic-pop artist.

Review by Cherry Pullinger

Francesqa - We Lived E.P Review

Francesqa - We Lived EP

What a difference a year has made for Oxfordshire based quintet Francesqa. It has taken them just that amount of time to rack up quite a name for themselves through shows alongside the likes of The Automatic, Canterbury and Futures, as well as an opening slot on this year’s Slam Dunk Festival’s Introducing stage, handpicked by none other than Tom Delonge of Blink 182.

Recorded in Devon with producer Peter Miles (The King Blues, Canterbury), the band’s debut 5 track EP ‘We Lived’ is a successful, soaring and uplifting piece of work. The EP is released on July 19th, with opening track Ghosts being its first single, and what a great track to launch the start of their career with. It’s a great opener for an EP, deadly catchy as well as being super sophisticated and a great indie summer anthem.

Luckily, follow up track ‘Hopeful’ doesn’t let the side down. Much like ‘Ghosts’, this one is the ultimate in feel good rock and front-man Ashley Wilkie’s vocals run smoothly over the intricate guitar hooks and melodies that make up its bursting choruses.

Crooked Little Sun is much sharper and faster than previous tracks. It shows the band having much more fun and experimenting with crowd chanting and guitar riffs and beats that rush past so fast that you barely have time to take a breath. This is definitely the stand out track within the EP and hopefully the next single too.

Last but not least, title track ‘We Lived’ is the most interesting track on the EP as it weaves soft, calm vocals with blasting atmospheric guitars, more chanting and crescendos that will knock you to the floor. It closes the EP perfectly, simmering out to the low rumbles of guitar feedback that leaves the listener wanting to hear more from the band.

Francesqa have achieved so much in the past year that they deserve all the positivity that this EP will bring them. We certainly expect big things from this band in the future.

Review by Cherry Pullinger

The Lion and the Wolf EP Review

THE LION AND THE WOLF - EP

Lone wolf Thomas George has written, recorded and produced his debut EP under the alias name ‘The Lion and the Wolf,’ and what an EP he has created.

The EP was brought to life in Thomas’ bedroom in Southampton and it is clear that Thomas has put great amounts of effort and heart into this. While the Southampton music scene is dominated by rock bands and alternative artists, The Lion and the Wolf’s EP is something fresh, relaxing and new for people to sink their teeth into.

The five track EP is brutally honest and passionate as it effortlessly blends soft vocals and meaningful lyrics with a concoction of folksy ditties and more upbeat pop melodies. Each track is strategically placed to lead the listener through the toe-tapping highs of ‘I, The Warhorse,’ and ‘The Lion and the Wolf,’ to the calmer lows of ‘A Song for the Drunk and Downhearted’ and ‘This Town Needs Heroes.’

Thomas’ idols, Ray Lamontagne, Brand New and Ben Harper, to name a few, can be heard working their inspiration through the tracks, helping to create something that could stand it’s ground in the mainstream arena.

Review by Cherry Pullinger