Returning Faves: What they're doing now...

I'm quite loyal, me. I'll stick with an act for ages if they've given me even the slightest bit of decent pop in the past. However, the up and comers of today's post are acts that have piqued my interest quite a deal over the past couple of years in some way or another. So I thought to myself - Paul, I thought, what are these fella me lads (and a lady) up to in the new year of 2012? Well here is what my research/stalking found out...

ASTON ~ T.H.E


Lord luv a duck. Spectacular classical instrumentalists, Aston (most recently of stunning Monster Symphony fame) have teamed up R&B group Ahmir to add some vocals to their already delectable ability to make any song sound utterly sensuous and sensational at the same time. This time it's a combo cover of the will.i.am tune alongside the LMFAO track Party Rock Anthem. Because that is exactly what you'd expect a classical music group to be attempting :D The result is a successful and spinetingling fusion of genres and sounds that demands repeat viewings to take everything in. There's the swelling strings, the intricate yet powerful piano riffs, crashing percussion and complementary guitar - all delivered with a passion and intensity that really shines forth in each note delivered. Add to this the flawless harmonies and smooth vocals of Ahmir, vocals that contrast beautifully with the music, yet are never overpowered or marginalised. Wonderfully executed, it's the first real giddy treat of 2012. Do check out more of Ahmir by the way. Their candlelight version of We Found Love brings a whole new nuance to the song...

ELOUISE ~ NATIONAL TOUR!!


Following on from her successful Madame JoJos residency (which continues, London based residency fans!) and her sparkling Santa's Little Belter spin off, Elouise is hopping on the road this spring hoping to bring her delicious stage show to a whole new audience. You can see from the you tubeage all the dates and details, but what is most fandabbydozzy about the clip above is a whole new version of Vogue seems to be on the cards. It's been blended together with a Shirley Bassey-esque version of Get This Party Started and given camp as a carry on movie new lyrics of the rappy middle 8 that I fully approve of ("Bette Midler, we love you!"). So grab your sparkliest of sparkly shoes, vajazzle yourself up in whatever bodily area you chose (!), spray yourself with glitter and get down to one of these shows. Oh, and if Get This Vogue Started isn't available to buy soon, I will absolutely combust. Just a warning :D

POB ~ SHOUT IT OUT LOUD:


While I was in Vegas, Boy Banned disbanneded! This was very selfish of them as I was quite enjoying Stars Are Saying Yes, not realising they had actually said no and I may not get to see Adam looking flustered in a suit anytime soon :P Anyway, while Ethan is busy greasing up his pecs for the launch of his solo career, Pob is proper prepared and has already launched his teaser song, Shout It Out Loud onto the public. What you get from this track is an insistent club thumper with some banging drums, a confident vocal delivery and a memorable hook that is firmly embedded in your brain by the time you reach the end of the song. It's almost like a somewhat more upbeat Cry Me A River (JT) updated for the modern day pop audience - certainly Britney would kill for a song like this. So yes, it's all going swimmingly so far for Pob. 2 things though - 1) I preferred his look in stars are saying yes to his webpage photo and 2) i do like the fact that if you turn his POB logo upside down it essentially reads GOD... :)

DEREK DARKER ~ STANDING ALONE:


He's been a prince and a rogue (what is Ashley up to these days?!) but he's managing just fine as Derek Darker, now ably assisted by collaborator and guitarist, BG. Derek premiered this track as part of his video christmas card and the demo version is equally as lovely. Just him and a guitar, the lyrics flow along with the music building gently but firmly until the drums kick in and the song takes on a new energy. It's a testament to the burgeoning talents of all involved and it's no wonder Derek is building up quite the following online. Based on this track, I'm looking forward to hearing more from the charming Mr Darker as 2012 progresses...


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