Greetings my chummy chummettes. I am still basking in that post holiday glow, which means (even though I am back at work) catching up on all the music I missed while I was basking on the beaches in Spain. I don't want to overload you all with a plethora of musical magnificence so I have chosen six of my favourites... Feast on the pop extravaganza below and let me know your faves... Tally ho!
- Alphabeat ~ Vacation: "Vacation, all I ever wanted" sang a young Belinda Carlisle back in the "day"... and if she was being eerily prescient about this little corker of a pop song she was spot on. Alphabeat (much like their Swedish counterparts, Le Kid) are one of those groups that get better and better with each subsequent release. Their debut album was an utter treat, yet album number two managed to up the ante without making it's predecessor any less fabulous. Their latest gem, Vacation, is summer encapsulated in a near perfect three minutes of uplifting, soul soaring pop. It all kicks off with a peppy, hand clapping, percolating beat and a festive "wooo" (the best since Whitney's wooo in I Wanna Dance) before Stine's lovely vocals propel the track forward. The addition of Anders (yum) vocals is the icing on the cake and the whole track effortlessly conveys a convivial, good time, everybody party atmosphere. It's hard to leave this song without pressing repeat or having a massive smile on your face. If there isn't some bonkers tambourine shaking and dancing in the video, I will be grossly disappointed. welcome back Alphabeat :)
- Vanquish ~ The Harder You Love: I love a spunky new girl group with a zesty new pop tune and Vanquish offer up just that with The Harder You Love. With it's thrusting beat and energetic vibe, the song has enough attitude and fun to make it stand out in a crowded marketplace. I particularly love the instantly memorable chorus where the refrain is hammered home & then insists on reminding you why pop can be so amazing with it's sweetly delivered line "i wanna surrender to the feeling, i wanna remember every breath". Heaven. Reminds me of an updated S/A/W sound which is a massive compliment :) (Love how the video flashes the group name so you subliminally remember it!)
- The Promise ~ Beating Hearts: I'm a major sucker for a boy band and naming yourselves (possibly) after a Girls Aloud song is a good way to get my attention :D However, The Promise lads are more than just a vocal harmony group, playing their own instruments & writing their own tunes. Beating Hearts is an excellent introduction to the band, showcasing some fine vocal talent, a persistent, mesmerising & shuffling beat, a rock influence that leads to a massive anthemic chorus, and some genuinely pleasing harmonies. Not a single one of the boys has been hit with an ugly stick which only adds to the appeal. I'm already smitten and their debut EP isn't even out until April...
- Chantal Claret ~ Pop Pop Bang Bang: God bless the always gorgeous Larry Flick for letting me know that morningwood singer Chantal Claret has gone solo with an absolutely delightful debut single. I can confirm that the song is a right little bobby dazzler, custom made for extensive radio play and a perfect early summer jam. Chantal as a solo pop star just exudes personality in every note of her delivery and this radiates with every kicky jump rope beat & quirky chanted (chantaled?) lyric. It's a definite hand clapper and each beat, every note inveigles it's way into your synapses, gripping on and never letting go. Two things that shine forth about the track - one is the sixties influence mixed with eighties nostalgia but in a forward thinking nu-pop way; secondly how the perky, sunny backing track is the perfect juxtaposition to the darker lyrics and wonderfully almost S&M themed video. Jam packed with rrrriot grrrl pop rock attitude, it's already a firm fave and I can't wait for the debut EP :)
- A*M*E ~ City Lights: Talking of potentially massive pop stars who exude attitude and personality (and I believe I was), you could do a lot worse than exciting new pop strumpet on the block A*M*E. She's teamed up with MNEK (The Saturdays, Fired Up - what a blistering pop tune that was) for a genuinely exciting, fresh sounding slice of pop that sparkles from start to finish. The tune instantly grabs you and there are hooks a-plenty running through the choruses, the verses, the intro as well as a brilliant rap break from Bartoven which feels entirely complementary to the tune rather than intrusive. It's so infectious and there is this whole joi de vivre that eminates from the entire performance. Can't wait for this girl to blow up and to see what she brings next...
- Auryn ~ Stop and Listen: So another day, another blog about Auryn :) I was in Spain a whole week and didn't get to see them once!! Bah! Ah well. This is the next track from their glorious debut album and while I would have gone with the more upbeat Favourite Guy or I Don't Think So, this is a fine opportunity for the boys to get all romantic and dreamy. It's a sweetly chugging, sweetly sung traditional ballad that is made all the more charming by the Spanish flavour the boys naturally bring to the track. What is stand out here is how well the boys blend their voices together, never overpowering one another but working as a team to bring flawless harmonies and highlight each other's strengths. Absolutely gorgeous...
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