Rambling Man's Reviews

Words by Anselm Anderson  Jazz Drummer Chuck Morris forged a career on The Arsenio Hall Show, before forming his own band  Chuck Morris & Freedom. The legendary musician now releases new single " A Good Life" from his upcoming new album, due for release in 2019. The upbeat, jazzy, funk piece has garnered attention across national radio stations, as well as coverage in Europe and Japan. This is none too surprising once you hear the first few seconds of notes that slither across the overt drum -fills and saxophone that introduce this to an all to endearing ear. The funky rhythm of bass skips across nicely to the encompassing vocals of Morris himself. The listener truly hears the joy in his wholesome voice as he bellows out huge vocals lines. The lyrics content feels like an autobiographical account of what makes Morris enjoy his life. This shines through with the harmonic progressions and melodic accompaniment of a talented music section.  This does not feel showy, ...

Lazer & Levi are A Country/ American duo born and raised out of the confines of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado Springs, USA. They have been playing bars and clubs since the ages of 10 and 14 respectively, accompanied by the acquisition of a hundred songs written in reserve. This exciting prospect has performed at many shows and supported many renowned acts. Lazer & Levi now release their new single "One More Time" which is taken from their EP The Prologue. They have been described as "a new twist off of Americana music that is sure to leave you wanting more. This example of upbeat, feel-good Country music really lights up the room with its reflective lyrics and boogie riff, which will lead fans to discover more from their array of written tracks. "One More Time" opens with an easy ear riff-packed full of charm and signature bluesy phrases that supplement the harmonic vocals from the duo. As they croon about those good times, the guitar break...

Joshua KYEOT is a soulful singer/songwriter originally from Accra, Ghana and raised in Croydon, London. KYEOT has a background rich in a musical experience. Albeit, as a leading tenor in high school, or cutting vocals at university halls, Kyeot taught himself to play instruments and sing. He is now on something of a crescendo wave on the back of a memorable year that has seen the young musician release his own two-track project " She Loves Me", alongside a sold-out appearance at Servants Jazz Quarters, and BBC introducing. He now releases the new single " S-Blocks" off the upcoming EP " She Loves Me". And what transpires is a beautiful woven pattern of different genres that combine to create a momentary rainbow of harmonious textures that would be beneficial for a regular radio release. "S- Blocks" takes a trip through soul, afro-beats, hard rock and pop with heartfelt lyrics that will keep plenty bating more. The track starts off with a muted b...

Freya Alley is an accomplished and adaptable singer!! That is not a bad statement to start a review on a young star that oozes the ability to appeal to one's emotions. Many readers of this blog will recognise the name of a singer I reviewed back in July. Alley moved to London from her native Lithuania several years back to pursue a musical career. She soon teamed up with Songwriter Laurence Hobbs from Charthouse Studios, which has found success with notable names like Pixie Lott and Sam Smith. Frey Alley now treats us to her new single Another Man , a track about the complexities of love that leads to breaking up in a relationship. I feel this has a slightly darker tone to Come Back , which was released in July. The subtle electronic beats create an eerie atmosphere, that truly symbolises the pain one can feel in this situation. The most striking attribute of Alley I like is her songwriting, as she writes heartfelt poetry. This speciality allows the listener to em...

Words by Anselm Anderson Tom Auton is a 19-year-old singer/ songwriter prodigy from Cardiff, Wales. Tom started learning guitar and piano at the age of 9, which has played a large part in his music writing. If that is not all, he won two national first-place awards at "Open Mic UK ( 2014) and " Future Music UK Song Writing Competition a year later. Tom made his breakthrough by breaking into Fender's top Ten undiscovered artists' list, which is an achievement for someone so young.  He now releases his second EP ' Big Glass Little Bowl ',  a follow-up to a highly successful debut. Tom's next single Stay  has all the swagger and bravado to be a hit. The overall bluesy sound supplements the hubris of the star's lyrical content about a song  I believe is about falling for the wrong woman. The simple guitar lines stretch and squeal along to the star's cool vibe. His vocals are not too flashy but are suited to a simple electric acoustic song like ...

Monkey Fighters describe themselves as "   Presidents of the Stone Age, or Queens of the USA". This quirky statement underlies the band's energy and strong personality that comes from a band starting off. The Bristol-based group was originally formed in 2003. However, the band soon disbanded after releasing an EP, amid a few lineups changes with drummers. They have now returned with a re-recording of those tracks and recently released their debut single  " She from Tiny Keg ", which was initially published at the tail end of last month via all good digital platforms and streaming services. Monkey Fighters play alternative- grunge- prog rock with an extra dose of Punk added to the mix.   If this doesn't pique your interest, the opening riff will whet your appetite. The combination of an edgy bassline and the opening chords of the crunchy guitar riff will instantly keep you hooked. The track manages to sustain this high-tempo riff throughout over the steady ...

Words by Anselm Anderson Folk singer/songwriter Lilith started writing songs at the age of 11 and developing her own unique writing style by entering competitions at a young age. Lilith now releases her new single "Deep Waters" via Charthouse Music Studios in London, where she recently performed at one of their showcase events.   She also recently picked up a highly commended certificate at the 2017 UK Songwriting Competition. I feel Lilith brings a breath of fresh air to an always-evolving market in the folk scene. Her lyrics are deep and poetic, with a strong message about feeling left out. I believe there are strong comparisons between KT Tunstall and Regina Spektor.  'Deep Waters' is one of those folk songs that incorporates many different textures and images that creates a feeling of walking on clouds and looking down on the world. The slow tempo build of acoustic fingerpicking gradually comes to light with the haunting and powerful vocals of Lilith. This son...

Words by Anselm Anderson The California-based Firebug is an Alternative Rock group,, heavily influenced by 70's rock and New Orleans blues. They have been generating a following amongst festival-goers and concert attendees. The band's groove-orientated rock has enlightened 80,000 fans at Sonisphere in Knebworth, England. The band released Follower ,   the first track from the new album Wandering Soul. The thing that strikes me most about the track is the high-energy riff that is maintained throughout and the soulful timbre of lead singer Juliette Tworsey. The 70's influenced vibes make this an instant favourite with its polished production values and blues-tinged rhythmic patterns. The track begins with the tantalising hook that leads into the vocals of Tworsey, a rich and tender entrance that hypnotises the listener. Her voice blends with the buzz of guitar-driven desert rock with a nice new Orleans solo that fits in with the structure of the music. Wanderi...

The Kut are a three-pronged assault of raw, '90s-infused grunge and alt-rock that is set to ignite a stage near you. The alter ego of multi-instrumentalist Princess Maha. The Kut has been causing quite a stir with their arduous touring and festival appearances that include Download and Camden Rocks, as well as appearances on national radio stations and TV stations like Kerrang!  and  Scuzz. They now release Hollywood  Rock 'n' Roll, off  their new album V alley of the Thorns, which reached #7 on the UK Rock album charts. This is an energetic ball of scuzzy guitars and hellacious attitude, which reminds me of A edgier Runaways that begins with a blood-pumping and sonic riff that inflame with choral chants of "HOLLYWOOD ROCK AND ROLL". This is a fun track that shows the girls are really enjoying themselves, which could easily be a crowd-pleaser at festivals for fans who want a good time. The production is so refined you can almost feel the fingers clim...

Nelson King is a Lo-Fi, Indie singer, based in Brighton, England. King is fast becoming a hit on the Indie scene with many describing his music as a prolific catalogue of material that navigates an array of genres with effortless versatility. He now releases Shine on, the next single off his latest album Shine . King names T he Beatles, T-Rex and Jimi Hendrix as his influences, which are none more evident than on this track. An acoustic and melodic track that would be expected to grace the airwaves of all national radio stations. The song is simple without any complex structures. which is why I believe can become a hit. King's vocals are raw and receptive to any listener taking a long drive home from work. The strumming pattern is basic with subtle backbeats with a singalong chorus and beautiful fingerpicking that blend with an accustomed backing drum track that provides a tight rhythm. You can listen to the track below

London-born Just A Jester AKA Timothy Daniel Whittaker has had an illustrious career in the music industry, having supported established musicians like Van Morrison, played with Stuart Copeland of The Police and performed 7 times at Glastonbury Festival. Whittaker now releases his second solo track Someone Like You , a charming and upbeat acoustic track enthusing full of wisdom.  Someone Like You starts off the subtle taps of cymbals that lead to the uptempo and bright tones of guitar loops that transition into a huge pop chorus. The strumming pattern and reflective lyrics produce a warm song that builds nicely to a satisfactory finish. The bridges are delightful as the vocals are receptive to new listeners. This is a track I feel shares similarities with the rock band Biffy Clyro and is understandable why Just A Jester has been a regular at Festivals. This is certainly a track that could be a successful summer track. You can listen to the track via Spotify or find more informa...

The New Realm is a Hard Rock band from London, formed by brothers Lee Alexander (Vocals) and Ryan Margolis (Piano) in 2009. The New Realm has gone on to forge a promising fanbase by supporting a host of legendary artists at some of the UK’s top live music venues and headlining their own shows in London. The duo now releases  Troublemaker from their forthcoming second studio album due out this summer. It's an enjoyable feel-good rock track filled with a big chorus and dazzling melodies that will definitely light up any arena!  The track begins with an electric piano intro that moistens the ears before the listener is addressed by the warm vocals of Alexander cooing “ You! Little Troublemaker” which incorporates gentle subtleties of electric guitar and a steady drumming pattern that erupts with a catchy chorus that is reminiscent of Dave Grohl’s finest work. The song's final breakdown ends with the explosion of huge strikes of bright guitar chords and piano that supplements th...

Jonni Slater now returns with his new single " Lights (Refracted)"  from the upcoming EP “Inversions ”.  A sweet and melancholic track with heartfelt lyrics packed full of raw passion and emotion.  Slater has been described “as being a talented kaleidoscopic and charismatic songwriter”. The Bristol-born Singer-Songwriter has played all over Europe and supported Bastille and Decemberists.  Alongside a continuous programme of sound for 24 days in 24 hours, "Lights (Refracted)" is  a structured form of ambience that gradually builds to a finish. It starts with wistful piano tinkering and Slater’s solitary vocals that create an intimate mood that climaxes with an outpouring of emotions that is not hard to empathise with. The inclusion of backing vocals and drum loop steadily clambers towards the chorus adds density to the overall power of the song’s message.   For Fans of Peter Gabriel. Genesis You can follow Jonni Slater via his website; https://www....

Pretty Gritty delivers a track that is as the band’s name suggests. “ Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” is a sweet and enchanting track that will warm the hearts of anyone suffering in this cold weather.  Pretty Gritty is a Portland-based Male / Female act, sung from the souls of Sarah Wolff and Blaine Heinonen. The duo sings crafted soulful harmonies against well-timed strums and beautiful lyrics. The Americana duo, originally from Rockville, Maryland, met at school where they both played in their respective bands. They crossed paths again when a mutual friend asked them to perform an “Open Mic”. Sarah herself described the name during an interview when describing their sound. “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” is the latest track taken from their latest album “Seven Year Itch”, produced by Fred Cannon and Paul Buono. Heinonen opens the track with a steady strumming pattern and raw vocal qualities that immediately grab at the heartstrings. Wolff interjects with the chorus to e...

The Cubes are an Indie rock trio based in Liverpool from the brainchild of frontman Jacob Solarek , as part of several projects he has written and performed on his own. Solarek forged The Cubes out of a jamming session between friends back in 2012. After several line-up changes. He is joined in the group by current members Chris Jones (Bass) and Danny Kirkham (Drums.) The trio has appeared at such notable venues in the City as The Cavern, Zanzibar, The Lantern Theatr e and the Scoop event in the City of Liverpool College. . Fall out is the Five- track debut EP from the band that was recorded at Crosstown studios in Liverpool, and is expected to be released soon.  The EP shows promises of an exciting prospect emerging from a city enriched in musical history. The listener is treated to a half-hour mix of poetic lyrics and a well-honed rhythm section that combines Blues, Pop, Funk and Acoustic fused with Solareks raw outpourings through every syllabl...

The Nave Blues hail from Bergen, Norway and are fronted by the multi-talented vocalist/harmonica player Nave Pudnik . a man that aims " intention of becoming the blues you will come to know; Something different, yet familia r " a brand of modern blues combined with Alternative rock. Pudnik promises to make music an “oasis for the masses”.  The brand of Blues he aims to create does not disappoint on this half-hour, 7 track debut with a solid display of soulful crooning, tasty guitar licks, and sonic harmonica play. This EP is a delightful insight into the crossover of classic ebbing towards modern blues.  The opener Sexy Kiss is accompanied by an audiovisual to legendary harmonica player Little Walter , an inspiration to the lead vocalist, and who was inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame in 2008. A blazing roar of that favoured instrument signals the intent with the juxtaposition of sultry vocals that interact between Pudnik and his female counterpart that oozes the ...