‘Sparrow and the Wolf’ is the new single taken from James Vincent McMorrow’s debut album ‘Early In The Morning’.
Sparrow and the Wolf is an uptempo folky jazzy track. McMorrow’s vocal style not unlike like that of John Mayer. Its a catchy tune and given the current success of Mumford & Sons, this should do pretty well. It’s the kind of track Mr Ray D’arcy could play to death on Today FM.
I like it!
5.5 out of 6
Toy Soldier is a two piece electronic act from Cork and the brainchild of Cian Walsh. Walsh has been on the indie scene in a number of different guises over the past few years. Toy Soldier sees him team up with Fergal McCarthy. The result is a fresh, on the pulse sound, that could lead to bigger things.
‘Wild One’ is an uptempo track with a slight electronic tip of the hat to Owl City. Where Toy Soldier differs is that their sound isn’t soaked in saccharine. Wild One has a pumping bassline and a chorus that hits at 35 seconds in. This could easily go side by side with any current Top 40 opponent. Catchy hooks, delicate vocal harmonies and is that (shock horror) a guitar I hear. Brilliant!
Track 2 is ‘Battles’. For some reason the vocal melody reminds this listener of ‘Wonderful Life’ by Black from the late 80’s. And that’s not a bad thing. ‘Battles’ isn’t as in your face as ‘Wild One’. Production is excellent with little sounds and noises you won’t even realise are there without a set of headphones on.
Somebody please.. make these guys stars! Excellent stuff! Mr Record Company Man, if you’ve any money left, give some to Toy Soldier.
10 out of 6
http://www.myspace.com/toysoldier
This was written for MusicReviewUnsigned
Dublin based Kilkenny band, Von Bizmark release ‘Address The Silence’ on April 9th. It’s the follow up to “London’ and sees the band in flying form.
After the release of ‘London’ the band toured in the UK as well as a string of dates in Ireland. This seems to have worked a trick as Von Bizmark now seem like a confident rock band, comfortable in their own skins.
‘Address the Silence’ is an uptempo rock track with some great vocals from Tony Hoyne. Good song structure, production is great, little guitar hooks reel you in without even noticing it. If this was only recorded in January this year, I’d love to see what’s following.. Should be great.
5.5 out of 6
I wrote this for MusicReviewUnsigned
When a PR company send me something to play on the radio, if I can I try to review it also.
Nothing But Trouble by Donegal band, The Plea, is the lead single taken from a new EP of the same name. The Plea are the first rock act to be signed to an imprint of Belgian dance label R&S Records, once home to Aphex Twin.
Produced by Cenzo Townsend, Nothing but Trouble is a three and a half minute radio friendly rock song. Vocals, provided by Denny Doherty are quite early Bono in style, the vocoder – esque effect about half way through the song does noting to dismiss this (reminders of Elevation here). The production and musicianship cannot be faulted on this. I’d just love to hear more of an impact in the refrain of Nothing But Trouble.
It’s not going to harm them either that they are featured in the new 2FM promo (see Below)
5 out of 6
http://www.myspace.com/thepleamusic
Picture from their myspace