Listen: The Range - Copper Wire [Album Review]

Words: Saam Das

The Range reminds me of golf. Which then reminds me of the astute observation that the objective of golf is to play the least amount of golf possible. I don't believe that James Hinton actually has anything to do with golf, but the Domino-signed producer has knocked in an albatross (that's golf speak for a job terrifically well done) on the magical 'Copper Wire'.

Surfacing: Deerful [New Act]

Words: Saam Das

When Emma Winston's not busy making sound art or researching ukelele players for her PhD, she's playing synth-pop in her Deerful solo project. You may also know Winston as a member of Darren Hayman's band or Owl & Mouse or one of a number of other outfits she affiliates with, but she's stepping up things in her Deerful guise, with a new single coming out in April. Listen to 'Hush Me' (and more) below.

On Camera #33: Batman V Superman / Kung Fu Panda 3 / Daredevil Season 2

Words: Saam Das

In this week's edition of On Camera: spoiler-free reviews of the latest appearances of superheroes on the big screen (Batman, Superman, Po the Panda) as well as on the small screen (Netflix's 'Daredevil' season two). We also round up some of the more interesting bits of movie and TV news for you.

Listen: Kiiara - Hang Up Tha Phone [EP Preview]

Words: Saam Das

I've not written about Illinois solo artist Kiiara thus far, mainly because she's well on her way to becoming a global superstar and hardly needs our help. But in case, you haven't joined the club just yet, have a listen to the atmospheric closer to her new EP below, 'Hang Up Tha Phone'.

Surfacing: EAT [New Band]

Words: Saam Das // Artwork: Cody Sowerby

Another day, another band keeping their cards tightly close to their chest. I don't approve but so be it, EAT, so be it. I suspect they're Northerners based on their propensity to include Northern geographical areas in their song titles and their work with James Hall, a Newcastle-based producer. Listen to 'Byker Lime Slicer' and 'Byker Drone' below.

Futuresounds: Ones To Watch For 2016

Words: Saam Das

Why bother publishing a ones to watch/tips for 2016 list mid-way through March? Well, because a) the early year hype has died down, and b) because we can and want to support artists that deserve some added attention. And c) because we're mavericks. That said, three of our following ten bands to watch for 2016 did appear in our nominations for January's Blog Sound Of 2016, although only one of my chosen acts made it to the long list.

Surfacing: DANCEHALL [New Band]

Words: Saam Das

One of my favourite bands as a young 'un was Kill Kenada, a riotous act perhaps best known for collaborating with Regina Spektor on 'Soviet Kitsch'. I used to post regularly on their forum, as did a nice chap called Craig, who would later appear in Ice, Sea, Dead, People and Spoilers. Bringing things full circle, he's now teamed up with Kill Kenada's Timothy, with David from Kill Kenada follow up The Semper Teens also in the mix. Listen to debut track 'KO' below.

Listen: Mitski - Your Best American Girl [Album Preview]

Words: Saam Das // Photo: Ebru Yildiz

It's hard not to become a tad jaded as a music blogger. Especially one that's been doing this for ten years now. TEN YEARS. But the thrill of listening to incred new music is still a huge draw for me, and hopefully will be for some time yet. Which is why I take a punt on listening to tracks like Mitski's 'Your Best American Girl'. And it has rewarded me muchly.

Surfacing: Maja Skillz [New Act]

Words: Saam Das

Unfortunately, it appears that synth-poppers Shy For Shore are no more. On the plus side, Mari from the band looks like she’s continuing her trend for strong work in new outfit, Maja Skillz. Listen to her debut track 'Fall Aprt' below.

Listen: Ellie Makes Music - It's For The Best [New Single]

Words: Saam Das

Back in 2011, we wrote about a 17 year old female singer-songwriter, comparing her favourably to one Laura Marling. Five years on, and Ellie Makes Music has established her own platform, and her forthcoming single 'It's For The Best' is perhaps her finest anthem yet.