2019 sees what is the strongest batch of records I’ve heard in many years.
Now firstly, here’s an artist you need in your life – Carrie Martin. Her new LP ‘A Seductive Sky’ is a superb showcase for this talented singer songwriter. Once you put the needle down on ‘Maria in the Moon’ Carrie has your attention, a song that has more than a dash of prime Ann Wilson’s Heart. With ‘The Flight of the Dragonfly’ and ‘Paper Thin’ Carrie then plucks out timeless folk tinged melodies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIqCa7VnxnM
Her voice echoes early Kate Bush, with ‘Time’ and ‘Heartbeat (Make Everyday Last)’ being the songs that will particularly resonate with Kate’s fans.
‘The Woman In Me’ blends her classic rock and folk sensibility, completing a beautifully, written and sung LP. More information from carriemartin.co.uk and psychotronrecords.co.uk
New single ‘It Stays’ by Dream Reporter echoes Dreaming era Kate Bush. An experimental track that dazzles from this innovative, eclectic artist: dreamreporter.com
‘Faust’ from Geppetto & The Whales’ long anticipated new album ‘Passages’ proves that it’s been worth the wait. A low-fi folkie melancholic indie gem that promises much for the LP: geppettoandthewhales.com
New act, Magnetic Skies comprise of singer-songwriter Simon Kent and vocalist/programmer Jo Womar. Their debut EP, ‘Dreams And Memories’ echo the best of the 1980s including Tears For Fears and Talk Talk. The title track ties this sound to a very strong melody and universally resonant lyrics. Watch out for this release on 22 March on ReprinT Records.
The lead track from the debut EP from ROGERS & BUTLER ‘Diana Dors’ is an affectionate portrayal of the British blonde bombshell, an echo from the 1950s British silver screen. Edward Rogers and Stephen Butler (Smash Palace) highlight a rockier side with a hint of psychedelia with ‘Seven Hour Man’. ‘Witness Tree’ retains the folkier heart of the title track whilst ‘Possibilities’ rings out the duo’s melodic songwriting chops. Available on Zip Records, with further details on social media.
Hailing from Lincoln, England, The Ego Ritual‘s self-titled debut EP successfully morphs late 60s psychedelia into a current US alt-rock sound. This is typified by opener ‘Chakra Maraca’, before ‘Ten Points For The Red Star’ brings a classic rock edge into this template. ‘Serenade The Ley Line’ takes a John Squiresque guitar riff into a Roses stomp. ‘Days Of Set’ adds Moody Blues style lyrics into this promising first release.
Simon Lunche brings a timeless soul sound into 2019. With a voice and maturity beyond his years, his new single ‘Cherry Wine’ gives yearning and melancholia in an equal measure. Clearly a singer songwriter to watch for huge things via simonlunche.com 
Roman Harris is also a singer with a soulful edge. His new single, ‘The Smell Of Heather’ was influenced by a poem of the same name from the book ‘Heather’s Book’ by Vivian Anglin. A track highlighting the need for compassion, it marks Roman as a songwriter for our times. Something we need more than ever: romanharris.com
Carla J Easton‘s final single from her album ‘Impossible Stuff’ is the brooding ballad ‘Girl From Before’. Demonstrating a consistently strong set of songs and an eye for a compelling performance, please enter Carla’s world via www.carlajennifereaston.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwamSMCsgro
Danish electronic duo Sparkling‘s music will please fans of the sadly missed Colin Vearncombe (Black). Their latest single ‘Fractions’ melancholic synths meld with an uplifting lyric on embracing getting older. Check out this intriguing group on Facebook.
