Subway Rock

Our favourite record company have been at it again, they have produced yet another meaty compilation for us to indulge on. This compilation is total mix of things but ultimately focuses on prolonged instrumentals, making the tracks seem like jam sessions and giving a more relaxed feel to the whole LP. Album opener 'Slow Drive Home' by Finding Miranda creates this exact atmosphere, the easy melodies sounding like a slightly rocked up version of Cornershop's 'Brimful of Asha'.

'Lately I'm Confused' by Love Child has the illusion of being one of those great 80's rock tunes, marking an unforgettable 3 minutes on the record. Following that is 'Lousy Dice' by Queen Bitch which features some really smooth vocals that just slide down your earlobes whilst the slow beat adds a mellow stomp to your step, making it a total feel good track.
Starting with a vaguely annoying glitchy start, 'These Dark Days' by Stab in the Dark burst into an unforgiving, fast-paced romp whilst the next song, 'Rock up the Hill' by Starkett Levee, is comparatively mellower, easing into a steady, heartfelt, powerful course. Both tracks show both the diversity of the compilation and how well the the alternate strains of rock can fit together.

The penultimate track, 'Riddle of the Sphinx' by UVTraveler, is a long, perhaps too long, rock jam. As soon as you play it you feel like you have fallen down the rabbit hole, there is so much dimension and variety within the 8 minute track that it is hard to feel rooted. And finally, 'One Night Stand with a Ghost' by The Deltorers is a grungy trip to heaven, tying up the LP perfectly.

Purchase the album:
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Emily Branson (@emiemzy)

One More Thing

'One More Thing' is the second compilation in the 'Acoustic Arsenal' series (read the review for the first compilation here) and again it contains some insanely good songs. The compilation is due to be released on the 17th of Feb (three days time) so mark the date in your calendar and set a reminder on your phone since the album includes the likes of  Vanessa McGowan and her track 'Lucky', a brilliant mix of melodies and spoken word poetry, one which holds a power that forces you to stop your current actions as it is one which really needs to be listened to. Matt Davis is also back with 'One Sided Love', a song which continues to hold his particular talent of inducing euphoria within his listeners minds.

The compilation is opened by Simon Taylor and The Sundowners with 'Hot Love' where the listener is greeted with the sort of melodies you hear on an elevator. Do not be detoured however for it swishes you into a relaxing love tune that is hard to hate: the vocals are more streamline than a penguin and the melodies transport you onto the perfect beach scene. Following that is 'An Empty Walk' by The Harrison Brothers who create a smooth atmosphere, the song oozes affection and the melodies seem to radiate their own emotions whilst sounding a bit similar to The Beatles.

'One More Thing' by Melting Pot is a song which makes you shiver from its simple loveliness. I could literally listen to this song for eternity, its soothing voice drips gold and the melodies are like a strong painkiller, they swoop you up and make you smile, forcing any bad ideas to vanish for a short holiday. 'Annabel Lee' by UVTraveler  emit a sad and tentative tone, it is a song you go to when you've had a bad day and you need something to make you feel like you're not alone. The song also contains beautiful guitar notes which really lift you off your toes. Last but not least is 'Run Better Run' by Carroll's Sword which gives a soothing goodbye, it feels just like one of those exceedingly good hugs that shoot warmth through your veins.

You can pre-order the album here. The album will be available via most online retailers including Google Play, iTunes and Amazon.

Emily, (@emiemzy)