South Hours: OUTSIDE

Written by Niamh Christian

Rising through Essex's music scene, South Hours have been packing out venues for the past few years, and have now begun to release songs that have only ever been heard live before. Starting out in college and writing music in a shed, they have begun to bring their music alive in the beauty of studios and venues throughout East Essex.

The trio really started to catch attention after the release of their first single back in early 2018, 'Bruises'. After recording and releasing this debut single themselves, they were overwhelmed by the attraction it got, and the number of playlists it instantly started getting added to.

Their most recent single release 'Outside' came out during lockdown period back in May, pleasing their followers in these troubled times. Working closely with Monster Florence’s Tom Donovan on ‘Outside’ just months after he had been working with Miles Kane, this song really is a milestone for the boys. 
The mystical sound created by atmospheric guitars holds everything we love most about the indie-pop genre, from the melodic, lighthearted vocals to the emphasised harmonies. 
It's heartfelt lyrics and catchy tune really bring this song alive, combined with gentle vocals and a slow but dramatic instrumental rhythm.

Currently studying at universities in London and Southampton, they are working towards really gaining an understanding of the industry as they make their mark on the music scene.

You can listen to South Hours 'Outside' HERE

Two Neighbours: SELF TITLED EP - TWO NEIGHBOURS

Written by Niamh Christian 

Two Neighbours have been creating quite the name for themselves over these past few months, with 3 single releases throughout 2020 gaining them tens of thousands of monthly listeners through spotify, and then just last month they dropped their debut, self-titled EP 'Two Neighbours'. 

Prior to the EP they released two single from it: 'Back Then' and 'Little Mila'. These managed to create quite a lot of hype around the hard-pop duo

The opening track 'Where I Wanna Be', only being just under 2 minutes long, is an elegant introduction to the EP. With angelic vocals singing gently over majestic backing music, it's a very soft toned number, setting the pace for the following songs. 

Following is one of my personal favourites, 'Little Mila'. This song was released originally in July and shows the groups grittier side, with rougher sounding guitars used in the chorus. The vocals are sultry as she sings 'Grooving to the Who in some thigh-high boots'. The songs spunky and full of edge, with an alluring sound and hardcore beat.

The first single released for this EP was 'Back Then', released back in June, we can assume this was the song that built up the anticipation for 'Two Neighbours'. A passionate song written about a fallible modern romance, with synthy backing vocals and a soulful chorus. It's full of attitude and moxie and creates an amorous image for the listener.

Combining acoustic guitars and gentle singing, with many references to the 60s, combined with contemporary and zany rhythm, 'Peace and Love' paints a beautiful picture of a modern-day Woodstock dream. It's full of sass and stamina and has a deeply profound, catchy chorus.

The final song on the EP, 'Orange Rose' is an elegant yet moody tune, singing about love and adoration. Showcasing pain through endearment with lyrics such as 'I don't need to de-thorn you, although it hurts to hold'. It's distinguished and enticing, singing of mystique and allure. 

The electropop duo stated when asked about their debut release “This EP is for people still wiggling in their skin. It’s inspired by longing… longing for success, love, for the past, the experience of someone trying to find their own sound and path”

You can listen to 'Two Neighbours' HERE 

Springs: DESIRE

Written by Niamh Christian

 Are you in need of a new indie bop to break your heart? Birmingham band Springs may have just brought out the song for you with their latest release 'Desire'. This indie/alt-rock anthem is loaded with raw emotion and lyrics sung like a heartfelt diary entry.

Starting out in late 2019, it's coming up to a year since Springs started creating music, with each release showing their development as musicians. I would definitely say this is their best one yet, showing how they've grown from friends creating music to serious musicians in no more than a few months. 

'Desire' brings a sense of nostalgia to listeners with references to a painful memory, with vulnerable vocals that pull on your heartstrings singing 'wanted to die to feel alive'.

The simplified guitar riffs compliment the vocals in a way that makes them stand out when they hit hardest, building up to a dramatic crescendo at the end. 

In the words of frontman Didds; 'The story takes place in a single night and is about a whirlwind romance. It's about breaking someone's heart, which we all do but all choose to push out of our minds'.

He also added 'We're really excited about this new direction of our sound!'

Listen to 'Desire' HERE