Beyond The 45
Singles, EPs, Downloads
The Fatea office also serves as a home for our weekly Along The Tracks show on Blues & Roots Radio and as a rule singles and Eps have generally gone in that direction whilst Fatea generally concentrates on albums and live reviews for our full length feature, but with more artists going back down the single route to keep themselves in the public eye, we thought it was time to reflect that in our offerings and as rules are made to be broken or at the very least adapted, welcome to the Singles Round Up.
Marina Florance - A Sky Of Blue
www.marinaflorance.com
A Sky of Blue is the latest single from former Fatea Awards winner Marina Florance, and was very much inspired by the roller coaster of a year that has been 2020. The track has a lot of what we have come to expect from Florance, a sublimely talented wordsmith who has a knack for seeing the poetic in the everyday. Musically it's one of those songs that you can close your eyes to and it'll just carry you away, allowing you to drift along with its warmth and beauty. There's a lot to be said for capturing the simplicity of the moment, rather than allow yourself to be overwhelmed by the chaos of the world. Stick this on and allow yourself to feel the blue skies above you. AJ
DiElle - Look After Me
www.diellemusic.com
The latest single from South Coast based singer songwriter DiElle is about the importance of looking after the world that birthed us, and allowed us to prosper. It's certainly a timely message for a world that doesn't seem to have learned from the lessons of this year. Vocally this is an impressive performance from DiElle, as the track showcases the power of her voice, creating something that feels rather capacious. Certainly the chorus is one that is easy to get lodged in your head, and you'll be hearing her voice for sometime afterwards, which is very much a good thing. AJ
Sam Winston - Damaged Goods
www.samwinstonmusic.com
Damaged Goods is such a loaded term, rarely coming with a good outcome, something to be returned or grudgingly accepted. "Damaged Goods" on the other hand, is a fantastic single from comparative newcomer Sam Winston. As the title implies this is a song with a strong narrative, one you could almost be forgiven for missing on first play as you become ensnared in the poppy tones of both voice and instrumentation. Once you shake up, you can feel the vibes of redemption, the idea that damaged goods can be put back together and return stronger. A feeling that's easier to understand when you realise that Sam Winston has had to overcome vocal chord issues. NK
The Shed Project - Bedtime
www.facebook.com/theshedmusic40
Born in a shed in Bolton, Bedtime is the 5th single from indie rockers The Shed Project. While it's not the lightest of subjects, written about a very dark time in vocalist Roy's life, this is far from a gloomy or depressing listen. There's something encouraging and positive about the track, and given they are teaming up with Bolton based mental health and addiction organisation WhysUp, this positivity continues when the song stops spinning. Musically there's touches of all sorts of 90s North West bands such as The Stone Roses, The Verve, The La's etc, so if that kind of indie sound floats your boat, you're going to love Bedtime. AJ
Elles Bailey & Lady Nade - Silent Night
www.ellesbailey.com
Sassy Blues singer and troubadour may not be the first person you might think off to do a version of "Silent Night", but she's teamed up with Lady Nade and done just that. Blues has always retained the spiritual album which allows both artists to really get into the heart of Mozart's finest three minutes. This is a version that makes you stop and listen, it forces the world around you to come to a halt and allows you to take some time to yourself, just to absorb the spirit soothing sound. NK
State of The Union - Why Does The Nightingale Sing
www.revealrecords.co.uk/artists/state-of-the-union
There's something wonderfully timeless about the latest collaboration from Boo Hewerdine and Brooks Williams. It feels like it could have been released at any point in the last 60 or so years, and sounded just as fresh in whichever era it came to life in. They keep it relatively simple, but it's a lovely and impressive duet, full of sweet regret and a touch of melancholia. Certainly on the strength of this release their next album together is going to one to watch out for. AJ
Jason Mandell - Soul of America
www.jasonmandell.com
On his latest single LA singer Jason Mandell manages to sound like a combination of Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, which is an intriguing mix. Soul of America is a lament for America's woes and a prayer for its healing, and there are some wonderful touches at points throughout, including some mariachi type horns at one stage. It starts off sounding like a traditional folk ballad, and expands into something else entirely, with a lot of heart and soul on display. This is well worth a listen. AJ
Visions Of Albion - You Are Not Alone
www.facebook.com/VisionsofAlbion
Whilst details of this Liverpudlian duo may be sparse on their website, there is nothing sketchy about, "You Are Not Alone". There is a captivating quality to the vocal combination of Samantha Shields and Daniel Ryan, that smacks of why Mick Fleetwood invite Buckingham Nicks to join him in Fleetwood Mac. Similarly there are elements of west coast rock in the melody which blends so well with the North West tones in the vocal. This is a debut that promises much and you feel like Visions Of Albion are more than capable of delivering on it. NK
Matt Owens - Another Song About The Devil
www.mattowensmusic.com
Another Song About The Devil is the latest single from Scorched Earth, and features the dulcet bluesy tones of Elles Bailey. Owens and Bailey combine well throughout on a song about how the devil himself can barely compete with those who do much worse in the name of God. Former founding member of Noah & The Whale Owens has a fantastic rock vocal style which brings to mind Springsteen or Bryan Adams, and the song is a lot of fun to listen to. It's definitely worth your time. AJ
Lou McMahon - Wide Eyed Lady
www.loumcmahon.com
Wide Eyed Lady is a wonderful dark gothic folk rock track from Irish singer-songwriter Lou McMahon. Telling a tale of the dangers of necromancy, it was partially inspired from her teenage years or watching someone running with the wrong crowd and falling to addiction. The track has a wonderful expansive sound to it, and there's a whole lot of different musical styles tied in to create something that feels very unique. Beautifully arranged and performed, and one that you'll find yourself going back to multiple time. AJ
Fatea Showcase Sessions
The Fatea Showcase Sessions are a series of downloads featuring acts that we've really enjoyed and think that more people should get the chance to hear.
Corsair is the current session and features 16 fantastic artists check out the website to find out more about them and download your copy
www.fatea-showcase-sessions.co.uk for all the artist information.
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