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.
Luke Jackson - Retrain
www.lukepauljackson.com
What do you do when one of the highest-ranking figures in government effectively tells you that your career is untenable, and suggests you retrain to something more useful? If you're one of the most exciting talents on a live music scene that appears to be on life support, you write a song about it of course. You might expect such a song to be full of venom and vitriol, but Retrain is a different beast entirely. While there is an anger here for sure, it's the sheer sadness and loss that comes through front and centre. This isn't simply an opportunistic grab for timely relevance, instead this is a song with a timeless message about the importance of the arts, and once again confirms (not that confirmation was necessary) Luke's standing as one of the finest singer songwriters around today. AJ
Jim Chorley - Nearly New
www.jimchorley.com
Jim Chorley is back in a one-man assault on the misery of 2020, determined to bring a little positivity to the lives of music lovers everywhere. Nearly New is a nearly new song, which close fans of Jim may recognise from a live version all the way back from the halcyon days of 2018 which seem a lifetime ago. The song is about a heart that has lived and loved, picking up plenty of ache on the way, but has now found someone with the grace to heal it and teach it to love again. Frankly the thought of finding solace after dark times is one that we can all probably identify with. This version has an updated arrangement which breathes new life into a song that was already among Jim's finest. With this kind of purple patch from Jim Chorley to enjoy, at least 2020 has given us one thing to be grateful about. AJ
30 Degree Cycle - Another Loud June
www.facebook.com/30degreecycle
Another Loud June is the debut song from Haslemere based indie rockers 30 Degree Cycle. Written during the initial lockdown, the song came about when Ben Daunter challenged singer songwriter Eloise Carter to write a song with the title Another Loud June. What follows is a cracking track with a superb vocal performance from Carter, starting gently and growing into a full-blooded rock sound. 30 Degree Cycle have already started building a live reputation that has seen them playing venues and festivals across the South of England. Another Loud June should cement their status as a band to keep an eye on. AJ
Holly Lerski - Home Is Your Shoulder
www.hollylerski.com
The new single from misfit and dreamer Holly Lerski was inspired by two epic journeys across the United States of America. On one of these, she had a day away from her 4,000 mile odyssey to spend in the infamous Alcatraz island in San Francisco. That sense of isolation and lack of support and comfort struck a chord with Lerski, and the idea of not having the shoulder of someone you love to lean on was turned into this beautiful song. Accompanied by Chris Pepper and James Hutchinson, Home Is Your Shoulder is a soaring delight, and a track you'll want to listen to again and again. AJ
Debra Lyn - Blue Sun Rises
www.debralyn.com
Blue Sun Rises is the latest single from the new album of the same name from Nashville Americana/Folk singer Debra Lyn. Drawing on her British heritage, she's woven in a traditional Celtic element into her new single, while still maintaining a modern and expansive sound. There's a wonderful richness on display, and you can almost picture the hauntingly bleak landscapes as you listen. With a Christmas EP on the way created in a similar style, now is the perfect time to catch up with Blue Sun Rises. AJ
Ben Railway Robey - The Glory's Mine
www.facebook.com/benrailwayrobey
With a classic gritty voice which sounds like he's been gargling with gravel since he was knee high to a grasshopper, Ben Railway Robey is the perfect blues singer. As with all great blues tracks, The Glory's Mine is full of a raw energy and soul, and just a touch of gospel overtones. The song is about making a success of yourself despite the obstacles in your way, and there is something gloriously celebratory about it that gives everything a lift. The Glory's Mine is a gem of a blues track, whiskey-soaked and full of authenticity. Well worth checking out. AJ
Antoni O'Breskey & Consuelo Nerea Breschi - The Wee Weaver
www.nomadicpiano.com
Tuscan composer and pianist Antonio Breschi is joined by his daughter for his latest release. Living in Dublin and known locally as Antoni O'Breskey, the local music scene has obviously inspired the family. Consuelo has been singing this song for a few years now, and always loved the melody. There's a dreamlike quality to it enhanced by the ethereal vocals of Consuelo, and there's a real ambivalence as to whether this is a real or imagined love story. The combination of the trumpet along with the vocals really lifts the whole track, and makes for a very enjoyable listen. AJ
Marten Larka - Parfum De Nuit / Je Suis Un Rocker
www.martenlarka.se
Alt-pop Swedish singer songwriter is back with his unique French language music, with a brand-new song and a revisit of an older classic. Parfum De Nuit comes from new album Allez Allez, and has all the hallmarks we've come to expect from Larka. It's wonderfully rich and melodious, and while the lyrics won't hit home for any non-French speakers, it won't matter a jot. Je Suis Un Rocker is a little faster paced and simply irrepressible, and both will be a welcome addition to any record collection. AJ
Eoghan O Ceannabhain & Ultan O'Brien - Cuirt Bhaile Nua
www.eoghanultan.bandcamp.com
Dublin based musicians Eoghan O Ceannabhain & Ultan O'Brien have been playing together for years in bands, but Solas An Lae is their first album as a duo, and Cuirt Bhaile Nua is the first single. A classic tale of love and heartbreak (so we're told), the single is full of eerie soundscapes and haunting vocals that are both impenetrable and yet oddly accessible. Originally sung by Treasa Ni Mhiollain, this is a fantastic cover and bodes well for the rest of the album. 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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