Chloe Foy - New Music "Introducing"

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Chloe Foy is a Manchester based Singer/Songwriter who fell into my inbox last week, her latest single (released this week on iTunes) "In the Middle of the Night" came as my introduction but follows last years "I've Got a Feeling", two tracks only but both indicate a talent that could soon see Chloe stand-out amongst the current crop of new folksters looking to follow in the footsteps of Laura Marling and the such.

The strength of Chloe's voice, self-confidence of her ability and depth of her song-craft is already shown in abundance."In the Middle of the Night" is beautifully written both lyrically and musically, delicate and haunting at times and thoughtfully quirky at others. From acoustic beginnings with her beautiful voice and poetic lyrics at the fore it builds to a flourishing finale of carefully constructed percussion and backing harmonies rousing you to attention with uplifting, grandiose aplomb.

"I've Got a Feeling" is quite stunning, a breeze-blown acoustic lead ebbs and flows with gorgeous, enchanting effect around stirring instrumentation, a sophisticated track that rewards multiple listens with it's rich and powerful melody with deep, dark broodings - just wonderful

Keebo - New Music "Introducing"

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I'll still trying to gradually post blogs that were due ages ago (I don't need to go into my time constraints again), here's one such, London quartet Keebo have been silent so far in 2013 but a handful of tracks posted to their soundcloud towards the back end of last year got me sufficiently excited, they came to my attention via a show with the wonderful Las Kellies last July and their sumptuous cocktail of plentiful melodic fuzz, swirling psychedelia and shared harmonies are sure to win them fans of their own once they return from their silence.

"Hold Me Down" reminds me of early Novella, with an added sheen of slick pop, intricate guitar-work and a funk-laden bass line that creates a danceable groove amongst floating harmonies. A fun, dreamy haze which introduces a band with an ear for a pleasing, sunny rhythm that is loveable from the get-go.

Taking those funk bass-lines further is "The World is Waiting" an irresistibly catchy, bouncy song full of sunshine splashed melody and tribal beats that embed itself in your brain. The glorious "Tell Me When The Beat Turns On" is pure pop with an innocent breeziness and tight musicianship that entrances amongst incredible harmonisations.

Hopefully Keebo's current silence is just a calm before the storm and not a sign of impending nothing for this is a band that deserve to be heard by many.

Oh Sister - New Music "Introducing"

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Sometimes you find artists via gigs that you can't actually go to, here's one such case. Whilst I was being a groupie with The Joy Formidable this weekend and missing Saturday's incredible variety of gigs in London (Bird at The Garage and The London Pop Fest with Big Wave, The Tuts and September Girls to name but a couple) there was another gig playing at The Gallery Cafe, with new folk favourite Sophie Jamieson and an artist I'd not come across before Oh Sister (aka now London based singer-songwriter Sarah Berresford).

My introduction point (and favourite track available online to date) was her demo "Don't Leave" (video below), a wistful heart-breaker that is pure and effortless where a husky weary-toned vocal and gently strummed acoustic led a raw, emotive track that seduces the listener after just one listen. The two other demos on her soundcloud highlight a poppier sound with "Hold On" showcasing her brilliant voice and "Wake Without You's" dramatic synth beats hinting at new direction once her forthcoming debut EP sees the light of day.

Doe Paoro #2 - Hallelujah

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I seem to be saying sorry for forgetting about you a bit recently, here's another case I'm afraid  I posted about Doe Paoro's exquisite debut single "Can't Leave You" over a year ago now, a track so good the only words I could muster together at the time were "holy fucking wow".

A delay from my posting until her album, the rinse-repeat nature of new band blogging and a sheer excess of bands to post about (my draft folder has 150+ bands I'd like to write about give some time) means I've not actually sat down to listen to her album Slow to Love since (available via bandcamp now), a couple of days ago though I discovered Doe Paoro again thanks to a down right gorgeous cover of "Hallelujah" and it's safe to say I'll be aiming to rectify the error in my ways as soon as possible.

The stark instrumentation that accompanies her version, barely more than strongly strummed acoustic and backing harmonies place all the emphasis and power into Doe's soulful vocal, haunting and moving from the get-go, it's a wonderful success and stirs emotions in you that even Mr Cohen would be proud of.

Blessa #3 - Pale

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No offence intended to Sheffield but I imagine it is rare that the Steel City holds what could potentially be called the gig of the week, this week though, it did just that. On Monday The Harley Bar played host to two of my favourite new bands Veronica Falls & Fear of Men along with an act who by the material they've released thus far, could soon be in that bracket too, Sheffield's own Blessa.

"Pale" comes from the same session that brought us "Unfurl" and similarly sees hazy, hypnotic guitar textures shimmering in a wash of irresistible vocals and reverb, instantly the sort of track that hooks you in and gets you all weak at the knees. Blessa are due in the studio again soon and featuring here in the non too distant future, I can only imagine.

Anna Lena & The Orchids #4 - Miss Audrie

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It's all getting exciting for fans of Anna Lena & The Orchids (like me), frequently mentioned here for almost two years now, next week sees the launch show for Anna's debut EP (Friday 8th at The Sebright Arms, London with support from fellow blog favourites Hella Better Dancer - details).

Her self-titled four track EP will follow on March 18th on 10" vinyl and CD (pre-order via Rough Trade) and over the last few days we've been treated to its second preview (after last years gorgeous "View of My Sanity"), "Miss Audrie". It fills the senses with intrigue and wonder, Anna's emotive vocals soar amongst beautiful, textured instrumentation led by driving piano and haunting harmonies, showcasing Anna's diverse and mysterious talents, "Miss Audrie" is brooding, powerful and most importantly bloody wonderful. Stream below: