Category Archives: Power Pop

Jack Rua ‘Narcissus’ Album

Photo Credit : PureGrand

Jack Rua, the ambitiously bold and innovative Irish Glam-pop artist, is set to release his debut eight-track mini-album, ‘Narcissus’ on June 26th. ‘Narcissus’ sees Jack Rua team up with producers Porridge, LOGUOS, Mattu, Tenderhook. and Rouleaux. Following the internationally-praised releases of ‘Scarlet A’, ‘Ego’, ‘Rise’, ‘Curious’, and the albums fifth and final single ‘Reflection’ released earlier this month the album charts the singer-songwriter’s journey after he graduated from college, moved away from home to New York City and broke up from a long-term relationship.

‘Narcissus’ wraps, contorts and dazzles as Jack Rua brings a vivid array of influences from glam rock, house and pop to create a full bodied, shimmering and utterly infectious collection of tracks. There is much vibrancy within as Rua entices the listener right into the album’s dark epicentre while keeping the danceable infectiousness alive throughout with wild dance explosions and slick glam rock swagger. It’s quite the enjoyable power pop gem. 

‘Narcissus’ sets the Jack Rua experience in motion. He doesn’t do anything in half measures and his debut album is a sublime example of how Rua has mastered his craft through meticulous attention to detail and layering. Luring dark and eerie, Rua entices with flashing beat pulses before erupting into an implosive, tense EDM soundscape. ‘Narcissus’ is an intriguing start to the album and a fine display of Rua’s musicianship. He superbly teases and builds tension in his tracks, fermenting thrilling electronics to create bubbling coiling soundscapes of fragmented synths and dramatic electronic progressions. The talented Darce joins Rua for the sultry ‘Rise’.Well placed risqué lyrics are cooled by Rua’s soft vocals while the sticky electronics smother the backdrop in a humid haze. Darce’s raps punch through the sensual electronics as the track simmers and smoulders in a bubbling pop vapour. 

Lyrically ‘Narcissus’ is a coming-of-age album which juxtaposes the joys of self-discovery with the personal and global anxieties you feel when you get a bit older.‘Curious’ playfully challenges binary thinking in terms of sexuality, beckoning you to “stop paying so much attention to your labels” and embrace “a new world” while ‘Ego (with LOGUOS)’ expresses a newfound appreciation that the artist began to feel for himself. The theatrical finger clicking and sultry ‘Scarlet A’ marks a turning point in the tracklist where Rua dives beneath his ego and explores the deeper and darker parts of himself. All this is set to an invigorating backdrop of dubstep elements, punchy rhythms and intoxicating electronics.

LOGUOS and Rua are quite the musical dream team, creating a shimmering summer pop anthem with crisp, infectious production and the passionate, euphoric musicianship of ‘Ego’ is quite the radio ready summer bop.

The artist’s scramble to be remembered in ‘Forget Me Not’ is deftly expressed through gripping, intense, intricate layering embellished only by the incomparable musical flair of Jack Rua. Each song exudes vibrancy and expressive musicianship to create the ultimate dance pop album ready to tantalize the listeners ears. 

The album takes a turn with the melodious ‘Reckless Abandon’, however rather than brooding through a moody ballad Rua whacks out a dance infused 80’s anthemic number with lamenting guitar strides and power pop gusto. The harsher guitar elements slice through the pop mirages as the song spirals into a disco hued swirl of confusion. There is still composure within the track which is impressive. It’s a song about the despair that can occur in a situation wherein one can suddenly lose complete control. Rua displays passion through the coiling entwinement of this music. His vocals remain emotive yet composed.

The beautiful ‘Reflection’ brings the album to an end. Rua cools the tone for his finale ruminating on who he is and whether or not he likes what he sees in the mirror. With wispy electronics and a heavy thumping beat he closes the album after a whirlwind of acceptance, experimentation and self doubt to almost start it all again. Rua’s vocal delivery is simple with as little fuss as possible allowing the lyrics and his soft tone drift over the ethereal backdrop. It’s a powerful thought-provoking song to close a frantic and colourful album. 

‘Narcissus’ is a fabulously fun and deeply personal album. Jack Rua announces his debut album with musical flair, prowess and compelling dance pop. This talented artist is fearless. He is not afraid to express his vulnerability and that is a quality to be admired. He is certainly an artist to keep an eye on. His tunes are a rebellious, catchy and wholly satisfying listening experience. I’ve witnessed Jack Rua blossom as an artist. Each track he has released to date has grown and built his rich, bold and intriguing sound to create a moving and unique collection of tracks that is polished and refined. He has become quite the dance pop connoisseur. 

‘Narcissus’ will be released on June 26th until then you can stream Jack Rua’s recent single ‘Curious’ below 


Author : Danu

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The RPMs

Straight off the back of a string of summer gigs and festivals up and down the country, Brighton’s The RPMs are back with their new single ‘Your Ghost’ and all revved up with a bigger sound than before. The RPMs recently released their second EP ‘Agents Of Change’ in June 2017 through Xtra Mile Recordings. They followed their release with a run of shows throughout the spring and summer months, including supports with We Are Scientists. Alongside this they also played Camden Rocks, Isle of Wight Festival, Glastonbury Festival, Butefest,110 Above, Big Feastival (run by Jamie Oliver and Alex James from Blur) and RivFest in honour of the memory of River Reeves and the members of Viola Beach. The EP continued to win them fans on the radio, including airplay of lead single ‘Oh My God’ from Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq, Chris Hawkins and Tom Robinson across BBC 6 Music and Radio 1, BBC Introducing in The South & the Radio X Evening Playlist.  More recently, ‘Things I Forgot To Do’ was added to Huw Stephens’ Best of BBC Introducing playlist as well as the Radio X Evening Playlist and John Kennedy Recommends on Radio X.

‘Your Ghost’ is a flickering indie pop sprinkled bombshell. This band know how to write an insanely catchy tune brimming with rich intensely satisfying soundscapes. Dazzling electronics flash and fluctuate throughout adding a surge of adrenaline inducing bedazzlement. With bright spirited guitar jangles and a snappy beat this track is an instant vitality shot of pizzazz and high-powered energy. Smooth laid-back vocals add a hazy daydream vibe that exudes summer sun and good times. These guys write smashing indie pop bangers and ‘Your Ghost’ is a prime example of this. The melody is luscious and sweet while the instrumentation blinds with bright breezy scintillation and power pop energy while still holding an indie edge. Another great track from The RPMs.

Stream ‘Your Ghost’ below

 


Scarlet ‘Your Control’

scarlet

Scarlet are the cloaked dark horse who have been working relentlessly over the past few years to make a name for themselves. Since launching in 2014 the band have worked with producers Jon Withnall, (Coldplay’s Parachutes, A Rush Of Blood To The Head, and X&Y) Michael Johnson (Joy Division, Pink Floyd, New Order, Stone Roses). They have secured places supporting Neon Waltz, Pulled Apart By Horses, a set at Liverpools Concert For Gaza, and a slot supporting The Struts. In 2015 the four piece secured slots playing DIY’s ‘breaking out’ night at Liverpool music week festival, supported Swervedriver, Black Honey, Kagoule and released their debut single ‘Anyway’ and now are currently working with Al Groves (Bring Me The Horizon, CAST) on their debut album ‘Effigy’ which is to be released in the UK and Japan in October.
The female fronted band have just released their new single ‘Your Control’. Its a juicy jangle pop anthem multi textured with sharp on-point guitars and a soft spongy beat. The syrupy vocals are delicate and silky. Its darkened tones and reverb give the track rich textures and a shadowy atmosphere while still remaining light and airy. This catchy power pop track exudes fighting spirit while remaining elegant until the massive mosh worthy crescendo. ‘Your Control’ shows Scarlet’s skilled musicianship as they have created a track that is dreamy and easy to listen to but maintains a rawness that adds an edge that keeps this band fresh and dynamic. Watch out for these guys.
Stream ‘Your Control’ below

Black Honey ‘Hello Today’

Black honey have just released their new single ‘Hello Today’. Izzy Baxter, (vocals, guitar) Chris Ostler (guitar), Tommy Taylor (bass) and Tom Dewhurst (drums) continue their efforts for world domination with this staggering indie pop ear worm. They shake things up shifting from their previous brooding melancholic vibes smothered in intoxicating psychedelia to a peppy “screw you” middle finger attitude. Izzy exudes swagger and sass as she expresses her feelings exquisitely with aptly placed French phrases. This empowering track with its hyper sugar coated pop exterior and subtle bitter sting of the lyrics is a ball of bouncy fun with a slapping ricochet effect. It is glazed with a  fuzzed guitar sound that still maintains the sunny hazy vibes we are used to from Black Honey. With rich percussion and a flexible groovy rhythm the four piece bring something new and fresh to the table. The slick guitar adds a razor sharp edge and rawness to the track which otherwise appears sleek, polished and refined.
Another fantastic track from Black Honey these guys just keep getting better and better.
Stream ‘Hello Today’ below

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Dream Wife

London based musicians, Alice Go (guitar, vocals), Bella Podpadec (bass, vocals) and Icelandic singer Rakel Mjöll (lead vocals) formed at art school in Brighton where the project began as a performance art piece. They formed Dream Wife (named after the 1953 romantic comedy) and began a musical journey of edgy pop and feminine empowering attitude.
Their track ‘Hey Heartbreaker’ taken from their self -titled EP is an infectious pop track that exudes girl power to the tune of razor sharp grunge. This track is ridiculously catchy with a 60’s swing like effect. The vocals seamlessly slide between a luscious smooth cooing with dreamy backing harmonies to a sharpened scream. Oozing attitude and swagger the track has a strutting confident effect and feminine strength. Its simple pop hook, bouncy beats and zealous guitar riff makes this track unforgettable. Dream Wife show their delicate femininity while giving us a fantastic slap in the face “dont mess with me” attitude. They manage to keep the playful atmosphere while showcasing their undoubted capability and skill.
Put it on repeat and let the girl pop/ grunge mayhem consume you.

Stream ‘Hey Heartbreaker’ below

Dot Dash ‘Flowers’

Washington, D.C. post-punk pop band Dot Dash are made up of members Terry Banks (guitar/vocal ), Steve Hansgen (guitar), Hunter Bennett (bass) and Danny Ingram (drums). Their single ‘Flowers’ is a light energetic blend of post punk and power pop. Its a short track coming in at only 2 minutes and 4 seconds but that doesn’t stop it from making an impact. The bouncy drums, infectious bass line and driving melody make this song very catchy. It has a sixties hop feel with references to the fifties and sixties dances in the lyrics ‘bunny hop’ and  ‘mash potato’ only with cutting guitars. The versus and chorus are very melodic and Banks vocals have a warm depth to them which gives this song radiance. Its definitely a song to get you bopping and dancing
Watch ‘Flowers’ below