New Music Friday: alt-J, Retro Video Club, Wings of Desire and more

Our picks for the past week’s best music releases for you to get your ears around. Check out what we have to say and give them a listen

New Music Friday: alt-J, Retro Video Club, Wings of Desire and more

alt-J - The Actor

This week, English Indie rock band alt-J returned to the scene with dreamy new single The Actor, a shining example of chilled-out bedroom pop. The Actor is a stunning melodic journey of 1980s America from start to finish that runs around themes of drugs and death. With a clean guitar solo that runs through the chorus, a wooziness that almost makes you feel dizzy, and a soft out of body experience, the vocals have a vintage quality that one may say could ease the pain of the world. The song has a certain reassurance that makes you feel warm whilst creating an uneasiness through the lyrics. It's a mix of emotions and creates the feeling of an American movie playing to the backdrop of a sunset.

RAHH - Weave My Web

RAHH is an up and coming RnB musician who has already been making major waves in the industry – even performing backing vocals for Liam Gallagher at The Brits this week. Her new single, Weave My Web, is a smooth but raw track that fuses soul, pop and electronic music influences. Dealing with themes of toxicity in relationships and a desire to be with the wrong person, Weave My Web has incredibly confident vocals layered over electronic beats, lifting the track into another dimension. If you're a fan of Neneh Cherry, this track is one you should be checking out immediately!

Wings of Desire - Perfect World

Musical duo Wings of Desire takes influence from the New York indie scene and the prestigious factory records known for signing the likes of Joy Division. Their new track Perfect World tells a story of a world that's falling apart but one that's building new bridges for positive paths. The song has an incredibly strong presence in terms of musicality. It features bold guitar elements that create demanding energy leading to the chorus whilst the vocals command the track steering its direction flawlessly. The best is Steady But Strong, creating an atmosphere that draws the listener into dreams of summer nights, and creates mental imagery of wild meadows. Perfect World is also exceptional from start to finish.

Leon Stanford - Love is a Colour 

Welsh singer-songwriter Leon Stanford is a rising star in music, creating stunning guitar ballads inspired by artists such as Paolo Nutini and Leon Bridges. The new single, Love is a Colour, was formed from a lyric in Leon’s phone, which became the track’s title and explores relationships breaking down. Reminiscent to artists such as James Morrison, this acoustic journey through heartbreak is fronted by Leon’s soulful tone, with elements of gospel, jazz and pop. The simple drum beat and guitar chords pinned by an understanding of music in its purest form, Love is a Colour, is sure to put Leon Stanford’s name firmly on the map.

Retro Video Club - Faking

Scottish Indie outfit Retro Video Club has made quite the name for themselves on the indie guitar scene. Known for their confidence and anthemic tales of love and heartbreak, their new single Faking is their latest instalment of high energy pop-rock. Faking features distinctive vocals from frontman Liam Allison and their ever-loved electric guitar powered choruses. The new single builds on already solid foundations with insanely catchy lyrics and a soundscape that makes you want to dance. It’s perfect for a festival set, house party, or just to sing in the shower. Faking is a master class in addictive, joy-inducing rock’n’roll.

Header Image Credit: Henry Laurisch

Author

Faith Martin

Faith Martin Kickstart

Faith worked as a freelance journalist for a year after finishing her studies at Portsmouth College, writing for a number of esteemed publications as well as running her own music blog before joining Voice Magazine as a Kickstart Trainee Journalist. An avid vinyl collector and gig-goer, Faith also campaigns for disability rights and better disabled access at live music events.

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