In a month where COVID-19 restrictions began lifting (again) in the UK, the music stayed constant, both old and new. This month’s lyrical caption comes from the former, a track first released over 20 years ago in 1997, a remixed version of American R&B artist Tina Moore’s Never Gonna Let You Go, revamped in this instance by Kelly G. Incorporating elements of garage and house music in its style, it’s been a great one to bop to in the shower this month. Remember you can follow and listen to the playlist in full by following the link on the right, and continue to scroll to read more about what I’ve loved this April!
High Dive Heart – Misfit
One duo I stumbled upon for the first time this month was High Dive Heart, with their infectious pop track Misfit. Comprised of Jason Reeves and Danielle Leverett, their voices compliment each other wonderfully on this anthemic feel-good tune, all about embracing being yourself and standing out. Very radio-friendly, very wholesome, maybe a bit cheesy, but incredibly catchy. Originally released in 2016, the duo have since joined forces with Grammy award winning artist Colbie Callait and Justin Kawika Young to form a new band, Gone West, exploring a more country music style, and released their debut album Canyons last year.
The Griswolds – Beware The Dog
Released in 2014, Australian indie duo The Griswolds have already felt success in their track Beware The Dog, which was awarded Rolling Stone Australia’s Single of the Year. It’s taken from their debut album Be Impressive, and is everything you want in a massive indie tune: it’s fun, catchy, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Since then, they have gone to release another two LP’s, as well an EP in 2020. I will definitely be trawling their back catalogue in the coming months!
Wilderado – Surefire (Piano Version)
Three-piece American indie folk band Wilderado also came onto my radar this month, with a stripped piano version of their 2019 track Surefire, a song loosely inspired by the poem A Gradual Canticle for Augustine by Tabitha King. Defining themselves by soaring melodies and impressive three-part harmonies, these are most certainly the aspects that drew me to them: they all sound gorgeous on this version of the track! Their debut album is currently in the works and due in 2021, so I can’t wait to hear more from this promising group!
Ben Howard – Rookery
Former BRIT Award winner Ben Howard released his fourth LP Collections from the Whiteout at the end of last month, which went straight to the top of the UK Albums chart. An album which feels deeply personal and no doubt melancholic in places, it succeeds in being a new and fresh perspective and style, while still in-keeping with Howard’s beautiful poetry. Rookery is the track that has stuck with me this month, a dark and somewhat self-deprecating song, but still gorgeous, much like the whole album.
Mannequin Online – I Remember
ANOTHER great alternative duo I discovered this month is Los Angeles-based Mannequin Online, with their track I Remember. A stylish and quirky two-piece, this too reflects in their music, which combines dreamy, carefree melodies with an electropop style, thus resulting in Mannequin Online. A relatively new act to the scene, having formed in 2019, they certainly have started as they mean to go on, and show plenty of promise!
*Special Mention – Keisha White*
I’ll be the first to confess I’m a massive Tracy Beaker fan (if you know, you know!), so it’s hard to believe that nearly TWENTY YEARS after the TV version of the Jacqueline Wilson book aired on CBBC in the UK, I’m finally getting the chance to listen to the theme song on repeat! Performed by English R&B singer Keisha White, the track Someday finally was released on streaming services this month, and it’s a full-on nostalgia-fest. As such a massive part of my childhood, I couldn’t not give her April’s Special Mention. Thank you Keisha!
