Issue #13 Features

The following features are now included in our online magazine which is also available in print.

Issue #13

Elena Deva – Breaking the Cycle on Abusement Park

Elena Deva’s latest single, Abusement Park, is an alternative rock piece that breaks the cycle of emotional abuse head-on. The song has a strong, alternative rock sound, reminiscent of the early 2000s, with a Paramore-esque urgency to the rhythm. The song has an Evanescence quality to the melody, but without the nostalgia.

The vocal performance by Elena Deva cuts through the mix, unafraid to confront the issue of emotional abuse head-on, without resorting to metaphor or innuendo. The rhythm section of the song adds to the tension, much like the cycle of abuse itself, which mirrors the emotional ebb and flow of the relationship. The song is more of a declaration of independence than a heartbreak song, as it has a cinematic quality to it.

Maddox Jones – Rewriting the Past on No More Ghosts

Maddox Jones, a Northampton-based singer, has rewritten the past with his version of No More Ghosts, which was a closing track on Headspace, an album released by the artist in the past. The new version of the song has a synth-pop quality to it, which gives the song a sense of momentum, as opposed to the more introspective version of the song.

The layered synth sound gives the song a sense of uplift, reminiscent of the work of Robyn, without losing the confessional quality of the song itself. Maddox Jones has not tried to change the pain of the song, but has instead worked around it to give the song a sense of uplift, which gives the song a sense of purpose, as opposed to the more introspective version of the song, which was more focused on the ghosts of the past, as opposed to the ghosts of the future, which give the song a sense of momentum.

AC Scott – Reclaiming The Ballad of Lucy Jordan

As AC Scott, Alison Craig’s latest work is an interpretation of The Ballad of Lucy Jordan. The song, penned by Shel Silverstein and famously recorded by Marianne Faithfull in 1979, is a piece of cultural significance. AC Scott’s work is a response to this. 

While Faithfull’s delivery is stark and haunting, AC Scott’s is an exercise in vulnerability. The production is intimate rather than dramatic. The end result is not a cover song attempting to live up to its predecessor but an artist’s introspection on a song that first caught her attention. AC Scott’s work is a testament to the fact that some songs can be reinterpreted if done so with sincerity. 

Allegra – Turning Inward on Red

Allegra’s latest EP, titled Red, is a move towards a more introspective sound for an artist who first made a name for herself as a dance floor queen. 

Allegra’s latest work is a series of tracks such as Ash, which have a dark energy behind them but are still polished within their production courtesy of Tim Gosden. The beats may be dance floor-friendly, but the emotional content is much heavier. Allegra’s latest work is a move towards maturity for an artist who is moving away from singles towards a full-bodied work. 

Janet Devlin – Sweetness With a Sting on Candy

Janet Devlin has always excelled at frankness, and “Candy” follows suit with mischievous attitude. Taken from the deluxe version of Not My First Emotional Rodeo, the song delves into the world of sugar babies without apology.

The song, co-created with Chris Markey, is a blend of energy and insight. While the chorus is in giddy territory, the verses pose pointed questions to social convention on the nature of love and agency. While the song is playful, it is not mocking or condescending. It is an invitation to look at the way we tell the story of desire. Devlin’s charm is in his ability to be playful and pointed at the same time.

Qymira – Building a World on Shade of My Shadow

Qymira is expanding her creative world with the release of Shade of My Shadow through QiiA Media. This is the theme song for the upcoming film Shadow Transit, and it is a blend of pop and orchestral drama.

While co-created with Richard Taylor, the song is cinematic in its build and feel, moving from soft piano to grand strings. Qymira’s voice is steady and bright throughout, never succumbing to melodrama despite the grand nature of the arrangement. It is indicative of Qymira moving from pop star to world-builder. Shade of My Shadow is not just the theme song of the upcoming film Shadow Transit – it is the statement of intent on the nature of art and the need to dream big and to tell big stories.

CrazySeed – Embracing Solitude on Let It Be Alone

The Lisbon-based band CrazySeed is taking their cues from the 90s alternative movement on their latest single, Let It Be Alone. While the band takes their emotional cues from the likes of Nirvana, the song is a blend of quiet and loud moments.

The production is well-controlled, giving the melancholy vocals room to breathe in the midst of the distorted guitars. While the song is taking its cues from the grunge movement, CrazySeed is not imitating the chaos of the likes of Nirvana. It is taking the chaos and working it into something new and exciting, with the chorus expanding without ever becoming muddled and the emotions never becoming maudlin.

SHAB – Survival and Release on Skin and Bones

SHAB brings crisis to catharsis on the track “Skin and Bones.” The song was created as the artist learned of her partner’s near-fatal accident. The song begins with raw vulnerability.

However, the song is later remixed by Damon Sharpe, giving the track an upbeat, euphoric feel that brings hope and gratitude for survival, rather than shock and trauma. The track is an exercise in survival, giving the song an uplifting quality that is rooted in the experience.

Tom Minor – Sharp Edges on Ten New Toe Tappers for Shoplifting and Self Mutilation

Tom Minor follows up his debut with “Ten New Toe Tappers for Shoplifting and Self Mutilation,” an album that is an existence statement for the indie genre. The track has the sharp edges of The Kinks and Elvis Costello, with the voice being contemporary.

The track “Progressive or Punk” is an exercise in identity politics, as the artist toys with the genre, giving the track an upbeat, catchy quality that is not taken too seriously, while the track “Punk” is an exercise in the absurd, as the artist discusses the genre with sharp edges that bring the track to life, giving the listener the hope that sharp edges can coexist with depth.

Scott Clay – Love Against the Ice on The Compass and the Wheel

Scott Clay’s source of inspiration comes from In the Kingdom of Ice, and his focus lies on the ill-fated 1879 USS Jeannette expedition. However, he does not focus on the history of the expedition itself but on the letters of Captain George W. De Long to his wife.

Recorded at Farmland Studios, the track features understated playing from Guthrie Trapp and Greg Morrow, giving it room and warmth. It’s no longer about the frozen sea but about love and how it’s tested. Scott Clay succeeds in capturing the thin line between endurance and love in his track.