Happy New Year!

*testing...testing..1..2...3* Hello?

Sorry it's been awhile since I've posted (roughly 6 months to be exact!). As some of you may know I've started studying an MA in Sound Design so I've been busy working on that and also mixed with a part time job, I was finding it hard to film and edit it vlogs as well as post up music reviews.

However, my new year's resolution this year is to be more organised and effective with my time. So starting next Thursday I will be posting again. I'm also launching something too that week so keep an eye out on here and also on my facebook page.

I will also be uploading videos again on my YouTube channel weekly starting from the 16th.

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year.

Lauren

Album Review: NOREiKA - Throw the Switch to Begin

Rating: ★★★

This is NOREiKA's follow up second EP to his debut, METACOUSTiFOLK.  Opening track from the New York rocker's EP is Ride. Ride is a country folk acoustic track which sets off the album. Slow to mid beat it's a chilled out that eases you in. It shows off Peter's soulful voice. In contrast to this, You're the One is a rockier heavy one. Feels very country rock and alternative to the opening track. Both track are quite different to each other so shows his vocals and how versatile his style is.

Win or Lose seems to have a similar feel to the previous track in terms of style. However, it's slightly more heavy with a catchy and repetitive beat. What I like about Win or Lose (and maybe why it's my favourite off the EP) is the folky bridge section with the guitar riff. Final track is Rocketship. The track is a faster pace. In terms of style, it's a mixture of folk meeting metal and acoustic.

Overall it's a very fun EP and worth a listen. Go and support NOREiKA buy downloading his EP here or alternatively go to the player at the top and click buy. Follow him on both Twitter and Facebook too to keep up to date with any news and future releases. 

New Music Monday: 22nd August 2016

1. Back to You - Mollie King

After The Saturdays took a hiatus last year, the girls have been busy with solo projects. Earlier this year, Vanessa White released her solo EP. This time it's Mollie King's turned. Enthestic dance pop track, Back to You is Mollie's debut. It's a tease of what's to come from her. The track has hints of Britney mixed with Madonna. Definitely cannot wait for more music from Mollie!

2. Bauer - Made The Change

Manchester indie dance band, Bauer have released new single 'Made The Change'. An uplifting dance pop track with catchy lyrics. The band are set to release new album 'Impossible is Nothing' due for release in October. You can keep up with the band on Facebook and Twitter. Also support their music on bandcamp.

3. Still Falling For You - Ellie Goulding

After her massive tour and third album Halycon, Ellie Goulding has released another single. Still Falling For You is all about still falling for someone after been with them for years. With Ellie's stunning vocals and big key changes, this track is simlar to Love Me Like You Do. Like LMLYD, Still Fallling For You is appearing on a film soundtrack. It is the featured song for upcoming rom-com Bridget Jones' Baby.

4. Brand New Moves - Hey Violet

What a year Hey Violet have had. Since signing with 5 Seconds of Summer's label, Hi or Hey Records, they have supported the band on their tour, released their debut EP and had a headline tour of themselves. Hey Violet now release their latest EP, Brand New Moves. Title track of the same name takes the band into a different musical direction. Showing their dancier side, Brand New Moves is a pop beat dance track unlike their rockier style.

5. Work For It - Lower Than Atlantis

Watford indie rockers Lower Than Atlantis release Work For It. Set to release their follow up to their self titled debut album soon. Work For It is a rocky anthemic track featuring epic guitar riffs and a powerful chorus. If tracks like this are on the second album, then it will be epic!

Album Review: The Label - Vodka and Lemonade

Rating: ★★★★

'Vodka & Lemonade' is the follow up EP to 2015's debut EP 'Wet Leather' from the Glaswegian indie band. Opening track of the same name is a nice little rocky opener setting off this brilliant EP. The catchy guitar riff in the middle 8 is phenomenal and a highlight of the track. 'Black Fiesta' is next on this four-track album. A chilled out guitar riff following a slick beat into a rocky end. Black Fiesta is all about the hardships of life and getting through them

The penultimate track 'Hangover' is all about hangovers and remembering the night out before. It tells the story of never drinking again when you have a hangover and then going out again which we all do. That's one thing about this EP - the themes are very real and songs that relate to everyone. Final track off the EP is Copenhagen. Copenhagen is an upbeat feel track to finish off the set. Along with guitars, bass and drums it features a xylophone which adds to the song. It is personally one of my favourite tracks off 'Vodka & Lemonade'.

'Vodka & Lemonade' is out now via bandcamp and also streamed through Spotify. You can also listen to The Label's first EP, 'Wet Leather' here. Follow the band on Twitter and Facebook to keep update with them.

New Music Monday: 15th August 2016

1. Bang Bang - Green Day

After a two year hiatus, Green Day are back with a 'Bang Bang' - literally. It's their lead single from twelve studio album, Revolution Radio. The album is set to be release in October. Bang Bang channels the bands pop punk edge. The track reminds me of the bands American Idiot era.

2. Too Much is Never Enough - Florence and the Machine

Following on from their third album, How Big How Beautiful, Florence and the Machine were announced as releasing three track for the upcoming, Final Fantasy game. Final Fantasy XV is due for release this November and the band have released a cover of Ben E King's Stay by Me, I Will Be and Too Much is Never Enough. Too Much is Never Enough is a beautiful classical piece with vocals of lead singer, Florence Welch. The band were inspired by the sound of Classic FM for the two pieces.

3. Kids - OneRepublic

Follow up to 'Wherever I Go', OneRepublic release 'Kids'. This track is an anthemic pop song and has a similar style to that of Coldplay. Lead singer, Ryan Tedder shows his vocal range from going low to high in the chorus. Yet to announce the title and release date of their fourth album. Expect another amazing album from this band.

4. Mixxy - Mic Rowe

New York Hip Hop artist, Mic Rowe releases another mix, Mixxy. Mixxy is a rap all about life in New York and the struggles of getting big in Hip Hop. With it's catchy beat and true lyrics. Watch out for Mic Rowe as he's going to go far in the Hip Hop world. You can check out his other mixes on his Soundcloud here.

5. Donut Swag (Feat. Lexi) - Shanny Lonn

California pop singer, Shanny Lonn releases Donut Swag. This track is an empowered fun loving number all about loving yourself no matter what size you are. It's all about embracing and being positive wrapped up with a catchy repetitive dance pop beat. Check out more of Shanny on soundcloud and YouTube.  

My Room Tour - New Video

This week's video over on my channel, is My Room Tour. I recently moved out of my third and final year uni room. Now I'm in a tinier room to start my MA in September. I much prefer it as it's smaller and more cosier so expect more videos from here!

Check out the video below.