song – NZ Film Freak

Coda Nova – Fable

Atlanta-based four-piece progressive rock band, Coda Nova, have released their third single, Fable.

With drums that lean toward heavy metal, hooks that remind me of My Chemical Romance (in the early days!), electric guitar that screams straight from the 1980s, and vocals that echo Placebo, Coda Nova is an authentic mash up of all things rock to create a distinct sound of their own.

This eight-minute track bends all the ‘rules’ of modern three-minute tracks, which in itself sets this band apart. This step off of the beaten track reminds me of the forward-thinking Pink Floyd.

“Say what you will, this fable’s in decline.”
– Coda Nova

Fable speeds up and slows down like waves of emotion as the story builds momentum. A brave and progressive song structure against poetic lyrics woven between classic rock riffs makes this single memorable.

“Feel that elation
That pull of greed
Exaggeration of things we need
What is left to fill
But all the minds we see
are just left for guessing”
– Coda Nova

My only wish is that they’d crank up the bass guitar a little, as the song sounds a bit thin at times with the lead guitar taking centre stage without a much-needed heartbeat.

Listen to Fable on Spotify, Bandcamp, Soundcloud or Amazon today, and let us know what you think in the comments below!

This is a paid review.

The Days of Aqua Net – After Adam

The Days of Aqua Net is a pop-rock anthem by After Adam, and it’ll be a sure hit with Gen Z.

It’s an innocent recollection of the past, filled with nostalgia, regret and fresh perspectives.

Those were the days of aqua net
Those are the days I’ll never forget
I only have one regret
And that’s not kissing you

It reminds me of the kinds of songs that would be played in the disco scenes of children’s tv shows such as Lizzy Maguire.

The song and music video make more sense when you Google what aqua net is. It’s a brand of hairspray from the 1950s that had a huge comeback in the 80s when the trend for big hair returned.

An enjoyable and innocent tune!

This is a sponsored review via Fiverr.

Turned to Stone – Lynne Taylor Donovan

I didn’t know there was a Canadian sub-genre of Country music. Yet, here we are.

Lynne Taylor Donovan is a country singer who has written a song called Turned to Stone.

The song itself is a pretty standard country pop song, but the accompanying video was a bit too DIY-looking, which simplified the music too much I think.

The Kim Day (from Kath & Kim) lookalike is a fair singer and is clearly enthusiastic about her music. But the melodramatics and appearance are stereotypical of the Baby Boomer generation, which took away from her vocal talents somewhat.

Having said that, I love the look of that country music bar. It reminds me of the line dancing in Thelma & Louise.

If you’re a country music fan, you’ll definitely enjoy Lynne Taylor Donovan’s song – especially the bridge, which is a very upbeat honky tonk solo.

Check it out here.

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Bright Light – Neil and Adam

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

The St. Louis-based duo have a few thousand followers across their channels, with Bright Light already receiving more than 8,000 plays.

While Neil and Adam’s song Bright Light does sound quite generic, I suppose that is the essence of the pop genre.

It actually sounds like the kind of song that’s played over the credits of a coming of age movie like Fault in our Stars or The Way Way Back. It’s very upbeat, positive and nostalgic.

Scared of the bright light
Burning in your heart
Waiting for the fist fight
That rages in your heart

With a catchy chorus and smooth vocals, you’re bound to enjoy it! It’s easy to sing along to, and it certainly gets stuck in your head.

Check it out:

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Made It Look Easy – Xavier Toscano

Featuring a rather basic lyrical pattern, sadly this song missed the mark for me.

Yeah, I made it look easy
And all I need is one shot
Because I do it like this
Yeah I do it like this

Based in San Francisco Bay, Xavier Toscano has gained more than 30,000 followers across his social media accounts, so my opinion is obviously not one shared by many!

Didn’t do it to impress
Did it to feel good
And if you dropped your jaw
Well, that’s just real cool

The amount of self-confidence in the song and video makes me feel secondary embarrassment, particularly with the overdramatic background dancers. But I suppose this goes hand in hand with this brand of pop music genre.

Nevertheless, I could imagine Xavier drawing in the crowd festivals, as his songs are easy to sing along to and would definitely create a high-energy and inclusive atmosphere.

Check out the song and music video on his YouTube account here.

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Where Do We Go – Blow_flyy ft Kaleb Simmons

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Where Do We Go is written and performed by independent hip-hop/rap artist, Blow_flyy, who hails from Canada. But I’ll be straight up, this is not my genre of music.

“If they talkin’ money; gotta love it,
It means more stacks to maintain this life I’m used to livin’,
Cuz this will always be a part of me
I’ve just got a bigger vision”

As far as rapping goes, I couldn’t tell you if it’s good or bad. But I was under the impression that rapping was supposed to rhyme… At least that’s what I learned from the Real Slim Shady back in o-four.

“I gots to get it lit
I could get used to this complimentary thing,
Chardonay
I’m on my way to another city
They buzzin’ like bees above; I got the honey
Ladies fallin’ head-over-heels for me”

Despite the shallow lyrics, I enjoyed the melodic ooh-aahs during the chorus. It reminded me of 1930s Disney soundtracks, like in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

I can’t say I relate to the lyrics, and the sharp drumbeat bothers my baby, so I can’t listen to it as repeatedly as I’d like to write a more in-depth review. But, I can say in all honesty that if hip-hop and rap is your thing, then you should give blow_flyy a listen.

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Oh God – Peace Spirits

I haven’t heard of Peace Spirits before, but they’re sort of hippie meets 70s slow rock.

The song writer wanted to tell the story of how everyone has a moment in their lives where they experience pain, fear and anxiety, and how in that moment they will reach out for God irrespective of faith.

We hope that this song, Oh God will help us keep the faith and help us help each other, with lyrics that will touch your hearts and music that will set you free on a wonderful and inspiring musical journey! – writer, Kyla Lynn Vezina

Despite the melodramatic vocals and video, I have to admit I found the chorus got stuck in my head every time. The guitar and longing chorus reminds me of a song in the musical War of the Worlds, The Spirit of Man. I think it’s the 1970s theatrics of the music.

The spiritual nature of the song is one that you’ll either love or hate. While I’m personally not a huge fan of the general tone of the music, I expect that if you are a cat-owner with a tie-dye shirt and various crystals in your home, you’ll really connect with this song.

Nevertheless, this might just be the song you need to hear during these uncertain times. Check it out.

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Baby Let Me Go – Smoking Martha

Stepping away from their more upbeat and rocky music, Baby Let Me Go by Smoking Martha is a soft rock acoustic song with dark undertones on their album In Deep.

Echoing the glamorous aesthetic of rock and roll singers from the deep south, surprisingly this band hails from Brisbane’s sunny coastlines.

This is the second song I have reviewed of Smoking Martha’s, and I didn’t even realise it was the same band because of how different this song is to the last one!

Baby Let Me Go is about death and grief, with the video using classic symbols of religion, angels and roses to represent the loss and acceptance associated with the song.

My only criticism would be that the song takes a long time to warm up with perhaps one too many verses before reaching the bridge. This plus the repetitive shots used in the video made the song drag a little.

This song in particular reminds me of the 2000’s Ashley Simpson and Avril Lavigne, with a rocky and smokey undertone beneath the feminine and melodramatic exterior, which I think would appeal widely to today’s younger generation. However, their back catalogue is far more typical of the classic rock genre.

Check out Baby Let Me Go on YouTube here.

Follow Smoking Martha on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Left Handed Kisses – Andrew Bird ft. Fiona Apple

I adore this song. It would be nothing without Fiona Apple though. She brings all the raw emotion to it.

Andrew: I don’t believe everything happens for a reason
Fiona: To us romantics out here, that amounts to high treason

What begins as an internal conflict of Andrew Bird’s, soon becomes a quarrel between lovers as Fiona Apple’s growling vocals retort. I think it’s about Andrew’s conflict over writing a love song – does he believe everything happens for a reason? Or is love logical?

It soon takes the role of two lovers having an argument.

I first thought the song was a bit all over the place in terms of melody. But the lyrics kept getting stuck in my head so I found myself replaying it over and over again. It’s Andrew’s pining voice and the melancholy of his violin against Fiona’s rough and emotional vocals that I love because it tells a story of disagreeing lovers.

I love the writing – all your left-handed kisses and backhanded love songs.

Fiona:
The point your song here misses
Is that if you really loved me
You’d risk more than a few 50 cent
Words in your backhanded love song

The bridge of the song shows that they are accepting that they’ve had an argument and are ready to move on. This comes after their vocals begin to harmonise and weave in and out of each other’s lines.

It could also be interpreted as Andrew deciding on how he feels about love.

Andrew: Now it’s time for a handsome little bookend
Fiona: Now it’s time to tie up all the loose ends
Andrew: Am I still a skeptic or did you make me a believer?

But I love how the final line is a threat from Fiona Apple. It echoes her very angry songs (that I love). She’s not to be messed with!

Fiona: If you hesitate, you’ll hear the click of the receiver

I recommend watching the live version – I think it shows off the emotion better.

Cloudbusting – Kate Bush

I am a huge Kate Bush fan, but Cloudbusting has to be my favourite song.

I just know that something good is going to happen
And I don’t know when
But just saying it could even make it happen

I never knew what the song was about until now. I thought it was like a pep-talk about good things being just around the corner.

In fact, Cloudbusting is about a real-life father-son duo in the 1950s who believed they had invented a machine, called a cloudbuster, to make it rain. This invention would result in crops being saved during a drought if successful.

But every time it rains
You’re here in my head
Like the sun coming out

However, the father became paranoid and began to get into trouble with the government after suspicions of his invention being phoney spread. He refused to go to court, and along with other reasons, he was arrested. (I think I’ve understood this correctly; it’s quite a complicated story.)

I can’t hide you
From the government
Oh, god, daddy
I won’t forget

Kate Bush’s song is from the point of view of the son who watches his beloved father getting taken away by the government.

You could see them coming
You looked too small
In their big, black car
To be a threat to the men in power

It’s such a haunting song because of the cello and the lyrics. But it’s equally uplifting, as she interprets the feeling of breaking new ground and the excitement of it.

Imagining My Man – Aldous Harding

aldous harding review

A blend of Joanna Newsom’s folk style and Kate Bush’s theatrical tone makes New Zealand’s Aldous Harding.

I had never heard of her before, but apparently one of her songs is on an advert back home at the moment.

The melody of Imagining My Man makes you melt; the soft keyboard and guitar relaxes you completely. The gentle clarinet (?) at the end is the cherry on top.

I’m going to answer, protecting
It can be so hard to forgive
It’s not what I thought, and it’s not what I pictured
When I was imagining my man

Her style of singing is certainly unique; I thought she was Swedish at first. But her distinctive voice is brilliant and full of emotion.

I love the rawness and honesty of Harding. I’ve watched a few live performances and she doesn’t hold back with exaggerated facial expressions. I heard her apologise ‘for what you’re about to see, but it’s all for the good of the song’ in the Tiny Desk Concert – I assume it was regarding her expressions. Nevertheless, I hope she doesn’t make a habit of apologising.

All my life (hey!) I’ve had to fight to stay
You were right, love takes time, hey, hey

I have since graduated on to another one of her songs, Horizon, which I love too.

Looking forward to hearing more of her!

Jodie

Black – Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi ft. Norah Jones

I heard this song on the epic TV show Breaking Bad and it gave be chills immediately.

Its melancholic, dreamy sound is amazing – Norah Jones’ voice was perfectly matches the tone. Choosing her to feature in this song was a brilliant decision.

Until you travel to that place you can’t come back
Where the last painting’s gone and all that’s left is black

I think it’s about hitting rock bottom, not being able to see anything good in the world – all you see is black.

At last those coming came and they never looked back
With blinding stars in their eyes but all they saw was black

It reminds me a little of a song that’s featured in Stranger than Fiction called La Petite Fille de la Mer, but Black is far heavier and darker… No pun intended.

Thank you Breaking Bad for a lot of things (don’t do drugs, kids!) but most of all for introducing me to this song, which features in season 4.

And when you follow through and wind up on your back
Looking up at those stars in the sky those white clouds have turned it black

Hard Times – Paramore

Hard Times-bg

I can’t stop listening to this brilliant song!

I stopped being a fan of Paramore a long time ago, but I stumbled across this song during a busy day at work creating a new-found love for Hayley Williams’ freakishly talented vocals.

Hard Times is on Paramore’s most recent album After Laughter, and it’s distinctly influenced by 1980s pop. It’s so catchy! I’ve had it on repeat for 72 hours straight. It sort of reminds me of Kiesza’s style (Hideaway).

Hard times
Gonna make you wonder why you even try
Hard times
Gonna take you down and laugh when you cry
These lives
And I still don’t know how I even survive
Hard times. Hard times.
And I gotta get to rock bottom!

It Don’t Seem Right – Eyal Erlich

eyal erlich

It Don’t Seem Right is an acoustic song with the raw and stripped-back sound of Eyal Erlich.

Erlich is a relatively new artist who is currently performing throughout Israel, and plans to release his first album this year.

His waning vocals makes It Don’t Seem Right an emotive tune, which reminds me of Cold War Kids, an alternative Californian band. The solo acoustic guitar supports Erlich’s organic and unrefined voice, but would perhaps benefit from a softer touch, or the accompaniment of a piano or harmonica to create a smoother sound.

Most of my influences aren’t really musical ones, but life experiences that just bring out the music in me. – Eyal Erlich

His unlayered sound is honest and shows off Erlich’s talent for songwriting. I think his style of music would be perfect for live performances, and may benefit from a more climactic chorus in the recording studio to create a more punchy tune.

Check out It Don’t Seem Right on soundcloud here.

Follow Eyal Erlich on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and follow his personal Facebook.

Cherry Blossom Trees – Leafy Satori Risk

Leafy Satori Risk - Cherry Blossom Trees

Cherry Blossom Trees is a lullaby love song to Japan by Leafy Satori Risk. It’s a cool blues/soft jazz song with an echo of folk that blends into a song that evokes a passionate and beautiful Spring romance.

The singer/songwriters Iris and Karl of Leafy Satori Risk both hail from Vienna, but have settled in France, Berlin, New Mexico and then finally in Los Angles. However, their hearts are forever in Tokyo where they spend two months of every year, and where many of their live shows are performed.

Both artists are creative by nature, both working in the film industry when they’re not performing in their band: Iris Karina is an actress and Karl Lohninger is a sound mixer and sound designer.

Inspired by the travelling duo’s dream of experiencing the bloom of cherry blossom trees, this dreamy song reflects on goals that may never be achieved.

Cherry Blossom Trees is a slow-tempo song about, perhaps, being shrouded in desire and aspiration. Just like the floating petals, the writer’s dreams are beautiful and bold, yet barely tangible. The showers of pink petals summons a scene of a soft, pink-hued world. Maybe we’re looking through rose-tinted glasses.

The lyrics describe tides of pink cherry blossom petals that rain down on to the palms of your hand. This imagery makes me think of opportunities that land in the palm of your hand, and it’s up to you to seize them, or ‘wait for the tide to turn’.

Stretch out your arms,
And watch them land on your palms,
We could drown in a sea of flowers if you want,
Or we could wait for the tide to turn.

It’s the theme of love and loss represented by the provocative saxophone and strong male vocals (reminding me of Barry White’s romantic ballads), and the breathy female vocals echoing softly-spoken French love songs.

These combinations of emotive genres and tones creates imagery within itself of a lost or unattainable love. Whether it be someone, something or some place that can not be reached. Judging by the soft strumming of the guitar and gentle hum or purr of the saxophone, I get the sense that as strong as this longing is, it’s been accepted that it may never be achieved.

My love why – why don’t you stay close to me,
The air is cool,
The light is strong,
And spring is near.

With inverted colours, the music video for Cherry Blossom Tree evokes a dream-like state as the singer wanders leisurely and reflectively through Japan. The video was shot by Karl Lohninger inside the Inokashira Park in Kichijoji and at the Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo.

The video, although simple, reflects the melancholic subject matter. Combined, the song and images articulate and engage so much emotion while saying so little. Therefore, you can read and interpret so much into it, which I like. Perhaps partly because of the musicians’ multi-cultural influences, every listener can find a new angle and meaning for it.

Have a listen on YouTube here, and let me know what it makes you think of. Check out Leafy Satori Risk’s website and Facebook.

Mississippi Devil – The Darkest Hearts

TDH_Laugh_

Hailing from Tennessee, The Darkest Hearts is a hard rock band recently nominated for the Nashville Industry Music Award for Best Alternative Rock Band. They are drawing attention world-wide for their unique combination of rock, pop and punk genres, featuring striking guitars and rich, theatrical vocals.

Their song Mississippi Devil is scheduled to be released October 6 of this year. It echoes characteristics of the likes of grunge band Nickelback with strong, melodic pop rock vocals against almost heavy metal instrumentals.

The deep bass that the band’s song sports creates the heavy atmosphere intertwined with punk and gothic undertones. This dark imagery combined with the complexities of the song’s alternative genre reminds me of Evanescence’s early work in album Fallen. I love the punchy drums; it’s the strong heartbeat of Mississippi Devil.

If you enjoy punk and dark, punk rock bands, you’ll love The Darkest Hearts!
Check them out on their website, Facebook and Twitter!

In The Air Tonight [cover] – Peter Nordberg

In the Air tonight Peter Nordberg

Peter Nordberg covers the Phil Collins classic, In The Air Tonight. With Nickleback-esk vocals and traditional-sounding stringed and percussion instruments, Nordberg certainly brings a different angle to the well-known song.

Both hailing from Sweden, Nordberg teamed up with mixer/producer Fredrik Andersson to release his first song in English. With electronic twists and layered vocals against the punchy bass really puts chills down my spine.

Although, it is a more tame version than the Phil Collins original with the drums taking a backseat rather than being centre stage. Nevertheless, this is a brave, authentic and raw cover, which sounds original despite the well-known lyrics.

The drums sound almost tribal – something I could imagine hearing from talented buskers on the streets of arty Melbourne. Whereas the vocals are manipulated to create a modern and rich tone. Brilliant. I’m not surprised this artist was snapped up by a label by the time he was 19, and was such a hit in Norway and Sweden. I expect he will be incredibly popular everywhere else too.

Find Peter Nordberg on Facebook and on his website. Check out the teaser for the single In the Air Tonight here.

Windows – Greye

Windows by Greye is a country-pop song, which echoes early Taylor Swift and Ashley Simpson.

With squeaky-clean, youthful and energetic female vocals – not dissimilar to the likes of Paramore’s lead vocalist – Greye certainly has a distinctive, almost acoustic folk, sound at times.

With vivid lyrical imagery, I could actually imagine this song featuring on The Hunger Games:

“…and shoot that arrow, who know if it’ll be there tomorrow.”

At more than five and a half minutes in duration, Windows is quite a marathon song. Nevertheless, this song has plenty of emotional suspense and instrumental build-up that keeps you listening.

With clear talent on the band’s behalf, I’m sure this song could easily find its way on to an easy-listening or country tunes radio station, if it hasn’t already. Certainly a harmless, sweet, harmonious and youthful group of musicians.

Greye will be hitting the road on July 15, 2017 for a tour of the Eastern United States in support of Windows. Information and dates can be found at here.

Follow Greye on Facebook and Twitter!

Till I See You Again – Bunny Sigler

Bunny music_Fiverr

Dedicated to the US military and America’s uniformed first responders, Till I See You Again could certainly be a moving song for many.

Till I see You Again is a recognisable and loyal echo of the 1980’s R&B/soul music sound, that I’m sure listeners of this era will enjoy. Bunny Sigler includes melancholy backing vocals, chiming harps and sharp drums to create the sounds of a distinct genre and generation since past.

With heart-wrenching vocals and a solemn electronic keyboard, this soulful song will have you reminiscing in feelings of soft nostalgia from the first note. In one listen, you can hear the passion and commitment that the vocalist is putting into his performance of smooth jazz.

Listen to Till I See You Again on YouTube, follow Bunny on Facebook and Twitter.

Promised Land – Russ Still and the Moonshiners

Still Cookin' - Russ Still and the Moonshiners

With a strong country twang and bluesy piano, Russ Still and the Moonshiners sport the well-known sound of classic country music. But when the electric guitar strikes and the heavy punch of drums begin, their sound is undeniably country rock.

The Promised Land on the band’s album Still Cookin’, sounds exactly like how the band look: Cowboy hats, worn-in jeans, black shirts, leather boots, and I imagine double-shots of neat whiskey and smoky rural bars are in reach.

The band seems to be honest and true to themselves. They look how they sound, straight up and down, raw, authentic country rock with no surprises.

Russ Still and the Moonshiners

Country rock fans need to check out their website and Facebook

Only One – Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders

greenbah2 A melodic and catchy song from Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders’ recent album. They’re a hillbilly band who stay true to their roots, and not trends, as stated by the front man, Billy Roberts. A moral that the band sticks to when recording their hits.

Only One has a more pop and up-beat tune with the classic melancholy vocals of Billy Roberts. This track on their album has a perfect marriage between the piano and guitar (Alex Quinn), sporting the same popular characteristics as many of their catalogue of songs.

The humble blues and country sound met with rocky drums (Rory Facione) and pop tones makes Billy Roberts and the Rough Rider’s album Greenbah the only one you want to hear.

Check it out

Little Johnny – Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders

Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders Little Johnny song review

You’ve probably seen my reviews of Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders here, here and here. Here’s another – their new song, Little Johnny.

This slow rock song is featured on their third album, Greenbah. A dark and moody tune akin to that of Johnny Cash and The Eagles, I reckon.

The band’s distinctive husky voice, rhythmic drums (Ed Glass), whining violin and tense guitar (Alex Quinn) can still be heard – Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders are loyal to their sound.

I love the violin, it’s like a Gypsy/Country sound. Something that could be featured on the Thelma & Louise soundtrack.

A great listen – definitely check it out if you’re into a bit of rock and a bit of country.

Love Ain’t A Prize – Donica Knight

Donica Knight Can't buy a Southern Girl song review

Another country princess makes a pop song.

Despite being a high-production-value song and music video, Love Ain’t a Prize left me feeling like I had heard it all before. The country-pop genre tends to be quite monotonous for me.
Love Ain’t A Prize is not a poorly-made song, but the chorus repeats itself too often, which makes the writing appear lazy.

The style and sound becomes a self-fulfilling stereotype. The classic black-tassel-wearing and silver-studded band members came as no surprise in Donica Knight’s video.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a bit of country music (Kelly Willis), a bit of pop (Katy Perry), and rock ‘n’ roll (Johnny Cash). But I tend to stay away from the contemporary, flamboyant country-pop genre, due to its gaudy appearance and cookie-cutter sound.
I can see why Donica Knight is growing in popularity in the Southern music scene.

She has shown her diversity and success by opening for acts including Lynyrd Skynyrd, 3 Doors Down, Kid Rock and Jamey Johnson.

Despite my personal take on the contemporary country sound and genre, if you’re into country-pop then Donica Knight is for you. She seems like the kind of artist who excels on stage with a lot of energy, and an engaging presence. She has a strong voice, confidence and style, that I’m sure will be appealing to many.

Check out her website here.

Lie – Blue Moon Harem

Blue Moon Harem song

This classic 1990’s-sounding ballad, Lie, is a melancholy rock anthem with heavy guitar and drums backing strong and gravelly vocals.

With powerful guitar solos and a hard rock bridge, Blue Moon Harem‘s song reminds me of string-heavy ’90s bands such as Nickleback and Soundgarden.

The vocalist has a husky voice, that reminds me of Collective Soul‘s vocalist Ed Roland in their song The World We Know. Blue Moon Harem‘s vocals are emotionally-charged and compliment the band’s rock genre well.

This Boston-based band has a high production value, and their songs are certainly enjoyable to listen to.

I imagine Lie is the kind of song I would play in the car on the way to a concert or high-energy music festival – you can hear the band are genuinely putting their all into their performance, and it’s contagious!

Check out Blue Moon Harem’s website, Facebook and Twitter.

15 Minutes of Fame – Belle Vex

Belle Vax 15 minutes of fame cover song review

I don’t really listen to pop music. But I’m pretty sure Belle Vex sounds similar to how I would imagine One Direction and the Johnson Brothers… Oh wait, that’s not right… Jonas Brothers, rather, would sound.

Belle Vex‘s (AKA Beautiful Curse) sound is typical of the genre – nasally vocals with a frantic electronic vibe – which is popular these days. His music would likely be a hit in the nightclubs with today’s youth, especially if remixed.

In terms of song content, I was expecting Belle Vex to be similar to the generic puppy-love songs by today’s boy bands – something that comedian/musician Bo Burnham has made fun of:

“So I describe my dream girl as really, really vague, like:
I love your hands because your fingerprints are like no other,
I love your eyes and their blueish-brownish-greenish colour,
I love that when you smile, how you smile wide,
And I love how your torso has an arm on either side…”
– Bo Burnham on the generic boy band pop song

Belle Vax 15 minutes of fame But after listening to much of the album 15 Seconds of Fame, I found a couple of songs that were a bit below the belt – no pun intended… Like Escort Girl – a literal explanation of a night spent with an escort.

It’s not for the rest of your life, just tonight. Come on in.
– Escort Girl, Belle Vex

In fact, it’s pretty degrading. Is this girl being coerced or convinced to carry on being an escort?

The intro to the album, also called 15 Seconds of Fame, is where the story begins, however.

Wanna know what she does for the money?
This lovely little honey turns into a piece of filth.
…she met the devil in a nightclub, and sure enough, he said:
‘I can make you a star, if you take your clothes off’
– 15 Minutes of Fame, Belle Vex

Their isn’t much creativity to his story-telling, with most being rather literal to say the least. But, in terms of the tune, it’s catchy, and in terms of production, the value is high.

Belle Vex clearly has talent. So I’m hoping it’s not going to be wasted on low-grade lyrics that are perhaps not suitable for young One Directioners or Beliebers to listen to at Christmas after all.

Despite my critical review, Belle Vex certainly has a loyal following with more that 3,000 likes on Facebook and more than 3,000 followers on Twitter.

Check out Belle Vex‘s music on iTunes and check out his website here.

Jodie