New music review writer, eco recording studio owner, guitar teacher, podcast maker and independent producer.
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Articles by Phil Arnold
Alliances formed and dates announced for Pride in Place Armley and New Wortley
By Phil Arnold Pride in Place Armley and New Wortley is continuing with pace, and the main consultation phase is coming to an end in a fortnight. We’ve had lots of events to engage with residents over the past three months, and the feedback has been really encouraging. Earlier in August Emily Howard (Senior Locality Officer) and Rose Farrar (Locality Officer) have been appointed to join the Pride in Place team.
Review: Nines Latest Song - Calendar
Nines is the professional name of Courtney Leon Freckleton, a 33 year old rapper from Harlesden, London. His first appearance came in 2007 as a young 17 year old prodigy, but he has taken time to build an image and sound over the intervening years that has now put him more into the mainstream of the UK rap scene. Calendar comes from his fourth studio album, Crop Circle 2. Calendar isn’t the type of song I would normally listen to, mainly lyrically.
Review: Keaton Henson's Latest Song - I'm Not There
Keaton Henson is possibly one of the luckier musicians to break into the industry. With an undeniable talent for the creative, his initial foray into music was more for personal pleasure than anything else. However, 13 years since his initial release, he has gathered a strong reputation as an artist who provides depth to his work, and his multi-talented catalogue of work has launched his name to a wider worldwide audience.
Review: The Chainsmokers, 347aidan - Up & Down
The Chainsmokers are an American electronic DJ duo. Formed in 2012, they have gathered a huge following in the last 11 years and are now billed as one of the most successful DJ artists in the world. The two members, Alexander "Alex" Pall and Andrew "Drew" Taggart, have developed a unique sound and partnership that will continue to influence music lovers for years to come. With very few words to help unlock the meaning of the song, it may be open to many interpretations.
Foo Fighters' 'Rescued': A Powerful Tribute and Renewed Energy
The Foo Fighters need little introduction, having been one of the world's biggest bands for over 20 years. Led by Nirvana's Dave Grohl, they faced tragedy this year with the sudden death of Taylor Hawkins. Tribute concerts to him have only increased the band's appeal, and the news that they would continue as a group despite Hawkins' absence on drums was greeted with delight. With a name like "Rescued," it would be straightforward to assume that the track is about helping in some way.
Review: Patrick Wolf's Latest - The Night Safari
Patrick Wolf, the 39-year-old English singer-songwriter, has been making waves in the music business for 20 years! His style is unique, and his eclectic history in music and fashion during his stay in the limelight has meant that he has gathered a wide range of followers from around the globe. "The Night Safari" is a deep song with lyrics that take you on a real journey of discovery.
Review: Bear's Den's new song - Evelyn
by Phil Arnold on 24 April 2023 Bear's Den have released four studio albums, with their debut album being released in 2014. With some line up changes, the two main driving forces of the current lineup are Andrew Davie and Kevin Jones. Their style has captured the huge wave of folk rock popularity that has blossomed over the last decade. This story took me back to being in school.
Review: Blondes New Song - The Basement
The Blondes are a five piece band that are in their early stages of the music business. With a united passion for music, some obvious talent for songwriting and musicianship, they have a bright future ahead of them. Lyrically, The Basement takes a bit of time to get your head around. It provides us little clues as to the main concept of the track, with short verses and a chorus that is a little removed from what was said in the verse.
Review: Lola Lennox New Song - Dreamer
When I first listened to the track, I was not aware of the ancestry of Lola Lennox, which, in her defense, is always helpful, because when your mother is Annie Lennox, you may often find yourself living in that shadow. Lola Lennox has been forging her own career in music over the last few years. Yes, her first appearances and recordings are with her mother, but as she has matured, there is a definite sound that makes Lola Lennox unique.
Review: Daniel Caesar - Unstoppable
The Canadian born artist has been gradually building his fanbase over the last 9 years, releasing EPs in 2014 and 2015 before his first full studio album in 2017. His rise to global stardom has come quickly, with many prestigious nominations and wins to his name. His latest release comes from his third studio album, Never Enough. With the challenges all couples face at the beginning of a relationship, Daniel Caesar bravely suggests that the relationship that is described in the song is unstoppable.
Review: Boygenius' new song - Cool About It
You may not have heard of Boygenius yet, but you probably know the three artists that make up the band: Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus. They had previously worked together as solo artists on tours but came up with the idea of collaborating after realizing that they had great chemistry. The name is a reference to the frustration they've experienced when working with some male egos in their separate careers.
Review: McFly's Latest Song - Where Did All the Guitars Go?
In 2023, some of the band members of McFly might be familiar to audiences through other media channels, such as The Voice Kids, Strictly, and their work as children's authors. However, the group has been a mainstay of pop music for 20 years, earning a massive following and impressive gigs along the way. No one has ever questioned their musical talent, and their latest album, Where Did All the Guitars Go?, is a great showcase of it.
Review: The National's Latest Song 'Eucalyptus'
For over 20 years, The National has been releasing material for our enjoyment. The Ohio-based five-piece has proven to their worldwide fan base that they are not just a great recording band, but also a wonderful touring band. With clear Democratic political leanings, they have often given their support to candidates in the last four primaries, including Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. "The Eucalyptus" has a fairly straightforward concept.
Nell Mescal's Latest Release 'In My Head' Paints a Powerful and Emotional Picture
Nell Mescal is a young Irish born singer, with a very musical background. Whilst she has a famous brother in Paul Mescal, she is very much making her own name as an artist. With her debut releases earlier this year already gaining her critical acclaim, it is probably fair to say that she will continue to be involved in the music business for many years to come. In My Head paints a detailed picture that suggests a really sad situation and one that Nell Mescal is really struggling to get through.
Fairy Falls: Roo Panes Takes Us on a Nostalgic Journey
Wimborne, located in Dorset, England, is renowned for its historical significance and aesthetic appeal. However, it is also the birthplace of Roo Panes, whose new song, Fairy Falls, is the latest release from his fifth studio album, The Summer Isles.
Review: Tom Santa’s Latest Release ‘Bad For Me’
by Phil Arnold on 27 March 2023 Tom Santa is an Australian producer who has been releasing music for just under a year. During that time he has received critical acclaim, making some groundbreaking music that has received some very positive reviews. Lyrically it’s fair to say, this is a simple and easy to follow track. Tom Santa’s latest release is not meant to be a lyrical masterpiece, the words simply give the music a hook to hang off.
Review: Lewis Capaldi's Latest 'How I’m Feeling Now'
Lewis Capaldi may have only been around for a short time, but it would seem strange to imagine a music world without him. With his big personality and comical persona, he has won the hearts and minds of many musical generations. He has the ability to be a performer with real passion and write some wonderfully soulful pop songs. Many can relate to a life that would be even better when they reach a certain stage, whatever that stage might be.
Review: Yusuf / Cat Stevens Latest 'Take The World Apart'
With one of the most distinctive voices and songwriting styles in popular culture over the last 50 years, Yusuf / Cat Stevens has influenced and inspired generations with his music. Since his period of devotion to his faith, taking his time away from creating music from 1977 to 2006, he has been back producing more of the soulful music his fans have craved in his absence.
Review: Freya Ridings - Can I Jump?
by Phil Arnold on 26 March 2023 The 28-year-old multi-instrumentalist has been a significant fixture of the music scene since 2016. With outstanding talents as a songwriter and performer, she has broken new ground with her material and has amassed a wide range of followers during that time. We all have to take a leap of faith from time to time, and sometimes none bigger than when we initially allow our hearts to be taken in a relationship.
Review: Slowthai - Sooner (Visualiser)
The British rapper Slowthai made a name for himself in 2019 with his politically charged work, particularly around the controversial topic of Brexit and the then Prime Minster Theresa May’s leadership of the country. With a steady release of singles and gradual climbing up the charts, the popularity and reach of the Northampton born artist is now getting to much wider audiences. It seems that the phrase Sooner was a moment in time where Slowthai wishes he got to a place of success sooner.
Review: Hozier's latest song 'Eat Your Young'
It would be hard to write a review of a Hozier song without a reference to the sensational Take Me to Church, that well and truly put Hozier on the international music map, back in 2013. The Irish born artist enthuses styles that have influenced his musical journey, with blues and jazz traditions certainly appearing to shape some of the structures and melody lines. However, he isn’t just a one hit wonder, as he is steadily building up a strong body of work that Eat Your Young will add to.
Review: Zara Larsson - Can't Tame Her - Acoustic
The Swedish-born star, who started her career at the age of 10, has made a huge impression on the world of music since her debut in 2008. Now, at the still-tender age of 25, she is releasing hit after hit. Her most recent offering, "Can't Tame Her," was released in January of this year, but this latest release showcases an acoustic version of the song that deserves to be celebrated as a wonderful creation.
Review: Meghan Trainor - Mother
Meghan Trainor needs little introduction. As one of pop's most celebrated artists, she is back with new music that will undoubtedly gain her more critical acclaim, as her talent in songwriting and performance is seldom equalled around the globe. On first listen, I was confused by "Mother." I expected this to be a song about Meghan Trainor and her new delights of motherhood, but this is certainly not the case.
Review: Devon Cole - Call You After Rehab
Devon Cole is a 24-year-old alternative pop artist from Toronto, Canada. She is about to embark on a short tour as the opening act for Valley. We all have demons that hold us back from time to time. Sometimes we need extra help to shake off those issues, and Devon Cole has written a love song addressing her partner, who she wants to spend time with but can't until she sorts herself out at rehab.
Review: B*Witched - Birthday
If you’re a child of the 90s, you’ll know well about the energy that this girl group gave to millions. Arguably, their most successful track, "C’est La Vie," was a staple of the late 90s and put them firmly on the music industry’s map. "Birthday" is a celebration of their 25th Year, but there are other subtle messages that come through within the lyrics that need a little more attention.
Review: BIA's latest song 'Sixteen'
BIA is a shortened name of Bianca, the Christian name of the American rapper. With an ancestry of Italian and Puerto Rican descent, she has a rich tapestry of culture to pull on when it comes to her influences. She signed to RCA way back in 2014, but it wasn’t until 2018 that her first EP was released. Since then, there have been regular releases and a string of accolades that are well-deserved. "Sixteen" seems to refer to an age - an age where life was fairly different for Bia.
Review: Demi Lovato - Still Alive
Demi Lovato must now be classed as one of the superstars of the pop world. Having initially found fame in 2007 as a star of the Disney Channel’ ‘As the Bell Rings’, her career as a singer took off soon after and she became an idol and role model for millions.
Review: Nicky Youre - Shut Me Up
Nicky Youre has made a lot of new fans since his debut, ‘Sex and Lemonade’ was released in 2020. This latest release is only the fifth single that has been put out by Youre (birth name Ure), but he has covered a lot of ground in terms of his songwriting and production that means that Shut me up will no doubt receive much critical acclaim.
Conrad Sewell 'Ego' review: humble with plenty of ambiguity
by Phil Arnold on 07 March 2023 Hailing from Australia, Conrad Sewell is a 34 year old singer songwriter from Brisbane. Ego is the latest release from this album, which is actually the first collection of works he has released in nearly 3 years. He has an impressive CV as an artist, but he has also collaborated with some exceptional talents from around the world and commands great respect from those who work with him.
Review: Metallica- If Darkness Had A Son
Metallica have been a band for over 40 years, with a huge worldwide following and they need very little instruction. To date, they have amassed a staggering 125 million record sales around the world and can fill stadiums in most continents. Their latest release is from their 11th studio album, 72 seasons, and is already making a big impression. Put simply, the extension of the title that appears throughout the song clearly tells the story of what the rock superpower group’s latest song is about.
Lola Young 'Don't Hate Me' review: passionate delivery with plenty of grit
Lola Young is a fascinating artist that has released lots of new material recently that I have had the pleasure of reviewing. She is interesting in her influences, as they help her create a completely unique and fresh sound that is a refreshing change to some of her contemporaries. ‘Don’t Hate Me’ is her latest release and it is gathering pace as a commercial success. Don't Hate Me is lyrically quite a charged song, with elements of bitterness that spill out in the words.
Gracie Abrams ‘I know It Won't Work’ review: fascinating lyrics wonderfully carried
Sometimes, being creative can run in the family and for Gracie Abrams, that is most certainly the case. As the daughter of one of America’s most respected film-makers, J J Abrams, it is fair to say that she has a good pedigree in creating new and wonderful things! So you're at the end of the relationship, in fact you’re past the end, it’s over, but that doesn’t mean the issues stop.
Jonas Brothers 'Wings' review: cleverly written intricate tapestry
People from around the world will have heard the Jonas Brothers in one form or another, as their work has been used in countless Disney productions and their music has crossed genres over the nearly 20 years they have had in the industry. The 3 brothers, Kevin, Joe and Nick continue to produce new music regularly, and Wings is their latest single release. Wings is a very short song, and with that it doesn’t necessarily follow a traditional song pattern.
Mica Millar ‘Trouble’ review: a classic feeling soul track
Mica Millar has been working on music for many years, and has gradually grown a good following around the country. More recently the 33 year old has been making headway with a string of critically acclaimed releases. Not only does she write and perform as tracks, but more often than not, she is the producer too! She is truly an allrounder in the music industry's ever changing landscape.
Masked Wolf ‘Never The Same’ review: a powerful track with passion
Whilst now being in his 30s, the Masked Wolf is still a newcomer to mainstream music audiences around the world. This is thanks mainly to his hit Astronaut in the Ocean, that was a favourite of many in 2021. He has been writing for a long time and his experience and talent can be seen in his latest release, Never the Same. If you’ve ever known someone, perhaps a friend, parent, sibling or partner who has made you lose faith in your own belief and ability, then never the Same will resonate with you.
Role Model ‘A Little More Time’ review: simple yet intricate soft natured song
Role Model is a US based artist, who even at the tender age of 25 has already reformed his musical career. Starting life as a rapper, under the pseudonym of Tucker, he changed to singing in early 2017 and adopted his new name of Role Model, and the rest as they say, is history. With an eclectic set of influences, we now see the influences in his work. Lyrically the song is really interesting.
Ellie Dixon 'Big Lizard Energy' review: a well crafted tight arrangement
Ellie Dixon is developing an online presence and energy that is seeing her fanbase grow around the UK. Originally from Cambridge, she is now sharing her music throughout the UK, with a city tour planned for May of this year. It’s the line ‘problems are big but I’m bigger’ that I feel helps the audience understand what this song is all about.
Niall Horan - ‘Heaven’ review: a retro feel with modern twist
Niall Horan needs little introduction! Since the establishment of his solo career, he has developed as a songwriter and an international personality in his own right. He cites some legendary artists as major influences on his music career, Bruce Springsteen, Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles have all played a part in inspiring his creative work. You can really hear these in his latest releases. As a song, Heaven is, in its purest form, a song of dedication and appreciation to a partner.
Hak Baker - Telephones 4 Eyes
Once upon a time, Hak Baker was a member of the UK grime outfit B.O.M.B squad, but after some time away, he has come back to being a solo artist. His latest release is a great showcase of the undoubted talent he has. There were a few moments in the first 30 seconds where I was reminded of the time I watched Four Weddings and a Funeral for the first time as a child with my parents. The surprising amount of curses surprised me then in a similar way to Hak Bakers latest release.
Review: Crave - Paramore
Paramore has blessed us once again with a new album release titled This is Why. The band capitalizes on a softer sound, sounding elegant and smooth all the while maintaining the edge Paramore has been known for all their career. The penultimate song from the record, titled ‘Crave’, is not only a brilliant single on its own, but a wonderful way to prepare the album’s sendoff. The song has a very strong indie-rock vibe from the moment it begins.
Review: You And Me At Six - God Bless The 90s Kids
After seven studio albums, the British based rock band are clearly still thirsty for more success, as their creativity grows from strength to strength. Their first EP from 2004 catapulted You and Me at Six to mainstream audiences and now they have a huge loyal fanbase. With the band now in their early 30s, you can imagine that they themselves were influenced by the explosion of guitar music of the 90s, and you won’t be surprised that this song is a celebration of that. Are you a child of the 90s?
Review: Jessie Ware - Pearls
Jessie Ware has a powerful and unique sound that she has developed over her years in the industry. Now, at the age of 40, she has amassed a core following and carries a wonderful reputation as a performer. Whilst older than some of her famous alumni school mates, she can say (or more so they can) they attended the same school as Florence Welch and Jack Penate, and some may argue she has had the most illustrious career to date.
Review: Ellie Goulding - Like a Saviour
Ellie Goulding has been a feature of the UK music scene since 2009, with a fantastic collection of releases and accolades to put her in the pop royalty bracket of the UK music scene. Her latest release is a little overdue, but her fans will love the texture and composition of her new tracks, and Like a Saviour has the key ingredients to become a favourite for many of her fans.
Review: Last Night - Morgan Wallen
Many a good country star has hailed from Tennessee, and Morgan Wallen is the latest to be gracing the airwaves. We first met Morgan Wallen as a contestant on the 2014 version of The Voice. After this exposure he then signed to Panacea Records and began to embark on a successful career as a solo musician. Wallen’s latest single is describing a conversation that was had last night that depicts a couple’s last night together.
Review: This is - Ella Mai
Ella Mai first experienced a taste of the spotlight as part of her trio Arize on the 11th season of the X Factor. The band didn’t last long after their 2014 dash with fame, but it gave a good platform for Ella Mai to build her reputation from. Now with a string of releases behind her, she is building a strong following of loyal fans. With a title of ‘This is’, we are left guessing what Ella Mai has themed her song on, is this a song of power, sorrow or joy?
Review: Jake Shears - Too Much Music
Jake Shears brought about much joy and fun to the music industry with the music of the Scissor Sisters, but now is venturing out on his own. With a distinctive vocal range and experience of writing some dance floor fillers, he is bound to leap from hit to hit with his new releases.
Review: Nervous - Joan
Joan are a pop duo, hailing from Little Rock in Arkansas. They have released a series of tracks since their formation in 2017, and Nervous is their latest offering. What Joan are doing with the narrative of Nervous is fairly straightforward. The word Nervous in the song is referring to the feeling that you can get if you have started to convince yourself that you really really like someone and their presence can simply make you nervous.
Review: Voodoo Science - Demob Happy
by Phil Arnold on 03 February 2023 Demob Happy has been around now for a number of years. Forming first in 2008, and they have been developing their sound and stage presence ever since. Originally from Newcastle, they have relocated down to Brighton to help their opportunities, which is certainly paying dividends as their fan base continues to grow. I am a newcomer to Demob Happy, so unpicking their lyric lines is a nice way to be introduced to this band.
Review: Maisie Peters - Body Better
Maisie Peters is a young woman with a plan. She started releasing her own material at the tender age of 17, having already been seen on our TV screens at 15 performing some of her own songs. She has been given some good live performing opportunities too, opening for Niall Horan on a recent tour, as well as Ed Sheeran, so we can assume that the future is looking very very bright for Maisie Peters.
Review: Heroes Macklemore
Macklemore is a well established artist, with a portfolio now stretching across decades! At 39, he has continued to have a thirst for creativity and this song is testament to someone who has gathered a wisdom of writing and ability to showcase true rap talent in a unique way. This is a Macklemore nostalgia track. Within the lyrics we go back to the heroes he had and who he wanted to be as he grew up.
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