Music Update 20
“Is This Love” — GrooveGalore MuziK Review
GrooveGalore MuziK has pulled off something remarkable with their take on Whitesnake’s “Is This Love.” What started as David Coverdale’s 1987 rock classic gets completely transformed through Paul “GrooveGalore” Kastick’s Caribbean lens, blending reggae rhythms with the original’s emotional core in ways that shouldn’t work but absolutely do. KASTICK’s vocals carry genuine weight while Cen’C Love’s harmonies add perfect texture to the mix. The production feels polished without losing its edge, thanks to Josh Gold’s work at The Basement Studio. This isn’t just another cover version trying to cash in on nostalgia. It’s a legitimate reinterpretation that respects the source material while creating something entirely new.
“Only In The Night” — Von Venn Review
Von Venn, the Dublin-based indie band led by Gary Cox, have just released their new single Only In The Night, and it’s a track that immediately captures attention with its infectious guitar riff and immersive rhythm. Cox’s vocals carry a dreamlike quality, enriched by delicate female harmonies that bring warmth and texture to the sound. Lyrically, the song explores the quiet heartbreak of ending a relationship not out of conflict, but out of acceptance that two lives no longer align. It’s a bittersweet reflection on love, choice, and the haunting “what ifs” that surface long after the decision is made. With its mix of melodic hooks and emotional honesty, Only In The Night is a compelling glimpse into their forthcoming album Forgetting the Fall, and a reminder of why Von Venn are fast becoming a standout voice in Dublin’s indie scene.
“Man I Need” — Olivia Dean Review
Olivia Dean returns with a track that feels deeply personal and emotionally rich. “Man I Need” leans into her signature blend of soulful pop and heartfelt lyricism, centering on the tension between vulnerability and strength. The title hints at a longing for connection, but Olivia’s delivery avoids falling into cliché — instead, her voice carries an understated power that draws the listener in. The instrumentation is likely understated but purposeful, with gentle keys, warm bass lines, and subtle percussion supporting her emotive performance. As she moves beyond her debut album, this song feels like a statement of artistic maturity, maintaining her relatable charm while exploring more intimate territory. Dean’s knack for storytelling shines through in every line, making “Man I Need” a song that resonates both lyrically and sonically. It’s the kind of track that invites repeat listens, revealing more emotional depth each time. Fans will likely see it as a promising glimpse into her next era.
“Find A Love That Brings You Home“ —Johnson & Finnemore Review
“Find A Love That Brings You Home” is a strong release from Johnson & Finnemore’s who’s name has been floating around a lot recently. However, nothing prepared me for how fully formed their sound is on this debut. The album opens with this gorgeous country waltz that immediately establishes their personality. Johnson’s pedal steel work throughout the record is absolutely masterful. He knows exactly when to step forward and when to lay back, creating these beautiful textures that support the songs perfectly. Finnemore’s voice has this quality that draws you in immediately. He’s not the flashiest singer, but there’s something so genuine about his delivery that makes every word feel important. His lyrics paint these vivid pictures without getting too clever or wordy.
“Nice Shoes” — Steve Lacy Review
Steve Lacy’s “Nice Shoes” is a slick, confident return to solo work, blending playful charm with his genre-fluid production style. From the opening notes, the track exudes an effortlessly cool energy, pairing groove-heavy basslines with sharp guitar riffs and understated beats. Lacy’s vocals glide smoothly over the arrangement, playful yet intentional, with lyrics that hint at style as a metaphor for attraction, individuality, or personal evolution. What makes “Nice Shoes” stand out is how it functions as more than just a single — it feels like a teaser of the creative direction he’s heading toward on his upcoming album. There’s a subtle complexity in the layering of sounds, with textures that reveal themselves more on subsequent listens. The track balances fun and sophistication, giving fans something they can both dance to and analyze. In typical Steve Lacy fashion, it feels effortless but clearly crafted, reminding us why he remains one of the most inventive voices in modern R&B and alternative pop.
“Mockingbird” — The Secret Radio Review
The Secret Radio return with “Mockingbird,” a stirring single from their debut album Shortwave. Written by Damian Fowler for a friend navigating heartbreak, the track captures personal struggle while offering universal comfort. Opening with intimate acoustic guitar and vocals, it gradually builds with Bebbo’s electric arpeggios and Jane Kittredge’s melancholic violin, while layered harmonies provide moments of reassurance. Lyrically, it juxtaposes apocalyptic imagery with hopeful reflection, turning chaos into a suggestion of new beginnings. Musically, it channels early Coldplay, Badly Drawn Boy, and stripped-back Ed Sheeran, blending folk sensibility with British indie charm. “Mockingbird” is anthemic and balances delicate storytelling with infectious rhythms. T
“Tantrum” — Jonas Brothers Review
“Tantrum” arrives as a bonus track on the deluxe edition of the Jonas Brothers’ latest album, and it packs the kind of high-energy punch that makes deluxe releases feel essential rather than just an afterthought. Lyrically, the song plays with the metaphor of an emotional outburst, channeling frustration, passion, and youthful defiance into a tight pop structure. The brothers’ harmonies remain as polished as ever, but there’s a slightly edgier undertone here — perhaps a nod to their early pop-rock roots. The production is bold, with punchy drums, crisp guitar accents, and dynamic shifts that keep the momentum high from start to finish. “Tantrum” feels like a track designed for live performances, with plenty of moments for crowd interaction and sing-alongs. As part of the deluxe edition, it rounds out the album’s narrative by adding a more playful yet cathartic energy, showing that even in their more mature era, the Jonas Brothers haven’t lost their knack for delivering hooks that stick.
“What the Hell, Hey” — barDe Review
Manchester-based barDe makes a bold debut with “What the Hell, Hey,” an unflinching breakup anthem from her upcoming album The Pretty Red Flag Revival. Combining 90s electric guitars, vintage instrumentation, and razor-sharp vocals, the track captures the frustration, disbelief, and heartbreak of being ghosted. barDe channels Fiona Apple’s bite, R.E.M.’s wit, and Regina Spektor’s quirky soul, creating a sound that is both raw and instantly relatable. She doesn’t shy away from emotional honesty, turning heartbreak into empowerment and catharsis. With sharp lyrics, catchy melodies, and a defiant energy, “What the Hell, Hey” is a fiery introduction to barDe’s Revival era, perfect for anyone ready to scream, dance, and feel every unspoken truth about love.
“The Art of the Duo” — I Musici Gemelli Review
Acclaimed string duo I Musici Gemelli, made up of brothers Francesco Pio Bertozzi and Giuseppe Pio Bertozzi from Foggia, have released their stunning new album “The Art of the Duo” via Hunnia Records & Film Production. The collection showcases the duo’s refined interplay and deep musical understanding, shaped by years of study and dedication to the classical repertoire. Drawing inspiration from 18th- and 19th-century composers who wrote specifically for two violins, I Musici Gemelli offer fresh interpretations that honour tradition while introducing a contemporary sensibility.
