'CENE MIXTAPE #36 - KENT MUSIC REVIEWS / NOVEMBER 2024
Plus reviews of Yung Volk, Luke Jackson, Elle Marie, CrostPaths, Quinn Bailey, & Bobby harvey
HEARTSTRINGS - Bobby Harvey
Short, sharp and beautifully uplifting, producer Bobby Harvey’s news track ‘Heartstrings’ is bound for dancefloors across the land. Released on the imperious Island Records, Bobby is continuing on his upward trajectory to make a significant mark on the dance music industry. The former Folkestone and Canterbury producer has been busy behind the scenes writing and producing for others, but in Heartstrings, his talent for crafting infectious melodies and picking out timeless chorus lines. WIth a classic beat and soaring vocals, Bobby, this one’s pulling at our heartstrings.
TAKE ME HOME - Elle-Marie
Kent singer songwriter Elle-Marie has released her debut single ‘Take Me Home’. Backed by a DnB-lite beat, and headlines by a soothing guitar melody, the track takes you on the emotional journey of the turbulence of entering a toxic relationship. With a melancholic theme at its core, ‘Take Me Home’ delves into the singer's struggle with uncertainty and vulnerability. The chorus, marked by a repetitive plea to be taken "home," conveys her longing for comfort and stability.
‘Deeply influenced by a reflective trip to Cornwall, where the ocean served as a powerful metaphor for the waves of emotions’, she clearly has a knack for conveying her feelings. With next track ‘Gone’ in the pipeline, Elle-Marie is one to watch.
SHAPESHIFTER - Crostpaths & Jessie Powell
Kentish outliers/genre-splicers Crostpaths have released an ear-catching track ‘Shapeshifter’ that aims to dissect ‘the concept of duplicity in the digital age’ and
the pressures of projecting a positive persona on social media while battling demons ‘behind the scenes’.
Featuring the vocal talents of Jessie Powell from renowned Welsh rockers Dream State, Shapeshifter is a powerful reminder of the beautiful balance between serenity and mayhem that can exist in one song. Somewhere between the worlds of Slipknot, Korn and Linkin Park, there is an electronic upper edge to a nu-metal core. It’s face grabbing and it’s ace.
VEINS - Quinn Bailey
On the Wantsum Music youth record label, Quinn Bailey makes ‘music to mend the wounded soul’. Single ‘Veins' is described as a pastel-hued indie ballad: a vulnerable account of the afterglow from a love forgotten. Pairing a classic alt-rock soundscape with wistful lyricism, creating a distinct and yet ever-familiar sentiment, gently toying with the vitality of love and heartbreak when you’re 20-something in the modern day.
There are Libertines-esque chords, domineering drums and Quinn’s easy, natural vocals reassure with their softness.
Quinn has crafted a distinctive local presence, playing at well-established local venues such as Canterbury Ballroom, Margate’s WhereElse? and was part of 2023's Emerging Artists cohort at Pie Factory Music.
SUNSET SWIRL - Yung Volk
We first came across Birchington-On-Sea rapper Yung Volk back in 2020 through his down to Earth EP ‘Lobsta Boy’ and lead single ‘Cigarillo Baby’. It was so refreshingly honest, and highlighted by its insanely catchy hooks.
New track ‘Sunset Swirl’ is a love song, of sorts, with the hook borrowing from the famous 30s love song ‘I’m in the mood for love’.
Yung Volk, in his relaxing rap style, works the track over, making for a modern poem of affection.
BESIDE YOU - Luke Jackson & Edwina Hayes
A single taken from upcoming album 'Bloom', Canterbury singer-songwriter has released a truly beautiful ode to long-term love and companionship in ‘Beside You’.
Featuring the stunning voice of Edwina Hayes, Beside You is storytelling at its finest. It’s a chronicle of reassurance, promises and hope for the future. From remembering drunken 18th birthdays to looking forward to having children, you cannot help but feel an attachment in this song.
