SOUND SCOUT - ‘CENE KENT MIXTAPE #44
Featuring reviews of Georgie Parker, aKadem, Jude Ness, Old Mercia, Mariella and Jake St. Ange
REVIEWS:
OLD MERCIA
SUNBURN / 3.00
Inviting, feel-good and catchy, Sunburn by Old Mercia comes off the band’s EP Weald. As you can guess, the five-piece are based in Tunbridge Wells… though their roots are in the Midlands, an area once known as Mercia.
“Originally from Lichfield, a city in the heart of Mercia, we somehow found ourselves living close to each other again. So we returned to playing music together.”
Described as a blend of folk, indie and rock, their songs explore themes of nostalgia, loss, rebellion and love, telling modern stories of Middle England. We have picked out the track Sunburn, partly because we cannot wait to feel the heat of the summer once more, but also because the toe-tapping jig, with raucous vocals, evokes a carefree happiness that should always be shared. Warmth.
CORRUPTED
AKADEM / 4:08
Indie-rock five-piece aKadem return with their energetic second single Corrupted.
Drawing on a broad palette of influences from Foo Fighters and Lola Young through to the sharper edge of Blur and Fontaines D.C., they have, with Corrupted, displayed an ability to craft an anthem. Heavy drums, guitar solos, captivating solos - it has a bit of everything.
The track was produced by industry veteran Mike McEvoy, who has also worked with artists including Sting, Melissa Etheridge, Ian Dury, Scritti Pollitti and Orange Juice to name but a few. Corrupted feels fresh, it feels bold and it feels like there’s something big coming. Destined.
MARIELLA
ROOM FOR YOU / 3:36
Growing up in Maidstone, Mariella was “mesmerised by female guitarists with powerful voices”. Her earliest songwriting experiences were inspired by the likes of Lianne La Havas, Lauryn Hill and Bonnie Raitt.
Having already been championed by NPR Music, BBC Introducing, Triple J, BBC 6 Music and Ones To Watch, Mariella’s sound has evolved to create songs laced with sensitive, passionate and vulnerable storytelling as she observes and learns to navigate the world around her. New track Room For You invites engagement from the listener. A catchy hook and lyrics that beg the question ‘Who is she talking about?’. Intrigue.
JAKE ST ANGE
THE KITCHEN / 2:10
Blending a mix of spoken word, soulful vocals and addictive beats, Deal’s Jake St Ange has been making waves in recent months for his unique, raw music.
While his new track ? has already had more than a million streams, we have picked out The Kitchen for a number of reasons. A narrative around his place in the world with new responsibilities and drives is a metaphor for his role in his father’s kitchen. His father Peter St Ange owns the beautiful Sea Café on The Green in Walmer, a place ‘cene Magazine has visited several times. It’s a deep and moving rap track that even includes words of wisdom from his father at the end. Unique.
GEORGIA PARKER
GIRL, ON GUARD / 4:12
Hailing from Canterbury, singer-songwriter Georgia Parker has headed out to Los Angeles to chase dreams of being an international musician… and, to be fair, she’s well on her way. With more than 100k monthly followers on Spotify, her emphasis on powerful vocal performances and poignant lyricism has drawn a huge amount of attention.
Her forthcoming sophomore album, Pumpkin (March 20, 2026), is largely self-produced and showcases a blend of intimate indie folk and rock with atmospheric pop.
Georgia is reportedly inspired by folk and indie influences such as Adrienne Lenker, Jeff Buckley and Phoebe Bridgers, with new track Girl, On Guard possessing the atmospheric feel that will take it very, very far. Building.
JUDE NESS
CLOSED DOORS / 4:17
Rapper and producer Jude Ness is back with another track that is unequivocally him.
“Too rap for the indie kids, too indie for the rap kids”, as his profile says, Jude has a knack of creating hip-hop-led bangers. His always-inventive hooks are paired with his unhurried lyrics to paint a picture that will last in the mind and a track that will echo around the lugholes.
On new track Closed Doors, Jude explores the difficulties of being in a relationship when you listen to the influences of others.
“I heard a rumour that they say her love is only for show” is the beautifully droning chorus that’s going to repeat on you for hours to come. It’s f***ing cracking. Consistent.
