SOUND SCOUT - 'CENE MIXTAPE #33
Back by popular demand, the Sound Scout Mixtape and single reviews are here to provide the soundtrack to edition #33
NICK NOTES
DIFFERENT ISSUES / 2:36
Different Issues puts the eternal struggle within oneself under the spotlight as Kent lyricist Nick Notes continues his return to form with another hugely anticipated 2024 release. Wrapped up in melodic tones brought together by Canterbury producer Witness, Notes explores our natural temptations and the cycles we find ourselves repeating for both good and bad.
The contrasted direction of Different Issues brings a heavy bass-line with soft Spanish strings supported by Notes’s distinct emphasis on the delivery of each beat.
PARK LANE
BRITISH WEATHER / 3:29
The outfit formerly known as Baby, from west Kent, are back with a new name but the same cadence and delivery that punctuated popular tracks Pot Holes and How U Been?.
They said: “Wrote this tune towards the end of last year, wanted to put the guitar down for a sec and found that main synth sample and thought it was the most jarring noise ever so wanted to see if we could make a whole pop song out of lol.”
And they have. With subject matter driven from reminiscing over “old mates, ex gf’s, smoking green in bathtubs and getting kicked out of ekram’s kebab”, we challenge anyone to listen and not have it brain-retained.
JEFF2JEFF
NEBULAR / 6:31
Nebula is the fourth EP from Jeff2Jeff, which sees the Medway-based production duo venture into deeper and darker tech-house territory. The title track opts for a breakbeat kick pattern, blending with the moody sub bass to deliver a more electro-tinged vibe, while the bubbling acid line and foley sounds transport the listener to the furthest reaches of outer space.
THE ALCHEMY
NO SLEEP / 3:19
Canterbury alt-rockers The Alchemy have released their new single No Sleep.
Going in hard, the trio smash together the heavy rock riffs and big vocals with the rawness before descending into a beautifully pacey punk finish.
Known for their ability to craft anthemic choruses, they are in spectacular form with the chant of No Sleep hitting like a metronome of adrenalin.
It’s got all the fuzzy distortion, pounding drums and energy-spiked vocals that make The Alchemy one of Kent’s most exciting bands on the move.
POLLENA & BAD TUNER
REPEAT TO FADE / 2:54
A ‘cene favourite, Bidborough’s Pollena is taking off. Featured on the new track Repeat to Fade by bad tuner, Pollena’s warm vocals have been paired with an electronic beat and soft housey melody.
“The message of repeat to fade is important to me, I often get scared to create and feel like I can’t do it anymore etc, and I have found this song to be a comfort. The lyrics are inspired by the teachings of wise creative women such as @brenebrown @elizabeth_gilbert_writer @themarthabeck – if you like the lyrics of the song then you will love these women.”
NICK DIVER
EYES (IN THE BACK OF HER HEAD) / 3:01
Nick Diver uses his musical influences and creativity to produce a wide range of melodic experiences. Nick and his brother Timothy Midnight grew up together in Idaho, US, on a musical diet of George Harrison and The Kinks. Hardly surprising, therefore, that they moved to the UK – specifically Margate – to develop an album.
Nick is a gifted songwriter and Tim a wild drummer, coming together to create thought-provoking music, with new album Black Liquorice bringing a whole host of inviting tracks. Something akin to peak Beck in delivery, the poignant Eyes (In the Back of Her Head) is our favourite and the perfect place to start to fall in love with the band.
