Reviews Ft: Jude Ness, Samuel Ashton & The Instincts, Pollena, Star.One, The Ovines and Apostol
REVIEWS:
JUDE NESS
Save Yourself / 2:56
Canterbury’s Jude Ness has returned with what’s being dubbed ‘Part 3’ of his musical wave as he releases extended EP What the f*ck is normal?.
In his new music, Jude explores themes of self-sabotage, his own mental health and the chaotic nature of trying to navigate life. We have picked out single Save Yourself for its multi-genre effects, “beautifully messy” production and haunting vocals as it kicks along atop an almost signature Jude Ness beat.
With a style described as an amalgamation of UK rap, rock and experimental, Jude has become widely known for his raw production style and honest and recognisable vocals, drawing comparisons to King Krule, Jamie T and Finn Foxell. Unique.
SAMUEL ASHTON & THE INSTINCTS
No Other Woman / 2:57
One of the most recognisable, both visually and sonically, artists on the Kent music scene, Samuel Ashton is back… but this time he has brought some friends. With a new album due for release in November, Samuel Ashton & The Instincts serenaded the final weeks of the summer with a new funky flex, No Other Woman, recorded live at Big Jelly Studios in Thanet. A slight departure from soulful blues that we have loved Samuel for across the last decade, a new direction is on the cards. And while tracks will inevitably remain wrapped up in the warm embrace of Sam’s stunning vocals, we are looking forward to the coming work, including Angels Fly, which has been beautifully teased on social media prior to release. Happy.
SOUL WUN & POLLENA
In My Mind / 4:01
We just had one of those ‘Wo!’ moments when checking out Pollena’s spotify page. Clocking up more than 250k monthly listeners, the Bidborough native is turning heads (and ears) with regular releases alongside some huge hitters. In latest track In My Mind, the artist has teamed up with Australian artist, producer and DJ Soul Wun (Blake Carthew), who is renowned internationally for creating music that tunes into deeper emotions and the subconscious. An infectious house beat, paired with Pollena’s resonating voice, In My Mind is an ‘anywhere listen’. Put it on in a bad or good mood, a car journey or sitting on the beach - it just works. Featured in ‘cene Issue #26, Pollena is one of our own and we should all be taking note of how far she’s gonna go. Rise.
STAR.ONE, ASHLEY WALTERS & JORDS
Can I / 2:41
More than a decade after their groundbreaking album Elements, Ashford’s Star.One have released Elements 2 - and there are a number of people in the ‘cene Mag office very, very excited.
Back in 2022 (‘cene Issue #24), brothers Adam and Joe Wilson sat down with us and explained how the music industry’s wild ride saw their first musical showcase be lauded as a perfect example of blending UK underground genres. Viral sensations followed when their Christmas-time collab with D Double E was taken on by Ikea. There have been numerous highs, but this is the one we’ve been waiting for. We have picked out Can I, a pulsating garage tune that features Ashley Walters of So Solid Crew, Top Boy and Herne Bay fame. Return.
THE OVINES
Waiting Room / 2:28
I know just what they mean. I hate dirty waiting rooms. Hold on, maybe it’s a metaphor? Kent’s The Ovines are back with a raucous affair of a track that has oodles of energy, a slosh of hyper-country and just a generous helping of pop-punk.
Having recorded at The Albion Rooms in Margate with producer Bill Gautier (Paul McCartney/Wings, ‘Fast’ Eddie Clarke, The Cure, Brian May) and signed with Deal’s Roulette Records, The Ovines are certainly in the conversation as one of the county’s foremost rock outfits. Having held support slots with Buzzcocks, The Libertines, The Sherlocks and King Prawn, if you haven’t indulged, it’s time to. Racing.
APOSTOL
I CALL FIRE / 4:06
Medway artist Joseph Apostol returns to the flames that helped him first burst on to the scene back in 2023 - this time with new track I Call Fire. Blessed with a heavenly voice, Apostol’s powerful soul-filled tracks are always warming and thought-provoking. (Read our exclusive interview here).
After a three-year hiatus, with the track that he calls “an anthem about breaking free and being fearless”, we are so pleased to see him back. Gift.
We talk about the 6AM crew, not having a genre and leaving things to the last minute…