Jessie's Weekly Listen - 14/09/15

And we're back again! I'm thoroughly enjoying this weekly reviewing lark. If you have any suggestions of songs I should listen to for consideration for next week's Weekly Listen, or want your own act to be listened to, do get in touch - I would love to hear from you! This week there have been quite a few charity singles released. Often this is something reserved for Christmas, what with Band Aid epitomising charity singles forevermore, but with the world in crisis as it is at the moment, it's good to see music being used for the benefit of those less fortunate than ourselves. I've also been listening to a lot of softer, acoustic songs than many of the heavier rock songs I've been indulging in recently, and I had a chance to remember the calming, inspiring and downright beautiful qualities of music, away from the angst we experience daily. Although Bring Me The Horizon had to get a mention, of course... So, without further ado, here is the third edition of my Weekly Listen!

Lennon & Maisy - Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked

This cover of Cage the Elephant’s hit song by stars of the TV show ‘Nashville’, the famous Stella sisters (daughters of Canadian country duo The Stellas) is to-die-for. The slow, harmony-filled duet reveals the girls’ stunning talent to transform songs into their own. I’m also really pleased to hear Maisy’s voice featured solo even more on this song than usual. Whilst still vocally angelic, this song has a slightly heavier, more mature side to it than some of their other covers, demonstrating the duo’s phenomenal range and ability.

For fans of: Ingrid Michaelson, Us The Duo

The Travis Waltons - Satan

The Bristol indie rock band’s follow up to debut ‘Your Neck Is Bleeding’ features a surprisingly long guest list, with big-name contributors such as Charlie Simpson and Jamie Lenman, but it is this simple, bare, soft tune which really caught my attention on first listen. The intimate, honest lyrics from lead singer and guitarist Daniel Flay and the minimal instrumental, with just the use of his acoustic guitar, create something simply beautiful. The heartbreaking chorus reveals the true power of love to destroy: ‘I spent the year alone with your problems, I was in love, you tried to destroy me, I let it turn me into something much worse, than the two of us, than the two of us’. Another standout track to check out is 'Red Envelopes', featuring Paul Gonzenbach. 

For fans of: Left Side Brain, thisGIRL

Walk the Moon

Neon Tommy via Wikimedia Commons

Walk the Moon - Shut up and Dance (Acoustic)

I am a sucker for an acoustic version of a song, and this song of the summer sounds excellent stripped away from the strong instrumentals of the original. It hasn't quite got the same 'oomph' which made Walk the Moon's name, but it does allow the vocals of lead singer Nicholas Petricca to be given much more prominence and praise, which they richly deserve. It isn't just rhythm and the knack for creating a catchy classic this band has; they have a presence and credibility which ensures they will be around for longer than many of their contemporaries. After years of hard graft, they are just coming into their own, so watch this space!

For fans of: Young the Giant, Imagine Dragons

Rachel Platten - Stand By You

Following up the phenomenal ‘Fight Song’ was always going to be hard. But this song is just as upbeat and feel-good as its predecessor. She has carved out her spot in the mid-tempo pop market, and it looks like she’s here to stay. Co-written by fun.’s Jack Antonoff, the vulnerable yet strong lyrics reach out to those who need them most, powerfully stating that ’Even if we can’t find heaven, I’ll walk through hell with you / Love, you’re not alone, ’cause I’m gonna stand by you’. One hit wonder she is not. If these songs are anything to go by, her debut Columbia Records album (which we should have a release date for soon) is going to be a corker. 

For fans of: Sara Bareilles, Tori Kelly

Rachel Platten

Justin Higuchi via Wikimedia Commons

Aquilo - Good Girl

Dreamy electro-pop duo Aquilo (aka Ben Fletcher and Tom Higham) stand and deliver a sound away from their usual heart-wrenching numbers with this big, ballsy, catchy pop track. It feels almost like a suitable closing-time club anthem, driving the infectious beat home with a noticeable musical confidence. The lyrics leave a lot to be desired, but with a hook this good, it’s hard to care. 

For fans of: Hurts, Oh Wonder

Bring Me The Horizon - Blasphemy

Friday 11th September was the day that every Bring Me The Horizon fan had been waiting for, from the hardcore metallers who have spent countless hours screaming along in their bedrooms to the band's earlier classics, from questionable debut ‘Suicide Season’ to mainstream breakthrough ‘Sempiternal’, to those of us who are new to the BMTH fold. I am someone who has been enlightened by the more radio-friendly hits ‘Drown’ and ‘Throne’ and brought into the world of Oli Sykes and Co., screams and all. The release of ‘That’s The Spirit’ marks the beginning of a new era for the band and all of their fans - and one that is certainly easier on the ears. ‘Blasphemy’ is by far my favourite track on their latest album (with the exceptions of the already-hits 'Throne', 'Happy Song' and 'True Friends' - what can I say, I just really love this album?). There is still the tell-tale angst of the band from the off, with the opening announcing defiantly 'You've got hell to pay', but with a certain energy I haven't seen from them before. The soulful, echoic beats and more classic rock guitar without the metal edge creates a captivating instrumental. The opportunity for them to produce their own album meant that they knew what they wanted to achieve with this album - and this track proves that they clearly know how to produce songs people genuinely love to listen to, and can, for once, truly sing along to. 

For fans of: Linkin Park, A Day To Remember

Rae Morris - Don’t Go

I’ve adored Rae Morris since she supported Tom Odell at the Forestry Commission gig at Westonbirt Arboretum this summer. This song is the latest charity single for CoppaFeel, the charity of which Rae is a celebrity representative (a Boob Ninja, if you will), which aims to raise awareness of the importance of getting people to check their breasts for signs of cancer. So go and buy this single - it’s for an amazing cause, by an amazing singer, and is an amazing song, so there’s no reason not to! Backed by beautiful instrumentals, the lyrics in the context of the moving video are poignant, and the whole piece truly makes you think: ’Don’t go, don't feel like you have to’. For a handy breast check guide go here - as the video says, don't leave it to chance.

For fans of: Gabrielle Aplin, Lucy Rose

AURORA - Murder Song (5, 4, 3, 2, 1)

Norwegian singer-songwriter AURORA’s latest haunting single counts you down in the opening, building up to a wrought, scandipop synth beat. The raw, echoic repetitions of ‘and he cries’ truly show off her amazing vocal depth, as the song fades in and out from a whisper to a shout. Also, the final phrase ‘and here I go’ is the most perfect, fitting ending I’ve heard in a song all year. One thing is for certain, AURORA is off onto the unknown path of success, saying goodbye to any naysayers within the music industry with this song. 

For fans of: Josef Salvat, SOAK

Gabrielle Aplin - Slip Away

Each time I get an email saying that there’s a new Aplin track to download, my heart does a little skip of joy. I pre-ordered her new album 'Light Up The Dark' months ago, and out of the five songs revealed from the album so far, this is definitely my favourite. The chord progression here reminds me so much of Kate Nash’s ‘Dickhead’ that it took me aback a bit when I first heard it, but getting past the initial musical similarities, the lyrics are so full of feeling it's hard not to love it. The emotional vulnerability is coupled with an intense empowerment, expressing the need to break away from an bad relationship: ‘you’ve made your point, but I can do this myself’. 

For fans of: Lauren Aquilina, Nina Nesbitt

Crowded House - Help Is Coming 

My second charity single of the list this week - this one is raising money to help Syrian refugees in light of the refugee crisis, and is a reissue of a Crowded House song. I adore Crowded House, and it’s nice to see a charity reissue give it a new lease of life, as well as likely bringing them to the attention of a younger generation who may not have experienced the beauty of the group’s music. The song was originally featured on rarities compilation ‘Afterglow’, meaning that only die-hard fans are likely to have heard it before. The song is one of hope; originally about the migration that occurred as people headed for a new life in America, it is particularly apt for this arduous and all too often tragic journey the refugees are on. Save the Children have said that the money raised will be used to provide aid along the route that refugees use to try and make it to safety, from Syria through to Greece, Italy and the UK. Take a look at the video, featuring the almighty Benedict Cumberbatch with a powerful message of support - we need to help these people, urgently.

For fans of: R.E.M, The Lemonheads