DEMOS

Image: Lizzie Esau by Martha Esau

WE WANT YOUR MUSIC! IF YOU’RE AN UP AND COMING BAND OR MUSICIAN, AND WOULD LIKE YOUR MUSIC REVIEWED IN OUR DEMO SECTION, EMAIL A TRACK TO INFO@NARCMEDIA.COM AND TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF!

WORDS: Jay Moussa-Mann

DEMO OF THE MONTH

Lizzie Esau – Be There It’s extremely rare that a song made up almost entirely of piano and vocals lands so perfectly, but Be There does just that. Lizzie’s melodious tones, tinged with a gorgeous huskiness, immediately brings about a feeling of palpable calm. It’s a truly beautiful track, Lizzie is singular, one of the most unusual and appealing voices I’ve heard in a long time, with a magical quality you can’t quite put your finger on. If you’re looking for a song to gently hush you into quiet contemplation, then this jazz-imbued piano ballad will be just the ticket. Lizzie is also raising money for NHS Charities Together, listen and make a donation here. www.soundcloud.com/lizzieesau

The Finest Drops – Safe Like No Other This track reminds me of fun times with friends, which is slightly painful but joyful too. A gentle alternative indie rock track, Safe Like No Other makes you want to move while at the same time making you feel quite relaxed. It starts with a catchy electric guitar riff, followed by a strong drumbeat and surprisingly soft, unassuming vocals that almost melt into the music. The song’s addictive bassline and mellow vocals make it unique, quietly whispering you into a sense of summer. The band proudly proclaim that they steer away from subscribing to music industry objectives, and it’s clear they’re fiercely anti-commercial and pro-creativity, with an admirable DIY ethic. www.thefinestdrops.bandcamp.com

Scott Free - Shine Days. Shine Days has a certain delicious, vintage quality to it, making it sound like it has lived forever and is already a classic. Boasting skilful Americana country fingerpicking and a rare countertenor vocal, reminiscent of Neil Young, Scott Free’s track appears to look back with regret on a past relationship that has now altered, seemingly for the worst. The author reminisces “I look back with guilt...” and puts forward a sentiment so many of us can relate to: “You’re better off without me...” While it’s a great track, it could benefit from a bit of alternative structuring, possibly including a bridge or variation on the chorus to really keep the listener’s interest. www.facebook.com/scottfreehippy

No Fox – Two Hills & A Mountain No Fox are an eclectic jazz ensemble and their latest single, Two Hills & A Mountain, is a whopping eight minutes 59 seconds long. The track starts with what sounds like rushing water under soft keyboard playing, followed by a sax lead. The piece sounds like something you might hear in the background of a Hollywood bar scene when the lead meets his femme fatale. The sax and bass parts are extremely skilful, but overall the track lacks a centre. It perhaps needs greater variation in the beat and some melody or grounding to come back to. In spite of the musicians’ undeniable talent, it left me feeling a bit lost. www.facebook.com/nofoxuk

Rob Howe – Lying Awake Lying Awake is an upbeat, head-nodding, shoulder-twisting tune. It’s Americana, it’s rock – it’s great! Arena rock with a softer edge, the anthemic chorus makes you ask the question we all try to avoid: “Don’t you feel it in the darkness, when you’re lying awake?” In contrast to the lyrical themes, this track makes everything feel a bit brighter, contrasting with the poignant lyrics: “You never sign up for changing times but I guess you get what you’re given”.The energy and excitement in Rob’s vocals are infectious, making for an enticing track. www.robhowemusic.com