3 minute read
DEMOS
Image: Jack Aaron Greensmith
WORDS: LUKE WALLER
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DEMO OF THE MONTH
Jack Aaron Greensmith – Four Walls
Jack Aaron Greensmith, a 26-year-old barber from Guisborough, has recently released Four Walls from his short-but-sweet indie folk debut EP, Stones On A Hill. All four songs being self-penned and all instruments but drums played by Greensmith, the EP is introduced by this melancholic track – its many layers and lyrical profundity demonstrating Greensmith’s influences, which include Radiohead and Leonard Cohen.
Four Walls is a wonderfully composed piece, in parts resembling some of David Bowie’s work. Developing from a simple drumbeat maintained from start to finish, crescendoing throughout, it gently fades away into the remaining songs of the EP, which largely bring brighter moods than Four Walls. However, as an introduction to his work, Four Walls is an outstanding track.
www.twitter.com/jack_greensmith
M Data – Shoop
Shoop, the fantastically far-out new instrumental single by Newcastle electronic and techno producer M Data, has all the elemental attributes of an absolutely classic dance track. Filled to the brim with trappy drums echoing straight from the early-90s’ rave scene and hypnotic synth lines reminiscent of quintessential trance-type EDM numbers like Faithless’ Insomnia or The Prodigy’s Charly, Shoop keeps the party atmosphere going for over six minutes.
Previously this year, M Data has released an album, Tomorrows World, and four accompanying singles, the latest of which being the high-tempo Ricochet and the sensation-tingling Sherbet, available online since September. Just weeks later, the Platforms EP will ensue on local label Kaneda Records, featuring Shoop and three other tracks, returning to classic dance scene roots.
www.facebook.com/kanedarecords
Vibetank – Stand On Everyone
Since Ritchie Murray, the long-time club band bass player, began his new solo project last year under the name Vibetank, he has released several singles – of which Stand On Everyone is his latest, and, as the artist has said himself, perhaps most ambitious. Accompanied by his multi-instrumentalist sons, Chris (guitars, keyboards) and Rob (drums), this new track deals with bullying and has numerous fantastically memorable licks and lines throughout. Whilst uplifting and rocky, there is a pervading sound of desperation throughout, enhanced by otherworldly synth sounds.
Following this and his previous single, Lone Man Staring At The Sun, Ritchie hopes to release his debut album next year. Though approaching seventy, there is nothing to keep him from rocking on.
www.facebook.com/vibetankmusic
Isabel Maria – Catharsis
The heart-rending story of breaking free from an abusive relationship, Isabel Maria’s debut has really taken off, receiving a considerable number of Spotify streams and airtime on BBC Introducing North East. Not at all bad for a fifteen-year-old recording from home in Houghton-le-Spring!
Taking influence from rising artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, and perhaps a dash of Billie Eilish, Catharsis is a heartfelt ballad enveloped in a twinkling, shimmering atmosphere. More than this, the song is filled to the brim with perceptive lines: “Dust collecting on our social skills” and “I said talk and all I hear is shouting” which highlight the claustrophobia of the last 18 months. Altogether, Catharsis is a glittering reflection of contemporary pop.
www.instagram.com/isabelmvria
Third Bloom – Humans
Many long years after having called his career as a poet a day, North East live music impresario and the man behind Wylam Brewery, Dave Stone, has resurrected his old aspirations. Alongside his long-time collaborator, Jel Bloom, spoken-word poetry meets dingy beats in the form of their new project, Third Bloom.
With tendencies towards the nihilistic, cynical and absurd, Humans encapsulates the most hard-hitting parts of Third Bloom’s current oeuvre. A harrowingly composed cry of Weltschmerz, Stone maintains his fatalistic sangfroid whilst delivering verses turgid with angst at humankind’s most vital problems, culminating in his decision to “cull the fucking lot”. A hearty stew of heaviness and grooviness.
www.thirdbloom.co.uk
