TRACKS
EYECONIC SUNFLOWERS Words: Luke Waller “I wanna lay low and stay high” – the mantra-like hook recurs throughout Sunflowers, North East rapper Eyeconic’s first release of the year – and continues to echo in your ears after the track’s abrupt end. Party culture has been the foundation of Eyeconic’s work, including his most successful single, 2021’s It’s A Vibe. However, in something of a turn away from expectations, Sunflowers tells the story of some ‘Boro boys on a weekend away from it all in the Lakes. An instrumental backing from Middlesbrough DJ Lunko creates a nostalgic feel with its amalgam of piano and synth, chiming with the line “Reminisce memories, make a few new with me”. With introspective lyrics whilst still maintaining the party mood, Eyeconic makes it clear he’s got stamina. Released: 12.08.22 www.facebook.com/iameyeconic
HANNAH ROBINSON NINETEEN Words: Maria Winter Known for her hauntingly beautiful musical ambience, North East singer-songwriter Hannah Robinson is continuing in this style, with her brand new single. Featuring a seamless blend of indie, rock and pop vibes, this dream-like track evokes both a sense of melancholy and nostalgia, as we delve into the turbulent journey of Hannah’s youth. Mesmerising harmonies and catchy guitar riffs further reinforce this illusion, enabling you to completely escape into the music. As a song that was incredibly meaningful for Hannah to write, nineteen similarly allows the listener to reflect on their own personal journeys through relatable lyricism, which is a powerful ability to have as a songwriter. If you are looking for a unique mixture of both genre and musicality, this captivating track is for you. Released: 05.08.22 www.facebook.com/hanrobinsonmusic
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REVIEWS OF SINGLES AND EPS BY NORTH EAST ARTISTS. WANT YOUR MUSIC FEATURED? EMAIL NARCMEDIA@GMAIL.COM (PLEASE TRY TO GET IN TOUCH 8-6 WEEKS AHEAD OF THE MONTH OF RELEASE)
IMOGEN BOSE-WARD RED BRICKS Words: Maria Winter Imagine you’re on a long car journey; staring intently out the window and thinking about nothing in particular, but at the same time everything all at once, accompanied by the soothing melodies of a delicate ballad. This feeling of introspective reflection is perfectly epitomised within singer-songwriter Imogen Bose-Ward’s newest single, Red Bricks. The expressive, yet somewhat naturalistic instrumental allows for the intricate lyrics to take centre stage, exploring relatable feelings of longing and indecision. Originally from South Lanarkshire in Scotland, Imogen stayed in Newcastle after completing a degree in folk music specialising in the fiddle. With various musical influences from popular to instrumental folk, Red Bricks beautifully captures those expansive strands, and Imogen’s graceful voice blends exquisitely with the soft sounds of the guitar. Released: 19.08.22 www.facebook.com/imogenbosewardmusic
HOLIDAY IN TOKYO BIGGEST FAN
Image by DJMPhotography
Words: Michael O’Neill Funky chorused chords, bouncing bass, crystal-cut drums and brilliantly witty wordplay are fused together effortlessly in this introspective release from the anything-goes quartet who’ve previous dabbled in chaotic walls of noise and soulful ballads. Biggest Fan finds the band doing a phenomenal ape of the sophisticated deadpan indie pop of Nilüfer Yanya, fusing the sensibilities of lo-fi bedroom pop with the hi-fi dynamics of modern alt. R&B, upon which frontman Matty Rogers directly addresses an anonymous ‘failed musician’ the band used to poke fun at, making for a deft and self-aware character study that is honest, witty and groovy as all hell. It’s a brilliant display of the quartet’s versatility and unique character, and is endlessly replay-able. Released: 19.08.22 www.facebook.com/holidayintokyo
