DEMOS

Image: Jade Mia Broadhead

WORDS: MATT YOUNG

Jade Mia Broadhead – Jade

This twinkling little jewel instantly delivers an atmospheric, dream-like vibe that’s an honest mix of heartfelt confessional and soothing nursery rhyme, both of which are tinged with their fair share of sadness. As a poem to being happy, to change and the unambiguous “he will become she” it’s a finely delivered ode to transition. I guess there’s no way to experience this very particular longing unless you endure it yourself, but here Jade encapsulates it in as poignant a way as possible. Her voice tremulously accompanies the simply strummed acoustic chords and glistening xylophone beats. Soaring electric guitar lifts the mood as the song builds and reaches its climax, there’s a feeling of being stronger, looking forward and up, head held high. The power within the song’s message and the lyrics unselfconsciously, directly delivered and proclaiming she, Jade, has chosen to seek happiness. So, here’s to being happy, it sounds perfect. www.jademiabroadhead.bandcamp.com

Guri Yeller – Bleached Waves

Wonky synth washes in a hazy state akin to having a foggy hangover, the day after the night before. This gradually clears and there’s a clearer sounding track located in here. It’s reminiscent of Ibiza club compilations from the late 90s, early 00s or even Chromatics/ Johnny Jewel in one of his many incarnations. It’s never out-and-out ‘clubby’, having a much more chilled out vibe. It’s also far less glitchy and danceable than fellow spoonerism lovers Com Truise, but definitely borrows some of the squelchy audio palette of their synth and chill-wave bag o’sounds compatriots. www.instagram.com/guriyeller

Perrie Lovaine – One You Love

I love the sound of soul and funk, but my ears unfortunately don’t listen to a huge amount. But when One You Love begins prowling out of the speakers with the soulful vocals of Perrie Lovaine asking if she could be the one you love, I’m instantly onboard. The production is crisp and the song holds attention early on, however, I was personally itching for a much dirtier mix, something gritty and yearning. There was sadly some listening fatigue as it rolled to a close though, the vocal repetition sounding overdone, followed by an abrupt guitar riff that slides away unedifying. www.instagram.com/perrilovaine

Park View – Red And Blue

Yes, the obvious North East vocal accent could draw comparisons with current Geordie fave Sam Fender, or more aptly Maxïmo Park before him, when the chorus kicks off particularly, they conjure the early days of The Park. But these are both pretty strong associations by proxy and that’s not something to see as a penalty. What Park View deliver is romping indie pop, strong vocals and an enjoyably catchy three minutes in Red And Blue. The arpeggiated riffs underlying the top line also serve to brighten the sound hugely, and lift it away from becoming a one- dimensional foot tapper. www.instagram.com/parkvi3w

Northeastener – Jonny Turpentine

As someone with a leaning towards the dark and unusual in most aspects of life, the narrative here is what grabs me about this otherwise pretty straightforward ditty. Swirling riffs and what sounds like a fairground pump organ underpin this ballad to the peculiar Jonny Turpentine. However, I’m not certain whether it’s a jaunty jingle for actual distilled pine tree resin, a person or a metaphor for danger. Or all of these! It feels like there’s a threatening subtext? Or maybe I’m looking for something that isn’t there. Perhaps it’s not something B&Q might associate with, but it’s fun. He says, in an uncertain way. www.northeasterner.bandcamp.com