In June 2025, US rockers Rattle Bones released ‘Desert Heart’. The single marked a slight shift from their usual sound, since they traded in some of their hard rock swagger for a smoother approach which introduced a pinch of Americana to the Rattle Bones musical blend. It may have not had as much of an edge, but from a songwriting and arrangement perspective, it was a single that suggested the band’s forthcoming album would definitely be worth checking out.
Author Archives: Real Gone
REAL GONE GOES OUT: Sleeper – Dreamland Ballroom, Margate, Kent 20/9/2025
When Sleeper reunited in 2017 to appear as special guests on the brief Star Shaped Festival tour, it was billed as being for four shows only. Eight years, two new albums and several dozen live shows later, they’re still with us, and tonight, Louise Wener and her band kick off their thirtieth anniversary tour in Margate.
Listen: Beat Me Outta Me have ‘Nowhere To Hide’ on new track
The second single from Peterborough’s Beat Me Outta Me is a pleasingly downbeat affair. It’s first two minutes comprises slow, acoustic strums and a mournful vocal, drawing the ear very casually. The music isn’t exactly minimalist, but has certainly been arranged in such a way that the listener is made to focus almost exclusively on Annie Dickson’s fantastic voice. This is a smart move; from the outset, she shows an ability to weave a fantastic, almost mournful tone that suits the arrangement perfectly.
LAEL SUMMER / THE LAEL PROJECT – Do What You Want, Be Who You Are / Make You Whole (Remix)
Appealing to pop performers, jazz musicians, and even a section of the melodic rock crowd, the music of Daryl Hall & John Oates is incredibly enduring. In talented hands, their work takes on new life, often sounding like something written for the performer in question.
THE REAL GONE SINGLES BAR #122
Welcome back to the Singles Bar, the place where we explore some of the more interesting individual tracks that have landed in our inbox. This time out, we’ve got a familiar name taking a new musical twist, a couple of genuinely great pop tunes, a complex metal-centric banger from an up and coming act, and even a bit more jazz. Celebrating a variety of new sounds, we hope you find something to enjoy!
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