Back in 2022, singer songwriter Ken Newman released ‘What Am I Afraid Of?’, an album loaded with thoughtful, narrative pieces that chimed with an increasingly uneasy world. Between the roots rock sounds of ‘Nothing To See Here’, the politically charged ‘I Can’t Breathe’ and ‘I Dream of Guns’, and the retro power pop meets Americana sounds of ‘Away From You’, the album showcased a thoughtful wordsmith, adrift in an ever failing US. For those not into lyrical concerns, Ken ensured the music was always of a standard that allowed the songs to flow on their own terms, presenting a great arranger at work.
Tag Archives: new single
Listen: Bryan Adams releases the politically charged ’51st State’ for Canada Day
In a celebration of Canada Day, the legendary Bryan Adams has released a protest song, ‘51st State’. The track comes in the aftermath of D*nald Tr*mp making comments that allude to the US taking over Canada and how Canadians would love him to be their President.
Listen: Stephen McCafferty shares new track ‘Debt Collector’
In 2025, Stephen McCafferty released a string of impressive singles. The best of the bunch, ‘I Only Want To Hear Sad Songs’ shared a strong pop rock sound that hinted at a love of The Killers but added a distinctive Scottish accent, while ‘I Am The Buffalo’ took a similar sense of the melodic and added a light folky touch. ‘Rubber Glove’ leant a little further into an indie pop sound, but with the help of a buoyant melody and hooky lead guitar part, created another number that really helped to give the performer’s debut LP ‘Monsters and Lullabies’ a strong musical backbone.
Listen: Tooth Gore releases new single ‘Scum Of The Sea’
Over the past year, one man band Tooth Gore has released some fantastic singles and a really enjoyable album. For a musician working in a DIY fashion, Kobi Joe has covered a lot of ground in a really short time, peaking with a tour of the Philippines in early 2026.
Showing no signs of slowing down, a new Tooth Gore single has just been released, and it’s one of their best tracks to date. ‘Scum of The Sea’ opens with a steady beat and a chopping guitar, initially hinting at a strong blend of power pop and surf rock, before introducing a fuzzy guitar that owes more to an old alternative rock sound. From solid foundations, a quiet verse serves up a very 60s influenced riff alongside a melodic vocal, forming one of the band’s most accessible tracks.
Listen: Tom Waits and Massive Attack share new recording ‘Boots On The Ground’
When you think of Tom Waits, the idea of collaboration is not usually something you’d consider a priority. He’s taken a co-credit with others in the past, of course – most notably with Crystal Gayle on the ‘One For The Vine’ soundtrack – but you’re more likely to find Tom taking the reins and marching to the beat of his own very distinctive drum. However, ‘Boots On The Ground’ finds him joining the legendary Massive Attack for an oppressive and beat-laden recording that really works.