No Frills Reviews

Chris Pierce Southern Man

The veteran California singer-songwriter takes on the Neil Young anti-racism classic for an upcoming tribute complication. The hard blues fuzz of the 1970 original is replaced by a slow-burning choral arrangement, and the anger is underpinned with an ominous sense of dread and desperation. Fifty-five years on and you can’t help but feel it’s as relevant and poignant as ever, given the current state of affairs in the US.

Divorce Hangman

The Nottingham four-piece deliver an impassioned plea of support that teeters between resilience and despair; written based on co-vocalist, Felix Mackenzie-Barrow’s experiences in social care work. With their heart-on-sleeve blend of Americana and grungy, indie rock; there’s a hint of Scottish cult favourites, Frightened Rabbit. An impressive teaser for their forthcoming debut album.

DJ Premier x Roc Marciano Armani Section

The first preview from this hip-hop dream team doesn’t disappoint, as the Gang Starr legend joins forces with one of the underground’s most notable names over the last decade. Preemo serves up an irresistible boom bap throwback as Marci goes to work with some high-fashion braggadocio.

Doechii Nosebleeds

An unashamed victory lap as perhaps rap’s biggest breakout star of 2024, immediately celebrated her Grammy win with the release of this characteristically banging showcase of charisma and confidence. But, would this have even seen the light of day if she didn’t win? As she says “I guess we’ll never know”.

Fiona-Lee To Make Me Feel Good

The Yorkshire songwriter continues to mark herself as a rising star with this track, pushing back on the constant search for validation against ever-present beauty ideals. There’s a touch of Sam Fender in the horn-fuelled euphoria of the production, and undoubted echoes of Florence Welch as moments of gentle vulnerability build to explosions of powerful pop bombast.

Joy Crookes Mathematics (Feat. Kano)

After leaning into hip-hop influences on January’s combative, Vince Staples-featuring, Pass the Salt. Joy Crookes returns with something closer to the work that earned her a Mercury nomination in 2022; a gorgeously bittersweet slice of smooth neo-soul. Fellow Londoner, Kano’s guest verse presents the aloof counterpart to Crookes’ lovesick laments.

Lex Vervain Made In Heaven

On the latest single from South-East London newcomer, Lex Vervaine, he produces dreamy, elegant folk beauty, contrasted by a motorik beat that seems to propel the track with an off-kilter sense of urgency. Like Nick Drake fronting a Krautrock band.

Nacho Picasso, Milc, & TELEVANGEL X Country (Feat. AJ Suede)

Taken from their Montage Music EP, which was originally released as a Bandcamp exclusive late last year, and is now slowly rolling out to bigger streaming services. Seattle’s Nacho Picasso, and Portland’s Milc revel in joyful absurdity, from throwing lariats at your mom, to Gilbert Gottfried as the voice of God. Backed by hazy electro-ambience from producer, TELEVANGEL, and a casual yet undeniable chorus hook from AJ Suede.

Waxahatchee Mud

Katie Crutchfield shares an outtake from the sessions of last year’s Tigers Blood album. But that was one of 2024’s best, so this is nothing to balk at, as she’s backed up by MJ Lenderman for some brisk and bullish country rock.