Kicking off a new regular New Music review series, LeftLion's Latest Listens is our picks of the latest and greatest sounds from all around Nottingham and the Midlands. This week, LeftLion listens to new releases from Hollow Stone, Ben Blackadder, Molly Hindley and LYVIA.
Album: Hollow Stone - The Hail Mary
Hollow Stone’s most recent release, The Hail Mary, is an upbeat and dynamic album with engaging lyricism, drawing upon a range of themes and styles to create an eclectic and unique listening experience. The sound is reminiscent of Soul Asylum and Bob Dylan but with strong Indie and country influences, particularly in the album’s second half. Personally, I think the band really flexes their skills in their more ballad-like tracks such as The Man Who Saved the World, Manhattan, and Lou Macari, layering meaningful lyrics with orchestral features and vocal harmonies that elevate and add gravity to the songs. Overall, a great listen with a little bit for everyone – I’d recommend anyone to check out and support this up-and-coming Nottingham trio. @hollowstone.music (Phillippa Walsh)
Single: Ben Blackadder - On My Mind / Dust
On My Mind is the latest in a series of trippy, chilled EDM tracks from local music-maker Ben Blackadder. Having only started making music during the pandemic, and helped by a music tech course at Confetti, Ben has found impressive success with his last track Dust receiving airplay on BBC Radio 1. While dwelling in cool realms, On My Mind is darker, more introspective, and satisfyingly firm and front-footed. It pulls you in quickly with a strident beat, and introduces intriguing sounds and then an irresistible sped-up vocal which opens out wonderfully into something cinematic and spacey. Later, you feel utterly immersed. Ben clearly has a natural talent and the music world is much better off for it. @blackadder.music (Phil Taylor)
EP: LYVIA - Maid Marian Way
However, another Notts superstar worth checking out is soulful pop sensation LYVIA, who also just released her debut EP, Maid Marian Way. The EP takes it name from the famous road in Notts' city centre where LYVIA can often be found recording her viral videos for social media. Now taking the energy of those raw takes to the studio, this debut release showcases her unique blend of pop melodies, spoken word rap and R&B swagger, with plenty of heart and relatable experiences in the lyrics too. Every song here is a highlight as well, from the spellbinding and piano-laden opener Barriers to the infectious groove of Rock With Me, through to the stripped-back and sincere Homesick. Whatever you do don’t sleep on this one and if you like what you hear, catch her headline show at Rescue Rooms this October. @lyviamusic (Karl Blakesley)
EP: Molly Hindley - Lovesick
Over the course of four rich tracks, local singer-songwriter Molly Hindley (now based in South London) strives to explore love through all its many phases. An ambitious goal but Molly achieves it thanks to some strikingly thoughtful, self-aware writing and beautifully poised delivery. Title track Lovesick is sparkly with a lilting feel, giving the perfect foundation for Molly's sublimely soulful vocals which range effortlessly from sultry to striving. Older is moving and introspective, sung with startling directness; Jack, Tom or Levi! sees a move to a fresh indie sound, an acoustic-guitar gently but firmly pushing the song along; and finally Took her home provides a gentle and incredibly beautiful closer to the record, while containing a clear lovelorn message. This is a well-rounded and EP of sparkling, nuanced music - a fabulous piece of art. @soundsofmolly (Phil Taylor)
All of this week's New Music picks are available to listen wherever you buy or stream your music.
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