In this edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens, our music team reviews new releases from Blackadder, Mollie Ralph and Set In Motion...
Single: Blackadder - Save Me
A hazy nostalgia trip to a joyful evening at sunset. Blackadder intelligently uses layers of synths, found sounds and samples to spark memories of good times and showcase the emotive nature of this chilled out style of electronica. Choppy piano lines, sepia-tinged atmospherics and a persistent, irresistible beat coalesce to create something immediately evocative, while the introduction of brass is the perfect kick, elevating the track and cementing the feeling of bliss.
Save Me is a song that would fit snugly in any summer party playlist, between Bonobo and Joe Goddard. The perfect accompaniment to warm weather and warm company. @blackadder.music (Kieran Lister)
EP: Set In Motion - Finding Something, Doing Nothing
Rock outfit Set In Motion have been one of the most promising rising stars of the Nottingham alternative scene for a little while now. Having now finally released their much-anticipated debut EP, it’s easy to see why they have generated so much hype across the city and beyond.
Aptly titled opener Find Out Why is an immediate highlight, channelling Kings of Leon as Alfie Wallace’s gravelly vocals soar over shimmering, stadium-sized riffs. It’s the perfect introduction to newly arriving fans, with recent single Flying Too High also impressing thanks to a catchy chorus and sharp, jittery guitars. Runner is a mid-project highlight, Alfie’s vocals once again raising hairs and dropping jaws against atmospheric instrumentation. Don’t Break Me Down and Rest It then raise the groove levels, before closing track Break Free endears the band to Sam Fender fans in suitably epic fashion.
Confident and filled wall-to-wall with festival-ready anthems, Set In Motion deliver big on this assured debut EP. They say there’s no smoke without fire and underneath the smog of hype surrounding Set In Motion, things are starting to set ablaze. @setinmotionband (Karl Blakesley)
Single: Mollie Ralph - Hopeless
Short, sweet and full of sincerity is the best way to describe this new single from Nottingham singer-songwriter Mollie Ralph. At just 1 minute and 20 seconds long, the track gently sails in on a wave of gorgeous neo-soul and electronic drums, before then evaporating as quickly as it arrives.
Ralph doesn’t need long to leave an impact, though, her vocal performance as captivating as ever as she pours her frustration and apathy into each “Hopeless” refrain. It’s a song that ultimately leaves you wanting to hear more, the fleeting promise of the track only helping the message at its heart to further resonate. As we eagerly await the next Mollie Ralph single, here’s hoping it comes to fruition soon. @mollie.ralph (Karl Blakesley)
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