LeftLion's Latest Listens #24: Notts music we're currently spinning

Single: Parisa East - Too Powerful

Nottingham has a wealth of talented musicians, of which Parisa East is certainly one, having been on the music scene here for many years playing her own music and actively promoting others. Her latest single was recently featured by Dean Jackson on BBC Introducing East Midlands as well as seeing airtime on Jazz FM. Too Powerful employs a subtle soul jazz fusion sound that is delivered in a relaxed and laid back style, with Parisa’s gentle vocals carrying an empowering and compelling feminine narrative which hint at the style of song that Lily Allen might possibly have sung. Parisa skilfully combines many diverse musical threads in her work with this song employing a strong RnB soulful groove with a soft percussive beat driving it. The backing vocals add a nice extra dimension that reinforce Parisa’s message in the lyrics, while the peaceful tinkling sound of the keyboards add a certain softness to the overall sound. @parisaeast (Claire Spencer)

Album: Torn Sail - Steady Weather

Local band Torn Sail have released their eagerly awaited third album, Steady Weather. Led by Huw Costin who sings, plays guitar and writes the songs with invaluable help from a group of talented and skilful musicians, the band's music has been described as "influenced by Space
Rock, Jazz fusion, 1970s West Coast virtuosity and classical English introspection... with the cinematic polish of Trevor Horn." The progressive nature of the music makes it worthy of several listens, and each time, I find myself noticing new sounds and phrases, the deep and thought-provoking lyrics revealing further nuance. My current favourite track is Mud People reprise, which is a lovely spaced-out reference to the second track on the album with a gorgeous off-kilter riff. The production values are impressive; each musical element has its own distinct place in the mix. The great sounding vinyl (also available on CD or download) is really well-presented in a classic gatefold and released by local Delia Recordings. Overall, this is a great-sounding and thought-provoking album which is well worth a listen. @torn_sail (Tim Hills)

Single: Those Once Loyal - Glass Hands

The latest offering from this Nottingham-based melodic hardcore band is a right belter if you’re into hardcore. The band, who got their name from an album by death metal merchants Bolt Thrower, have been playing a few local venues on the lead up to this release, as well as supporting their all time heroes Atreyu! at Rock City at the back end of 2023. Glass Hands is a two-and-a-half minute assault on the senses with full-on, no-nonsense, head-down driving rhythms and hard hitting vocals which are interspersed with some tuneful riffs. There’s lots of pedal that gives that wonderful effect of listening to a tuneful buzz saw, all the time helped on its way with some frantic drumming and gut churning bass. A great adventure into the world of hardcore which aficionados of that genre are sure to enjoy, and rest assured it’s gonna be beckoning you over to the mosh pit with a real sense of urgency. @thoseonceloyal (Claire Spencer)

Single: Mollie Ralph - Angel Delight

This is one of those songs which wonderfully dives right in, no intro to get in the way, just stepping off the cliff with a quick intake of breath. Unlike its namesake dessert, Angel Delight is distinctively punchy and not at all sickly-sweet: a fuzzed-up, layered, guitar-heavy track (with a suggestion of brass faint in the background) which rollicks and rolls, the vocals alternately soaring and intense. The song is divided into neat sections of melodic verse-choruses and jagged intermissions, but the whole is smoothly glued together under Mollie's confident gaze. This is a departure from Mollie's usual soul-focused music, but she achieves the transition with captivating ease. @mollie.ralph (Phil Taylor)