In the 53rd edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens, our music team reviews releases from Otala, Matt Blaney, Wayne Banks and Make Strangers...
Single: Wayne Banks - Cold River
We sometimes encounter problems in life that we can’t resolve; however, we might be able to find an acceptable workaround, and Cold River demonstrates this idea nicely, directing attention away from a wider issue to one of more personal and introspective nature.
Wayne says the inspiration for the number came to him in an instant after hearing an acoustic guitar line penned by his musical associate, James Cole: “Sometimes someone unlocks something in you that you couldn’t have found on your own,” he explains.
The song is gentle and soothing, putting a comforting arm around the listener with the reassuring lines “You’re not travelling this journey on your own” and “I’ll be here when darkness returns to light.”
Wayne’s laidback acoustic fretwork is clear and precise throughout, tenderly delivering the message that whilst he might not be able to solve the subject’s problems, he can at least help them endure the rigours of the "cold river".
@banksy_therealone_official (Claire Spencer)
EP: Otala - Better Than The End
On their newest EP (released back in April - we've had a lot to catch up on! - Ed.) Otala really show how talented they really are. Oscar Thorpe’s vocals go from haunting to visceral (a good example of the latter being on the track My Old House), and it all sounds so refreshing and unique. There is clear influence from artists such as Black Country, New Road and Racing Mount Pleasant, but it stands clearly on its own two feet.
On the instrumental side Allen, Foulkes and Wing are beasts at their instruments, a clear demonstration of this being Lord Only Knows pt.1.
Better Than The End feels like the greatest album you’ve ever heard condensed into 16 minutes. Every track feels important, every note seems intricately planned, and not a second is wasted.
This release is one of my favourites from the current Windmill scene, and may be one of the best EPs of the year. @otalaband (Josh Turner)
Single: Matt Blaney - Ode to Yer Mam
LeftLion readers, you may already know Matt Blaney as the writer behind our monthly Truth or Legend column. However, if you didn’t also know already, he’s also a very accomplished singer-songwriter and this week, he has dropped his debut single. Featuring just his distinctive vocals and an acoustic guitar, the song is filled with warm autumnal textures and showcases Blaney’s knack for witty, tongue-in-cheek storytelling and emotional honesty.
Throughout the song, he seemingly takes aim at a former best friend, reaching out to the person’s “Mam” and describing troublesome escapades to which she may not be privy. “Where did you go so wrong?” he pointedly asks with an Alex Turner-esque cooing vocal, seemingly longing for his former friend to correct his bad behaviour.
Open, honest and carrying no pretence, Ode To Your Mam demonstrates Blaney’s natural songwriting ability for turning his own thoughts and feelings into relatable, heartfelt singalongs. With this just the starting point, we’re already looking forward to what’s next. @matt.blaney (Karl Blakesley)
You can catch Matt Blaney this evening at a special edition of Acoustic Rooms, where he is performing the new single alongside the usual open mic format. As always, it is free to attend, so if you’re at a loose end this evening, why not head on down to Rescue Rooms for some free live music.
EP: Make Strangers - Everything Feels Familiar
Opening with the zesty To Know You, this is a debut EP bubbling with an overwhelming sense of intention. That first track combines jangly guitar, irresistible rhythms and gorgeously fresh vocals from Eloise, and does a superb job of introducing this four-track collection from one of Nottingham's newest outfits.
The feeling of purposeful, optimistic reflection continues through the rest of the EP. Wasn't It You? takes on funkier overtones, skipping with a light touch through a celebratory relationship story. The offbeat hits from the backing vocals add beautiful, foot-tapping syncopation. Love Me Not slows the pace - a sultry ballad which further reveal Eloise's capabilities - before Underestimated takes us home with pulsating guitars and growly slap bass. Make Strangers are exercising their right to create great sounds here, taking the best type of 80s vibes and filtering it through modern eyes and clean production. The result is a perfectly baked, light delight.
In January, we foresaw a great future for this indie-pop quartet and this EP (pleasingly) proves us right. @makestrangers (Phil Taylor)
Make Strangers will launch their EP at The Old Cold Store on 15 October (with Lucy Crisp and SOFT SERVE supporting)
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