Artist Spotlight

Newcastle Prog-Rockers, Crux, release their spectacular, thought-provoking debut EP: “Death At The Cash Machine”

Having teased the release of the EP “Death At The Cash Machine” by sharing three singles periodically, the Newcastle prog-rock quartet Crux has managed to attract radio support from the likes of Tom Robinson at BBC Radio 6 Music and Amazing Radio, whilst also receiving written praise from the likes of Hype Machine tastemakers EarToTheGround and XS Noize.

Speaking about the EP – its creation, themes, and messages – Crux reveal: “We’ve really pulled out all of the stops for this EP, worked with some great studios and producers in both London and the North East to bring out the best in our unique songwriting, and put a lot of time into the accompanying music videos.

In ‘Death at the Cash Machine’ song by song, we’ve tried to capture different aspects of the chaos and despair that penetrates modern living drawing on a number of themes, from zero-hour contracts and austerity to sexual predators and dodgy nights out. Some of the songs are particularly character-driven, with ‘Radgie Gadgie’ and ‘Incel’ both being based on real people, but also on archetypes we’re all familiar with in our day-to-day lives.

Writing, practicing, and recording during the pandemic has not been without its challenges, however, that makes us even prouder of what we’ve been able to produce; knowing that, unfortunately, many bands haven’t remained intact during this period.”

What do you think about this song? Drop a comment below…

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Artist Spotlight

Kenton Hall & The Necessary Measures unveils a big record on a small budget with “The Sun Shone Down”

Kenton Hall and The Necessary Measures‘ latest release, “The Sun Shone Down,” is a huge track and proudly wears independent artistry. Conceived to make a “big record on a small budget,” the track shows how imagination and passion can outweigh studio costs. Each layer, strings, horns, keys, choirs, creates a cinematic yet emotional sound.

The philosophy behind “The Sun Shone Down” is intriguing. Kenton Hall embraces limitations, making collaboration and creativity the currency of the song. The music evokes gratitude. That reflects the amazing people and artistic relationships that shaped the record. It is ambitious for spectacle and emotional impact.

Hall writes songs about the unspoken emotions people feel, conflict, hope, longing, and survival. That authenticity gives the track weight beyond the lush instrumentation. More than just a great sound. Feeling great. Kenton Hall & The Necessary Measures’ personal and expansive song is born of emotional honesty and a richly layered production, reminding us that belief, not budgets, powers some of the biggest records.

Artist Spotlight

Leyla Romanova finds strength in silence on new release “Self-Control”

Leyla Romanova‘s new single, “Self-Control,” is a powerful emotional release that feels more like a manifesto for surviving modern chaos than a song. In a world of opinions, urgency, and emotional exhaustion, Romanova offers a track based on one radical idea: not reacting.

“Self-Control” immediately creates tension and clarity. The drums keep everything together with discipline and purpose. As the textured instrumentals expand like waves of thought through a crowded mind, the bass anchors the listener emotionally.

The contrast between outside noise and inside stillness makes the song compelling. Romanova’s work captures the feeling of being overwhelmed by pressure, opinions, and distractions while silently retaining personal peace. There are no major uprisings. But restraint is power. The song knows energy conservation is a survival strategy.

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