Pop

Alas de Liona delivers an ode to imperfect love in “19.3”

Alas de Liona starts off her highly praised first album, “Gravity of Gold,” with a track as raw and emotional-laden as the metal it’s dedicated to. “19.3,” a reference to gold’s specific gravity, is a poetic plan of attack for the song’s emotional heft and glittering sheen, as its opening track, “19.3,” vibes out what to expect from a project that’s introspective, soul-stirring and unafraid to probe the messy details of love.

Riding on glittering indie-pop sounds and de Liona’s trademark breathy vocals, “19.3” is like a slow emotional purge. It’s a love song, but not of the rose-tinted variety. This is love bared to the bite, complicated, eternal, and quietly challenging. It’s about not letting go of somebody, even as the reasons to do so begin to pile up. There’s a hurt in the melody, but it’s lovely in the way that only authentic music ever can be.

The production, by Rod Jones at Post Electric Studios in Leith, is unassuming but widescreen. Every piece, from the ethereal keys to the spectral light reverb, feels purposeful and featherlight, creating the cushion that lets de Liona’s voice drift like desert dust on a twilight breeze. You can almost sense her Mojave roots resonating through the track, even as Owens’ creative foundation was reinvented in the ancient streets of Edinburgh, where her inner spirit began to take flight.

Like the gold “19.3” alludes to, it has weight but not flash, substance but not pretense. Unsurprisingly, while the album falls into the hands of an offbeat selection of tastemakers ranging from The Line Of Best Fit to BBC Scotland Radio, its success has been inevitable. With this track, Alas de Liona sets aside a place within indie-pop as she decorates it with emotional honesty and poetic precision.

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Artist Spotlight

“The Deverills” by TYGERMYLK reveals a glittering ode to queer friendship

Hayz Harland, known professionally as TYGERMYLK, returns with something far more precious, “The Deverills,” a track that feels like flipping through a sun-creased scrapbook of inside jokes, questionable travel decisions, and emotional pitstops shared with your closest friends. Co-written with long-time creative soulmate, collaborator, and best friend Laura Reznek, the single is both a love letter and a comedic commentary, offering a tender, chaotic, and sharply self-aware ode to platonic queer friendship.

The track is funny, emotional, and honest. From the very first notes, “The Deverills” envelops listeners in warmth buoyed by the lush harmonies of the KIN Choir and lyrics that are as witty as they are wistful. Harland doesn’t just tell stories; she paints vivid scenes of viral cat museum escapades, hotel bar confessions, and that one time they ended up on the wrong boat (we’ve all been there…right?). Her storytelling shines with cinematic detail, culminating in a chorus that evokes the comforting feeling of returning home after an extended tour of beautiful disasters.

What makes this track potently impactful is its quiet indignities, which serve as an incisive critique of ageism within the music industry, and effectively challenge and dismantle outdated assumptions regarding queer relationships. Harland’s approach goes beyond merely requesting inclusion; she assertively establishes her presence in this domain by artfully combining humor with grace, thereby exhibiting both wit and poise.

In a cultural landscape that often prioritizes romantic ideals and fleeting novelty, “The Deverills” provides a refreshing exploration of the intricate and fulfilling dynamics that emerge from the joyful eccentricities of a chosen family. This narrative serves as a resonant anthem for those who have cultivated profound connections with friends or surrogate family members through shared experiences marked by unconventional road trips, communal living situations, and intimate exchanges of secrets during the twilight hours, discovering moments of joy along the way. The work encapsulates the juxtaposition of playfulness and poignancy, immersing the audience in the complexity and relatability of human relationships. TYGERMYLK’s anthemic creation stands as a noteworthy contribution to the discourse on the beautifully chaotic journey of human connection.

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Music

Stephen Joseph’s new single “Gorgeous” is a heartfelt introduction you won’t forget

Stephen Joseph’s new single, “Gorgeous,” is a warm invitation into his world. With this track, he aims to share his true musical style, making a strong first impression that draws listeners in with genuine emotion and beautifully crafted lyrics. When you hit play, “Gorgeous” feels personal, like an intimate conversation between friends. Stephen believes that music connects people, and you can really feel that in this song. Every lyric is thoughtfully written, reflecting real emotions and deep thoughts instead of just being random words.

While Stephen draws inspiration from many great songwriters, his voice is uniquely his own. The sound of “Gorgeous” is rich and full of feeling, inviting you to listen closely and uncover the story behind the music. This song strikes the perfect balance in a music scene where sometimes the production overshadows the message. The arrangement complements the lyrics, allowing Stephen’s true artistic self to shine through. What stands out in “Gorgeous” is how well Stephen connects with listeners. Rather than just performing, he shares a piece of himself. It’s easy to see this song resonating with those who appreciate honesty and emotional depth in music.

The feelings stirred up by “Gorgeous” linger long after it plays. Stephen Joseph’s “Gorgeous” offers a refreshing dose of authenticity in a world filled with polished sounds. It’s a heartfelt introduction to who he is as an artist and an indicator of more meaningful music to come. If you’re on the lookout for a new artist who combines thoughtful lyrics with soulful melodies, “Gorgeous” is definitely worth a listen. Stephen Joseph’s voice is one you’ll want to pay attention to.

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