Music

Honeyflux – Hourglass

Newcastle’s emerging alternative rock outfit Honeyflux recently released their new single ‘Hourglass’. Hourglass is effectively all about change but presented in a very indirect way. Using fictitious examples in the verse lyrics, we harness imagery that portrays both the passing of time and arising situations that command a level headed thought process to make it through.

“When I (Joe) first moved to Newcastle, I found myself in a situation in which I didn’t know many people; my career had not yet started to gather any speed and my family all lived hundreds of miles away. What I did have, however, was my partner (now wife) who consistently kept me grounded through a very unstable time. I wrote ‘Hourglass’ within this period as a way of relieving myself of the stresses of uncertainty. I was conveying my feelings of standing on a cliff edge, staring into the unknown whilst I waited for my life up north to start. Wording it (and most of my lyrics) abstractly with lots of imagery helps me convey my thoughts in a way that’s cohesive to me. I’m dyslexic and ultimately have more thoughts in images as opposed to words, so painting a strong image in our listeners’ imaginations helps me feel connected to the people who have been kind enough to listen to us.”

“North-East alt-rock supergroup Honeyflux release their latest single, Tear Us Apart a groovy, beautifully crafted, genre blurring number complete with soulful and melodious vocals and soaring chorus.” – NARC Magazine

Composed of members from Backyard Rhythm Orchestra, The Baghdaddies, Prudent Primate and Shields UK, Honeyflux write and perform with the utmost technical ability. Blurring the lines of alternative rock, Honeyflux’s sound is influenced by bands such as Steely Dan, Soundgarden and The War On Drugs, placing them amidst a magnetic blend of genres. Forming in Newcastle, Honeyflux all live and operate creatively in the North East; growing up, playing music and building ties within all areas of the region.

Contributing to the regional arts sector, being involved with Arts Council funded projects, developing music based projects with circus and theatre companies, all the members of Honeyflux have been involved with furthering music as an important part of the arts in Newcastle. Honeyflux are currently preparing for the recording sessions that will be released as their debut EP, featuring tracks composed since lockdown began in March 2020. The EP is scheduled to be released in 2021.

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Album Review

R3b3l I explores self-discovery through sound on “A Different Frequency” album

In a music scene often ruled by lyrics, R3b3l I proves that you can tell a powerful story without a single lyric. “A Different Frequency” is a twelve-track instrumental hip-hop and rap-inspired album inviting you into a deeply personal journey of growth, self-discovery, and purpose, speaking its message purely through mood, rhythm, and expression.

“Dance Before the Throne” opens the album, immediately establishing the tone of reflection and reverence. From here, “Elevate” and “The Wave” continue, adding momentum and a sense of movement and change. Each piece is a chapter in a larger story, allowing you to interpret the music with your own experience.

Songs like “I AM Power,” “Level Up,” and “Awaken” seem to be a big part of the progression of the album. The energy is one of empowerment and inner evolution. “The Jazzy Hop” is a nice change of pace in style, with a smooth, groove-flavored taste that shows R3b3l I’s versatility. Meanwhile, “Carousel,” “Raindrops,” and “Heartbeat” are moments of introspection that balance uplifting themes with emotional depth and openness.

The project wraps up on an emotional high with “Ancestors,” a heartfelt tribute to the forebears and the invisible forces that still influence us on our journeys. It’s a fitting way to close out an album about connection, growth, and purpose. “A Different Frequency” is more than a collection of tracks with carefully constructed instrumentals and thoughtful sequencing, and it’s a rewarding journey for those who want immersive instrumental hip-hop with heart, imagination, and substance.

Connect with R3b3l I on | Spotify | TikTok |

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Artist Spotlight

“Signalling Signatures” finds Mr Pigeons exploring dreams, truth, and hidden meanings

While the first look at an upcoming project usually sets the expectations, Mr Pigeons does something more ambitious with “Signalling Signatures.” With this release, the hip-hop artist opens up a portal into “Shining Arras,” inviting you into a world where dreams, symbols, and hidden meanings collide.

“Signalling Signatures” is an exploration of the thin veil between reality and imagination, based on themes of altered consciousness and shifting perspectives. The song is a mix of mythology, film, and spiritual symbolism and encourages you to look beyond the ordinary and find the messages in everyday life. Mr Pigeons delivers with purpose and swagger, blending introspection with crisp storytelling. He also renders the abstract ideas of the song accessible.

The thing about “Signalling Signatures” that is so compelling is its sheer audacity to challenge you. There are no easy answers in this song, only a quest for truth, perception, and uncertainty. A good opening chapter to “Shining Arras,” and it manages to build up suspense as well as showing Mr Pigeons’ artistic vision. “Signalling Signatures” is a good introduction to what could be an interesting new creative phase for the artist.

Connect with Mr Pigeons on | Website | Spotify | X | FB | TikTok | IG |