Music

ISLA makes debut with single “Break The Fall” – an exploration into long distance love

ISLA makes her debut as a solo female artist with a stand-alone single “Break The Fall” composed by herself and produced by HEproducedit (Howard Edward) at Cosher Recording Studios.

The track is a bittersweet contemporary/alternative pop song in which she shares her personal experience in a long-distance relationship. It explores the doubts and insecurities that physical separation brings, but the ultimate hope that love will overcome. ISLA is making a huge step in her solo career and is set to explore different genres as she releases more original content throughout the year.

20-year-old singer-songwriter Isla Sutherland (‘ISLA’) has been making waves in the Cape Town music scene, performing regularly at a wide range of esteemed venues across the city with her acoustic guitar and powerful vocals- with influences such as Lorde, Fleetwood Mac, and Kelly Clarkson.

ISLA on the story behind the song, “I wrote Break The Fall as an outlet to express all the mixed emotions I was experiencing whilst in a long-distance relationship. There were times where I felt nearly hopeless and songwriting was a way for me to deal with the pain of missing someone I truly care about- you really have to learn to trust each other. The simple act of being in love is worth it all.”

She adds, “I think the lyrics will resonate with the millions across the world who are currently unable to be close to their loved ones and will hit even closer to home because of the COVID-19 pandemic in which we all were separated from people we care about.”

“Like a river surrendering to its waterfall, the dreamy sustained chords that kick off the debut single from this exciting new artist give way to one of the catchiest choruses I’ve heard in years. Isla weaves a poignant lyric over a melody that never tries to outdo itself. In Isla’s world, a slow burn is a key to delivering a powerful message of love lost” – Matt Roux

Social Media links:

Facebook

Instagram

Youtube

Tweet LinkedIn PinShare1

Album Review

Brynja Rán finds clarity in complicated relationships on “Unblurred” [album]

It can be hard to see when a relationship no longer meets your emotional needs, especially when affection, uncertainty, and repeated disappointment are hard to untangle. “Unblurred,” an album built on the bedrock of emotional unavailability, recurring conflict, and the slow dawning that a relationship might need to end, is where Brynja Rán unpacks that difficult process.

The ten songs follow the arc of attachment and frustration, weaving together the story of someone trying to figure out what they deserve. The focus track, “Unblurred Lines,” hits on the album’s central concept. This is when the veils begin to fall, and the person is more ready to see the partner’s behavior for what it is. The song is musically rich, with an acoustic and electric guitar soundscape, synthesizers, bass guitar, drums, and additional instrumentation.

The surrounding songs view the same emotional landscape from different angles. “Cowboy Wannabe” explores a partner masking insecurity with a detached personality, and “Deja Vu” captures the frustration of arguments that go round and round without changing anything. “Adore” is about ignoring red flags when you’re that into something, and “Cherry” is about the temporary comfort of being in a relationship that just isn’t right.

The album opens up by looking at borders and the need for real connection. “Make Me Feel” is about wanting to be loved, and “Until” is about how long you should stay in the twilight zone. “Still Stuck Waiting” captures the frustration of waiting for communication and commitment. “Don’t You Leave” begins with fear of abandonment and moves toward healing, while “What Else” ends the record with emotional exhaustion and a desire to move on.

Rather than treating every experience as a one-off event, the tracklist of “Unblurred” attempts to create a single image of relationship troubles. With this release, Brynja Rán explores unhealthy patterns, boundaries, and getting the clarity to choose a different path.

Connect – Instagram | Spotify |

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Album Review

Legends of the Seven Golden Vampires explore healing and personal growth on “The Pumphouse of Broken Dreams” [album]

Albums often have a strong sense of identity, with songs linking to a broader emotional and musical direction. The nine-song album “The Pumphouse of Broken Dreams” by Legends of the Seven Golden Vampires, featuring Dutch vocalist Ilse Van Der Linden front and center, is more cohesive.

The band’s melodic psychedelic pop offers a welcome counterpoint to a project that explores recovery, longing, uncertainty, and personal growth. The tracklist is an emotional journey. “To Think, To Heal” starts with the idea of mental healing and moving on from the past. “Flying” is more of an escapist wish to escape the pressures of day-to-day life. “Come Home” is about finding comfort and belonging.

“Here I Am” is about self-awareness and openness. Together, these early songs form an album about finding stability and processing difficult experiences. The middle ground is more emotionally layered. “Hopelessly Devoted To You” is about being attached all the time, and “Lost & Burned” is about being worn out and the results of hard experiences. Then there is “In My Dreams,” which turns into memory and unfulfilled wishes. Later, “AIR” brings the need for freedom, air, space, and a new start.

It ends with “BLEND,” a combination of psychedelic, shoegaze, and electronic influences. The release also includes another visual element from Gareth Halliday, who also worked on Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds Who Built The Moon. “The Pumphouse of Broken Dreams” has softer vocals and a range of emotions. This album is deliberately constructed, moving from reflection to acceptance without losing the variety of experiences it tackles.

Connect – Website | Instagram |