Music
“Japan, 1996” Takes Listeners on Soup and Cigarettes’ Melodic Nostalgia of Love.
In a harmonious blend of indie-pop and rock, Soup and Cigarettes, the Bristol-based quintet, unveils their latest gem, “Japan, 1996.” Released on the 21st of July, 2023, this single is a melodic testament to the band’s distinctive sound and artistic growth. With influences from iconic groups like the 1975, the Smiths, and the Cure, Soup and Cigarettes have crafted a track that resonates with nostalgia while embracing a contemporary flair.
At the heart of “Japan, 1996” lies a lyrical exploration of the inexplicable rush of emotions accompanying falling in love with a stranger. Lead singer Tom’s poignant storytelling takes listeners on a sonic journey through the intricate landscape of emotions. The song’s title, a reference to a specific time and place, adds an extra layer of charm, inviting us to explore the beauty of fleeting moments.
The song begins with catchy guitar riffs that immediately establish a captivating beat. The dynamic combination of Harvey Norton’s lead guitar and Cerys Kavanagh’s rhythm guitar produces a complex and lively sound. Hayden French’s basslines provide a sturdy base for the song, adding depth to the arrangement. Meanwhile, Emily Evans’ percussion keeps the rhythm lively and energetic, ensuring the music vibrates.
“Japan, 1996” seamlessly weaves melodic basslines, captivating synth undertones, and Tom Dalton’s evocative vocals. The result is a harmonious marriage of sound and sentiment that encapsulates the essence of Soup and Cigarettes’ musical identity.
This single is a testament to the band’s evolution following their successful debut album and a string of acclaimed live performances. Soup and Cigarettes have honed their craft, carving out a niche that bridges the gap between indie pop and soft rock, captivating audiences with their distinctive style.
The song “Japan, 1996” is not just a piece of music but an emotional experience. Its captivating tunes and sincere lyrics serve as a reminder that love is a universal voyage that transcends all limits. Soup and Cigarettes have yet again showcased their talent for creating impactful music that profoundly touches the hearts and souls of their audience.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Soup and Cigarettes’ “Japan, 1996“ on Spotify.
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Artist Spotlight
Lana Crow turns challenges into a celebration with “Laugh With You”
“Laugh With You,” the latest single from Lana Crow, is a sincere rallying cry to embrace life in all its messy, beautiful mess. In the song, indie pop and alt-pop combine to deliver an emotional blow that feels both personal and universal.
“Laugh With You” feels like an instant connection, and Crow is telling you stories of hard times with a cozy, knowing smile. This song is as much about struggle as it is about how strong you are. It serves as a reminder that these struggles are simply what give us the strength to keep going, even when life is tough.
Crow encourages people to welcome them, create happiness in the cracks, and laugh even as the world gets heavy. The result is a song that delicately nudges you to love and embrace yourself. It is an anthem for anyone experiencing tough times who refuses to give up hope. Lana Crow continues to demonstrate her songwriting skills, both musically pleasing and emotionally rich, with “Laugh With You.”
It’s a reminder that it’s how we respond to tough times, rather than how they affect us, that’s key. With this song, not only does Crow provide us with music, but she also lets us know that sometimes a laugh is what we need to remember that there is always something to smile about and that, even when it feels like life has waged war against you, laughter can still be found.
Artist Spotlight
Lisa Boostani creates a mesmerizing tidal realm in “Ocean”
Lisa Boostani’s “Ocean” takes you deep into a sensory world where body, spirit, and myth come together, beyond the surface of genre. Boostani makes a soundscape that is both ethereal and deeply human by combining the broad essence of psychedelic pop with the strong appeal of alternative rock.
Her voice rises as if it is coming from deep within her, shaped by emotion rather than action. She intentionally channels the intangible, turning weakness into strength rather than a source of pain, and “Ocean” tells people to get involved in this inner world, not just watch it. This release is an integral part of her first EP, “One,” which will come out in March 2026 and is based on love, sensuality, and unity.
If “Ocean” is any indication, the EP will show sensuality not as something pretty, but as a kind of spiritual intelligence, a way to know yourself by connecting with others. The song’s textures and structure have an aquatic quality, moving between clarity and delirium, rhythm and freedom. Its emotional focus is on immersion instead of resolution.
The striking quality of “Ocean” is the blend of the mystical worlds. Boostani understands that strength often shows up as gentleness and that deep feelings are better expressed through frequencies than words. She wants people to see consciousness as immediacy, sensation as truth, and openness as an undeniable strength.
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