SONG OF THE DAY

Sam Brookes - James

One of the things I love most about writing reviews for websites, is listening to an album or single before it gets released (especially if it's a good one!) Sam Brookes' debut album Kairos hits iTunes on March 17th, but 'James,' can already be found on Youtube. I've only given the record one uninterupted listen from start to finish, but what I can say already, is that it could be one of my favourites. Sam Brookes toured with Emily and the Woods last year and I'd never come across any of his music before. Since then, I've been waiting until his new material filters through the web, and I can finally say it's happened! What's even better, is, this whole album came about with the help of funding from local communities. They knew good music when they heard it.

My review of the whole album will be posted on this site http://www.forfolkssake.com/ next week! 

Stay tuned!

But, for now, please enjoy the jolly, jumpy, 'James.'

  

SONG OF THE DAY

The Melodic - On My Way

Are you mourning the loss of current music from Beirut? Well, there's a new band on the harmonious horizon, who will quench those fresh, folk-infused thirsts. The Melodic; a five-piece band from South London, have been quietly stepping further into the limelight. With their debut album, Effra Parade just hitting iTunes, touring with Johnny Flyyn across America and a recent live gig in one of London's biggest record stores, Rough Trade...
*AND BREATHE* 
... I'd say things are looking up.
I've had 'On My Way' in my head all weekend and just had to share. No doubt there'll be more tracks from the album cropping up on the blog soon. 
If you're in search for a band to remind you of Summer 2k14, The Melodic make the the perfect soundtrack.

  

"Here We Go Again"

Angus & Julia Stone - Here We Go Again

I've been a bit all over the place recently. Not in the literal sense, more in terms of where my heads at (cue Basement Jaxx's Where's Your Head At); particularly with what I'm going to do with this blog. I started out as a music blogger on Tumblr, but felt it wasn't getting much coverage, so decided to switch to blogspot. This opened up other doors for me, as I got inspired (and probably distracted), to write a fashion blog. I felt like the underdog (mainly 'cos in the photos I looked like one), but more importantly, I veered off from what I'd originally sought out to achieve in the "bloggersphere." It's imperative to try other avenues, but I always knew I wanted to write about music. I guess I felt lost in my own blog for a little while... (Getting deep right?)
Well... it took a combination of rediscovering Cocteau Twins, weeping at The Perks of Being a Wallflower, the new Bombay Bicycle Club album, and the incredibly inspirational Almost Famous to set my record straight, (pun definitely intended).

Consider this a much needed re-vamp for Reflect & The City. It's going back to its musical roots, just with a different name.
I thought this post would just help put the "Reflect" back into Reflect & The City. I've recently added a "Portfolio" tab, where I drop links of tracks/albums I've reviewed. Please take a look!

I hope you've been enjoying my "SONG OF THE DAY" posts. It allows me to keep my blog active. If you want help getting your band, or a friend's band out there, just send me an email (address is on the right-hand side) and I'll get back to you!

Thanks for stopping by

Charlie XO  

SONG OF THE DAY

Emily & The Woods - Tell You

I first came across Emily and the Woods on Youtube. Emily Wood was sat on a bank by the River Thames singing 'It Was Right There.' I even wrote a blog post about it. I think it must've been 2012, as it was just after I graduated. I was feeling the effects of leaving University, and I desperately needed to fill this void with new music. Emily, you couldn't have come at a better time! 

In June last year at Nottingham's Rescue Rooms, I finally had a chance to see Emily and the Woods live, and even meet her. Starstruck? YES. My friend had to practically push me into her. I was adamant; I did NOT want to go over there. It's weird, that we admire these artists so much, yet when given a chance to actually speak to them, your words are lost, and you find yourself mumbling. I did give my opinion on their new material though, which she seemed happy about... *WIN* 

Their live show was a lot different to what I'd heard originally. Guitar was more prominent and Emily's other half, "The Woods" definitely had a bigger impact this time round. They felt more like a band. A band with huge potential, and a modest determination to succeed, which is incredibly endearing.

'Tell You' comes from their recent EP, Then We Collide. Unfortunately this record only showcases a handful of their tracks. 

Oh what a tease! 

HAPPY SATURDAY

SONG OF THE DAY

Angel Olsen - Unfucktheworld

Here's what I think makes a perfect Sunday track. 

In fact, the whole album, Burn Your Fire For No Witness would make the perfect soundtrack for the day. Sunday is always the time to wind down from the long week just passed and what more could you need whilst digging into your poached eggs on toast this afternoon? 

Admittedly, I've only just discovered Angel Olsen. Some of you may frown at this as she has released records prior to this, but sometimes these are out of reach and easily slip under the radar. Something I actively try not to do. I always root for the underdog, but I have a feeling Angel Olsen will be removed from this category after Burn Your Fire For No Witness receiving much critical acclaim.

'Unfucktheworld' is so beautifully haunting and only just 2 minutes long. It doesn't seem long enough, so it may be on repeat after the first listen... just to make it a little longer.