Night Vibe #626

If you recall a few issues ago I named my favourite albums of the year, or my top five. If you are a writer you will know that there are several constraints to try and fit everything that you want to say into 700 words. It is really quite hard. Now this issue isn’t about the bottom five albums of the year or the disappointing releases that you kinda, for a minute, would hope you could have enjoyed more (a few come to mind), yet it is to show recognition to some bands that, chances are, you have never heard of.
From the moment you open your favourite streaming service (Spotify is my poison), you are granted with a variety of different options. Whatever the occasion, whatever your mood (you know the rest) at the touch of a button you are able to listen to anything. Why am I rabbiting on about this? Well I have just discovered some of the greatest playlists on the service and wanted to share the love, if you will, with all of my Forte ‘Night Vibe’ fans. For those out there that know me well, and know I am an absolute Wombats, Coldplay and Radiohead fiend. They are some of the greatest live concerts I’ve been to and, you may or may not, be totally impressed by my playlist suggestions however, there are a lot of albums released every year and you should totally be into discovering new songs and artists. After all, it’s a big old world and it is really fun.
I was hanging out watching movies with my friend one day and I Give It A Year was on. It’s a British comedy about the first year of marriage. Incredibly funny and the soundtrack is amazing. There is a scene where the couple in question are travelling to a party and this low-fi electronic soulful version of what I immediately recognized as a cover of Coldplay’s Sparks is playing. The original is wonderful but it led me to discover Kristina Train – an American singer who lives in London and combines gospel country soul and blues elements to her voice. She has only released two studio albums to her name yet has found acclaim with her cover versions that she definitely brings into her own.
Having toured alongside the likes of Herbie Hancock, The Roots, Chris Isaak and Keb Mo she’s certainly a talent. I’m unsure about whether she has ever toured Australia, yet when she does, it will be a blissful occasion.
Indie folk rock is a big genre at the moment due to bands like The Lumineers and The Milk Carton Kids touring around the world and producing great tracks. Have you heard of the bands Trampled by Turtles and Horse Feathers? Horse Feathers is a band that have embraced the banjo when Mumford & Sons have ditched it. Yes, there is no hiding this is an acquired taste (ever since I came back from America last year, I have fallen in love with Americana and country music) but not to say Keith Urban or anything commercially heavy.
A time where music discovery is on a massive high, given Spotify and Apple music definitely dominate the marketplace, there are several opportunities to step outside your comfort zone and listen to something just a little bit different. Don’t be scared of taking the plunge. Take the recommended suggestions from social media sites and your friends. Your new favourite album is awaiting you and I’m sure once you’re hooked you will never turn back. I haven’t.