Carpe Carmina: A single spark(s) - 6 songs you need to hear

To ignite a lustrous fire, sometimes all it takes, is a single spark ...

I. Petrichor

Ambient, luminously soaring melodies - accentuated by seraphic vocal blending - bloom and echo in dreamful, dynamic dignity - and as poetic this reads, 'Petrichor' appeals to its audience. Imitating the arcadian sound of pouring rain, the first single of Silent Sleep's forthcoming EP 'The Mdina Project' ('Petrichor' is out on March 20) lures with both entrancing harmonies and expressive vocal craft (it's alt-pop siren Natalie McCool who adds to the charm of Simon's already haunting vocalism while commuting between delicate vulnerability and vibrant vocal clarity); more importantly though this ethereal EP appetizer blends in with the singer/songwriter's chosen musical metier to perfection, it's alluringly artistic, melodiously moony and mesmerizingly minimalist.

Reach out & listen to Silent Cities on ...

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Check on a previous collaboration between Silent Cities and Natalie McCool, here.

II. Risk

If you get excited about energetically upbeat and electrifying music, it's no risky business to listen to Mosley Bar's new tune 'Risk' and actually be hooked. Putting powerful guitar work and firm vocal lead in the limelight while allowing impulsively gripping riffage and vivacious drum volleys to clash, the four lads from North West England cleverly combine what makes indie rock such a rousing genre – it's catchy instrumental thrill and bold vocal attitude.

More peppy rock anthems can be found on the youngster's soon to be released four-track debut EP 'Another Record Sleeve' (out on April 18), what makes keeping an eye on Mosley Bar mandatory.

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III. Apart From Me

Jack Burrell's acoustic showpiece 'Wild I Will Run, Wild I Shall Stay' entertains the listener to indulge in yearning melodic melancholia ('By The Brook') and vivifying instrumental bliss ('I Will Run'), features dainty, beautifully layered (vocal) harmonies ('Wild Wind' & 'Under Snow') and cosy sonic briskness ('In The Dark'); a pleasing piano-percussion-liaison ('Swallows Song') and wistful harmonica accents ('Change') invite to further embark on the mellow soundscape the 8-track EP presents. Highlighting the singer/songwriter's heartfelt storytelling and warm, raucous voice, it's 'Apart From Me' though that leaves its mark most strikingly, while tender and graceful melodies involve the audience on a lyrical level. In its entirety, this folk-music-compilation exposes as well as emphasises its originator's natural talent at songwriting and composing, whether it manifests in a charmingly gentle or in an emotionally copious creation.

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IV. Laura

Artwork by Gavin Rutherford Illustration & Pattern Design

Dreamy musical ambience meets infectiously rousing melodic momentum – liverpool alt-rock quintet Atlas Eyes proves that buoyant tonal stimulus can do the trick and truly spellbind full-length (it's for 3:35 minutes here). Introducing blissfully brisk melodies, the anthemic spirit of 'Laura' is palpably looming already; and as the song progresses in a dazzling and dashing fashion, it does not only show a great deal of staggering instrumental verve, but also scores points with strong and shiny vocal harmonies. Hitting home among listeners appreciative of excitingly rhythmic and sparkling sonic pep, those hesitant, when coming upon alt-rock gems abloom (like 'Laura' is one), will let themselves get carried away by its delightful vividness and bright intensity all the same.

photo courtesy by Marie Hazelwood (Pennyblackmusic)

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V. The Way Life Is

Powerfully written and groove-ladden track 'The Way Life Is' gives you a musical ride highly enjoyable and thought-provoking at once; with it, oxfordshire/yorkshire songstress Charlie Leavy displays sparkling wit and words of wisdom beyond her years as she reflects on present-day society and way of living in a refreshingly keen and bracing way. Musically complemented by soulful vocal flow and atmospheric melodic vivacity, the honest narration is one to linger in your mind for a little while longer.

Reach out & listen to Charlie Leavy on ...

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Don't miss to check on the other 6 songs of her debut EP
'The Best Damn Ride'.

VI. May 2nd

Edgy and tenebrous, there's a gravity and unease about Bad Mood's debut single hard to shake; and just to be clear: with moody, heavy-hearted vocals at work, the tingling dark vibe emanating from 'May 2nd' is only intensified. Built up by gritty, alarmingly shivering guitars and sonorously steady drum directive the atmosphere prevailing is a tense and insistent one; one that conveys a heavy sense of gloom and calamity, mirrored too in the song's dark lyrics. A brooding and thrilling lead-in for the liverpool 4-piece, and no bleak outlook ahead.