Three Chords and the Truth UK

  Jeffrey Martin doesn’t waste a breath, nor a word, nor a note. He funnels life through the strings of a guitar, and songs pondering his inner most thoughts, trying to make sense of it all. He pauses, takes stock, adds insightful comment then resumes the artistic calling. The magnitude of his work holds an audience in a state of freeze-frame, listening with rooted intent. He revels in the cold wet January climate of the English Midlands, unsure whether he’s been to this town before He mischievously greets The Sunflower Lounge basement performing space as a “hole," though one soon to fill with adoration. This evening, one of Birmingham’s quirkier venues lends its ear to a troubadour from the resistant enclave of Portland Oregon, one uncomfortably wearing his nationality, yet bringing peace and calmness through the international language of song.  _________________________________________                          ...

  More to Me is the latest single from UK singer-songwriter Joe Hicks,  co-written with Tom Millar and Sam Whitfield  ahead of the release of his new album Before it Gets Dark in March.   “ After a breakup you’re often unaware of how the other person is dealing with it. Silence leaves you guessing and feeling like you’re the only one suffering while they’re fine. This song is about breaking free from the invisible hold they still have, the echoes of a life that no longer exists.” Hicks slickly slips into anthem mode for a track built to lead a new collection of songs. A buoyant sound awash with power pop vibes showering shades of positivity on a difficult theme dealt in the lyrics. The thrust of the beat suggests better things are around the corner following this blast of angst. 

  Distant Seasons is the new single from the upcoming Danny George Wilson album titled Arcade out on March 20th. This is the first solo album since 2021's Another Place and sees a return to Hamish Benjamin’s studio in East Sussex for what effectively has been pronounced a sequel.  The single has varying layers of snazzy production but is fundamentally a gently strummed   reflective song coated in a charm that has made Danny George Wilson a much loved artist in all his guises. You wouldn't expect him to remain creatively static and this prelude to a new record suggests modest experimentation is to the fore.  Stream single  

The most poignant moment of the show came in the second half when the Jaywalkers switched the next choice in their song turn to an instrumental tune, Thus allowing time for reflection in the wake of four successive songs awash with sobering sentiment from their fellow artists. Living with dementia, living a lie and homage to parents in difficult times are not your usual Saturday lunchtime fare but when you give the floor to a posse of songwriters not averse to writing the odd sad song, all themes are on the table. Of course, audiences schooled in the truthful nuances of country music expect nothing less, and you always know a lighter shade is around the corner. Traditionally, rounds like this are frequented by solo performers equipped with just a guitar. Two guests conformed to this convention with Rhiannon Paige making the trip up from the Bristol area and Georgia Nevada enduring a longer journey from the Cambridgeshire Fens. Essex is the home for Jack Browning and when you have a...

  "Americana duo Roswell Road are set to unveil their new single, Out of the Dark, on January 16th, 2026. This cinematic track delves into the struggle with anxiety and the courage it takes to rise above it, offering a glimpse into their eagerly awaited debut album, Rebel Joy , arriving March 13th, 2026" This second single shines a different light on Roswell Road's stylistic approach. A moodier sound in touch with the theme. A signal that the band are in full explorative mode using artistic freedom to channel their energy where the strongest pull is. Plenty of positive vibes emanate to whet the appetite for finding where the full release is positioned.

  Gut Feeling is the third single from UK country singer-songwriter Kezia Gill ahead of the release of her new album All on Red, digitally on January 23rd and physically February 13th.  After the first two singles were awash with country hooks, Gill neutralises the effect on this final outing before the full album is unveiled. Gut Feeling is a mature piece of expressive contemporary pop rock expanding into a wide horizon while instilling a secure presence. The writing exposes an artist's inner voice and the intent continues to drive this powerful performer forward.