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Gig Review: Daria Kulesh and Marina Osman aka The Firebirds - Kitchen Garden, Kings Heath, Birmingham. Sunday 11th January 2026

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  The relevance of the firebird came to the fore midway through the second set with folk tales of its magical splendour gleefully devouring golden apples in the Tzar’s garden. Perhaps a metaphor for Daria Kulesh and Marina Osman casting their own musical spells on a heritage bedecked with feats of stoic resistance while striving to preserve an identity. The mid-winter fest of the orthodox calendar is a time for celebration and reflection, a moment when the search for warmth is wrapped in song and dance. January the 11th is right at the heart of this period, four days after Christmas and three before the New Year. Also the day in the UK when an Anglo-Russian folk singer and Anglo-Belarusian pianist combined to deliver a pair of compelling shows a hundred plus miles apart. The people of Walton-on-Thames likely had a marvellous afternoon; those of Kings Heath were definitely granted an inspiring evening. The audience were singing Russian lyrics within the opening minutes, taught ...

Single Share: Roswell Road - Out of the Dark

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  "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.

Single Share: Kezia Gill - Gut Feeling

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  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.

Single Share: Katherine Priddy - Hurricane

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  "Katherine Priddy has announced the release of her third album,  These Frightening Machines  on March 6 via Cooking Vinyl.  Following the success of her first two singles “Matches”, a powerful feminist anthem, and “Frightening Machines”, a deeply emotive second track, Priddy has now shared a third preview of her forthcoming album: new single “Hurricane”" The strongest evidence so far of Priddy branching out from a narrow inner sanctum by embracing a multitude of sound effects. Yet at the core of this overtly produced commercially focussed single is a singer-songwriter proving adept at transcending that art into something spruced up for the masses. Another hint that the live show is starting to reconfigure to the demands of larger venues. 

Single Share: Celine Cairo - Panacea

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  "With over 42 million streams for her music so far, rising Dutch star Celine Cairo is poised for her international breakthrough with spellbinding new single  Panacea , out January 9th - the title track and lead single from her forthcoming third album set for release on June 18th." A serene track depicting tranquility and personal solace, sewn in your imagination to provide guidance on a voyage to a peaceful place. Delicate strings lace a voice buried deep in luscious song.

Single Share: Roswell Road - Back Row

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"Back Row is the latest single from the Americana duo Roswell Road This track is taken from their highly anticipated debut album, Rebel Joy, which is scheduled for release in March 2026.  Produced by acclaimed songwriters and producers The Dunwells, Back Row is an upbeat track that rejects hustle culture and the relentless pressure of modern life to be constantly productive. The duo wrote this song as a reminder, both for themselves and for listeners, to slow down, enjoy the journey, and occasionally step off the treadmill to take a seat in the “back row” of life.  Jasmine Watkiss and Zoë Wren formed Roswell Road after a chance meeting in a bustling market square in Cambridgeshire. Their musical chemistry was instant, and they have been singing and writing songs together ever since. The London-based multi-instrumentalists combine close harmonies with candid storytelling, drawing on experiences ranging from mental health issues to family love and real-life activist adventures a...

Single Share: John Blek - With You

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Irish singer-songwriter Blek lays down the marker for his new record with a mid tempo effort evoking a longing. The track broadens in places within the remit of a lead single pushing for impact. Its lengthy outro embeds a degree familiarity useful for engaging fresh listeners.  www.johnblek.com