here’s the brand new edition of The Wrap, for July 2023! there’s been so many incredible releases over the course of the last month, and here’s just a few of them that we’ve written up some reviews for – check them out below! ⬇️
We first heard of Alan Caruso with the release of his first few singles last year, and his lo-fi americana folk sound really sets him apart from the rest. He’s just released a brand new set of tracks, “Songs Are Spells” – these really encapsulate his tone, with some lovely tracks set to a moody backlight, with deadpan vocal deliverance, intricate lyricism and gorgeous guitar melodies lacing the tracks. The opening track is mellow, moody yet the second song “Not Innocent” is set to a driving rhythm, reminiscent of Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile. These songs are expertly put together, and well worth a listen! (SPOTIFY / APPLE MUSIC / YOUTUBE)
We’ve covered Tay Temple a whole bunch in the past, and she’s a great friend of the label, having played a plethora of gigs for us, and she’s returned with the next single “Sunglasses” from her upcoming EP! Opening the track with a grungey guitar pattern, feeling like 90’s riot grrrl scuzz, it’s a call to arms for anyone victimised by unwanted attention. With direct and pointed lyricism, she’s not pulling any punches on this one. The chorus makes way for her to become central stage, “Cause I see it all the time, things get dropped and pushed aside” – only to explode into a huge wall of sound, showing a grungier and heavier tone to her previous releases. The video is gorgeous as well, adding another layer to the impact of the song – well worth checking out! (SPOTIFY / APPLE MUSIC / BANDCAMP / YOUTUBE)
Greater-Manchester alternative rock band Not Ned have just returned with a brand new EP “Not Gonna Sleep Tonight“! With huge guitar riffs throughout, driving rhythm and singalong choruses, they’ve expanded out on their original sound that we’ve come to see with their previous tunes. The opening track is an anthemic singalong, yet “Come Talk To Me” feels more 2000’s punk, showing their versatility in genre, an upbeat track with tongue-in-cheek lyricism throughout. With plenty of guitar solos throughout, driving basslines and huge drums, it’s well worth a listen! (SPOTIFY / APPLE MUSIC / YOUTUBE)
Hebden Bridge-based songwriter michael dollan just released his album “our own unique patch of sky” – a gorgeously crafted album laced with almost psychedelic-rock elements, weaving soundscapes around his songwriting and lyricism. Throughout the album, you can see the intricacy of his lyrics, touching on a range of topics and inspirations, from political events to his local environment, personal life and even more. The soundscapes of the album are placed so carefully, utilising the space incredibly to create a proper atmosphere that is unique to each track. It’s well worth checking out, a fantastic album! (APPLE MUSIC / BANDCAMP / YOUTUBE)
Dorothy Ella just dropped her new single “All You Say Is No“! After a string of quality releases over the past year or two, she’s been going from strength to strength – and this new track sounds fantastic! It’s a real upbeat, feel-good track, with elements of funk and all over it, and chock-full of luscious vocal harmonies and Dorothy’s vocal leads these perfectly. The song has a gorgeous sense of rhythm to it, holding a real groove throughout, and the instrumentation works in perfect unison to keep the vibe of the song flowing! We can’t wait to hear more, what a tune! (SPOTIFY / APPLE MUSIC / YOUTUBE)
Another of our favourites here on the Manchester music scene, Jimmy Page XI returns with his new song “Cataclysmic“! He’s been smashing it this year, with a bunch of great releases and really establishing himself as on to watch on the Manchester circuit – even since this release, he’s put out a live album as well! Opening up the track with a driving bassline, it sets up the feel of the song right from the get-go – it takes a slightly more heavier tone than his previous tracks, but still maintains his pop-stylings we’ve come to be familiar with; his lyricism is on point here, with a proper singalong chorus, and the production on the tracks is lovely, a great blend of instrumentation that only compliments the tune superbly. Well worth checking out! (SPOTIFY / APPLE MUSIC / YOUTUBE)
We’ve been fans of Daisy Harris for a good while now, with her grungey, indie stylings creating a lovely backdrop for her delicate songwriting style – and this new tune “Backwoods” only exemplifies that! With a loose, droney guitar pattern forming the basis of the track, backed with a calm and relaxed drumbeat behind it, and echoey and spacey guitar riffs throughout the atmosphere, it gives Daisy a gorgeous space to deliver her lyrics over. Her lyricism here is almost deadpan, reminiscent of Courtney Barnett, 90’s alternative, and direct – it’s proper descriptive, intricate, and you can really see the feeling poured into the track. We’re huge fans of the ambience and spooky soundscape in the behind of the track, creating a real atmosphere to it! (SPOTIFY / APPLE MUSIC / BANDCAMP / YOUTUBE)
We’ve covered Shadows of a Silhouette a bunch in the past, they’ve played gigs for us and we’re stoked to hear their brand new single “Kickstart a Revolution“! They’ve just come back from playing the main stage at Y Not Festival, and with tracks like these you can really hear why. Gorgeous guitar tones are strewn around this track, with a luscious lead guitar melody that compliments the vocal harmony so well, and sets a lovely space for Nathan’s vocal to shine through. He controls the track expertly, almost having a conversation with the listener, a sure sign of a great songwriter. It’s a much more personal track from any of the previous ones, but still shows off their class and talent – well worth a listen! (SPOTIFY / APPLE MUSIC / YOUTUBE)
it’s been another mega month of new music, with so many incredible releases, plenty to check out – here’s just a little taster of it all! a huge thanks to everyone for reading, and we hope you found something you loved! 🙌
Make sure you head on down to open mics, gigs, support local music and arts and keep your scenes going! 😊 all music, videos and images remain copyright of their respective owners. 🍞
Bread Records 
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