The Wrap: December 2023 ✨

we’re back with our next The Wrap – covering a bunch of our favourite releases from December! there’s been a whole load of incredible music being released, which is fantastic to see, and we’ve sorted a bunch of reviews for them – you can find all of them below ⬇️


Charlie Smith returns with a brand new EP, “Southampton Sessions“! Recorded between The Joiners and Southampton University, it’s a lovely show of Charlie’s talent, with a bunch of live performances from the songwriter. His lyrical ability is on full display here, with influences from folk music and heavier aspects, such as 90s alternative and grunge – his music is direct, impactful and superbly delivered. The EP has caught his live performance perfectly and is a great listen! (SPOTIFY / APPLE MUSIC / BANDCAMP / YOUTUBE)


Hallowed Men have dropped their debut album “Hollow Man“! Almost right from the get go you can hear the atmospheric nature of their music, draped in reverb and ambience – driven by powerful rhythm, psychedelic synthesisers and otherworldly vocals. Throughout the album there’s a real sense of groove to it all, and you can hear the post-punk and 90s influence in it, with lo-fi vibes surrounding the entirety. With remixes, 8 minute plus tracks and powerful electronica throughout, it’s well worth checking out! (SPOTIFY / APPLE MUSIC / BANDCAMP)


We’ve covered Alan Caruso‘s music before and we love this new single “Tell Me You Don’t Want Me Without Telling Me You Don’t Want Me“! With his signature deadpan delivery, over a punk rock inspired indie-folk track, he’s created a real lovely tune that sounds fantastic. His conversationalist tone and direct lyricism sets him apart from the rest, and the track sounds luscious, with a real groove behind it – and a gorgeous relaxed guitar solo to match! Have a listen! (SPOTIFY / APPLE MUSIC)


Manchester’s own Foxglove have brought out their second single “Tell Me A Story“! Following the success of their debut, “Run“, they’ve taken a more electronic and synth-pop approach, incorporating a more dancey drum pattern, giving the track a real sense of drive behind it – and the melodies in the background are lovely, setting a fantastic backdrop for the vocals to soar over. It’s a catchy, upbeat tune, a parallel to the lyrical content – it’s well worth checking out! (SPOTIFY / APPLE MUSIC / YOUTUBE)


Manchester-based indie-pop outfit Casinos return with their second single “Fashion Girls“! Their debut came out in 2022, a huge tune that we proper loved and this new single only continues with their trend of anthemic indie-pop – with huge choruses, singalong hooks and gorgeous guitar melodies throughout. The drums give the track such a driving flow, and the guitar work sets a lovely stage for Matt’s vocal to command the listener’s attention, and with a luscious synth solo, it’s another massive tune from them. We can’t wait to see how this year goes for them! (SPOTIFY / APPLE MUSIC)


We had Liverpool-based Paul Askew perform for us late last year, and this single only proves why we were amazed by his performance. The new single “Jump The Gun” sounds incredible, a real indie-rock tune that’s driving, powerful and upbeat – it’s a luscious track. There’s waves of guitar melodies throughout, backed by a driving bassline and drums that keep the flow super steady throughout the entire track, and Paul takes charge vocally, with his singer-songwriter infused lyricism and singalong chorus. It’s well worth checking out! (SPOTIFY / APPLE MUSIC / BANDCAMP / YOUTUBE)


Sheffield indie-rock artist Daz Cadwallander returns with his brand new single “DO I WANNA LEAVE“! He’s already made waves with this track, gaining over 30,000 streams on it – with a real sense of power behind the track, an almost darker style compared to his previous singles, and it’s a fantastic tune. There’s a real atmosphere to the song, that perfectly compliments Daz’s vocals – and we really love the charismatic singalong chorus, and such a strong guitar solo in the track too, really showing the chemistry of the band and the strength of the production. It’s another banger from him and we can’t wait to hear more! (SPOTIFY / APPLE MUSIC / YOUTUBE)


When we had Full Billy perform for us, we were blown away by their charismatic stage presence, avid songwriting ability and powerful musicianship – the Preston-based outfit have just released their new single “Love is Dead“! The tune follows their first two singles, which have seen the band go from strength to strength; with upbeat indie-rock infusion, and fast-paced rhythm – this gives a gorgeous space for the main vocal to shine and take command with intricate and vibrant lyricism. It’s a fantastic tune, we’re sure that they’ll go far in 2024! (SPOTIFY / APPLE MUSIC / YOUTUBE)


yet another incredible month of music, there’s been so many fantastic releases, and there’s a whole plethora of talent out there, that we didn’t get to cover! thanks to everyone who has checked this out! 🤘

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. 🍞

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