if you’ve got a new release lined up, are based in the North West of England and are looking for coverage, we’re always looking for new music to review! ๐
our feature for today’s Just The Crust is the brand new single “Better” from Zara Smile! ๐
the Liverpool-based alt-rock songwriter has been making waves on the scene over the past few years, performing across some of the North West’s finest venues and releasing a run of incredible singles that really cemented their reputation as one to watch on the scene. ๐
this new single sounds super, and really shows off their lyrical ability, in creating a track that not only is raw, personal and honest, relaying real emotions, but also musically adept, with a real singalong anthemic chorus that’s backed by luscious 90’s-esque instrumentation that really give a driving force to the tune. it’s a lovely high-energy track that really utilises the production to enforce the topic of the tune, giving a sense of urgency and imbalance whilst maintaining a real down-to-earth sensibility of being honest with yourself. a fantastic track! ๐
our feature for today’s Just The Crust is the brand new single “Debt Collectors” from Stephen McCafferty ๐
the Edinburgh-based songwriter has been making waves for a few years now, with a strong string of releases already under his belt, and having performed a bunch across Scotland and support from various radio stations and publications, he’s returned with his first release of the year! ๐ถ
this new single sounds fantastic, with intricate and well-thought-out lyricism, touching on topics of class, anxiety and the demand of modern life, all set to a driving beat. there’s a huge anthemic chorus, a proper singalong track, and with quality musical expertise supporting the excellent lyrics, it’s a proper belter that not only has the musical quality and production behind it, but also adept songwriting and prose. ๐
our feature for today’s Just The Crust is the brand new single “Better In Fiction” from Harrison Rimmer!
we’ve known Harrison for a long long time now, having hosted him at gig across Manchester, caught his debut album launch in York back in 2022 and covered his music a bunch
this new single is yet another fantastic tune under his belt, with his signature storytelling lyricism immediately on display, his ability to paint a picture with his words is second to none. there’s a gorgeous atmosphere in the track, with soaring guitars and instrumentation that elevate the song expertly, and as the build of the track continues, it flows almost effortlessly into each section, and the choruses are the trademark singalong that we’ve seen with his music in the past it’s yet another incredible single from the North-West singer-songwriter!
our feature for today’s Just The Crust is the brand new single “Motorman” from punk heavyweights Getner ๐
we’ve caught Getner live a bunch of times, and we’re always so blown away by their stage presence, they’ve got huge anthemic tunes and their ability to hold an audience in the palm of their hand is second to none ๐ถ
this single is real proof of their talent, and it captures their live energy superbly, with a proper driving riff forming the base of the track, backed by huge rhythm that builds the foundation, giving plenty of space for vocalist Quentin to command the direction of the tune with his powerful vocal. the track addresses a lost British squaddie on the streets of Ireland during The Troubles, and whilst the track is lyrically superbly written, it also aims to educate listeners on a history that most may not know about. a proper quality tune ๐ฅ
our feature for today’s Just The Crust is the brand new debut single “Rollercoaster” from Leeds-based psych-rock outfit The Venus Children ๐
their first release, they’ve been making a name for themselves on the Leeds circuit performing all across the city, and wowing audiences with their groove-driven psychedelic sounds ๐
this new single sounds mega, opening with a solid foundation of rhythm, such a drive from the bass and drums, giving plenty of room for the guitar riff to dance over. the verse has a proper vibe to it, and it opens up excellently into a huge grungey chorus, filled with distorted sounds and anthemic lyricism. they’re able to blend a huge variety of influences to create their own sound, and make it feel effortless – a brilliant debut! ๐
we’re back with our next edition of The Wrap! ๐ฟ
we’ve got reviews covering some of our favourite releases of April, and it’s been yet another fantastic month of music on the scene! you can check out all of our reviews below โฌ๏ธ
Indie-pop artist Mara Liddle put out her single “rivers” at the start of April! opening up with a moody guitar rhythm, it sets the scene for a flowing, dreamy track – and the drums and bass provide a lovely foundation for the tune. Mara’s vocal takes centre-stage, commanding the listener’s attention, and the reflective, honest lyrics reflect the moody setting so well, with a vocoder in the backdrop complimenting her vocals expertly. a lovely listen and we can’t wait to hear the full EP!
Liverpool-based indie/shoegaze outfit The Latrielles have just put out their latest single “Go Find Her“! the track right from the get-go utilises luscious synths alongside guitar melodies and patterns so effectively, and the drop into the main riff is quality. it’s got a real blend of influences but they’re able to pave their own sound – the vocals soar effortlessly above the track and the atmosphere of the track is second to none. a quality tune!
Grimsby’s alternative-rock quintet HEALER just dropped their new single “Save You“! we’ve covered their music a bunch in the past and we’re huge fans of their energetic, driving sound – and this track is no different. with a solid groove from the drums and bass, there’s ample space for the guitars to riff around the track, and the vocal commands right from the introduction. with anthemic choruses, huge vocals and quality instrumentation, it’s yet another banger under their belt.
another familiar face for us, Pyncher have put out their new track “One Day“! the tune’s got a real infectious energy, with a proper driving force behind it, paired with anthemic vocals that really ensure the crowd belting it back at them. it’s yet another quality track to their repertoire, and proves their musicianship and songwriting ability expertly. definitely ones to watch for the year!
Manchester-based, Portsmouth-raised alternative songwriter Wyse have just released their single “Steady Like The Sun“! blending a range of genres, to really create something they can call their own, this track feels reminiscent of 80’s rock, yet with a touch of grunge and 90’s alt in there. it’s got raw, and honest lyricism, ensuring that the audience can relate to them, and with gorgeous synths and instrumentation in the track, it’s a fantastic release!
we covered Chloe Charlotte’s previous single and were blown away by their talent, especially their ability to blend a range of influences, and this new single “IMMORTAL” furthers that even more! it’s got a dark guitar riff that resonates around the track, expertly complimented by the driving drum pattern, and sets the tone for the track superbly – with ferocious production that really brings the song to life. an incredible tune!
Halifax-based indie-punks The Light Show have just put out their new EP “Fighting With The Night“! blending 2000’s indie rock with driving punky riffs, powerful vocals and distorted melodies, they’ve got thumping tunes that are full of riffs, power and down-to-earth lyricism. it’s an incredible listen, both feeling anthemic and huge yet with a real gritty ear-to-the-ground sensability to it, a proper authentic sound.
Manchester-based alternative-rockers MALCOM have just dropped their latest single “God Ainโt Gonna Forgive Me“! we’re huge fans of these guys, their sound is so refined, blending gritty blues and rock with anthemic singalong alternative/indie – this tune is a proper indication of this. they’ve got a real raw and honest lyrical sensibility to them, and it’s matched expertly by their musicianship; all culminating in quality tunes that both are relatable and you can sing your heart out to!
it’s been another fantastic month, with so many amazing tracks coming out – plus, so many that we didn’t cover! thanks to everyone who has checked this out! ๐ค
make sure you head on down to open mics, gigs, support local music and arts and keep your scenes going! ๐ all music, videos and images remain copyright of their respective owners. ๐
our feature for today’s Just The Crust is the brand new upcoming single from Tim Gambles “Through The Sound“! ๐
we’ve covered Tim’s music a bunch in the past and we’re always in awe of his distinctive sound, blending raw alternative rock goodness with direct and raw lyricism. he’s been making a real name for himself lately, having embarked on a tour across the UK and beyond! ๐ธ
this new tune sounds incredible, a real evolution of his sound into a more refined and driving manner, maintaining his originality and individuality yet sounding even bigger and louder than before. his ability to convey a message within his lyricism is second to none, and with punchy rhythm, walls of sound, powerful vocals and an eclectic guitar solo, we’re huge fans of this one ๐ค
our feature for today’s Just The Crust is the new single “’til we find love” by Joe Doonan ๐ค
the singer-songwriter has a real wealth of quality tracks already out, defined by his innate ability to convey raw emotion and feeling effortlessly through his music. he’s made a real name for himself, working alongside some of the UK’s finest creatives and performing both a UK and Australia tour over the past few years ๐ถ
this new single sounds fantastic, opening with an intimate guitar picking pattern that really sets the scene, giving plenty of room for his vocal to take charge; ensuring the listener is hanging onto his every word. he’s able to paint a real picture with his lyrics, proving his songwriting ability – and the drop into the chorus with the full band sounds incredible, it really opens up the track and sets the scene. the lyrics tell a story of second chances, and it’s told expertly, putting across authentic and real passion through his wordcraft. it’s a gorgeous listen! ๐