Albums EPs & Singles – Wk. #37
Sheku Kanneh-Mason
Song
Though he’s perhaps best known for swinging the bow to Ave Maria at Harry and Megsies royal wedding, Sheku Kanneh-Mason is far more than a simple fiddler for monarchs. Having won the BBC Young Musician award at sixteen, releasing two chart-topping albums on DECCA Classics Label, and being the first cellist in history to reach the UK top 10 album charts, Sheku’s list of accomplishments are remarkable for any musician let alone one at twenty-three. But thus is the talent of this budding young cellist. And in his latest drop, Song, Sheku and his cello float through folk tunes, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Stravinsky, and even a little jazz. It’s stunning stuff. Eliégie for Soprano is a standout, with Pumeza Matshikiza’s vocals nothing short of spine tingling. Turn down the lights, spark a few candles, and disappear from the world for a while. This is a transcendent musical experience.
Catherine Graindorge ft. Iggy Pop
Dictator
Violinist and composer Catherine Graindorge teams up with the king of proto-punk in this four-track apocalyptic EP, Dictator. There’s an unmistakable air of late Johnny Cash to Iggy’s vocal delivery on this dark narratorial delight. And it works! The whole thing is brooding, cinematic, and super dark. But, ultimately, it's a really cool piece. Any fan of Nick Cave and Warren Elis’ recent work will no doubt get down to this. So, break out the popcorn, fix yourself a big gulp, and turn up the volume. This one’s like a night out at the movies…only like a really really short one.
HANNI
See Through
Brisbane-based songwriter HANNI offers up a smashing indie pop ear worm that’ll have you hitting repeat over and over. Opening with a simple, upbeat handclap and acoustic guitar riff beneath HANNI’s trademark shimmery vocals, 'See Through' drops the lot in an all-out pre choral blast before injecting a few bars of upbeat dancey fun (no doubt a summer festival fav). HANNI finds a distinct sound for herself somewhere between pop, synth and indie here, lyrically exploring motifs of discovering love and the fear of losing it all. Need a killer jam to get you through spin class? Slip on the sweat bands and fill up your water bottle, legends. This one’s a fun ride.