Joely's Recs: Summer '22

It's been a long, packed summer and with that has come a lot of new music. Some discovered at festivals, on the beach or long train journeys from one side of the country to the other. Some in sweltering heat, some in thunderstorms and rain, in lively happiness or sad, quiet moments. As we wave goodbye to the sun this is one of those periods of my life where I know if I listen to any of this music down the line it'll bring me back to what has been my favourite summer yet and the people I've shared it with. Despite being busy I've spent a lot of time just properly listening and doing nothing else, so let's go!

Casa Mia - Ben Cipolla

Let's start with the most summery album of all. I remember seeing Ben busking in Oxford years ago and he's just released his debut album, which is bursting with colour and life. This is music for a beachside cocktail, or a sun-soaked stroll through the streets of Sicily. Percussive guitar, catchy chorus lines and beautiful arrangements from strings to layers of vocal harmonies. Ben's voice has always been stand-out for me, it's unique and soulful, and contains a sort of richness and softness at the same time. The skies might be greyer now, but you can certainly hold on to that summer feeling with this album.

Sound Of The Morning - Katy J Pearson

Bristol's Katy J Pearson seems to be giving folk a new life in the indie world. Her new album starts strong with Talk Over Town, most reminiscent of the merge of genres from her last record; sing-along hooks and trumpets that pop out from underneath the dreamy, strummy guitars. Howl is a cool alternative track, the eerie catchy melody allowing Katy's unique higher range to shine. The chorus in Alligator glows in an anthemic lift, and was a fun one to sing at the top of our lungs when seeing her live recently.

Garageband Superstar - Lauran Hibberd

Another album rec... Every song on the album is great imo, which is a rarity but she has not disappointed with her long awaited debut. I get the feeling Lauran Hibberd's music is a little like marmite, but I love it. Right from the get go the album's big - like a welcomed slap in the face. Her songs are humorous, lighthearted and catchy, translated through punchy, thrashy, guitars and heavy bass lines. The album is somehow humbly self deprecating but empowering at the same time. It’s a lot of fun but with sad undertones here and there, which gives it substance. It mentions dealing with the pressure of getting over a break up and pretending to be fine, keeping up in the music industry and longing for the the simplicity of Average Joe's average life. It reminds me of all the best parts of Wet Leg: fresh, fun, not taking itself too seriously and just...cool women doing cool stuff. It (unsurprisingly?) features Wheatus on the title track, a nice nod to where Lauran's influences seem to come from.

Jack Francis - Jack Franis

After 5 great singles, Jack's self titled album came out February of this year and it's brilliant. The folk-americana record flows perfectly, with numerous sing-along anthems, a couple of quiet you-can-hear-a-pin-drop moments and leaving off on a fun, dancey note. I've had the pleasure of hearing Jack live a couple of times and his gravelly, emotive voice always captivates everyone in the room. There's some great lyrics including "I need a holiday, where the trees and tall grasses swing", something I'm sure a lot of people can relate to as we gear up back into post-summer work mode. The richness and warmth of this album welcomes the autumnal vibes perfectly.

Biig Piig

I've been obsessed with pretty much her whole discovery lately. R&B/D&B/Hip Hop is new to me but Biig Piig has kind of made me fall in love with it. So far her discovery seems to be a mix of EP's and singles, so I'm sure an album is on the horizon, although it's unclear what genres that'll be, as she seems to scope from Neo Soul all the way through to D&B. Her lyrical content is always captivating, as much as her voice is soft. Highlights for me are Feels Right, which is boppy and baseline heavy - I'm a sucker for a good baseline. American Beauty is more on the indie side, with guitars that pop with the chorus. Lavender is a dark, sexy, laid back track that is perfectly produced with organ that holds it up and electric drums that drive it on, and a track I feel is representative of her as an artist.

Pixey

I discovered Pixey accidentally at Truck Festival where she had a loyal crowd, and thought her whole vibe was really cool. Trashy garage drums over 90’s guitar riffs, her music is reminiscent of Stone Roses / The Verve but in a modern pop setting, her vocals soar softly above the bubbling music. I’m Just High and Free To Live In Colour are my personal faves from her discography so far.

Forgive and Forget - Dolly Mavies

Dolly Mavies is one of my all time favourites from the Oxford scene and I'll recommend her any chance I get. Her new single Forgive and Forget is my favourite of hers so far. It feels like an introductary insight into the next phase of music she’s about to release. It’s no doubt a Dolly Mavies song, folky and haunting, but introduces her band who lift it up, creating an anthemic sound. Her vocal lines stand strong, and are perfectly catchy above the clean, subtly produced sound including synth lines and piano. A perfect sing-along, especially for those holding onto someone despite any toxicity that may present itself. A song for the in-love...or the broken hearted. So excited for her follow up single Drawing Circles on 14th October!

Soft Sounds From Another Planet - Japanese Breakfast

Across her discography, Japanese Breakfast's albums have become more beautiful with each one, shown in her recent release Jubilee. Particularly the cinematic instrumentals, which act as a bed to lay her vocals on. Her vocals are almost sickly sweet but are engulfed and grounded in the warmth of the music. This album is cool and jammy, with driving guitar loops and warm bass. Highlight tracks are opener Diving Woman and Road Head.

Revealer - Madison Cunningham

I'll be brief as I went more into detail about why I like her in my winter round-up, but her new record is sooo good. It's a great follow up from her last, introducing the same very Madi time signatures and rhythmical guitar lines but feeling more creatively free. It introduces a few more production elements such as strings and synths. I particularly love In From Japan; I think her melody writing stands out here, weaving perfectly over the chords. Life According to Reachel is another highlight track: a still, poignant and tear jerking song about grief, written for her Grandmother who passed during Covid. It puts such a sad, universal feeling so potently but beautifully, and as always her voice is stunning.

What's been the soundtrack to your summer? Let me know down below, thanks for reading and happy listening!

Love, Joely :)