Undertone. A blog about music.
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The Top 5 COLORS Sessions Of All Time
There’s beauty in the simplicity of COLORSxSTUDIOS audiovisual experiences, presenting an artist and their music with no strings attached. Alex Walden is here to explain more and guide you through the very best that the studio has to offer.
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Declan McKenna live at Newcastle City Hall review – a showman back where he belongs
Exactly one year on from a chart-storming album, Declan McKenna brought plenty to sing and dance about for an electrified Newcastle crowd, even if some songs landed better than others.
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Jade Bird: Different Kinds of Light review – a sparkling delight
English singer-songwriter Jade Bird’s sophomore album builds on the best parts of the debut with new maturity, sincerity and most importantly some cracking singles. The result is an album I felt an instant personal connection to.
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Larkins live at Brudenell Social Club review – emotional night of summer pop
At the start of their post-lockdown UK tour, Manchester band Larkins were at times overcome with emotion, yet still proved that yes, everything does sound better live.
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Tyler, the Creator: Call Me If You Get Lost review – Sir Baudelaire’s finest
Tyler, the Creator’s 2019 album IGOR wowed fans worldwide this its ambitious storytelling, chart-dominating singles and unparalleled originality. Could the Grammy-winning California rapper produce another masterpiece in his 2021 follow-up? Alex Walden isn’t convinced.
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Bellowhead: Reassembled review – folk legends run the hits one last time
A final reunion concert back in December was the stuff of every Bellowhead fan’s dreams. Six months later the performance has been immortalised in a widely-released live album that often finds the 11-strong folk band at their exuberant best.
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Since U Been Four – Kelly Clarkson and my first favourite song
American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson is not a cool or fashionable artist to like, and her career undoubtedly peaked well over a decade ago. I have my mum to thank for why her music is still an addiction of mine.
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Is Doctor Destruction hip hop’s new MF DOOM?
Mystery artist Doctor Destruction shocked fans with his ambitious intergalactic concept album Planetory Destruction in January. But what’s the connection to late rap legend MF DOOM? And is it all just Logic in disguise? Alex Walden investigates.
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Olivia Rodrigo: SOUR review – a teen pop triumph
Ambitious, thrilling and often inspired, Olivia Rodrigo’s debut is a pinnacle of Gen Z pop, bursting with all the energy and raw emotion that comes with being young today.
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dodie: Build a Problem review – much more than a YouTube sensation
Build a Problem is a coming of age for dodie with its cinematic ambition and intricate strings compositions, although much of the album lacks a sense of purpose.
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Royal Blood: Typhoons review – an innovating dance-rock revolution
Royal Blood have successfully carved out their own niche in this dynamic disco-infused collection of rock bangers which sound destined to soundtrack many post-lockdown workouts and dance parties the world over.
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The importance of IGOR
This week Undertone invites special guest and music lover Alex Walden for a look into what makes Tyler, the Creator’s critically acclaimed 2019 album IGOR so special.
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Middle Kids: Today We’re the Greatest review – a change of pace to mixed results
Today We’re the Greatest has more than its fair share of highlights and a strong set of lyrics, it’s just a shame Hannah Joy’s songwriting falls a little flat when put to the test with more intimate ballads.
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Every song from Eurovision 2021, ranked
May 2020 was a sad month without Eurovision, but at last the wait is over and I couldn’t be more excited. After trawling through the 40-odd entries from the Class of ’21 I’m pleased to report this is shaping up to be one of the best Eurovisions since I started following it, at least in…
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Beach Bunny: Blame Game EP review – an exhilarating comeback
Beach Bunny returned with another set of concise, hook-laden songs filled with compelling melodies. This time around, a new feminist edge results in some urgent commentary on the state of the patriarchy in today’s America.
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