Oct 7, 20225 min read

WHO'S YA FAVOURITE?! CHART - ACOUSTIC, INDIE ROCK & GUITAR RIFFS - 07/10/2022

Updated: Oct 15, 2022

NUMBER 1

BLUE LUSH - Save Me

New York, United States

Blue Lush is a mix of incredible talent from musicians Matt McKeon, Katherine Aybar, Tina Miller, Polly Frances and Alex DiGiovanna! The band Blue Lush have a stand-out name and has created a unique twist on Rock music by infusing a mix of genres into their Rock sound. Their new release ‘Save Me’ gives me total vibes of the Country duo Ward Thomas with their upbeat sound and graceful harmonies. Starting with a stomping drumbeat that picks up as the tune progresses, the harmonies are ever so beautiful throughout the entirety, the bass is playfully creating a super jolly tune!

NUMBER 2

PAUL MAGED - Everything’s Gonna Be Alright

New York, United States

Originating from Boston but now based in NYC Paul Maged is giving us his latest tune ‘Everything’s Gonna Be Alright’ is an irresistible tune that combines Pop, Rock and, Funk musical sensibilities. Starting with a guitar riff that gives me Bon Jovi - These Days era vibes and I love it! The drumbeat comes in with a bold yet laid-back beat that creates a steady pace for the bouncing bass and exciting guitar riffs. The lyrics are super catchy, hopeful and uplifting sung in a happy and soulful vocal tone. This is a tune that will be stuck on repeat!

NUMBER 3

APAOLO - Chase The Sun

Cincinnati, United States

Credit - https://www.instagram.com/brenna.nicole.photography/

Apaolo is an up-and-coming artist that has released their incredible single ‘Chase The Sun’! Imagine if James, Placebo and The Killers formed a supergroup, that would be the sound of this artist! I feel all kinds of nostalgic vibes with this track as well as embracing the old skool Indie sound refreshed with modern-day sensibilities. Starting with a stomping drumbeat and a brightly strummed guitar riff before the endearing vocals approach with a happy and hopeful tone. The musical breaks give the lead-up to each chorus great impact with the lyrics being captivating, comforting and catchy.

NUMBER 4

DELIRIOUSLY SERIOUS - Roadrunner

Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

Deliriously Serious consists of two talented musicians Danny and Luke, their creative bond has grown into an acoustic Rock duo with a smooth sophisticated style. The latest release ‘Roadrunner’ starts with an exquisite steel guitar slide with a soft vocal giving us a perfect intro to the story-telling track. The drumbeat is simple and steady but effective creating a toe-tapping vibe while the gorgeous guitar riffs give us sensual slides and beautifully rich chords throughout the song. Their vocals combined are superb with a brilliant balance between their different vocal styles. This will definitely become an Indie / Folk favourite!

NUMBER 5

NICK CODY AND THE HEARTACHE - Maybe

Bradford, United Kingdom

Nick Cody and The Heartache have gifted us with an ever-so-beautiful duet! The melody is smooth, soft and sweet encouraging you to close your eyes, embrace the soulful tune and slowly sway along.

The vocals of Nick Cody are deep and rich whereas the vocals of Grace are light, and angelic yet impress us with powerful high notes combined together their vocals are perfectly suited and equally balanced giving us a truly heartfelt duet. The guitar riff is gentle and gorgeous while the piano adds the enchanting melody, this soulful song is swamped in beautifully bright blissful strings.

NUMBER 6

THE MARS MCCLANES - Broke Kid

Portland, United States

The Mars McClanes return to TJPL News with their latest release ‘Broke Kid’! Starting with a bright ukulele that is paired perfectly with deep soft vocals thus setting the tone for the song's vibe.

The guitar is bright and bouncy whilst mellowing for the chorus where the vocals shine, this underpinned by a light-hearted yet driven drumbeat. The lyrics are delightfully honest and are incredibly story-telling as they share a love story and a struggle we can all relate to. This sounds reminiscent of POLARIS a 90’s Indie band created for the TV series ‘The Adventures of Pete and Pete’.

NUMBER 7

STEPHANIE PHILLIPS - The Last Word

West Chester, PA, United States

Stephanie Phillips is a singer-songwriter and guitar player describing her music as Progressive Folk as she takes us on a journey of love, and loss as well as the joys and the challenges of life. ‘The Last Word’ is a smooth soulful song that encourages bopping shoulders with a happy upbeat acoustic guitar riff. The lyrics are deeply connecting and tell a story while painting a picture with double-tracked vocals giving the song a fuller sound alongside the acoustic guitar and raw-sounding drums that are subtle and complimentary to the soft angelic vocals that are divine and full of passion!

NUMBER 8

THE HYBRIS - What If - Cologne

Nice, L.A

THE HYBRIS are an international Alternative Rock trio with their lyrics often holding a political theme and Punk attitude. Their latest tune ‘What If’ starts with an 80’s Rock infused guitar riff and an infectious stomping drum pattern before the bold and power-filled vocals come in that hold an echo creating a deeper tone and giving us more impact. The lyrics are thought-provoking and open to interpretation of our wishful thinking and how we’d like the world around us to be. This tune ends abruptly making you want to replay it and absorb the catchy tune all over again!

NUMBER 9

MARK WINTERS - Heartbeat

Sugar Land, Texas, United States

Mark Winters first picked up a guitar to play a song for his wife on their anniversary which I think is so admirable! This was when he discovered his joy for creating and playing music that connects with people through an uplifting, positive Rock vibe inspired by artists such as Tom Petty, John Mayer and Jason Mraz. The latest single ‘Heartbeat’ is so mellow while still bringing us a jolly tune with a super catchy chorus. The song starts with a bright banging drumbeat with a lovely drum roll pattern, and a bouncy bass matched with a captivating guitar riff.

NUMBER 10

S J DENNEY – I Don't Know If This Changes Things?

Benfleet, United Kingdom

S J Denney is a UK-based singer-songwriter and his new release ‘I Don’t Know If This Changes Things?’ follows three other fantastic singles as well as an EP that was also released this year. The drums bring the song in with two nice feathered taps using brushes creating an abrupt yet attention-grabbing intro. The guitar approaches shortly after along with a bright piano melody using the higher octaves thus pairing perfectly with the lovely use of brass giving the song a sombre soulful tone as the lyrics express passion and release emotion making this a truly sincere listen.