TOPNOTE’s Monthly Picks: NOVEMBER
We seem to be in our feels, this November. From the tragic romance of Holly Humberstone’s new-era single, to the piece-by-piece restoration in Celeste’s new album, these monthly picks are a versatile bunch grouped by their diverse ability to capture and express emotion, spanning genres far and wide.
Mom Tudie Talks Virality, New Album ‘As The Crows’ & His Jazz Cafe Gig
After over a decade getting comfortable behind the scenes as an R&B, soul and jazz producer, ‘As The Crows’ is Mom Tudie’s second studio album. At the beautiful Blues Kitchen in Brixton, TOPNOTE spoke about the process behind making it, and the Londoner’s upcoming headline gig at the legendary Jazz Cafe.
The Curious Case Of Royel Otis, Live at Brixton Academy: Gig Review
On a bitterly cold Friday night, The Groove headed to Brixton Academy to catch Royel Otis on the first of three sold out nights along their UK & EU ‘Hickey’ tour. Read The Groove’s review and reservations of the sold out performance from the Aussie duo.
Aerosmith & YUNGBLUD, ‘One More Time’: Classic Rock Recycled For Gen Z
Out today, ‘One More Time’ does not shy away from what it is: a rock and roll revival for Aerosmith, and a bonus crest seeing out the same wave of success generated from Yungblud’s ‘Idols’ album released earlier this year. The Groove reviews the 5-track collab.
Celeste ‘Woman Of Faces’ Album Review: A Voice Of Pure, Prolific Power
Her first release since 2021, born from the ashes of someone starting afresh, Celeste’s second album ‘A Woman Of Faces’ is the triumphant return of someone who thought they were ‘nearly there’, back to finish the job. Read the full review on The Groove.
Beasts & Beauty Collide in Del Water Gap’s Album ‘Chasing The Chimera’
Bestial mythology, folklore and ancient history push and pull against tender portrayals of real-life intimacy, loss and doubt, making ‘Chasing The Chimera’, the new album from Del Water Gap, a deeply layered delight.
Meet Tribal: Upcoming DJ And Producer Talks Beauty, Bristol & Berlin
Dan – or Tribal, as he’d rather you introduce him, is a Bristol-based techno DJ and producer. Ahead of two-track EP ‘Midnight Baby’ out later this month, TOPNOTE sat down for a chat that delved into Tribal’s music, future plans… and what it’s like making art with ADHD.
Role Model LIVE IN LONDON: 1D Star Steps out As ‘Sally’ On Night Two
Role Model performed another sold out night at the Eventim Apollo in London yesterday to an abundance of cowboy hats, bows and bandanas. Read TOPNOTE’s review of his second night at Hammersmith on his ‘Kansas Anymore’ tour.
Inhaler Live At Royal Albert Hall, Review: A Pure Halloween Rock Treat
TOPNOTE spent Halloween with Inhaler and their fancy-dressed fans, at their impressive sold out show in the iconic Royal Albert Hall, the final stop on their ‘Open Wide’ tour. Read the full review here.
TOPNOTE’s Monthly Picks: October
Something about Friday 31st… not just a Halloween, also ripe for new music. From Sam Fender’s plaintive new single, to Eleni Drake’s soft introspection, to Lily Allen’s forensically detailed surprise album, here are the best releases of the month, from an October overflowing with great new music.
Little Comets’ Rob on New Album ‘HEAL’, UK Tour & Returning To Music
Little Comets have been around for a while – over 15 years, in fact. Now they’re back with new music, and their first tour since 2019. With album ‘HEAL’ on the way, TOPNOTE had an illuminating chat with lead singer Rob Coles about returning to the industry after such a long break.
Joe Armon-Jones Chats To TOPNOTE On Eve Of Hackney Church Show
Joe Armon-Jones and his equally talented ensemble treated London to an evening of reggae and jazz last Friday at Hackney Church. Just after soundcheck, we had a quick chat about the tour so far, hopes for the night, and different vibes in each city.
James Smith On ‘Golden Age’ & New Music: ‘I Have A Lot More To Say Now’
As James Smith gears up for his next album and what he hopes will be a turning point in his career, we spoke about brand new single ‘Golden Age’, and what it means to be an artist in the current financial climate.
Album Spotlight: Blossoms - Gary (2024)
Who names their album Gary? ‘Gary’ is Blossom’s fifth studio album, released in 2024. It’s also their fourth number 1, and the work of a band who understand their sound. Find out who Gary is, and what makes this album so great.
Good Neighbours’ ‘Blue Sky Mentality’ goes for DOPAMINE OVER Depth
The debut studio album from UK duo Good Neighbours, ‘Blue Sky Thinking’ is light, bright and fun. Does it offer anything more? Not really. Read TOPNOTE’s full review here.
