These Fresh Faves were picked by our readers over the weekend – and reviewed by Fresh On The Net’s Neil March and new mod on the block Sherry Sahayaraj this week. You can hear all these tracks in a single Soundcloud playlist here.

NEIL: Wow, are we really almost 5 months into the new year? I still think of it as the ‘New Year’! The announcement of a General Election in July is dominating the UK media at the moment [and rightly so]. But, of course, we have voting taking place every weekend at the Fresh on the Net Listening Post. And our readers have once again done us proud by picking this stellar top ten for us to review. These are Sherry’s first ever reviews so that is very exciting.

SHERRY: Of course, I am really excited to be here as a new reviewer for Fresh On The Net. This is my first time ever reviewing music for a blog, and I have put in so much excitement and enthusiasm on this first ever review and I can’t wait to share my thoughts on the amazing tracks our readers have chosen.

BIRD – She’ll Turn To Stone

Neil: Award-winning script writer and musician Janie Price is Bird. Fresh from landing rave reviews in the Essex Chronicle, playing Hot Box and The Ned Hotel and making her first short film, Janie has been in a whirlwind of activity around the release of “She’ll Turn To Stone” just over a week ago. Before that she was playing live on BBC 5 Live (I kid you not!). Life is clearly never dull for this talented multi-instrumentalist.

Neil: Musically this has picking guitars accompanying Janie’s expressive voice in the opening section after which rich strings join for the hook. Midway into the track, a second vocal part adds a simple but impactful harmony. Despite a translucent arrangement with a mostly quite unobtrusive drum track lower in the mix, there is a cinematic aspect to this. Very classy.

Sherry: I absolutely agree with Neil’s thoughts. Bird’s journey indeed seems like a whirlwind of excitement and creativity. It is incredible to see how she blends her classical roots with contemporary flair, creating music that is both expressive and captivating. As far as I know, Bird’s music shares a kinship with artists like Aurora, particularly in their ability to infuse their sound with enchanting Nordic and Celtic vibes. She’ll Turn To Stone transports listeners to a dreamlike realm, where the gentle strumming of guitars and ethereal vocals create a sense of serenity. The addition of violin adds a touch of magic. And those scenic aesthetic sounds? They elevate the listening experience. It’s no surprise she’s been making waves, from the Essex Chronicle to BBC 5 Live. Bird’s talent knows no bounds, and I can’t wait to see where her musical journey takes her next!

Official | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter/X

BLOOM DE WILDE – Ride With The Fishes

Sherry: Next we have Bloom De Wilde, a creative powerhouse. Bloom De Wilde is an award winning songwriter, poet and producer. She crafts vibrant, dreamy worlds through her music and art, blending her fine art and Jazz vocal studies. Bloom’s career highlights include UK number one success with Sam and The Womp, touring with MIA and performing at Wembley Arena. This year she is set to release her solo album The Circular Being. I personally discovered her months ago through the song Clowns Ride On A Kangaroo. The Chorus melody is still stuck in my head, and the visuals with colourful creatures left a lasting impression.

Sherry: Bloom De Wilde’s latest track Ride With The Fishes is a captivating blend of alternative pop and jazz. For me, the song creates a vivid atmosphere that feels like being in the ocean during a sunny rain shower. The track starts with a gentle flowing melody that immediately draws you in. One of the standout features for me is its diverse instrumentation and my favourite is the warm sounds of trumpet. The song is crafted with both imagination and emotional resonance. Overall, Ride With The Fishes is a beautiful enchanting song that takes you on a magical journey through her artistic imagination. It’s a must listen for anyone looking to escape into a dreamy musical wonderland.

Neil: Nothing I can add to such a beautiful description by Sherry. Only to say Bloem [Bloom] has played a number of my live events over the past six years, including one Sherry and I put on last year, and she is always amazing. And, as Sherry has noted, Sam’s trumpet adds a layer of class to her unique sound.

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter/X | YouTube | Bandcamp

GRAHAM GRAHAM BECK – Some People Think I Look Like Kevin McCloud

Neil: What can I say about Graham Graham Beck? A long-time favourite of the team at Fresh on the Net, Graham’s career is unparalleled. From his infamous appearance on Britain’s Got Talent to support slots with the likes of Tom Robinson and Wreckless Eric, Hull’s King of Quirk has done things in his own unique way. Known for whimsical lyrics, dry humour and a penchant for pointing out the hilariousness of the mundane, he combines his love of weirdness and sardonic wit with considerable musicianship and versatility. In a recent review, I said of Graham that the only predictable thing about him is how unpredictable he is. That and his Sparks-like ability to dream up great song titles like this one.

Neil: Some People Think I Look Like Kevin McCloud is vintage GGB. I laughed out loud when I heard the lines ‘Some people say it in whispered tones/Or they say it out loud in Waterstones’. The uptempo beat, stabbing synth notes and dramatic keyboard figures playing off against piano chords do remind me a little of the aforementioned Sparks, perhaps in a mash with Half Man Half Biscuit. As the song progresses, Graham discovers Kevin McCloud has grown a moustache. This is clearly a matter of some concern given his unwillingness to embrace having facial hair! As we reach the finale and he informs us ‘I now no longer look like Kevin McCloud’, the music stops and he signs off with the words ‘And he no longer looks like me’! Like so many of his songs, it is funny in his dry, observational way but don’t let that distract you from the inventiveness and energy of the music which, as ever, is top-notch.

Sherry: Here we go; a wonderful review by Neil. This song is a burst of energy from the start, and a perfectly crafted upbeat anthem. The highlight for me is the few simple keyboard rolls in the middle adding a unique danceable twist. The catchy melody is also a factor that keeps the song lively and upbeat. Overall this track is a must have for anyone who loves to sing along loud and vibe.

Official | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter/X | YouTube | Bandcamp

JODY & THE JERMS – Unraveling

Neil: Hailing partly from Wales and partly from Oxford, Jody & The Jerms have been regularly featured on various BBC shows and stations including even the hallowed Radcliffe & Maconie on 6 Music as well as being featured on Radio X. They have also been on my radar (and my radio show) for some time. They have a busy live schedule that takes them all over the UK and a European tour awaits them next month. Exciting times for sure.

Neil: Unravelling brings bright bubbly horns into their energetic Alt Pop sound, adding a kind of Mod-Soul current to the hybrid of influences they have subsumed over these past few years. Jody is in fine voice, exuding an emotionally-charged power that has echoes of Katrina & The Waves in a mash with First Aid Kit while The Style Council bring spices. Uplifting music that wears a big smile.

Sherry: Thanks for sharing your insights, Neil! Jody & The Jerms truly bring a refreshing energy to the indie pop scene, with their dynamic blend of influences and infectious melodies. It’s fantastic to see their rise to prominence, from regular features on BBC shows to an upcoming European tour – they’re certainly making waves! As Neil said, Unravelling showcases their evolution, with bright horns adding a delightful magic to their vibrant sound. Exciting times indeed!

Official | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter/X | YouTube

LOWMOON – Monochrome

Neil: Lowmoon, described on Soundcloud as ‘Lofi Indie Bedroom Pop’ is the brainchild of York’s Mikey Wilson. There is a video that utilises scenes from the eighties movie classic Breakfast Club. It is early days for Mikey judging by his social media but the lad has certainly mastered the production side and is on a mission as this successful foray into the fresh faves demonstrates.

I would suggest, listening to the single-note instrumental melodies, IV – V – I chord patterns and Mikey’s lower register vocal delivery that he is probably a fan of Joy Divsion [and early New Order]. That influence is taken down more of a contemporary synthwave pathway though and is in poppier waters, nodding perhaps to Nation Of Language and Working Mens Club. The melody is appealing with a subtly rueful edge. I really like this.

Sherry: Thanks for the great review Neil. You have captured Lowmoon’s essence beautifully. What I love the most is how the reverb-drenched vocals and the dreamy guitar gives the music a dreamy nostalgic feel like looking through an old film tape or taking a late night drive. The production skills are indeed amazing making Lowmoon a stand out act to keep an eye on.

Linktree | Instagram | Twitter/X | YouTube | Bandcamp

MARTIAL ARTS – Defector

Sherry: Martial Arts is more than just a band; they’re an emergent movement from Manchester’s vibrant underground scene. Known for their abstract punk style and intense live performances, they’ve quickly gained a reputation as a must-see act. With gigs for Akoustik Anarkhy, So Young Magazine, Speedy Wunderground, Now Wave, and Beyond the Music Festival, their rise has been fuelled purely by word of mouth. Their Spotify presence is growing steadily, boasting 1,789 monthly listeners. Their Instagram is a visual treat, featuring a cool negative film aesthetic that perfectly complements their edgy music.

Their latest single, Defector starts with a majestic intro that pulls you in immediately. The track then transitions into an energetic, rocking performance that feels like a rollercoaster ride through a neon-lit city at midnight. It’s the kind of song you’d listen to while driving fast with the windows down, feeling the rush of the wind and the freedom of the open road. Martial Arts continue to push boundaries with their unique sound and style, solidifying their place as a standout band in the indie music scene.

Neil: Wow Sherry, great research and wonderfully descriptive review. This one is a grower and I love the depth in the way the guitars are produced. It thunders into the room on a wave of Post-Punk energy and joyous melodies. Totally invigorating.

Linktree | Instagram | Twitter/X | YouTube

MAYA LANE – Four Leaf Clover

Sherry: London-born singer songwriter Maya Lane is renowned for her ability to tell compelling stories that have a deep emotional range. Her sound combines pop and folk elements, with inspirations from Joni Mitchell, HAIM, Fleetwood Mac, and Kacey Musgraves. Her aesthetic aligns her with modern artists such as Holly Humberstone and Lennon Stella. Since the age of 12, Maya has been performing at festivals and gigs, either solo or with her all-female band, constantly honing her live performance skills. Maya, who is represented by Ferocious Talent and published by Stellar Songs, works with a number of well-known artists, including Rob Milton, Wayne Hector, Jonathan Quarmby, Jonny Lattimer, and Hayley Gene Penner. Notable websites and publications, such as Wonderland, Clash, tmrw, The Daily Star, and The Sunday Mirror praised her debut EP.

Sherry: In Four Leaf Clover, she demonstrates her extraordinary songwriting talent with a wonderful tune, which also incorporates a superb acoustic guitar performance. The song’s folky atmosphere brings up vivid images, much like a vintage camera-captured video of joyous occasions. It’s like viewing little clips of the ideal day when you listen to it at sunlit picnics, laughing with friends, and calm strolls in the park. It is evident that Maya Lane’s music has a strong emotional connection with her audience based on her remarkable 173,437 listeners. Her talent to write moving, lovely music that captures the audiences is shown in Four Leaf Clover. Maya Lane is definitely a rising star to watch in the pop/folk music scene.

Neil: Once again, thorough research and lovely descriptive review Sherry. I love the organic feel of this track with picking guitar, piano chords and Maya’s distinctive vocals. The harmonies in the chorus are the icing on a very appealing cake.

Official | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter/X | YouTube

NICOLAS LEWIS – I Saw A Bloody Rose

Neil: Another York-based musician to make this week’s Fresh Faves, Nicolas Lewis has already enjoyed support for his new material on BBC Yorkshire. This month has seen him create music for an installation for The Colour Foundry and his musical innovations include a duet with a broken washing machine (!) and an interactive score that alters when played with by others. I recommend checking out his social media pages to get a proper sense of the inventiveness and creative imagination of this unique artist.

Neil: His Soundcloud page says he is known for picking guitar but actually I Saw A Bloody Rose is centred on a shuffling beat and single electric piano chords while events alter fluidly in the ether of the mix. Nicolas’s voice is haunting and has an appealing fragility that matches the thoughtful and slightly disarming lyric. It’s a superbly well-written song whose outward simplicity belies the sophistication in its construction.

Sherry: Thanks for the wonderful review Neil. Where can I start? The first time I heard the song it made a strong impression on me. I Saw A Bloody Rose has a dark hypnotic vibe that could easily fit into a thriller movie ; somebody give it a sync placement already! But beyond that it takes me to a mysterious place in my mind where I could associate the song with vampires, dark red roses and a frosty forest. Starting with a strange but intriguing bell sound, the song quickly grabs your attention. The hook is where things really get trippy, and in my favourite part, it’s like you are being pulled into another world with the chorus repeating “I saw a bloody rose”. Overall I Saw A Bloody Rose is definitely a banger. If you are into music that’s dark, hypnotic and totally captivating this one’s for you.

Official | Instagram| Twitter/X | YouTube | Linktree

ROLLER DERBY – Dreams

Sherry: Roller Derby are an indie dream pop band from Hamburg, formed in 2020. They describe themselves as introverted indie dream pop in their instagram profile. Their sound is defined by a love for chorus guitars, synth pads, and catchy vocal melodies. Roller Derby’s music invites both dreaming and dancing, blending influences from the 60s to the 80s and contemporary artists like Angel Olsen, Alvvays, and Beach House. Their songs explore themes of longing for love and enduring loss, yet maintain a light, uplifting feel. With 50,393 monthly listeners on Spotify and 11,438 followers, their music resonates with a growing audience.

Sherry: Dreams perfectly captures their style with lovely dreamy guitar and beachy vibes. The vocals are amazing, and the catchy melody sticks in your mind long after the song ends. Listening to Dreams feels like walking along a serene beach at sunset. It’s a perfect soundtrack for moments of reflection and calm. Roller Derby’s enchanting sound and nostalgic vibes make them a standout act in the dream pop scene.

Neil: Great research and review Sherry. The ethereal female vocal is very striking and immediate. The driving bass and drums topped by jangly and melodic guitars definitely remind me a little of Bleach Lab in a mash with She’s In Parties while Beach House bring flavours. Great melody too.

Linktree | Instagram| YouTube

SUPERBOO – Sakasama

Neil: They jokingly claim to be from Osaka, United Kingdom on their Soundcloud page but Osaka, Japan is of course the location as Bandcamp confirms [although Del informs me that one band member is London-based]. There is precious little on their social media pages so digging out background information on Superboo is not easy. There is a YouTube video though and they are on streaming platforms. This is all very new but impressive to have struck such a chord with our moderators and readers alike on what I presume is their first attempt.

Neil: Sakasama revolves mainly around a repeating hook sung in what we assume to be Japanese. Male and female voices intertwine, some sung, some spoken word with some close harmonies and cool contrasts. It has elements of Hip Hop, Jazz and R’n’B infused into a laid back late-evening summer vibe that sucks me in and keeps me hooked. One of the most unusual and individual tracks in this week’s in-box so it’s great to see it in the final ten.

Sherry: Neil’s review of Sakasama is on point. The highlight of the song is definitely the repeated chorus sung in Japanese. It’s what makes the song stand out and gives it a unique vibe. When I looked up what Sakasama means, I found out it translates as ‘upside down’ which I think should add an interesting layer to the song’s meaning. One thing that stands out about Sakasama is its simplicity. With a minimal rap part and a unique instrumentation, the song is simple and individual. Sakasama makes a refreshing change from the usual. If you are looking for something different and captivating, give Sakasama a listen. It won’t disappoint.

Linktree | Instagram| YouTube | Bandcamp

PS from Del: If you’ve submitted a track that hasn’t been picked for the Listening Post, our team has definitely listened to it and there’s no need to send it again: feel free to send us an even stronger track another week. The same goes if you were picked for the Listening Post but didn’t feature in our Fresh Faves.

But if we’ve recently featured you in our Fresh Faves please wait three months before sending us another track, so we have space to help other deserving artists… For more info see Robinson Has A Good Old Moan.