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

Message from Del: Hi everyone, congratulations to those who made the faves this week! If you’d like to be featured on my show on Islington Radio you’re more than welcome to send me a track please send me an audio file and a bio to del.owusu@gmail.com – clean radio edits only! Thankyou.

Over to you Sherry!

Greetings and welcome to my third solo music review! I can’t wait to tell you about some great picks of this week. It has been a rather hectic few days. We have had very bad weather, much snow where I live and a lot of wind. I have not been able to go outside! But you know what? It has been the best time to go through all the wonderful music that has been in the inbox including the ten tracks our readers have voted into this weekend’s fresh faves.

ADULT LEISURE – Kiss Me Like You Miss Her

The Soundcloud track link actually takes you to Memphia Music PR & Management so the information is about the PR company rather than the band whose PR they are charged with conducting! Fortunately, at Fresh on the Net, we dig a little deeper to find the relevant links! Next month they play the O2 in Bristol and they recently had a song used to open the TV show Made In Chelsea.

Adult Leisure is a rising indie rock band from Bristol, UK. With nearly 7,000 monthly listeners, they’ve quickly gained recognition with their catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Their debut single, Things You Don’t Know Yet, and their EPs, The Weekend Ritual and Present State Of Joy And Grief, have showcased their talent and potential.

Kiss Me Like You Miss Her is a mesmerizing track that has quickly captured listeners’ hearts, racking up an impressive 4,000 streams and counting. This song masterfully blends a dreamy, dark atmosphere with deeply emotive lyrics, creating an experience that’s both emotional and captivating. Neil Scott’s vocals stand out as rich, soulful, and filled with raw emotion. If you’re a fan of atmospheric and emotionally charged music, Kiss Me Like You Miss Her is a must-add to your playlist.

Linktree | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

CHOSES SAUVAGES – En Joue

Hailing from Montreal in Canada, Choses Sauvages logically have most of their social media in French. They have been busy gigging around Canada in 2024 but the summer saw them tour in Europe and last Autumn, they toured parts of the USA. An English translation of the blurb on their web home page says they are always experimenting with their post-punk sound, are electrifying on stage and have played all over the world.

Choses Sauvages continue to impress with their latest track, En Joue, a vibrant, danceable tune that’s impossible to sit still to. With 21.7k monthly listeners, the band is making waves, and this track showcases why they’re so loved. En Joue combines an irresistible rhythm with standout instrumentation. The guitar plucking is crisp and catchy, adding a playful energy, while the bassline brings a smooth, groovy depth that ties everything together. It’s the kind of song that feels alive, perfect for a late-night party or just vibing on your own. With 9,000 streams already, En Joue is quickly gaining traction. If you’re looking for a track that feels fun and full of life, this one’s for you!

Official | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Bandcamp

COLIN MANSON – These Words

Scottish singer-songwriter Colin Manson spent three years performing on ships sailing the Atlantic and Pacific. Hailing from rural West Scotland, he travels and lives in his campervan, making music inspired by the sea and by nature. The summer saw him perform at Between The Trees and Folk In A Field and he has had support from BBC Radio Scotland. Travelling and performing at outdoor festivals and similar events is a big part of Colin’s annual itinerary.

These Words is a beautifully crafted song that takes listeners on a cinematic journey. The track has a Nordic inspired feel, evoking images of vast, open landscapes and moody skies. It’s a slow-paced, reflective piece that allows every note and lyric to sink in deeply.The vocals are a highlight, with Colin’s voice bringing warmth and emotion to the song. His delivery feels intimate and personal, perfectly matching the atmospheric tone of the track. The instrumentation is subtle yet powerful, with each element coming together to create a hauntingly beautiful vibe. Whether you’re seeking something to relax with or just want to feel connected to raw emotion, These Words is a perfect choice. A must-listen for fans of cinematic and atmospheric music!

Official | Instagram | Facebook  | YouTube | Linktree

DREAMING OF CITRA – Bitter

Manchester quintet Dreaming Of Citra certainly like to underline the implication in their name by superimposing lemons onto various of their pics! This weekend has seen them play The Lion’s Den in their home city. It looks like they only changed their name to Dreaming Of Citra in September. A bit of detective work suggests they were previously Stone Mile and they have had support from BBC Introducing.

Bitter by Dreaming Of Citra is a dance track that hits all the right notes. The song opens with a stunning electric guitar intro that immediately grabs your attention, setting the stage for an unforgettable listening experience.The vocals are smooth and chill, blending perfectly with the upbeat energy of the track. There’s an arena-like vibe to Bitter; the kind of song that feels massive, as though it’s meant to be sung along with by a crowd of fans. The rhythm is infectious, making it impossible not to move along to the beat.With its mix of electric energy and a laid-back vibe, Bitter is the kind of track that works just as well at a lively party as it does during a solo jam session. Dreaming Of Citra have created a song that’s not just music but a whole vibe.

Official | Instagram | Facebook |Bluesky | YouTube

JOHNNY NICE PAINTER – Shimmer

Stoke-On-Trent’s Johnny Nice Painter (who may or may not be named after a character from The Fast Show) talks in plural terms about their music on Instagram so we should presume JNP is a band, not an individual, and there are two people pictured on their Soundcloud profile. They have been gigging in the English West Midlands but also at Newcastle Jazz & Blues in the North East. May saw them play at the Lymelight Festival in Staffordshire (their home county) and they have been featured in Stoke-On-Trent Live as well as playing well-known local venue The Sugarmill.

Shimmer offers a dreamy, mellow vibe that invites deep reflection. The track’s soft guitar work and soothing vocals create an atmosphere of calm and introspection. It flows gently, much like a quiet shimmer of light, evoking a sense of peace. The song’s smooth melodies blend seamlessly, making it a perfect listen for those moments when you need to unwind and lose yourself in music.

Linktree | Instagram | Facebook | Bandcamp

MORTIMER NYX – Pretty Baby’s Crown Of Thorns

‘Creator of Worlds. Rebellious revolutionary of sound’. So says Mortimer Nyx’s Soundcloud blurb. She does not share a great deal of information about who she is nor even where she is from. But she has 1.8K monthly Spotify listeners and her Instagram account demonstrates a range of outfits and looks that place a great deal of emphasis on her visual identity. Pretty Baby’s Crown Of Thorns is actually nine months old but she has obviously decided to test it out on Fresh on the Net ahead of her current releases.

Pretty Baby’s Crown of Thorns by Mortimer Nyx is a captivating track that blends catchy electric guitar riffs with deeply emotional melodies. The song’s haunting vocals evoke a sense of melancholy while carrying a message of strength and resilience. It’s a reflective piece that stays with you long after it ends, offering a blend of beauty and power. If you’re looking for a song with emotional depth and a captivating sound, Pretty Baby’s Crown of Thorns is a must-listen.

Official | Instagram | YouTube

NEVER THE BRIDLE – Lessons

I cannot tell you much about Never The Bridle’s activities or accolades as they appear to have no social media and no links on their Soundcloud page except to Spotify and Apple. There is some bio on Soundcloud though so I can share that Never The Bridle is a solo artist from the South West of England. She records all the vocals and instruments and has drum mixes by Martyn James. Never The Bridle is a reference to ‘… the scold’s bridle, an archaic instrument of torture primarily used on women’.

Lessons by Never The Bridle is a high-energy track with catchy, repetitive lyrics and layers of vocal harmony that make it instantly memorable. Although the song is just 1 minute and 37 seconds long, it packs a punch with its upbeat rhythm and reflective lyrics on growth, self-discovery, and learning from life’s challenges. Despite its short length, it leaves a lasting impression, making it a must-listen for fans of empowering music .It’s the kind of track that sticks with you long after it ends.

Bandcamp

PHARMACISTS – Is It Everything?

Pharmacists are a band who clearly came about through a shared love of music across a vast spectrum of eras. In an interview with Park Radio, they talk about hearing Jimi Hendrix’s iconic performance at the Isle Of Wight Festival and being blown away. They also mention Oasis, Arctic Monkeys and Wunderhorse as inspirations. They are particularly excited to be playing at the Beehive in Bow (East London) in the new year. Their views on Trump and Fascism will, I imagine, chime with many of our regular readers although one should never assume!

Is It Everything? by Pharmacists is a track that blends alternative rock with elements of indie and pop. Its gentle yet compelling rhythm, paired with smooth guitar melodies, creates an immersive listening experience.What really makes it stand out is its catchy chorus, which adds a memorable hook that sticks with you. There’s a striking contrast, highlighted by an amazing guitar part that’s equally catchy at the end.It’s perfect for fans of melodic tunes with an infectious energy.

Official | Instagram | YouTube

THE EQUATORIAL GROUP – Oh Smile

The Equatorial Group describe their music as ‘roots pop from the sunshine coast’ which appears to be the East Sussex one. The band has been recording and performing in Brighton and Eastbourne, including playing for Black Deer Live and the Beach Life Festival as well as an in-store at a record shop in Lewes. They have a long track record of cool gigs, prestigious supports and interesting broadcasts.

Oh Smile, the song, creates a feel-good atmosphere, with layers of uplifting vocals and a rising vibe driven by a dynamic guitar in the background. It’s the kind of track that instantly lifts your spirits, combining light, breezy elements .Perfect for fans of feel-good, infectious tunes, Oh Smile is a track that brings a smile to your face with its soothing vibe.

Official | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

THE MARRA – I Can’t Sleep

From Derry in Northern Ireland (home of The Undertones and many more) come The Marra. They seem to be a duo and there is no news of any recent live shows on their Instagram account but this has not prevented them amassing over a thousand Spotify monthly listens. A look through their Facebook page does reveal live gigs earlier in 2024 plus a session on Highland Radio in Donegal (where there were three members in the video clip).

I Can’t Sleep by The Marra is an indie rock track that kicks off with a heavy drum beat, setting the tone for the rest of the song. The drums continue throughout, creating a driving rhythm that keeps the energy high. The track also features dreamy, distorted atmospheric sounds that add a layer of intensity, making it perfect for a party vibe. A standout moment in the song is the catchy guitar part in the bridge. With its blend of raw rock energy and electronic textures, I Can’t Sleep creates an engaging, immersive experience that’s both energetic and atmospheric.

Linktree | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

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.