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

Message from Del: Hey everyone! Firstly I’d like to say thank you so much to everyone who has submitted a track this year to the inbox, and for supporting me when I took over FOTN. We all appreciate you! Secondly, a reminder that the inbox will be closed until 20th January 2025, the mods will all be going into hibernation and getting their ears well rested.

Finally, if you are an artist or a band who’d like to be featured on my Islington Radio show drop me an email with audio file and bio to del.owusu@gmail.com – clean radio edits only! Thanks folks.

Over to Neil and Sherry for the faves!

NEIL: Merry Crimbo and Happy New Wotsit! Blimey (as we Brits are alleged to say)! It’s the last fresh faves of 2024 so it’s fitting that we go out with a bang[ing list]. It has been, for many of us, a challenging year but let’s not dwell on that. Instead, we have some fresh festive fun faves, as voted for by our readers, for all to enjoy. So pour yourself a drink [of whatever kind you prefer] and enjoy!!! Now over to Sherry who’s enjoying the Christmas festivities out in South India.

SHERRY: Ho ho ho! Over the past few days, I’ve spotted at least 5-7 Santa Clauses on the streets of South India. The festive lights are glowing, the decorations are dazzling, and I can’t express how excited I am to celebrate Christmas! It’s been a truly wonderful time here in India, enjoying the festive cheer with family, reconnecting with long-lost friends, and catching up with relatives. Everything feels so Christmassy!

Amidst all the sparkling lights and joyful celebrations — like adding extra plums to a Christmas cake, we had our very last Inbox filled with amazing tracks this week. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to all the tracks, and I’m especially thrilled to contribute to the final review of 2024.

Before diving into the review, I want to wish all our readers a very merry Christmas and an exciting New Year! Perhaps next year we’ll finally meet aliens and trade playlists.

AMATEUR THEATRE GROUP – Paper

Amateur Theatre Group is the performing moniker of Welsh singer-songwriter Andrew James Murphy but he also acts as a kind of collective, often involving long-time friends in his work. The summer saw him perform at the Cambridge Folk Festival. He also released an album in 2021 with some songs written a decade earlier called 1990 – 2021.

SHERRY: Paper opens with a subtle yet mesmerizing guitar strumming that sets a gentle, ambient tone right from the start. Layers of atmospheric sound intertwine seamlessly with chant-like vocals that feel almost meditative. It’s a track that unfolds delicately, drawing you into its soothing embrace. For fans of ambient music, Paper is an absolute must-listen—it’s the kind of song that wraps around you like a comforting winter blanket.

NEIL: Ah, warm words from Sherry. Paper begins quietly with deep strummed acoustic guitar chords sitting mainly around the same tonal centre while Andrew’s voice is contrastigly tenor range and expressive. As it progresses, quiet synths add legato tones and the voice splits into two octaves. Despite this, the dynamics remain at the softer level even as more colour infuses the track and adds to its mystical wintery aura. A warm whiskey by an open fire (with optional chestnuts roasting on it!).

Official | Instagram | Twitter/X | YouTube | Bandcamp

ANNE-MARIE SANDERSON – Bright Air

From Kendal in the Lake District (which is far North West England for those who are not sure), Anne-Marie Sanderson is essentially a Folk singer-songwriter but one who infuses her style with an array of other influences from Jazz, Blues, Classical and Pop too. 2018 saw her release an album that drew favourable reviews. Since then, her reputation has continued to grow with BBC Introducing support and rave reviews. January will see her performing at the Stavely Roundhouse and she played Bardsley Malt Kiln earlier in December.

NEIL: Bright Air gets straight to it with an appealing triplet time piano figure accompanying Anne-Marie’s rich, pure vocals. There is a slightly bluesy aura to the way she bends the notes and her voice has a natural edge which grabs me instantly. Pizzicato strings play off against the piano chords and bright fiery vocal harmonies. The herald angels sing perhaps! As the song shifts into a mid-section, the chords are slightly darker before returning to the main theme. References are hard to pinpoint, largely because there is a long lineage of artists whose names flicker in my head as the song develops and expands. Polly Harvey, KD Laing, Natalie Merchant and Joan Armatrading are just a few of them. What matters though is that this is a lovingly-crafted and beautifully constructed song, gift-wrapped as a wintery Folk-Pop present.

SHERRY: Listening to Bright Air, I can’t help but imagine being in a snow-covered forest, surrounded by frosty vibes and a quiet, serene atmosphere. The song gives off a distinct Nordic vibe. Anne-Marie’s vocals are truly the standout here. They’re warm and rich, adding a comforting touch to the icy landscape of the song. Her voice is both soothing and powerful, perfectly capturing the feeling of a cozy winter day. Overall, Bright Air transports you to a peaceful, wintery world, and it’s the kind of song that stays with you long after it ends.

Official | Instagram | Facebook  | YouTube | Bandcamp

CATMILK – The Playere

Hailing from Nottinghamshire in the English East Midlands, Catmilk is solo artist and singer-songwriter Alex Milne who has had BBC Introducing support and recently played a headline show with her band at the Metronome in Nottingham, following on from playing one of our favourite venues, The Lexington in Central London. Catmilk are getting out and about live and picking up the plaudits as they go. Exciting times ahead then.

SHERRY: The song opens with quiet, delicate chords paired with Alex’s striking alto vocals, which instantly capture your attention. As the track unfolds, subtle shifts in instrumentation and harmonies weave in and out, creating a sense of depth and intrigue. As the song progresses, the arrangement gradually builds — layering more textures and adding warmth to the mix. Throughout, Alex’s compelling vocals remain at the heart of it all, grounding the track in its emotional core.

NEIL: The Player begins with a little bit of a Mitski-meets-KT Tunstall vibe with quiet chords and striking short-echo alto range vocals. Gradually the instrumental mix begins to expand with the subtle introduction of contrasting sounds and harmonies that drift in and out of focus. As the texture thickens, so the track builds dynamically and the harmonies become more prominent. When the drums kick in, suddenly there is a wall of guitars and everything burns brightly like the festive lights being switched on in a dark city centre. All the while Alex’s warm vocals take centre stage. Timeless and slightly haunting music that fuses Alt Rock and Folk with a sprinkling of Americana.

Official | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

EDWARD KNOCKS – Burn The House

Songwriter and Producer Edward Knocks is a versatile artist, broadly utilising electronic music and a studio-based approach that clearly enables him to bring in other voices as needed. Based somewhere in the UK (location unknown!), he also makes music for other media.

NEIL: Burn The House leaps out of the speakers with a loud trippy, chromatically rising synth figure that announces the track. This soon gives way to multi-tracked [mostly female] vocal harmonies that march relentlessly to a Disco-inflected groove throughout the track, reinforcing the song’s hook while other sonic soundbites circle and swirl around them. The production is big enough to accommodate the whole of Royal David’s city and still leave room for boughs of holly. Life-affirming Pop.

SHERRY: Burn the House is a fiery, sassy track that immediately draws you in with its rebellious energy. The vibe is infectious, and the vocals are not only captivating but also incredibly fun to sing along to. The standout moment is the chorus — “We burn the house down” — which is chaotically provocative and brimming with raw attitude. If you’re in the mood to dance, let loose, and belt out a song that feels like a rebellious anthem, Burn the House is a must-listen.

Linktree | Instagram | YouTube

EYITEMI – Groundhog Day

Londoner Eyitemi describes her music as ‘… a generous mix of Soul and Jazz with traces of Gospel’. She has recently released her album Kaleidoscope, supported by a successful crowdfunding campaign, and has just performed an afternoon live session on Radio Cardiff (in the Welsh Capital). She was involved in this year’s London Jazz Festival and was subject of an interview feature in The Voice in November. So you get the picture. Eyitemi is a highly respected and revered artist who is constantly in demand.

SHERRY: Groundhog Day brings a delightful jazzy vibe that’s surprisingly easy to recognize even for a newcomer to the genre like me! The track blends smooth, melodic vocals with a chorus that’s effortlessly cool and incredibly catchy. It’s the kind of song that feels both classic and fresh, with an irresistible groove that lingers long after it’s over. If you’re looking for something mellow yet infectious, Groundhog Day hits all the right notes.

NEIL: Amazing trivia fact about Eyitimi. She and I share two mutual friends on Facebook and they were my two guest speakers for two different classes at ICMP on back to back days in November! Ha ha! No word of a lie! Something else I share in common with Eyitemi (aside from loads of things, not least both being musicians who like Soul and Jazz!) is the dream she describes on her Facebook page about being in a war zone and waking up to the massive relief that it was just a dream but then coupled with the realisation that, for the people in certain places in the world, it is their everyday reality and dreams are where they probably go to escape from it.

Anyway, I digress. Groundhog Day begins in a straight 4/4 with solo Bass Guitar and beat as Eyitemi’s distinctive, dexterous voice sweeps into focus. Instruments join in while spine-tingling vocal harmonies ensue. Then, with a quick wave of the hand, it all shifts into a swinging triplet time groove, punctuated by walking bass against which we really hear Eyitemi set out her jazz sensibilities. The lyrics are thoughtful and we get a series of solos – flute, trumpet, sustain-pedal guitar – that emphasise the musicianship of those involved in the making of this fine track. A classy sophisticated after-dinner treat. Pull the crackers, open the After Eights and choose your festive tipple. Time to dance for a better tomorrow.

Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

HANA LILI – Taking Care Of Myself

Welsh singer-songwriter Hana Lili is no stranger to the Fresh Faves and, in the meantime, her career goes from strength to strength. She recently supported Coldplay at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Her October tour itinerary took in London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow and Leeds. She has been played on BBC Radio 1 and she currently has 68.5K monthly Spotify listeners. Basically, wherever you look on Hana’s social media, the message is loud and clear. She has incredible momentum and 2025 looks like being a massive year.

NEIL: Given what we have just told you, we should savour these opportunities to still have Hana’s music at Fresh on the Net. And Taking Care Of Myself is a welcome reminder of why her popularity continues to grow. The first thing that hits us is Hana’s emotion-shredding, unique voice. The guitar is beautifully played and contrasts perfectly with rich strings. The vocal harmonies take a lovely chorus to another level and, when the instrumental arrangement hits its dynamic climax, Hana’s vocal response is breathtaking. Do you hear what I hear? I hope you do.

SHERRY: Taking Care of Myself is a beautifully slow and soothing track that feels like a gentle embrace. Hana’s vocals are calm and ethereal, carrying a delicate emotional weight that’s both comforting and introspective. Her style is reminiscent of Lizzy McAlpine, with that same ability to convey vulnerability and warmth in every note. The song’s simplicity is its strength, creating a peaceful atmosphere that invites you to pause, breathe, and reflect. My favourite part is the final section with a dramatic change . It’s a stunning piece that lingers softly in your mind, much like a quiet moment of self-care.

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter/X | YouTube

HEAVY FEELINGS – Alright Go

Bristol-based by way of Chicago, Heavy Feelings mainly consist of Nadia Garofalo (Vocals & Synth) and Ben Shillabeer (Bass Guitar, Guitar, Synth & Programming). There are two drummers on the Anatomy EP from which Alright Go derives. This very song has seen them receive support from BBC Introducing in the West of England; and not for the first time this year. They have some cool visuals on their Instagram page but we couldn’t find any reference to live performances. Maybe that will be something for the new year.

SHERRY: Alright Go delivers an edgy, punk-inspired vibe that’s impossible to ignore. The cool, confident vocals drive the energy of the track, perfectly complemented by the distorted guitar backing. The combination creates a raw, rebellious atmosphere that’s both electrifying and addictive. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to crank up the volume and let loose.

NEIL: Alright Go has an intriguing mix of innate punkiness and almost cinematic synth undercurrents playing off against the lo-fi beat, busy bass and fuzzy guitar figure. Nadia’s vocals veer between a semi-spoken word snarl and quite passionate singing; almost like Elastica in a mash with Dream Wife while Bikini Kill bring flavours. The descending chord pattern that repeats lends itself well to her slightly laconic lyrical style and delivery. A spiced up, energy-driven alternative to mulled wine and mince pies!

Instagram | YouTube | Bandcamp

LIZ HANKS – Ley (a Clearing In A Wood)

Where do we begin with Sheffield’s returning fresh fave Liz Hanks? A Cellist and Composer of such distinction and Co-Director of the Upnorth Session Orchestra, she has toured with a host of famous names that even include Smokey Robinson (as well as Pulp, Paul Heaton, Cara Dillon, Liam Gallagher etc.) and her solo work has drawn lavish praise from the likes of Elizabeth Alker (Unclassified, BBC Radio 3), composer Olafur Arnalds and alternative crooner Richard Hawley. She is both a true virtuoso and a true original.

NEIL: I realise musical taste is subjective but the problem I have when a track like Liz Hanks’s Ley (A Clearing In A Wood) is at the Listening Post is I genuinely find it slightly baffling that there could be anyone who wouldn’t vote for it! Lol! Perhaps it’s just because I am a classical musician (although I don’t believe it is just that) but the quality of the composing and the richness of her playing seem so indisputably, breathtakingly beautiful and impressive. We are blessed that musicians of Liz’s talent still consider Fresh on the Net to be a platform they want to share their music with. As she gets further into double stopping and producing goose-bumping spread chords across three strings at a time on a single, solo cello, the butterflies in my stomach are out of control. Sorry Mariah but All I Want For Christmas is music like this that reinforces my belief in the power of our art. Magnificent, magical and meticulous are just three of the words that cannot adequately describe how unfalteringly brilliant this track is.

SHERRY: Ley (A Clearing In A Wood) is a captivating ambient track that feels like stepping into a serene forest. The soothing cello melodies weave through the piece, creating a warm and tranquil atmosphere. Adding to the charm are the delicate sounds of birds chirping in the background, a detail so beautiful it feels like nature itself is serenading you. It’s a heart-melting experience that transports you to a peaceful clearing, far away from the noise of everyday life.

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter/X | YouTube

SALONI – Rani

Londoner Saloni explains that she is from an ‘… Indian background with a Western upbringing’ and has ’… talents in both’. She has been working hard and very effectively on her promo, achieving 250K streams for Rani already and, wait for it, she performed at Wembley Arena at the start of the year. She has had support from BBC Asian Network, won an Ethnicity Award and her Instagram has clips of her interviews talking about the journey she is on with others to highlight the talents of South Asian women. With 17.1K Instagram followers too, everything is moving in the right direction for Saloni. She is already a role model. With plenty of New Year’s Resolve, watch her grow in 2024. Let the bells ring out …..

SHERRY: I’m thrilled to write about this incredible track, Rani — which translates to “Queen.” I can’t help but wonder if that’s exactly what Saloni intended with this regal title. Either way, I’m so proud and excited to see this track make the list, especially since its Indian roots strike such a personal chord with me. With its captivating vocals, Rani delivers a dance-worthy vibe paired with a melody that’s both infectious and beautifully crafted. Saloni’s unique style shines throughout, making this track a celebration of rhythm, culture and artistry. It’s truly a standout moment that feels as royal as its name.

NEIL: I must confess that I am especially pleased to see this track in the faves. Its originality and exotic dance vibe are instantly infectious. Saloni achieves a clever balance between the alluring, sliding strings and booming bass that whisk us off to the East and a Pop sensibility that nods to R’n’B too. I have argued frequently in recent lectures and articles that Indian music, in its various forms, is one of a number of international influences that will play their part in shaping the evolutionary journey of popular music in the next ten years and beyond. Rani conjures up images of bright, flamboyant colours and choreographed dance moves in a sophisticated night-time display. Saloni’s voice is rich in tone, nimble and nuanced as she navigates an appealing tune, assisted very ably by Farooq Got Audio.

Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

VELVET SUNSET – Blush

French Indie-Shoegaze duo Velvet Sunset are well-known to us as a band who Trust The Doc Media has been playing (on our radio show) and writing about (in our blog) for a few years now. Carmen Eleonore and Max have made a string of fine tracks in that time and their reputation has been steadily growing. French Inter have supported their album and they have had coverage from White Light/White Heat. They are returning fresh faves too.

NEIL: Blush keeps things quite minimal, the hard-edged guitar chords driving things forward in cahoots with a simple but loud drum figure. Carmen’s voice is characteristically laid back and lower range but she has such an audible charisma that her voice commands attention at all times. This is more Alt Rock with hints of psychedelia than Dreampop but it is instantly recognisable as Velvet Sunset. An aural delight with which to deck the halls. More sass and style than you can shake a box of Choc-Mint Matchmakers at. Let the festive fun begin.

SHERRY: Blush by Velvet Sunset is a dreamy, atmospheric track that feels like a summer evening captured in sound. The song flows effortlessly, with shimmering guitars and a lush production. The vocals are soft and intimate, carrying an understated yet emotive quality that perfectly complements the ethereal backdrop. There’s a subtle, nostalgic charm to Blush that makes it both relaxing and deeply immersive; a track that lingers in your mind like a beautiful memory.

Instagram | Facebook | 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.