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

Hi everyone, thanks to all the artists that submitted tracks last week. I’d like to ask a favour of those who have made the faves. While you cannot submit a track for 90 days please do come and support your fellow artists at the weekend, and check out the listening post. They’ll love you for it!

As always, if you’d like to be featured on my Islington Radio show, send me an audio file and a bio to my email, clean radio edits only!

Thanks folks.

Over to Sherry and Neil!

Sherry: Welcome to the latest Fresh on the Net Faves! I’m thrilled to be reviewing this week’s picks alongside Neil. March is here, and while it’s still freezing, the little bit of sunshine over the past two days has been a welcome sign that Spring is on its way. We’ve had an incredible time listening to this week’s Top 10 Faves, and now we’re excited to share our experience with you. Enjoy the music and the read!

Neil: Wow, it’s already March as Sherry has said! But then an awful lot has happened in our lives in just these first two months. So now, as we wait for the Spring weather to arrive, the Fresh on the Net in-box continues to fill up with so many delights. This was another strong week for submissions and that was reflected by the quality of the Listening Post. Thanks then to our readers for taking the time to go through the tracks and pick the ten faves that we are tasked with reviewing. Coffee is poured so what are we waiting for?!

ALEX CAMBRIDGE – Brave Face

Born in London but having spent eight of her most formative years in St Lucia, Alex Cambridge is a singer-songwriter who says she is influenced by the Folk and Country music she grew up with. She has been playing some interesting gigs and getting out and about around the Capital including Pop Brixton, Piano Smithfield, Backstory and The Old Blue Last. The Facebook and TikTok links on her Soundcloud page appear to be broken so we are unable to share them but the below links all work fine.

Sherry: This beautiful piano track truly won my heart. Alex’s soulful voice shines throughout, bringing so much emotion to the song. The song is brilliantly crafted, with delicate harmonies adding depth and richness in all the right places. It’s a stunning, heartfelt piece that lingers in your mind long after it ends.

Neil: I agree with Sherry. The immediately striking aspect of Brave Face is Alex’s voice which is very distinctive and expressive in a rich alto range. This is an emotionally-charged but controlled Pop ballad with a rueful feel that allows the vocal to float reverberantly above soft piano chords while lovingly arranged backing vocals bring a dreamy, subtly haunting quality. The way the track develops with layers of synth strings and multi-tracked backing vocals is really effective and she manages the timbral and dynamic contrasts expertly. The result is a rather beautiful track that gets better with every listen.

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BLAISE MC – KINGOFHEARTS

Los Angeles-based producer Blaise MC has an interesting approach to disseminating his work. He sends ‘content’ out to various media and then shares the videos and posts of them responding to his tracks. In one sense, it feels quite new and his social media followings, Spotify listeners etc. suggest he is in the early stages of building a network and fanbase (although he has over 800 Soundcloud followers). At the same time, the standard of his work suggests he is an experienced, accomplished artist and this track was the one that by far the most readers voted for in the Listening Post this week, underlining the clear connection it achieved with people.

Neil: I was interested in the comment at the Listening Post from our close friend Paul F Cook who said it took him right back to his love of Trip Hop in the nineties. There is definitely a Trip Hop undercurrent to the beat and feel of this [backing] track. It is mid-tempo, syncopated, funky and the sounds are really well-chosen so that the groove is infectious and feels very satisfying. Probably the intention is for it to accompany a rap but then it could be used in a multitude of ways depending upon the artist(s).

Sherry: Neil has almost laid out every view on this song, but for me, KingOfHearts has a cinematic quality. The moody, hypnotic rhythm and atmospheric production make it feel like the perfect soundtrack for a tense detective scene in a movie. It’s got that kind of mysterious, late-night energy that instantly draws you in. if you love a trippy vibe, it’s a must-listen!

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CHOSES SAUVAGES – Cours Toujours

The Soundcloud link this track was submitted with takes you to Audiogram who, if my very limited French is correct, are a record label but they have managed not to even mention Montreal, Canada-based Choses Sauvages anywhere on the page. Fortunately our readers were smart enough to be able to make the connection for themselves but we see this a lot with labels making pages all about themselves and forgetting to promote their artists. It needs to change. Fortunately the band were easy to find on social media. Judging by their Instagram posts, they are playing to some seriously big and enthusiastic audiences and they put on an amazing, energetic live show.

Sherry: From the moment Cours Toujours begins, it sets a mood — smooth, rhythmic and effortlessly cool. The French vocals glide over the music with ease, adding a dreamy, almost hypnotic feel. The way the song flows, shifting between sounds and melodies, makes it a dynamic listen without ever feeling overwhelming. Cours Toujours is a track that feels both familiar and refreshing, perfect for getting lost in its rhythm.

Neil: This kicks off with a Sade-like shuffling semi-bossa beat (i.e. Smooth Operator) before the instruments kick in around a busy syncopated bassline, decorative guitar, eighties-style vibrato keys and upper register male vocal harmonies. The style is quite a hybrid with elements of Latin, Synthpop and a chugging staccato Bluesy Pop sensibility. It is very nuanced with different sounds taking centre stage, the texture shifting and long-note melody lines that recall early Working Week in a jam with Juniore while Andy Summers adds subtle chops! All sung in French which adds to the appeal.

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DEKKER – Not Feeling Up

Brookln Dekker aka Dekker is no stranger to the faves and the US artist has an astonishing 1 million monthly Spotify listeners! He is currently in the middle of an extensive European tour that has already seen him visit venues in the UK plus a load of dates in Germany and a few in Spain too. He also plays in a popular duo with his English wife.

Neil: The lyrics appear to deal with some mental health issues of fighting long spells of depression even when life is outwardly going well. This tallies with the melancholy undercurrent of the track with Brookln’s soft-toned vocals in a minor key set against some attractive picking guitar and solid rhythm section to create an Alt Pop aura with a dash of Americana. It is catchy, cleverly configured and nicely produced.

Sherry: This song hooks you right from the start a beautiful catchy chorus that sticks in your head. The mellow vibe of the song with a contrasting mildly uplifting backing track makes the song sound more interesting. It is no surprise that Dekkee has a million monthly listeners. His music has a way of drawing you in. Not feeling up is the kind of song that sticks with you long after it ends.

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INTELIDEY – I Don’t Think (Infinity Wave)

Hailing from Colchester, Essex in the English Eastern Counties, Somdip Dey is Intelidey. He has been recognised by the India UK Achievers Honours List in the ‘Education, Science and Innovation’ category for inspiring Indian artists across the world with his work. He builds his own technology, not to make profit but to help others. He has been engaged by universities to speak to students about his art and the enormous numbers he is achieving on his Tik Tok and Instagram videos and reels underline the extent of his fanbase.

Sherry: Infinity Wave is a fun club track with catchy, repetitive lyrics that are easy to remember. The vocals have an ethereal quality, adding a dreamy feel to the song, while the production is top-notch, creating a great vibe throughout. It’s the kind of track that sticks with you and makes you want to hit replay.

Neil: We often over-use the word ‘epic’ but epic is exactly what I Don’t Think (Infinity Wave) is. This is a giant of a track, sometimes with a stuttering Electro-House groove, big contrasts of texture and dynamic, female vocal providing a periodic hook and the kind of combinations of beats, synths and sounds that transfer easily into the superclub concept of Ibiza and other European club capitals. This track grabbed me on first listen at moderation so I am delighted it has made the faves. If I was still involved in the club scene (as I was back in the day), this would be on our decks every night.

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LOA – Almost In My Reach

Female-Male duo LOA is a long-standing collaboration between singer Genevieve Dawson and pianist Rick Leigh. They have had BBC Introducing support and record for Lima Limo Records. Last year saw them play at least four times at Servant Jazz Quarters. So clearly they and the label are very attached to the iconic Dalston venue (which Sherry and I are also familiar with). They supported another Fresh on the Net regular Caoilfhionn Rose on the London leg of her tour. Judging by the high numbers of streams and monthly listeners they are achieving on Spotify, they are clearly building a reputation.

Sherry: Almost In My Reach is a stunning track that gradually unfolds into something truly captivating. It starts off gently, with delicate piano chords and soaring vocals that create a soft, almost transparent atmosphere. As the song progresses, it builds in depth, gaining a cinematic feel that pulls you in deeper. One of the standout moments is the cello, which adds an extra layer of emotion and richness to the arrangement, making the track even more memorable.

Neil: Sherry has summed Almost In My Reach up really well. It is one of several tracks in this weekend’s faves that I reviewed in the edition of Trust The Doc that was published a few days ago. It builds from a soft, translucent opening with deep piano chords and octave-spanning vocals. Gradually the arrangement begins to fill out and a more cinematic aura takes over. Vocal harmonies add to the beauty of the track and sounds circle gently around them until, with the strings arriving in the final section, the track reaches the peak of its intensity before boiling down to a quiet, thoughtful finale. This is a master class in how to turn a beautifully crafted song into an outstanding track in which every nuance is there for a reason and the execution both vocally and instrumentally is simply gorgeous.

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LOST SIGNAL – Rooks

Norwich’s Matt Couchman aka Lost Signal is well-known to regular readers and to the team here at Fresh on the Net where he is a returning fave. A good supporter of fellow grassroots artists, he has recently collaborated with The Happy Somethings. Matt has received support from BBC Introducing and he played at Electric Dreams last summer. He has also been featured on Del’s Songbird Sessions Show on Islington Radio and Neil’s Trust The Doc Radio show on Exile FM.

Neil: Emerging out of a misty synth chord and running electro-bass, this has a cinematic atmosphere, sounds coming and going, often quite enigmatic and spacy while others are squelchy and rustling, echoing into the ether as new ones arrive. I can hear this as music that would suit a documentary soundtrack or computer game where the different parts of it can respond to particular dramatic and important events. Fluid but consistent. Plenty to keep you occupied.

Sherry: Rooks is a fascinating experimental track filled with ambient sounds that create an intriguing atmosphere. I really love how it’s produced and arranged—it has this unique vibe that keeps you curious, wondering what will happen next. The way the layers of sound come together makes the track feel unpredictable and fresh, keeping you hooked from start to finish.

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LYRA – Time

West London quartet Lyra have wasted no time in building a reputation, winning track of the week from BBC Introducing, headlining the Phoenix Festival and supporting Ben Walker on his UK tour as well as sharing stages with other big names from Sophie Ellis Bextor and Scouting For Girls to Sister Sledge.

Sherry: Time has a smooth, edgy pop vibe that grabs your attention right away. The risers throughout the song add a lot of energy, making each part feel exciting and dynamic. Lyra’s vocals are unique and powerful, perfectly matching the track’s mood and message. If you love tracks that make you feel empowered and ready to take on the world, this one definitely belongs on your playlist.

Neil: Time has an eighties vibe with shimmering, reverberant synths, busy bassline, persistent beat and bright, sometimes rocking guitars all accompanying the female vocalist’s strong and distinctive alto range vocals, adorned at times by harmonies and octave-up unison. This is ambitious and passionate Pop produced and presented in kaleidoscopic technicolour

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NOQI – Walk Above

With no info or links on their Soundcloud page and no location details, digging out information about Noqi has been a challenge. They played live at The Engine Room in East London last September and at Piano Smithfield (between Moorgate and Barbican) in May. They are also clearly very skilled musicians and, if we have understood their Instagram profile correctly, they plan to release an album in June 2026.

Neil: Walk Above is essentially a Jazz Fusion instrumental built around a melody that returns periodically and jazz-infused chords while the instrumental play is intimate and intricate. Piano chords and drumbeat punctuate the intro while guitar in octaves plays a slightly Eastern-inflected melody and the bass and drums provide a buoyant backdrop for the other players to stretch out over. The hook is also played by guitar. The guitar is then harmonised in open fourths and fifths by what sounds like sax, emphasising the Eastern quality (although perhaps that could also be a Nordic-Celtic reference). Everyone gets their opportunity to grab centre stage at different points in true Jazz quartet tradition but the playing is never showy or indulgent. Ultimately very classy and sophisticated.

Sherry:Walk About has a jazzy vibe, and the captivating guitar parts really stand out. What caught my attention is the mix of instruments they use throughout the track. The piano in the background adds a unique layer that draws you in. The song feels like it has three distinct sections each part stands out on its own, and the shift in dynamics between them is truly impressive. It’s a track that keeps you engaged with its smooth transitions and rich instrumentation.

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SEPHINE LLO – Avalanche

London composer and artist Sephine Llo is someone who knows about tragedy. When she lost her husband in 2016, it not only had put her own career on hold as a signed artist but, when he died, she felt like she lost herself too. In 2024, she paid tribute to him by utilising his unfinished works in her own recordings on the album Diamond Fall. She has been playing some impressive live shows in the time since then and has gigs coming up at the Green Note (19th March) and Moon Lake (10th May). Sephine has also been featured on BBC Radio 6 Music in 2024.

Neil: I wish I had been aware of Sephine’s story when I reviewed this track in our Trust The Doc blog because it brings a poignant and moving context to the lyrics about only wanting to feel things together with the man she loved and still loves. I can hardly find words to describe this track. The short burst of extended strings harmony and high register piano, set against Sephine’s goose-bumpingly accomplished vocals are breathtaking. The track then takes us on a journey through a series of contrasting sections, often haunting and dream-like, slowly shredding my emotions. It is rare that we ever receive a track that is quite so sophisticated, beautiful and expertly crafted as this. When the tempestuous staccato strings suddenly appear, accompanying multi-tracked harmonies, it is astonishing, a finale I could never have seen coming and yet one that is so perfect. Nothing I can say can adequately capture the brilliance of this track.

Sherry: I completely agree with Neil on this one. Avalanche is incredibly enchanting, drawing you into its mellow, emotional vibe. The song is so captivating that it could easily fit into movies like The Lord of the Rings or The Hunger Games. My favourite part is definitely the ending, with those powerful harmonies it creates such a majestic, almost otherworldly feeling. I’m also amazed by how Sephine manages to create such contrast between the different sections of the song. Each part pulls you in even more, and the way it all comes together really hooks you. It’s a track that stays with you long after it’s over.

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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.