Words by Kate Johnson

THE SUNDIALS – ‘SOUNDCHECK JAM’

The Note previously shed light on The Sundials when the ’80s-infused six-piece were only three singles deep. Now, they’ve released a whole record, with ‘Soundcheck Jam’ at track one. True to its name, it’s a chance to test and flex out these instruments. The music gradually fades up as you hear drum, bass, electric guitar and a passionately sung ‘Baby’. If a harmonica solo isn’t enough, maybe a live performance is? Flare Pant Party Rock album launches this weekend on April 20, otherwise known as 4/20, which the band seem quite excited about.

Listen here.

MATT WARD – ‘COME HOME SAFE’

‘Come Home Safe’ is the phrase you say when a loved one goes out. Matt Ward’s home is in the country – and listening to this makes you want to leave with him. It’s dirt roads, deep valleys with no water to show and a few scattered trees. He proves he has bars when he sings at the speed of a rapper, ‘Heading for the North / Less people, more sky here’. His acoustic guitar, layered with electric, creates a feel-good, boppy, country-laced energy. It’s a beauty of a road-trip song – play it en route to one of his gigs at Nuriootpa or Maccelsfield.

Listen here.

NAT LUNA – ‘LOVE ME LONGER’

Nat Luna wishes she could do ‘Fucking better than you’. ‘Love Me Longer’ proves she’s got enough songwriting ammunition that people will have to take notice. Luna transports you to your most intimate moments and has you questioning your worth in relationships. It’s like a personal therapy session. She sings, ‘I hate this song I really wanna (haha) / See no silver, I prefer gold, yeah’. She slugs it out, dwelling on  and answering her own questions. Her influences are Ariana Grande and SZA, which shine through on this colourful, soulful, airy track.

Listen here.

AVALON KANE, STU PATTERSON – ‘DON’T BELIEVE ANYMORE’

Tapping sticks, elevating synths and a glorious deep horn… welcome to the mind of Avalon Kane. You’re sailing through a dream when the voice of Stu Patterson hits: ‘You used to be someone I knew / Somebody I could understand’. You’re either imagining a lover or giving yourself a harsh talking to because you’re eating salty snacks at 2am. This sultry track will guide you through a paradise of self-actualisation, grappling with a reality that you hadn’t imagined. An army of instruments charge for you, with the minimal lyrics leaving you to ponder: do you believe? We will move on with our life – though this song will always be in the back of our mind.

Listen here.

EYRIE – ‘CITY FEAR’

‘I got dreams / Wrapped in dusty leaves’ is a line for those caught between craving city successes and wanting to run away. ‘City Fear’ is not recommended for your in-the-city playlists, rather saved for a walk through the forest. ‘Save my soul / Keep it whole’ is a plea from a girl who has witnessed corporate life turn smiles upside down, and Eyrie doesn’t want to be another number. ‘City Fear’ is a romantic, truthful, poignant look into our deep ponders about what our life is supposed to be like. The acoustic guitar, violin and the country-influence adds to the simplicity yet powerful force of this tune. Nevertheless, reading a review in the glow of a phone is also very ironic considering the subject matter… Warning: this tune may convince you to change careers.

Listen here.