Aurgasm

pop-folk // singer-songwriter

Hush (The Secrets Project) (2012), Shelly Fraley’s latest album, has everything to satisfy your pop cravings for the summer. It’s sweet, yet far from sugary. It’s catchy, yet sophisticated. Essentially, it’s everything you could want in a pop song. Shelly’s album ranges from mid-tempo piano ballads to upbeat acoustic tunes, all brimming with the cleverly crafted hooks. The opening track “Hush” would most certainly appeal to the fans of Lenka, while the lovely “Just Don’t Wanna Be Alone” shares similarities with such pop-folk darlings as Rosi Golan and Katie Herzig.

Sweetest pop perfection.

Shelly Fraley – Hush
Shelly Fraley – Just Dont Wanna Be Alone
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Jazz // Pop

An intriguing personality shows in the words and music from Bev Lee Harling. Songs about expectations, modern life & love are matched by a diverse production which is sometimes tongue in cheek, but always spot on in presenting the song eloquently. Don’t be fooled by the sweetness of her voice; she conceals a dark twist and wickedness underneath her cute appearance. “Private Life of a Puppet” sees a fine balance between innocent & dark, while “Barefoot in Your Kitchen” has you guessing whether it is a smart analogy or just a loving tribute.

Jazz pop with an intriguing twist.
Bev Lee Harling – Private Life of a Puppet (acoustic)
Bev Lee Harling – Barefoot in Your Kitchen
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dream-folk // scottish singer-songwriter

Rachel Sermanni’s EP Black Currents (2012) may only offer 4 tracks, but it certainly earns the Scottish songstress a spot among the most promising talents of the year. Rachel’s ethereal, some times husky Sarah Blasko-like vocals ride the delicate guitar, breezy strings and subtle piano arrangements of her debut EP. The lead track “The Fog” showcases Rachel’s rich vocal range from delicate to haunting dark tones. Don’t let this gem slip under your radar.

Heartfelt, refreshing debut.

Rachel Sermanni – The Fog
Rachel Sermanni – Breathe Easy
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piano // singer-songwriter

Hollowed by tragedy’s teeth, deep down an echoing well, locked in a space heavy enough to quit my job for six months to deal. Seeking a place, a mirror, a word to bring my next step. Something to hold on to or in me. I look at you. Familiar retreats yield no avail: not Rage, not Björk, not Mezzanine, not Pumpkins not Fiona; nothing is felt. I sift through new. Wasteland post rainforest until I find Something Borrowed, Something Blue. A parallel spilt from her veins; blood, tears, scars pulsating my open wound ravine. Beauty melting, stunning and floating, her lifting fingertips stay or leave. Intensity composed to continue, as rain’s gift is beneath its gloom, in more than a lovely sound.

Eating your heart out.
Amanda Rogers – Infinitely
Amanda Rogers – Lovestricken
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acoustic // singer-songwriter

Kiss, build, fly.
Nighttime Concert – My Love, Do You Sleep?
Nighttime Concert – Firefly Jar
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