The Last Dinner Party - "Nothing Matters"

Formed in 2021 in London, 'The Last Dinner Party' released their debut album 'Prelude to Ecstasy' earlier this year after a couple of years touring and perfecting their live performance. The band, led by Abigail Morris, had a UK top 20 hit with their debut single "Nothing Matters" in 2023. For some, including me, the album came out of nowhere and suddenly a musical goldmine was unleashed. They have stated David Bowie as an influence but you can hear so many influences on display throughout the album, Kate Bush being an obvious one to me. The album is cinematic baroque, orchestral, glam, indie pop.... you name it! and with tempo shifts in unexpected directions. "Nothing Matters" is the ultimate single and is no doubt a crowd favourite live.

mr Gnome - Monster's Heart

mr. Gnome are a duo from Cleveland consisting of Nicole Barille on guitar and vocals and Sam Meister on drums and keyboards. They have been making music as mr. Gnome since 2005. 'Monster's Heart' was released as a single with the song 'Sleepwalker' in 2015 - a year after their critically aclaimed album 'The Heart of a Dark Star'. Monster's Heart is beautiful in so many ways. The vocals are spectacular with a ghostly or haunting feel throughout - even when only accompanied by acoustic guitar. The vocals are, without doubt, the key element and they stay true thoughout the song - while the music deviates in all the right places to enhance them. Finishing with a full-on climax.