Each week we like to champion the music scene with ten songs in our playlist that all have a connection to the RaW (Reading and Wokingham) area and sometimes beyond. This week we have three new tracks for you from acts with connections to Reading and Wokingham. As always, we have a wide variety of musical styles, but we think they’re all worth a listen and we hope you find something new to enjoy as well as maybe getting out to experience the thrill of live music.
1. The Paradox Twin – Null the System –
Danny Sorrell is the creative force behind The Paradox Twin, who have been been on the Wokingham-based White Star Records label since 2018. This track is from the eagerly anticipated third album, A Romance of Many Dimensions, which explores the blurring between the real world and our digital existence. The concept album is from the point of view of someone who only finds a purpose when logged in, and whose best friend is a silent crow in the computer game he’s immersed in! We look forward to seeing them live on the main stage at Wokingham Festival in August. https:// www.theparadoxtwin.com/
2. Purple Grace – Narcissist –
Didcot-based Purple Grace have evolved since we last saw them play in 2023, with a new bass player and vocalist, and have moved in more of an alt-rock direction. This is their latest single, and the contributions of the new members are well to the fore, from the catchy bass intro to the confident vocals, complemented by the keys and great guitar riffs. Catch them live in Elm’s Field at the Wokingham Mela on 26th April! https://purplegrace.co.uk/
3. shallowdaze – Need to Know –
shallowdaze had their first gig in January this year, and we saw them last month at the Purple Turtle, where they made a very good impression. This is their debut single, Need to Know, and is a good example of their post-punk dreamy shoegaze sound. They also have a song coming soon about a meeting in the Purple Turtle itself! Only The Poets also have a song referring to that venue, do you know of any others? https://linktr.ee/shallowdaze
4. Tomorrow Bird – Crossroads –
Simon Driscoll and Jen Bird, better known as Tomorrow Bird, have been producing fine acoustic Americana together for the best part of a decade, and this latest single is a fine addition to their discography. It’s inspired by the story of blues pioneer Robert Johnson supposedly meeting the Devil at the crossroads at midnight to exchange his soul for musical success. Look out for them gigging in the Reading area! https://tomorrowbird.com/
5. Tinie Tempah – Energy (ft. Alex Mills) –
The Party in the Paddock shows at Newbury Racecourse have become a regular part of the summer and this year is no exception. If you like your mainstream artists and don’t mind a short trip to Newbury, this year you can see Gypsy Kings (17th July), Ronan Keating (18th July), Tinie Tempah (14th August) and Jessie J (15th) appearing after the day’s racing. Here’s the latest single from Tinie and it’s a wonderful return to his hi-energy roots with an infectious pop dance feel. It’s the sort of record that will sound perfect in the clubs now and will also sound perfect outdoors in the summer – https:// www.tinietempah.com
6. HOUSE OF ALL – Valiant Heart –
Across the the 40 year history of Mark E. Smith’s legendary band the Fall there were more than 60 members, Smith being the one constant (“If it’s me and your granny on bongos, it’s The Fall.”). Following his death in 2018, the Fall accordingly disbanded. House of All consists of past members of the Fall, including original guitarist Martin Bramah; this track is from their recently-released fourth album. See them at the Face Bar on 30th April with their three (3!) drum line-up, courtesy of Future Transmissions. https://www.facebook.com/fallfamilycontinuum
7. Villumier – HEAT –
Alt rock band Villumier from the Reading area have been fairly productive recently, with four singles released last year, and appearances at Reading Rising at the Face Bar last November, and at the Purple Turtle at the beginning of March, and last weekend they opened Modern Era Fest in London. This is the last of their four tracks from last year, also the lead track from the EP which collected the singles together. https://www.instagram.com/villumier/
8. White Label – Dance On My Own –
We featured their last single only last month, but it’s not too soon to include the Reading-based duos’ latest release, hot off the presses, as it’s so good! This is a very upbeat, danceable track, while the lyrics deal with being unable to sleep or concentrate because you’re waiting to hear from someone you can’t stop thinking about. You can see White Label play live at Milk in Reading this weekend on 19th April; it’s a Sunday night, but it’s an early show. https://www.instagram.com/ whitelabeltheband/
9. Emerson – Too Pretty To Die –
It’s always worth checking out the Purple Turtle Stage outside the stadium before a Reading FC home match. We did that last month and saw an exciting and energetic set of very good songs from Fleet based band, Emerson. With their jangly guitar based indie pop featuring excellent vocal harmonies this very tight four piece were very impressive. – https://linktr.ee/emerson.band99
10. Wrex – Consume –
Wrex are based in Brighton, but we were impressed when we saw them at Reading Rising at the Face Bar last November, so made sure we were at the Purple Turtle last month when they appeared there. This is their latest single which muses on the modern world, both the overconsumption of resources and the time we spend on social media looking for the next dopamine hit. If you get the chance to see them live, take it! https://www.facebook.com/wearewrex
You can listen to all the songs featured in our Spotify playlist at https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday
