Fresh Music Friday: Sweetie, RIIKI REID, Daffodils

This week on Fresh Music Friday: Tamsyn Bellew, Olly Keirle, and Harry Gay dive headfirst into the newest tracks from Sweetie, RIIKI REID, and the Daffodils.

Orbiting – Sweetie

Tamsyn: The introduction is GRIPPING but the first verse could have used some more melodic variety. The transition between chorus and verse was awkward, but the bridge and chorus were stunning; the guitar riff gives 70s soft rock vibes, truly the highlight of the song. I feel like I can see the vision with this song, but the ending felt premature and it didn’t tie the song together satisfactorily, so overall I was left wanting more.

Harry: This is my first time listening to Sweetie but they’ve definitely found a new fan in me after this one. ‘Orbiting’ is a very loud and abrasive song with a lot of attitude, but it just oozes this cool energy that I love. It inspired me to peruse the rest of their catalogue and, yeah, Sweetie is the real deal. This song’s a bit rougher around the edges when compared to their more well-known tracks like ‘Boundary Queen’ or their earlier single this year ‘Negative Image’. It certainly stands out from the rest of their tracks on the ‘Collision’ EP, but it’s a welcome exhilarating break from the mould nonetheless.

Olly: Infectious energy in both the vocals and the brash guitar. Has the volume and attitude of a Joan Jett song coming out of the gates, but as the song progresses the sweeter melodies and sensibilities of a Stella Donnelly song seep in to leave a catchy little imprint stuck in your head. Pop it on your house party playlist and watch your mates one by one whip out Shazam.

The Dream State – RIIKI REID

Harry: A very fun and energetic track, RIIKI REID’s vocals are just absolutely beautiful to listen to. The instrumentals are cool and very distinct from the typical dreck you hear on the charts these days. I can imagine this being a bit of a club anthem with things opening up again, but it could also complement an impulsive drive around, or zoning out on the bus and romanticising your life.

Olly: Pulsating bass powers the song throughout, supported by jangly guitar riffs and Stranger Things-esque synths. Starting off claustrophobic and intimate, the song builds and builds with backing vocals and interspersed guitar parts to transform the song into what sounds like a rebellion against and release from the anxiety that pervades the opening. Would definitely get my legs pumping in a gym playlist.

Tamsyn: I really liked the opening, a smooth mix of rock and synth. The consistency of the backing track removed the awkwardness that generally follows the switch to head voice in the pre-chorus, which I really appreciated, but the chorus was passive and unassertive which made it sound anticlimactic. I wish there was more force and passion – the song has so much potential to build but no clear direction, so whilst overall it’s a nice song, it lost me by the second chorus.

How Do You Know? – Daffodils

Olly: Leaning into the ubiquitous 80s synth moment of the past 18 months, sounds like a baritone Morrissey singing over REM covering The Cure. Very bittersweet feeling to the song, airy and often sickly sweet synths as well as a quite literally ‘electric’ guitar solo paired alongside the singer’s melancholic crooning. Chuck it on your road trip playlist for guaranteed serotonin.

Tamsyn: This song gives me coming-of-age movie vibes, truly delivering on the ‘making me feel like a main character’ front. The chorus is fantastic, and the use of the guitar riff to transition to the verse is seamless; this is pulling off what I hoped ‘The Dream State’ would. The ONLY thing is I wish the lead singer enunciated more, especially during the chorus. He was overshadowed by the instrumentation at times, which was a shame because I loved the relaxed tone of his voice.

Harry: Much like their usual stuff, this single by Daffodils has a very 80s feel, from the vocals down to the instrumentals. It has fun, cool and carefree vibes that make this one a good listen. I very much enjoyed this song.