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Phonseca release pulsating “Staring At The Sea”

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Phonseca is a Synthpop/Ambient/Electronica project, which brings together Bristol’s much respected keys/synth player Matthew O’Connor and brilliant Swedish vocalist Kristina Sheppard.

Matthew has a rich musical background, bringing his talent to bands across the musical spectrum from House to Shoegaze, Psyche to Soundtrack, Electronica, Britpop and Rock. Both touring and featuring on albums released on labels as diverse as Rocket Recordings, Invada Records and Dishy Recordings, his creative input has featured on many projects. Inevitably the urge to form a more personal musical landscape saw him starting to write his own music. This began the process which resulted in “Between A Dream”, the debut Phonseca album, which came out in 2019.

The album was championed in the UK on BBC Radio 6 Music by both Gideon Coe and Steve Lamacq. With Steve Lamacq featuring it in his “Recommends” show. It also picked up lots of airplay and excellent reviews around the world. Matthew’s classical piano training has an influence on his work. In addition to Phonseca, he has composed Library Music where his work has been synched on primetime TV like BBC1’s – The One Show, Channel 5 programs and National TV in most of Europe. This was the catalyst for first writing with Kristina, initially working on songs for a Disney project which followed a chance meeting at a wedding fayre, where they had stalls directly opposite each other. Since its release, the pair have spent the past few years promoting the debut album while writing/recording the second “Everything Lasts Forever”, which is now ready for release via Old Bad Habits Label.

The first taster of the new album is heartfelt, pulsating, all-out pop single “Staring At The Sea”. The track is a declaration of love and wasting no time with a sense of urgency. The track’s wide-eyed cinematic pop sentiments feel immediately familiar as Matthew’s 80s style drum machines and synth moods combine with Kristina’s soaring vocals for epic effect. The lyrics of the song follow the very relatable theme of ultimately two friends falling for each other and Kristina switches to Swedish language in the middle section which adds an intriguing touch. In its original form this was one of the first songs Phonseca ever wrote together in their “Disney Sessions”.

“I was asked by a Library Music company to write some positive upbeat songs for a Disney video, sadly it wasn’t accepted, but thankfully we kept it, sat on it for a while and tweaked it to become one of our best pop songs so far and an obvious single”, explains Matthew. “We acknowledge the genius of Prefrab Sprout’s Paddy McAloon in the opening lyric who I’m a big fan of. It’s also one of the songs that shows off Kristina’s vocals. I also wanted the talking bit to be in Swedish, to give the track an otherworldly feel”, he further adds.

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Ervin Munir Drops Second Studio Album, “Pure and Simple”

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Ervin Munir

Returning with his second studio album, “Pure and Simple”, Norfolk-based singer-songwriter Ervin Munir impresses! Following his first album, “Broken Compass”, Ervin does not fail to enthral with a sound which is uniquely his own. Moreover, he emphasises love, grief and loss in this album which will take you on a trip to remember.

One of the highlights of “Pure and Simple” is its many collaborations with a versatile list of musicians, which give the album depth and edge. Tina Blaber’s vocals on “King and Doors” add extra dimension to the album and Aeron Z Jones’s contributions on bass, electric, and slide guitar bring newfound energy.

“Pure and Simple” finds the perfect mix between grandeur and intimacy right from beginning to end. ‘Felixstowe”, is one of the album’s best and it captures its emotional depth and employs a strong drum solo to accentuate its poignant delivery. It is stripped-back but very touching and it is a magnificent distillation of Ervin’s musical vision. “Doors” highlights Munir’s adaptability as his delicate piano playing accentuates Blaber’s harmonies and it produces a very personal feeling.

“Pure and Simple” is evidence of Ervin Munir’s musicianship, honest candour, and engaging songwriting. For everyone who values sincere narrative via song, this album is a must-listener providing times of contemplation and pure musical enjoyment.

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