Hello and introduction

Hello and welcome to everyone reading this! This is my online archive for all my music reviews for Belfast and Northern Ireland. I will be updating this as I write them.

If you wish to have a piece reviewed, please email me at benjaminjlmagee@gmail.com

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Sarah McCreedy - Older

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Sarah McCreedy - Older  Flush as the North is with musical talent, singer/songwriters have long been a staple of the scene and remain one of our biggest cultural exports. Enter Co. Down hopeful Sarah McCreedy, who fits the mould of the modern singer/songwriter by combining accomplished musical aptitude with an impressive composition in her debut single Older. Carpeted by nostalgia, Older implies a level of comprehension by McCreedy that almost makes it unfair to consider the single a debut. Fully formed and confident, there is little room for complaint, nor is there evidence of unused potential. The opening of Older featured a measured and muted rhythmic strumming that is almost soporific in nature before McCreedy comes in, her vocals beginning barely louder than a whisper before gathering both traction and weight. As mentioned before, the song relies heavily on nostalgia and the march of time, but it is not without its wit. McCreedy informs the listener during the cho...
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Rebekah Fitch - Broken Mind

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The release of  Rebekah Fitch ’s newest EP ‘ Broken Mind ’ further proves that her sustained success is no fluke but a result born of both talent and passion for her craft. A mature and nuanced EP constructed from the varying influences of Pop, Soul, Gospel and Electronic music; Fitch comes across as a seasoned and experienced veteran of her craft, which can only be attributed to the excellent production and Fitch’s dedication to her art. The archetypal pop trio of piano, percussion and acoustics are all prevalent, but rather than overlapping they fit neatly together as if pieces in a jigsaw, the perfect accompaniment to the huge impact created by Fitch’s imposing vocals. Complex opening track ‘A Love So Crazy’ displays the full range and depth of Fitch’s vocal ability. A slow build up leads into a gospel-like vocal crescendo that is comparable to the power and authority of a prime Roger Daltry, with the soothing essence of a Paloma Faith solo. Fitch’s powerful vocals are ju...
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Mugged by a Ghost - Wasting Our 20s

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Mugged by a Ghost -  Wasting Our 20s Pop punk Belfast quartet Mugged by a Ghost (M.b.a.G.) are influenced by the likes of Neck Deep, who they are attempting to follow in the footsteps of by introducing to the scene their own brand of upstart antagonism with a punk-inspired backing track. Their newest track, Wasting Our 20s, hedges its bets on an upbeat, guitar-driven sound that scarcely exists anymore, which allows for a healthy dose of nostalgia to meld with their distinctly modern take on the brand of music Blink-182 made a global powerhouse. Following the tradition of the aforementioned musical giant, M.b.a.G seem to have already grasped the fundamental twists that separated pop-punk from its heavier predecessors: well written, accessible and easily imagined lyrics. Even the title stays true to this, as it nestles within the common imagery and wordplay of relatable apprehension made so popular by Fall Out Boy. Amidst the distortion-heavy licks and feedback, there...
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