https://michathompson.journoportfolio.comRSS Feed for Micha ThompsonenThu, 27 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://atthebarrier.com/2025/02/27/bradley-simpson-the-panic-years-album-review/#:~:text=This%20album%20marks%20a%20promising,love%2C%20with%20his%20contradicting%20lyrics.The Panic Years is the highly-anticipated debut album from rising sensation: Bradley Simpson. The lead singer of the world-renowned pop group The Vamps is now taking the chance to branch out into a solo career. With The Panic Years, Simpson passionately delves into his personal experiences, showcasing a personal, introspective side of his artistry that fans have yet to fully see. The album opens with his debut single: Cry at the Moon. Released in March 2024, the single showcases not only Bradley’s vocal talent but his song writing ability too. Delving into themes of a broken relationship, it beautifully captures the emotions so vividly, that you feel as though you’re living through it yourself.Thu, 27 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://atthebarrier.com/2025/02/27/bradley-simpson-the-panic-years-album-review/#:~:text=This%20album%20marks%20a%20promising,love%2C%20with%20his%20contradicting%20lyrics.https://atthebarrier.com/2025/02/26/bilk-w-coast-the-pill-engine-rooms-southampton-live-review/Bilk kicked off the show with the opener to Essex, Drugs and Rock and Roll: RNR. Sol Abraham’s vocals are bold and full of attitude. They perfectly capture the rebellious vibe of the track and the rest of the album—and this was only the beginning. The energy of the performance brought a new perspective to the song. Pounding drums, gritty guitar riffs, and an infectious stage presence has the crowd moving from the very start.Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://atthebarrier.com/2025/02/26/bilk-w-coast-the-pill-engine-rooms-southampton-live-review/https://www.musicistoblame.co.uk/2025/01/bradley-simpsons-carpet-burn-anthem-of.htmlBradley Simpson has just released his sentimental new single, ‘Carpet Burn’, from his upcoming debut album ‘The Panic Years’, set to be released on February 28th via Insanity Records. The track offers a final glimpse of the album and fans are already hooked; it’s inevitably many fans’ favourite, including Bradley himself. This single has been teased online since March last year and fans have been eagerly waiting for its release. Bradley has been playing this song live to audiences and before it was even released, there wasn’t a single person who didn’t know the lyrics. ‘Carpet Burn’ has sparked a wave of excitement and anticipation from fans, since it first appeared in the setlist during the previous tour. ‘Carpet Burn’ delves into themes of young love and longing to have met someone earlier in life.Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.musicistoblame.co.uk/2025/01/bradley-simpsons-carpet-burn-anthem-of.htmlhttps://atthebarrier.com/2025/01/26/pastel-vinilo-records-live-review/Souls In Motion is showing its promise. As the dust starts to settle on a great album launch tour through some of the UK’s indie store, the band hit #1 in the Official Record Store Chart. It is no less than the band deserve. At Vinilo Records in Southampton, we caught the band in an intimate setting. Pastel kick off with fan-favourite: Heroes’ Blood. Jack Yates’ vocals were nothing short of mesmerising, resonating with even greater emotion when heard live. The raw energy of the performance brought a new perspective to the song, captivating the audience from the very first note.Sun, 26 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://atthebarrier.com/2025/01/26/pastel-vinilo-records-live-review/https://www.musicistoblame.co.uk/2024/12/sam-fenders-wild-long-lie-bold.htmlSam Fender has just released his gripping new single ‘Wild Long Lie’, from his upcoming album ‘People Watching’ scheduled to be released on February 21st via Polydor Records. The single is the second single to come from the album and is produced with Joe Atkinson who also worked on ‘People Watching’ and ‘Mantra’ with Fender. The single has resulted in many fans already calling it a classic, hoping it will stay in future setlists in shows years to come. Fans have been treated with the latest single on the People Watching Tour setlist. ‘Wild Long Lie’ was met with an outpouring of excitement and anticipation from fans, since its debut in Dublin on the first night of Fender’s arena tour. "Wild Long Lie" explores the conflict between a deep affection for one's hometown and the longing to break free from it.Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://www.musicistoblame.co.uk/2024/12/sam-fenders-wild-long-lie-bold.htmlhttps://atthebarrier.com/2024/09/01/wunderhorse-midas-album-review/Midas is the highly anticipated second album from Wunderhorse. The band, formed by frontman Jacob Slater, was originally planned to be a solo project. In 2021, it became a band. Since their debut album, Cub, their popularity continues to surge. The British Rock quartet open the album with the title track, originally released back in April; Midas. It is a rocky tune which starts the album powerfully. Peter Woodin on bass and Harry Fowler on guitar certainly make a great first impression with the iconic Midas riff. Jamie Staple’s drumming which pairs suitably to form a great melody line. Along with this, Slater’s unique and raw vocals on this song express frustration and passion as well as sounding powerful. Wunderhorse continue to excel with July; which is a firm crowd favourite. The tune is dark and accompanied with compelling instrumentation; yet the festival crowds this summer saw this as one to mosh to. The band have been playing this since earlier this year and this led to the release of the track in May.Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0100https://atthebarrier.com/2024/09/01/wunderhorse-midas-album-review/https://atthebarrier.com/2024/08/30/sabrina-carpenter-short-n-sweet-album-review/Sabrina Carpenter shines once again in her sixth studio album, following the release of the 2022- album ‘emails i can’t send’. Release Date: 23rd August 2024 Label: Island Records Format: CD / Vinyl / Digital Short n’ Sweet is the sixth album from Sabrina Carpenter. The album contains influences of R&B, Rock and Pop, which is not a surprise considering it was produced with the iconic Jack Antonoff (Taylor Swift, The 1975). From the release of the Short n’ Sweet singles (Espresso and Please...Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0100https://atthebarrier.com/2024/08/30/sabrina-carpenter-short-n-sweet-album-review/https://rockstarspod.wordpress.com/2024/08/22/a-journey-of-self-exploration-beabadoobee-this-is-how-tomrorow-moves-review/Words: Micha Thompson ‘This Is How Tomorrow Moves’ is a true reflection of Beabadoobee‘s journey as an artist. It not only represents an important milestone in her career but reflects her artistic maturity and evolution. The album shows influences from Fiona Apple and similar figures. Tracks such as the catchy ‘Ever Seen’ and ‘Take a Bite’ showcase Bea’s versatility by blending different genres, yet still sticking to her authentic style and sound.  The opening tracks contrast with one anot...Thu, 22 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0100https://rockstarspod.wordpress.com/2024/08/22/a-journey-of-self-exploration-beabadoobee-this-is-how-tomrorow-moves-review/https://atthebarrier.com/2024/05/07/the-libertines-all-quiet-on-the-eastern-esplanade-album-review/The Libertines return with All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade; a mere 9 years after Anthems For The Doomed Youth. Release Date: 5th April 2024 Label: EMI Format: CD / Vinyl / Digital / Cassette The Libertines have made their highly anticipated return with their new studio album; All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade. It follows Anthems For Doomed Youth which was released in 2015. All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade was set to release in March but got pushed forward. It only took the band four w...Tue, 07 May 2024 00:00:00 +0100https://atthebarrier.com/2024/05/07/the-libertines-all-quiet-on-the-eastern-esplanade-album-review/https://atthebarrier.com/2024/04/12/lobjectif-the-left-side-ep-review/L’objectif return with their second EP; The Left Side. This quartet are ones to watch on the indie circuit. Release Date: 22nd March 2024 Label: Chess Club Records Format: CD / Vinyl / Digital The Left Side is the newly released 2nd EP from L’objectif, following the release of their 2022 EP We Aren’t Getting Out But Tonight We Might. Lead singer, Saul Kane, produced the EP alongside Ali Chant and the EP was created from his bedroom. The Leeds rock quartet L’objectif (made up of Saul Kane, L...Fri, 12 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100https://atthebarrier.com/2024/04/12/lobjectif-the-left-side-ep-review/https://atthebarrier.com/2024/03/15/holly-humberstone-work-in-progress-ep-review/Holly Humberstone follows her 2023 debut with Work In Progress; a four track EP of new music. Release Date: 15th March 2024 Label: Darkroom Records / Interscope Records / Polydor Format: CD / Vinyl / Digital Holly Humberstone continues to spotlight her talent in her highly anticipated four-track EP Work In Progress following the popular release of her debut album Paint My Bedroom Black, released in October 2023. Holly announced to fans on Discord she would be releasing a collection of her u...Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://atthebarrier.com/2024/03/15/holly-humberstone-work-in-progress-ep-review/https://atthebarrier.com/2024/02/07/declan-mckenna-what-happened-to-the-beach-album-review/What Happened to the Beach? is the third studio album from Declan McKenna. Saying goodbye to his 2017 debut album and the 2020 space-rock excellence of Zeros, McKenna introduces us to a new era of the psychedelic and ethereal. The album has hints of Los Angeles in its influence, where it was written. We are welcomed to the album with WOBBLE. A series of eerie strings and vocals which turns into a jolly summer guitar vibe. Declan makes his mark on the tune with his iconic tone and a contrast to the strings. It sets the bar high for the rest of the album and leaves the listeners wanting more.Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://atthebarrier.com/2024/02/07/declan-mckenna-what-happened-to-the-beach-album-review/https://atthebarrier.com/2024/02/07/declan-mckenna-what-happened-to-the-beach-album-review/What Happened to the Beach? is the third studio album from Declan McKenna. Saying goodbye to his 2017 debut album and the 2020 space-rock excellence of Zeros, McKenna introduces us to a new era of the psychedelic and ethereal. The album has hints of Los Angeles in its influence, where it was written. We are welcomed to the album with WOBBLE. A series of eerie strings and vocals which turns into a jolly summer guitar vibe. Declan makes his mark on the tune with his iconic tone and a contrast to the strings..Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://atthebarrier.com/2024/02/07/declan-mckenna-what-happened-to-the-beach-album-review/https://atthebarrier.com/2024/02/07/declan-mckenna-what-happened-to-the-beach-album-review/Declan McKenna impresses once again on his third studio album, What Happened to the Beach? It follows the release of his 2020 studio album Zeros. Release Date: 9th February 2024 Label: Because Music / Columbia / Tomplicated Format: CD / Vinyl / Digital What Happened to the Beach? is the third studio album from Declan McKenna.  Saying goodbye to his 2017 debut album and the 2020 space-rock excellence of Zeros, McKenna introduces us to a new era of the psychedelic and ethereal. The album has h...Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://atthebarrier.com/2024/02/07/declan-mckenna-what-happened-to-the-beach-album-review/https://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/news/24104899.young-reporter-return-victorious-festival-micha-thompson/Other artists recently added to the lineup include the likes of The Kooks, Wet Leg and Fatboy Slim.  Taking place over three days, Victorious Festival commemorates its 13th year on Southsea Common on August Bank Holiday weekend with a promising lineup from independent and underground artists, to established and mainstream artists. There’s something for everyone’s taste at the festival with all music tastes acquired too. Previous headliners including Sam Fender, The Streets and Noel Galla...Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/news/24104899.young-reporter-return-victorious-festival-micha-thompson/https://atthebarrier.com/2023/12/22/cian-ducrot-southampton-o2-guildhall-live-review/Cian Ducrot lands in Southampton in support of his brilliant album, Victory. Cian’s Victory UK tour headed to Southampton’s O2 Guildhall, a sold out show with a capacity of almost 2000. Earlier in 2023 I was also lucky enough to catch his set at Portsmouth’s Victorious Festival. Would there be a repeat of that brilliant night? In short? Yes. When Cian’s album, Victory, was released in August, it was no surprise to see it being lauded in many quarters. We were in those quarters as it is a reco...Fri, 22 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000https://atthebarrier.com/2023/12/22/cian-ducrot-southampton-o2-guildhall-live-review/https://atthebarrier.com/2023/10/03/jorja-smith-falling-or-flying-album-review/Jorja Smith impresses once again on her second studio album, Falling or Flying. It follows the release of her 2018 debut Lost & Found. Release Date: 29th September 2023 Label: FAMM Format: CD / Vinyl / Digital Falling or Flying is the second studio album from Jorja Smith. This is following the release of her debut album in 2018, Lost & Found, which Jorja gained popularity and huge recognition for. The R&B sensation Jorja introduces us to her album with the single Try Me. It symbolises what...Tue, 03 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0100https://atthebarrier.com/2023/10/03/jorja-smith-falling-or-flying-album-review/https://atthebarrier.com/2023/09/29/mae-muller-sorry-im-late-review/Mae Muller showcases her talent to the world in her debut album Sorry I’m Late after her incredible Eurovision performance. Release Date: 29th September 2023 Label: Universal Music / Capitol Records Format: CD / Vinyl / Digital Sorry I’m Late is the highly anticipated debut album from Mae Muller. This follows the success from her EP No One Else, Not Even You in 2020 and her spectacular Eurovision performance earlier this year. The British phenomenon Mae introduces us to her album with the...Fri, 29 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0100https://atthebarrier.com/2023/09/29/mae-muller-sorry-im-late-review/https://atthebarrier.com/2023/08/21/renee-rapp-snow-angel-review/Renée Rapp showcases her talent to the world in her debut album Snow Angel. Release Date: 18th August 2023 Label: Interscope/Polydor Format: CD / Vinyl / Digital Snow Angel is the eagerly-awaited debut album from Renée Rapp. This follows the success from her acting career and the release of her debut single and EP: Everything to Everyone in 2022. American Superstar Renée Rapp welcomes us to her album with the single Talk Too Much. The track, produced with Alexander 23, is about being self-a...Mon, 21 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0100https://atthebarrier.com/2023/08/21/renee-rapp-snow-angel-review/https://atthebarrier.com/2023/08/07/cian-ducrot-victory-album-review/Cian Ducrot showcases his undoubted talent to the world in his debut album Victory. Release Date: 4th August 2023 Label: Dark Room Recordings Format: CD / Vinyl / Digital Victory is the highly anticipated debut album from Cian Ducrot. This follows the success of his hit singles “All For You” reaching a whopping 5 million streams and “I’ll Be Waiting” reaching a peak of #15 in the UK Official Singles Chart. The Irish sensation opens the album with the title track Victory- a deep and emotiona...Mon, 07 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0100https://atthebarrier.com/2023/08/07/cian-ducrot-victory-album-review/https://atthebarrier.com/2023/07/18/maisie-peters-the-good-witch-album-review/Maisie Peters shines once again in her sophomore album, following the release of the 2021 – album You Signed Up For This. Release Date: 23rd June 2023 Label: Gingerbread Man Records / Asylum Format: CD / Vinyl / Digital Released through Ed Sheeran’s Gingerbread Records imprint, The Good Witch is the highly anticipated second album from Maisie Peters. Her previous album, You Signed Up For This landed at #2 in the Official Albums Chart in the UK and Ireland. With the release of The Good Witch,...Tue, 18 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0100https://atthebarrier.com/2023/07/18/maisie-peters-the-good-witch-album-review/https://atthebarrier.com/2023/02/24/gracie-abrams-good-riddance-album-review/Gracie Abrams makes a return with her debut album Good Riddance, following the release of 2021’s This Is What It Feels Like EP. Release Date: 24th February 2023 Label: Polydor/Interscope Records Format: CD / Vinyl / Digital Good Riddance is the debut studio album by Gracie Abrams, following the release of her two EPs: Minor in 2019 and This Is What It Feels Like in 2021. Remarkably, Good Riddance is already charting in 27 countries with only three singles being released. The American popsta...Fri, 24 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000https://atthebarrier.com/2023/02/24/gracie-abrams-good-riddance-album-review/https://atthebarrier.com/2023/02/12/anchor-lane-call-this-a-reality-album-review/Anchor Lane return with their new album following up 2020’s Casino. Release Date: 27th January 2023 Label: R7 Records Format: CD / Vinyl / Digital Call This A Reality? is the brand new album from Anchor Lane. It is the follow up to their previous effort, Casino, which saw the band launch themselves into the top 10 of the rock charts. Due to the global pandemic, the band couldn’t get out and tour in support the album but they are ready to make up for it now. This Glaswegian modern rock/meta...Sun, 12 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000https://atthebarrier.com/2023/02/12/anchor-lane-call-this-a-reality-album-review/