This Week’s UK indiestore.com Picks
Koopa – "Blag, Steal & Borrow"
This week’s official Top 40 is a chart we’ve waited a long
time to see. With a simple rule change (no physical release required) the
‘proper’ chart is fair game for anyone as Colchester’s
unsigned heroes Koopa have proved with their very own Top 40 hit. Boys, we
salute you. The floodgates are open, let 
the hits commence.
The real shame is that David Sneddon will forever be
labelled as that bloke who won ‘Fame Academy’. A shame because
he’s a considerable talent who deserves a fairer hearing. With his rich Scots
burr much in evidence, this is that fair hearing. Listen up.
This really is a bit of a treat – two utterly exclusive down
tempo offerings from the killer combination of Paul Morley and James Banbury
[sound of googling]. Don’t let words like arty and Erik Satie [sound of more
googling] put you off – you’ll be sorry if they did.
REVIEW David Sneddon White Noise EP released 10th January 2007
This is the first EP David has released since he left the popscene to work as a song writer in 2003. David started playing piano in his teens and found he enjoyed writing melodic songs. After exploring several different avenues, including the BBC Fame Academy show, which he won to his surprise in 2002, he found his niche writing and recording in his studio near London. Originally from Paisley near Glasgow Scotland, David brings diverse influences to his music, from sixties pop to contemporary singer songwriters. David’s songs are not it the pop style of Paolo Nutini or the restrained melancholy folk of Damien Rice, but more in the melodic introspective vein of Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody or John Mayer.
Offers a timeless authentic sound.
David’s voice is one moment melancholy and then tender, evocative and then forceful, led by his dynamic piano playing. His music is about the heartfelt depth of emotional journeys, about the healing power of music, and the many aspects of love. It brings a subtle blend of sensitive melody and rhythmic moods. This five track EP is a thoughtful musical introspection.
David has gone for the acoustic impact of a ‘one live take.’ Some of the vocals sound slightly ‘toned down’, on One Old Soul they feel slightly held back, but apart from this the whole feel of the EP is spot on. Stand out track is the joyous Time. Also includes the Beatles-influenced piano track Wish You Well; the soothing romantic Lady Lullaby; the sparse piano and energetic moving melody of One Old Soul; and the pure optimism and hope of White Noise. For those who might be surprised, worth a listen . Myspace.com/davidsneddon.
Pauline Keighley
myspace,com/paulinekeighley