Giorgio Moroder feat. Sia - Déjà vu (Official Video) [+ Review]

OK, I think we can officially name this the 'Summer of Sia', as the talented singer-songwriter is everywhere at the moment, lending her voice to a number of tracks as well as releasing her own. The latest song to feature Sia is by Giorgio Moroder, entitled 'Déjà vu', particularly appropriate given the circumstances. It is also the title track from the latter's upcoming studio album. 

This latest effort sees the two team up to produce a very invigorating disco track with a smooth pop vibe, perfect for the changing seasons; could this indeed be a summer hit? Sia Furler is able to manipulate her voice as usual, changing the tone to suit the varying beats of the song, stringing along the chorus beautifully. 

Moroder production is immaculate, and the vocals intertwine solidly with the disco beats. As is anything with Furler's name attached to it, the music video is suitably strange, but fitting, with a serious case of 'Déjà vu' going on. Add in a bit of creepy soft whispers that play in the background on occasion, and you've got an enticing audio-visual affair. The song is available now to download. 

You can watch (and listen to) 'Déjà vu' here: 

Britney Spears, Iggy Azalea - Pretty Girls [Review]

Following a leak online, Britney Spears and Iggy Azalea have released their new track 'Pretty Girls'. The blonde duo team up for this bubbly pop number, and it's certainly a collaboration people have been waiting to hear. You'd think that a collab between these two would make big waves and turn into the next catchy tune. But you'd be wrong. There's something about 'Pretty Girls' that just doesn't grab you, no matter how many times you listen to it. It's not bad, but it's not particularly memorable either. 

It's clearly going for a 'Barbie Girl' vibe, with a dash of 'Fancy', but it just doesn't make the kind of impact that is needed for the song to be truly catchy and a 'new classic'. The track is also ridiculously short. With such a strong duo, there needs to be a considerable length to showcase off their talent and although Spears dominates in a few verses, it seems a waste not to use Azalea's rapping to full effect and throw her some more verses. In short: the track needs to be longer with more balanced verse content. 

It's frustrating in some ways as 'Pretty Girls' could have been considerably better, but it is lacking in certain aspects, like the hook. The most memorable lines of the song is 'All around the world/ Pretty Girls', 'We're just so pretty', 'It's just so funny/ like bees to the honey' and we honestly can't remember anything else (and this is after listening to it 6 times). Maybe there can be a do-over and Brit and Iggy can come out with another track that'll redeem the first (pretty please?). 

This track can only be destined to divide fans. But what are your opinions on the song? Is it your new favourite? Let us know in the comments! 

Listen to the new track below: 

Child 44 (2015) Review

The spy thriller genre has been a popular feature of recent years, with a new invigorated audience flocking to screens to see the iconic James Bond battle it out in the highly successful Skyfall, as well as showing a keen interest in Kingsman: The Secret Service, released earlier this year. But thrills are difficult to get right and sometimes things just fall completely apart. This is where Child 44 comes in.

Directed by Daniel Espinosa (Safe House), this new addition boasts a star-studded cast including Tom Hardy (in the lead role as Leo Demidov), Noomi Rapace as Raisa Demidova (whose previous notable acting credits include the Swedish film adaptations of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) and the formidable Gary Oldman, who portrays General Nesterov. Child 44 is, of course, based on Tom Rob Smith’s novel of the same name, which surely means with source material this promising that Child 44 is an exceptional cinematic success? Right? Not so much.

The basic plot centres on Demidov uncovering a series of brutal child murders committed by a serial killer at the height of Soviet rule, during Stalin’s era. Whilst this all sounds riveting, the end result is an overdrawn jumble of multiple sub-plots and becomes so distorted you may become confused with what you are even watching. Sitting at around 137 minutes long – that’s over 2 hours of bizarre bleakness – it’s undeniable that this particular feature is just way too long and drawn out for its own good. Unfortunately, often is the habit of Hollywood films to stretch running times to insufferable lengths when they could have spent less time and achieved far greater success.

Want to read the rest of the review and hear the final verdict? Check it out over here. 

Brandon Flowers - Lonely Town [Review]

With the upcoming release of Brandon Flowers' ('The Killers' front-man) second solo studio album, The Desired Effect, we are treated to another music release, in the form of 'Lonely Town'. The 80s inspired track features glorious synths, power singing and a wonderful chorus of backing singers. 

At first the song appears to be a dreamy love song but certain lyrics have been questioned as to whether they have a double-meaning, in regards to stalking (a figure is present in the music video watching). Whilst the song utilizes Flowers' distinctive smooth vocals and strong rhythmic melodies, the video makes use of The Vampire Diaries star Penelope Mitchell, who is seen listening to an old tape whilst she dances around her house as has fun. We have to say, Mitchell's involvement in the video only makes us love the song even more as her enthusiastic, whimsical dancing is really intoxicating and makes you want to get up and dance with her. 

This girl's committed to this track. The video certainly has an interesting twist by being slightly voyeuristic with its ending. Flowers should probably put Mitchell in all his videos from now on, it can be like Sia and Maddie Ziegler! (haha, we kid.)

Watch (and listen to) the breezy 'Lonely Town' below: 

Lena - Traffic Lights [Review]

If you're looking for some new music to entertain your bank holiday weekend then look no further than Lena's 'Traffic Lights'. The German singer has released an accompanying music video for her new track, which is taken from her fourth studio album, Crystal Sky, which is due for release later this month. The song has a particular electro pop influence, which gives it a more up-beat edge, showcasing Lena's vocals, which in some places sound similar to Ellie Goulding's (so if you're a fan of the latter, it's likely you'll enjoy the former's work). Easy to listen along to, and with plenty of energy, 'Traffic Lights' is one of those songs which quickly becomes a favourite due to it's musical composition. Whilst 'Traffic Lights' does not possess the most ground-breaking lyrics, it's pleasant enough and undeniably catchy, and is favourable to those with a keen interest in electronic music. 

The video itself features some beautiful choreography with Lena and another male dancer and has your quite typical more intriguing visuals that you'd expect with this type of track - such as walls that disassemble into bricks and break the boundaries of physics. Oh, and of course, Lena starts off the video by laying down on a white table in the middle of an empty room singing; it's all very striking. We're thinking the singer may soon become a favourite across the shores. 

You can watch the video for 'Traffic Lights' below: