Review of Joel Thomas – “Sunshine Funshine” on The Label Recordings

Joel Thomas is a twenty-two year old singer songwriter from Liverpool. The latest signing to Edge Hill University’s in-house record label, Joel has been playing the guitar for the last seven years and writing songs for three.

‘Sunshine Funshine’ is Joel’s first release on The Label Recordings. An infectious slice of Indie Pop, he says The Smiths were one of his biggest influences. “Because of their melodic guitar work and satirical lyrics” he explains. “That’s where I got the over the top chorus ‘as long as I’ve got you I don’t care if my skull caves in’ but musically this song is influenced by Ty Segall with his rough around the edges kind of style.”

 
This is an excellent single, a solid uptempo indie vibe with a great energy and a sound that’s tight knit but not over produced.

The opening chord vamp is propelled by solid drumming and bass with a solo leading into the vocals. There are some great harmonies and excellent tongue-in-cheek lyrics. There’s a great change in feel before picking the tempo up leading into the solo with a final chorus to end the song.

  
The Label Recordings is the only industry-led University’s record label in the UK. It was set up at Edge Hill University in 2013 to promote new music and offer students hands-on experience in the hugely competitive music industry.

Students are involved in all aspects of the record label including searching for emerging talent, music production, video production, writing reviews and organising live events. Students work directly with people with years of industry experience and are gradually given increasing responsibilities through a process of shadowing and mentoring.

The Label has been featured on BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, NME magazine, and on BBC North West Tonight. One of The Label’s first signings, Hooton Tennis Club, have gone on to secure a record deal with Heavenly Recordings.

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