You know you're listening to an Ian Roland song when the twelve string guitar rings out immediately. There's something about a twelve string, and this feeling is emulated lyrically within Lodestone, which speaks of music bringing growth, cohesion and a universal language with reference to the sound of church bells. It's something that unites us all; seen within our communities and families, the power of music to bring people together. Musically, the band around Ian also stick to this remit, working together to bring the listener a delight of instruments seamlessly woven together, ascending in the middle 8 to make the arrangement almost anthemic. When the chorus comes back in with layered Deacon Blue-esque harmonies it makes me take a deep breath and I feel my heart beating in my chest. A thing of beauty. 

  Move aside Taylor Swift, Misha Mandy is on the scene! Who needs Swift when we have our very own UK answer to this brand of super-pop?! Casually sidling in with her debut single, produced by Sam Clines, Misha Mandy is nervously awaiting the world's response to her sound. Personally, I couldn't think of a better way to kick off a music career than with a song like 'She isn't you'. Full of emotion, the song kicks in immediately with a gentle acoustic guitar and vocals, soon joined by a warm bass and swirly synth. Hit the chorus and you get the full effect of drums, synth and a catchy melody line that is bound to get you singing along by the second time you hear it. What I love most is the final section of the song with layered vocals going in different directions, pulling the listener every-which-way. There will be more to come from Misha but for the meantime, enjoy this absolute corker of a debut. Follow Misha on Instagram at @mishamandymusic

Not erring far from her usual pop/dance style, Worthing local singer songwriter Xoe-B collaborated with alt-pop producer Sam French on this track, Boundaries, with the intention of creating a banger and this is exactly what they have done. On first listen, I'm subconsciously tapping my feet and bopping my head immediately as the chorus kicks straight in after a brief telephone-conversation-style intro. Xoe explains that her lyric inspiration was from an old voice note that she recorded as a slow piano ballad, but what a transformation! While the verse and middle 8 take the dynamics down, the re-emergence of the chorus each time brings a sense of resolve to each section, despite the lyrics posing a frustrating situation of needing to set boundaries but feeling unable to. The production and arrangement of this track are excellent, with some particular moments where the bass line really stands out. Overall, a great collaboration and I'm excited for what Xoe-B does next.

  Jean Jacquet are an exciting outfit to appear in Worthing. Emerging from Northbrook College in Durrington, they are a band who embrace a multi-genre ethos - no two songs are similar, as can be proven by this track standing alongside their previous release, Psychopath. Unusually for a song from modern times where everyone seems to be in a rush to showcase the hookiest part of their song from the outset, the vocals do not come in until after a lengthy intro at 1:45 (well if Pink Floyd can do it..?). This gives the opportunity for the bass and guitar to have a prominent feature before the song really kicks in. With a clear arrangement using verses, choruses and a middle 8, this track is full of dynamic changes, including a fun key change for a final chorus which is another feature that we don't get to see often with modern music. These guys have certainly taken tips from bands that span the decades and we hope it pays off for them. We had the privilege of seeing Jean Jacquet live at

With three albums already under his belt, you would think that electronic music producer Will Griffin has been doing this for years, but you would be mistaken. Aged only 19 and having just moved to Worthing, Wiffs (as he chooses to be known) has sent in this well crafted piece that sits well as part of his growing catalogue of released music, and will be part of a new project entitled 'Swimming in butterflies, drowning in moths'. If you're hoping for a melody and lyrics then you've come to the wrong place - but there are times and places for instrumental pieces, and this is one of them. I find that I can only concentrate on work if I'm listening to music without any lyrics because they distract me, so I'd say this is the perfect accompaniment to writing an essay or composing an important email. I enjoy the dynamics and movement of the looped samples/instruments used, layered up well to create the tension and release of a good arrangement. As for meaning, that is

  This is the epitome of a feel-good summer tune! Deviating from the obvious verse/chorus structure that we are so used to hearing, this song instead contains three verses, with a melody that builds towards the end of each one. Damon explores some great chord progressions to support this melody, moving from the major to minor as he weaves the story of someone reminiscing about a short-lived summer fling. While the song at it's roots is well written, the arrangement and subsequent production is also expertly crafted by Steve Baker, with a vibe akin to Harry Styles' 'As It Was', using a fun sweeping synth riff that repeats regularly throughout alongside a lead guitar line, almost in replacement of a chorus. If you enjoy this tune, then here's some good news - it forms part of an EP that will be released later in the year so there is more to come!

On first impression, you would be forgiven for thinking you're listening to Damon Albarn singing in this second song of a double A side from Moonlight Parade, although Ben Todd has a far nicer vibrato that he uses beautifully at the extended notes ending each line. 'Peace of Mind' explores hope when it comes to mental health - something a lot of us, and certainly I can identify with. I assume that for this reason, the song has a fairly simple format and chilled out vibe, with a switch from minor to major in the chorus, indicating a positive shift in mindset. At this point there's also a lovely 80's style organ reminiscent of  Simple Minds, with a phasing ethereal guitar riff that evokes a nostalgic feeling of the new romantic and synth pop era of my childhood. You can tell that Moonlight Parade are a band of experienced and professional musicians who know exactly what they're doing, and listening to this has inspired me to want to hear more.

Horsham based Mailman brings protest in this song which takes the listener on a journey of frustration at the 'walking disasters' and 'fascist enablers' who live among us. Watch the World is prog-orchestral and is taken from the upcoming album 'The Lighthouse and The Rocks'. Immediately we're presented with a jarring timing that I struggle to work out (is it 13/8?!) but reminds me of how confused but equally enthralled I can sometimes be listening to Dream Theater! However, Mailman does bring the dynamic right down with a much easier foot-tapping 6/4, building to a violent crescendo before plummeting back into the same tricky timing. This is indicative of the emotions we can often feel when faced with circumstances beyond our control and really leaves me with a feeling of unease. As strongly as music can be used to evoke heart swelling emotion, it can also fuel angst and this is a prime example. 

If you're going to listen to the Golgis, you have to be prepared for entertainment and at least one thing in each song that's a bit silly - but here's the twist - the basis of each song is true. This album, in that respect, does not disappoint, and in particular the song 'Maximum Fingers Man' just kind of does what it says on the tin. A man with more fingers than you'd usually find on a human (and toes, apparently) and how this affects him. Hilariously, the Golgis appear to have their very own Ron Burgundy with a section of super jazz flute that makes me smile! If you think this song sounds a bit odd, then keep listening because you will find more of that in abundance. And if you're strangely compelled to want even more, then keep an eye out for their live performances because that's where abounding art resides.