Album review: FRANKA DE MILLE – Bridge The Roads

London based singer songwriter Franka De Mille has the distinction of being the only independent artist to be selected for the British Phonographic Industry’s Why Music Matters campaign alongside icons such as Nina Simone, The Beatles, Kate Bush, Louie Armstrong and the like.

Her classy debut Bridge The Roads – in which she exudes the same effortless cool as say, Rumour, explains why. There’s a similar easy listening pleasure exhibited, in De Mille’s case inhabiting Vaya Con Dios territory – an stylish blend of Americana, jazz, classics, folk and blues delivered by a largely acoustic line up that relies heavily on restrained, but intelligent use of guitar, piano, violin and cello playing.

It’s a fairly unique blend, and topped by De Mille’s powerful vocals is one the with a little exposure (a spot on the next Jools Holland series must be inevitable) will surely see her reach iconic status. Just sit back and listen to the epic centrepiece – Gare Du Nord – and tell me you’re not moved. A future Brits nominee, for sure. ****

Review by Peter Whalley

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

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Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024

ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
RIOGHAN Hands (Inverse Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)

Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)