As this here corner of the web marks a decade online, we give you a new name, new look and a new chapter...
Allow us to reintroduce ourselves: The Niche Reference
Pop Essays #65: Thunderbugs, ‘Angel of the Morning’
Thunderbugs were all poised to be one of the big new girl groups of 1999 - except their label's budgetary excesses saw to it that things didn't quite work out as they were meant to...
A Reflection On A Year
It's almost time for me to take my annual social media / blog sojourn for the festive season. But before I go, I wanted to sign off with a little something I wrote for the end of the year. I felt it was quite fitting not just for myself, but also for many people close … Continue reading A Reflection On A Year
Top 10 Singles and Albums of 2025
2025 has been an interesting year to say the least. It's not been without its challenges but equally it's had its moments of joy. Overall, however, it is one year I am quite glad to be at the end of. But one thing it has been full and plenty of is some pretty awesome music. … Continue reading Top 10 Singles and Albums of 2025
Album Review: Olly Murs (@ollymurs) – “Knees Up”
If there is one trope in the music writer's handbook that is too often viewed as a subtext heavy shorthand for "Their last album wasn't much cop", then it is - or a variation thereof - "a real return to form". Except, in the case of our long time fave, Olly Murs, it absolutely applies … Continue reading Album Review: Olly Murs (@ollymurs) – “Knees Up”
Pop Essays #64: Girls Aloud, ‘Swinging London Town’
Girls Aloud's third album, Chemistry, was by far and away their most universally adored by both critics and fans. So why exactly did it - relatively - underperform compared to their previous releases?
Pop Essays #63: Daniel Powter, ‘Free Loop’
It was always going to be a task for Daniel Powter to follow up the worldwide mega success of "Bad Day". But his fate as a one hit wonder was sealed by his label's costly failure to adhere to chart regulations...
Pop Essays #62: Nelly Furtado, ‘Powerless (Say What You Want)’
For the first single from her second album, Nelly Furtado channeled her experiences of the industry and growing up in Canada into an empowering anthem about reclaiming identity and forging your own path...
Pop Essays #61: Victoria Beckham, ‘I Wish’
Despite being on an almost constant losing streak with her solo material outside the Spice Girls, Victoria Beckham did smash a fair few preconceptions than her critics - or even she - gave herself credit for...
Pop Essays #60: Simon Webbe, ‘Lay Your Hands’
With his debut solo single away from Blue, Simon Webbe quickly confounded all predictions and expectations by letting the music do the talking...
Alexis Strum: Britain’s best popstar you don’t yet know
Alexis Strum was one of my best kept music secrets for many years. Hopefully, with a new album on the way, she can be yours to discover too...
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