Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Little Juke – No Illusions (2024)

While Little Juke formed in January of this year, the UK-based group show they are more than just some kids playing music for fun. No, Little Juke is one of the most exciting, fascinating, and intriguing up-and-comers in the indie music scene. Blending elements of alternative pop, folk, electronica, and synth-pop, the West Midlands foursome are inimitable and not to be pigeon-holed. The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘No Illusions’.

An enigmatic presence and powerful stage presence win audiences at Little Juke’s live performances; however, the studio singles are as intoxicating. Following their well-received debut single ‘Down The Rabbit Hole’, the band steps away from imagination and toward hopeful reality in the insightful ‘No Illusions’. Alex Ohm (vocals and guitar) explains:

“This is one of our favourites to play live… It blends classical and modern sounds effortlessly and always gets the crowd going. It’s a song about belief and writing your own destiny…”

Unlike ‘Down The Rabbit Hole’ which is a cinematic flush of smooth but melancholic music, ‘No Illusions’ is bolder, brasher and more “in your face”. A combination of pounding drums, dynamic guitar and pulsating bass, ‘No Illusions’ offers a hard-hitting punch of sound; however, just as there is an alternative meets indie-rock tone to the track, an eclectic inclusion of strings and horns ups the sonic ante. Interestingly, while everything comes together in a harmonic symphony, each instrument presents individuality somehow battling but retaining cohesive unity.

Along with the intriguing tune, Little Juke showcases their innovation and eclecticism with the arrangement. Following a somewhat abrupt ending to the full instrumental concoction, ‘No Illusions’ signs out with fluttering strings giving the song an obscure classical charm. A further element that really stands out in ‘No Illusions’ is the forcefulness of the track. For me, the song is soul-stirring, but it is the band’s transition of a live performance enchantment blasting from my speakers that adds a cherry to the top of a beautiful melodic cake.


Find out more about Little Juke on their Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.

This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator


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