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The Niche Reference

The Niche Reference

A new name, inspired by all influences…

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Pop Essays #52: Olive, ‘Outlaw’

Sep 26, 2024Oct 2, 2024 ~ Alex the Pensmith ~ Leave a comment

Following up the unprecedented success of their number one with "You're Not Alone", Olive opted instead to mine their latter trip-hop inspired groove further still...

Dear The Saturdays: it is time for the reunion tour

Aug 25, 2024Aug 25, 2024 ~ Alex the Pensmith ~ Leave a comment

With a decade now passed since their last tour and album, it is surely time for one of our best - if unfairly overlooked - girl groups to make their return to the concert halls of the UK?

Allow us to reintroduce ourselves: The Niche Reference

Featured ~ Alex the Pensmith ~ 1 Comment

As this here corner of the web marks a decade online, we give you a new name, new look and a new chapter...

Pop Essays #51: JLS, ‘The Club Is Alive’

Jul 6, 2024Mar 29, 2025 ~ Alex the Pensmith ~ Leave a comment

Following their hugely successful first album, JLS prepared to launch their second album in the summer of 2010 - with a Julie Andrews referencing lead single that, unintentionally, nobody could sit on the fence about...

Pop Essays #50: Diana Ross, ‘Not Over You Yet’

Jun 27, 2024Mar 29, 2025 ~ Alex the Pensmith ~ 1 Comment

After their work on Cher's mega successful hit "Believe", the Metrophonic production team were called upon to bring Diana Ross back onto the dancefloor - and the top of the charts...

Pop Essays #49: Minnie Driver, ‘Everything I’ve Got In My Pocket’

Jun 20, 2024Mar 29, 2025 ~ Alex the Pensmith ~ Leave a comment

Minnie Driver joined the list of Hollywood actors and actresses who crossed over to music in the mid 00s. But her laid-back sound was met with surprising industry led resistance...

Pop Essays #48: Moonbaby, ‘Here We Go’

Jun 13, 2024Mar 29, 2025 ~ Alex the Pensmith ~ 1 Comment

On a mission to revolutionise and transform British pop music in the new millennium, Miranda Cooper and Brian Higgins at Xenomania set out their stall as early on as their Moonbaby project.

Pop Essays #47: Stephen Gately, ‘New Beginning’

Jun 6, 2024Mar 29, 2025 ~ Alex the Pensmith ~ Leave a comment

With Boyzone on hiatus, it was time for a fresh chapter for Stephen Gately - in more ways than one - with the launch of his solo career...

Pop Essays #46: Fierce, ‘Dayz Like That’

May 23, 2024Mar 29, 2025 ~ Alex the Pensmith ~ 1 Comment

Following their top 30 debut hit, R&B girl group Fierce teamed up with Karl "K-Gee" Gordon in a bid to crack the top 10 with a slinky second single...

Pop Essays #45: The Mitchell Brothers, ‘Michael Jackson’

May 9, 2024May 22, 2024 ~ Alex the Pensmith ~ Leave a comment

Protegees of Mike Skinner, The Mitchell Brothers were seeking a breakthrough by collaborating with Calvin Harris on their cheeky but charming ode to the King of Pop...

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  • Pop Essays #65: Thunderbugs, ‘Angel of the Morning’
  • A Reflection On A Year
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  • Album Review: Olly Murs (@ollymurs) – “Knees Up”

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