Whipd Beats – Not This Time: a Blues Reckoning of Heartbreak and Heel-Down Strength –

Few vocalists are truly comparable to Amy Winehouse, and Whipd Beats, AKA Melanie Webb, can count herself amongst the kissed by natural talent minority with her life-worn vocal presence, which affirms that she’s lived every ounce of the emotion projected into her latest single, Not This Time.

Keeping a balance that’s fine enough to rest upon a pinhead, Not This Time finetunes the art of fusing blues reverence and blues reinvention. Modernised for the contemporary airwaves and audiences looking to be confronted by the unadulterated force of overdriven blues rock guitars and raw vocals that have a distinct way of feeling like they’re reaching out to you personally, yet orchestrated with a pious homage to the rhythm and seduction of blues, Not This Time is a mark-hitting manifesto of fortitude as Whipd Beats summons the strength to draw lines in the sand and put amorous exploiters under heel. Amy Winehouse sits in the bloodline here, alongside Beth Hart and Alabama Shakes, while Melanie Webb delivers her own bruised-lip truth with electrified conviction.

Based in Perth, Whipd Beats has built an eclectic catalogue spanning house, techno, jazz, hip hop, funk, and blues since breaking through with Afro-house success in 2018. Alongside music, she is also an abstract painter and an advocate for human rights, environmental conservation, and animal welfare.

Not This Time is now available to stream on all major platforms. including Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast