GIG REVIEW -Eden Rain The Lower Third (Nov 14th)
GIG REVIEW -Eden Rain The Lower Third (Nov 14th) 16.11.23 Words by Jessica Blissitt Similar to artists like Girl in Red and Beebadoobee, Eden Rain’s alt pop is mesmerising, from the poetic lyrics, her distinct voice, and the upbeat melodies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUHl2pqRiuY After her debut single ‘Wake up You’re Stuck’, Eden Rain has only gone on to do bigger and beautiful acts. Leeds-born, London-based, Rain’s exposure to a range of culture is clear from the muses of her work. Her playful references to Tamagotchi’s and sugar babies lends itself to what most twenty somethings can relate to, and dry humour welded to catchy lyrics have made Eden Rain a quick sensation.Yet the most mesmerising thing about her music is her voice, so distinct and original,a similar new shiny sound that gave Mitski her fame. Everything Eden Rain writes moves with such ease, it’s hard not to listen to everything she’s written. Obsession could easily sprout when you listen to a talent so recognisable.If you were blindfolded, upside down and underwater, she’d still make your head bop. This week, Eden Rain released her latest single ‘All Things Change’ on November 9. It is definitely at a slower pace than beloved singles like ‘Crumb’ or ‘Sugar Baby’ but perfect for November, the peak of seasonal depression. Particularly in her darker imagery, like trying to take ‘a bath with a toaster’ but her lyrics don’t exaggerate a breakup or a loss.It highlights an acceptance, but also the internal struggle of their emotions remaining conflicting and inconstant to this former part of your life. This is accumulated in the phrase “The girl I am is not who I was’’ and “the thing that stops the hurting/ is knowing nothing’s certain’ ‘ in a sombre philosophical argument. The harmonies, unlike most of Rain’s music, perfectly fits the ballad with a Greek chorus of emotion to bring to light each aspect of minor and modal colours that sweep across this score. Written two years ago, Eden Rain said this was written at a point when she believed nothing in her life could change, and releasing it now feels almost ironic to the thoughts and feelings that harmonise in this song. Rain’s use of distortion in her music made me even more curious to see her live. Would this be included, or did it sort of take the magic away, like man behind the curtain? Ashlie Skye @ The Lower Third At the Lower Third, Eden had two amazing support artists to start – PEARL and Ashlie Skye. Ashlie’s intimacy and friendliness with the crowd created the perfect warm-up act, from the way she guided us through each song and its meaning beforehand, it really felt ‘like she’s singing only to me’ as my friend Lara whispered to me. The vulnerable acoustics, set up with only a guitar, set the incredible standard for the rest of the evening. Knowing nothing about Ashlie’s music before, I loved ‘Laundry’ and ‘Little Brown Box’ with their candid testimonies to big and small loves. The romantic nature of her music left many of us swaying along, but don’t be fooled into thinking she’s one of many. Ashlie’s lyricism is where she shines, from god complexes to an all- consuming love were incredibly relatable to most in the crowd. PEARL @ The Lower Third PEARL was next, performing with a live band for the first time in her budding musical career. Everything about her set was angelica from her surreal whistle notes to the floaty white dress she wore. It was electric, alternative, and dreamy pop in the best way. Like a psychedelic explosion of colour and more, only intensified by an incredible band. PEARL’s soft nature, both on and off the stage, showed off the idiosyncrasies that continue to add to her growing popularity. Her heavenly vocals carve out a new place entirely. It was so breathlessly different to anything I’d seen before, I was left wondering whether I had dreamt of her set. When Eden came on at 9, she looked honestly surprised when the club roared with excitement. Her first words into the mic were showing off the sylvanian families her friend gave her. The unique voice I’d come to love, truly bloomed in a live setting where she could fully explore new riffs and tremolos. As she went through her setlist I noticed many were large fans of her music,singing along when they could. Eden Rain was clearly adored on Tuesday 14th at the Lower Third. Between each song she was chatty with her audience, saying she spoke not from nerves, but just an inability to stop talking. She described how her music was entering a new chapter, one her and her bandmates had decided to title “Lorde on Crack”. That got a terrific laugh from the crowd. Halfway through her set she played ‘All Things Change’ and it was clear how much it meant to her and the poignant effect that had on the crowd. She spoke about writing it two years ago, how much it had felt like, despite the lyrics nothing was going to change, and yet so much had changed since that moment. Witnessing her say this to a packed crowd who had been vocal about their idolisation all night was monumental.. She also played two unreleased songs, which excited me to no end. One was about her partner of four years, who she met in Toulouse on their year abroad, and the next was from her upcoming EP if memory serves me correctly. The last song, Sugar Baby, truly came to life, with the projections painted across her face as she sang. When the set ended, the Lower Third fizzled with excitement, as me and Lara looked at one another and said ‘Did that just happen?” Eden Rain’s sound is unique and interesting to listen to, but entirely captivating and consuming live. Bravo. 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NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Working Men’s Club ‘Widow’ Gabe Gurnsey Remix
NEW SINGLE RELEASE -Working Men’s Club ‘Widow’ Gabe Gurnsey Remix 16.11.23 Words by Becca Child The latest cracker from West Yorkshire’s band Working Men’s Club is an energetic, virtually pulsating remix of Widow. https://www.google.com/search?q=Working+Men%E2%80%99s+Club+%27Widow%27+Gabe+Gurnsey+Remix&oq=Working+Men%E2%80%99s+Club+%27Widow%27++Gabe+Gurnsey+Remix&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigAdIBBzM3MGowajeoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#vhid=Xm8-wA46TSgivM&vssid=videos-fdbf4bc9 The lead single is currently the most streamed track off their 2022 album, Fear Fear, described by Heavenly Recordings “made for agitating and dancing, for heart and soul, for here, now and tomorrow”, making the remix of Widow a perfect accompaniment to the record. The remix has been crafted by producer Gabe Gurnsey, “a close friend/collaborator and inspiration since the start of Working Men’s Club” according to the group’s Instagram. Moreover, the remix has been a fan favourite for a while with it featuring on the frontman Syd Minsky-Sargeant’s DJ sets for the past year. Finally, we’ve been treated to receive the remix as an official release. Gabe Gurnsey’s remix presents Widow in a fresh light, giving it a groovy new pulse and leaning into the original track’s dance elements whilst retaining its sentimental and vibrant spirit. Exemplary of the atmosphere created on the record, one that feels both nostalgic and futuristic, restless but still self-assured, Widow explores the existence of contraries within one another as well as experiencing the space left when someone leaves you. These ideas are demonstrated through Widow’s lyrics like “Misery is bliss to me” and “I love you now you’re dead, you see”. The remix’s expertly engineered transitions between tension and release as well as the dreamy and sometimes distorted use of Widow’s lyrics mean this remix is anything but repetitive and make it an exciting new dimension to a much-loved track. Encapsulating the beloved spirit of the UK’s new wave scene blended with techno, the collaboration between Working Men’s Club and Gabe Gurnsey feels effortless and inevitable on this remix. If there was ever a soundtrack to being in a dark room faced with too bright lights and feeling everything a little bit too much it would most certainly be this track. You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE -Venus Grrrls ‘Hex’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE -Venus Grrrls ‘Hex’ 16.11.23 Words by James Humphreys-Goodall Heralding from the heart of West Yorkshire, Venus Grrrls are a riot grrrl inspired, altrock band that have set a sky-high standard for bands around the UK. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKYxBqfi3Sw Released on Halloween, their aptly named single: “Hex,” has once again proven that Venus Grrrls are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to consistently producing and releasing quality, thought provoking anthems of empowerment. Having released “Lidocaine” and “Liar Liar” earlier in the year, both of which achieved critical acclaim such as: two Spotify editorial covers; a feature on Amazon Music’s “Breakthrough Rock and Fresh Rock,” and national radio play on BBC Radio 1 from Jack Saunders. It’s a near certainty that “Hex” will accelerate the band’s journey to destined stardom. “‘Hex” is an ode to womenkind, touching on the universal experience of harassment. In the landscape of Hex, there are consequences for such behaviour, and generates a reality where we take the power back for ourselves. We are scared, and we are frustrated with the tale as old as time; we all have a story when we shouldn’t.” – Grace Kelly, Lead Singer The track’s introduction consists of a driving, crunchy bass line which guides the listener to a heavy, dark rock sound. Lyrically, “Hex” follows riot grrrl themes. Throughout the track, GK’s vocals are extremely prominent, to the point where they steal the show. The track’s lead vocals combined with backing vocals lead to an audible experience that can only be described as harmonically perfect throughout the song’s duration. “Hex” proves once again that Venus Grrrls’ ability to maintain their authenticity, as well as their raw sound, accentuates them to be one of the shining stars in the UK’s modern day rock scene. The sheer energy produced by their instrumental prowess and feminine rage highlights each band member’s individual excellence. Hopefully, Venus Grrrls will continue to share their art with us for many years to come. At this moment in time, the world needs more music like theirs. For any further information regarding Venus Grrrls’ future releases and tour dates, click here. You Might Also Like