｡✧✧ New Single Review ✧✧ : Merry Lamb Lamb, Miso Extra & aimei 媚 “Better”
｡✧✧ New Single Review ✧✧ : Merry Lamb Lamb, Miso Extra & aimei 媚 “Better” ‘Better’, a collaboration between Merry Lamb Lamb, Miso Extra and aimei 媚, is an exciting electronic track, with build and meaning, that proves to be unforgettable. 29.02.24 Words by Ed Lees https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxIpT5Wr4jk With roots in Hong Kong, musician Merry Merry Lamb croons in English, Cantonese and Mandarin; switching between languages effortlessly. Also effortless is the chemistry in between Merry, Miso Extra and aimei 媚. In fact they spoke with East & South East Asian Music about their partnership and excitement at working with other women for the first time. The piece, released just over a week ago, is a scintillating track reminiscent of early Grimes and oozes ingenuity and honesty. The honesty in question comes via the lyrics which laments a relationship and stresses the need for independence in order to figure oneself out. Despite the subject matter, the tune still finds space to feel upbeat and lifting, creating an interesting mix of feelings in the process. The song is about improvement and therefore it is fitting that the tune constantly builds upward, thanks to production from Merry, who lends herself to the field well. The song, as written by the trio, floats from the honest verses to electronic breakdowns with ease and distinction and overall the tune can’t help but keep your attention. The final climatic electronic horn heard towards the end of the song feels euphoric, uplifting and fitting. As the song does end, one can’t help but feel excited at what they’ve experienced and knowing that these three are some of the most promising electronic artists around you can only cross your fingers and hope this is the first of many interesting projects from the trio. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Platoon (@weareplatoon) You Might Also Like
｡❣✹ New Single Review✹❣ : Pillow Queens “Gone”
｡❣✹ New Single Review✹❣ : Pillow Queens “Gone” Pillow Queens have released yet another hit single. This grunge ballad is about moving on and looking back on the past. 28.02.24 Words by Jamie Shovelin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYbD9GzcFYU The band’s latest single ‘Gone’ is about leaving behind a toxic relationship and moving on, the lyrics focus on everything they tried to be in the relationship and then instead becoming it for someone else. The last chorus mostly consists of the line “I’m gone” being repeated more than any other chorus. This paired with the echoed vocals in the background really adds to the lyrics being sung, it helps you feel the real emotion and frustration behind them. You have the lyrics not only being beautifully sung, telling you how they feel but you also have these almost shouting-like vocals in the background adding more depth to the lyrics, co-lead vocalists Sarah Corcoran and Pamela Connolly’s voices capture this perfectly. One of the first things that sticks out to you when you listen to the single besides the lyrics is the addictive guitar riff that’s repeated throughout the song and that then becomes slowed and fades into the background of the verses to let the vocals and lyrics really shine through. The drum beat behind the song as well just ties everything together perfectly, it doesn’t take away from the lyrics too much but still adds to the song. The repeated beat throughout is very easy to follow not only musically but also for anyone whose go-to dance move is nodding along to the beat. Pillow Queens has an upcoming UK tour in June 2024, and I can see this song being a crowd favourite. With such relatable lyrics and so many moments where you just want to scream along and let it all out, this will definitely be a hit on tour. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pillow Queens (@pillowqueensband) You Might Also Like
｡✴ New Single Review✴ : Áine Deane “the one before the one”
｡✴ New Single Review✴ : Áine Deane “the one before the one” London-based singer-songwriter Áine Deane’s latest track dropped this Valentine’s Day, an agonising ode to the broken-hearted entitled “the one before the one”. 28.02.24 Words by Rowan Driver https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_v0RJmuNsg Emerging primarily on TikTok whilst still a student, now-23-year-old Deane has continued to gain traction ever since she dropped her debut single “Hopeless” back in 2021, followed by two subsequent EPs. Deane’s ability to profoundly express emotion through her songwriting forms the backbone of all her material, and her latest track is no different. Her lyrics are as witty as they are heartfelt; her conversational tone again shines through, weaving an essence of comfort through her words. Underpinned by a rousing piano instrumental, the track reaches its peak at a bridge so carefully crafted it could easily be likened to those current giants of songwriting and so-called bridge-building architects Taylor Swift or Maisie Peters. Deane writes with both clear homage to those by which she has been influenced, and a fresh-faced sincerity with which she is able to craft a level of artistry that is entirely her own. There is something beautifully haunting about the track, although perhaps for nobody more so than its subject – “there’s so many things that you never gave me, like a birthday card, or monogamy.” Her words are simultaneously cutting and poetic, and ultimately, overwhelmingly resonant. Upon the track’s release, Deane expressed her own thoughts via Instagram: “this song means so much to me and I’m so nervous for you to hear it all but also so damn excited!! I hope you love it as much as I do”. Despite being relatively early in what looks set to be a remarkable musical career, Deane already boasts a number of impressive credits. Having supported the likes of Henry Moodie and Hozier, as well as securing a slot opening for Sam Smith at London’s Royal Albert Hall, she has begun to widen her growing fanbase and solidify her place as an artist. Her recent acoustic Bookstore Tour was met with praise from fans, who remain hopeful of more new material as we continue into the year. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Áine Deane (@ainedeane) You Might Also Like
｡✩New Single Review✩: My First Time “Workwear”
｡✩New Single Review✩: My First Time “Workwear” My First Time just recently released their first single ‘Wind Up Merchant’ in October of last year and at the end of last month they followed up with their new track ‘Workwear’. 28.02.24 Words by Caitlin Taylor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLRzuDVnmr8 It has a similar snarky tone accentuated by vocalist Isaac Stroud-Allen’s theatric almost spoken word vocals but this time they take on the current political landscape. Speaking on the song, the band say: “‘Workwear’ focuses on the bizarre effect a few words or logo on a piece of clothing can have on people’s behaviour. When a model poses in a t-shirt that we’ll never look as good in, but we buy it anyway hoping we will! The song adopts the voices of three personas; ‘the over spender’, ‘the worried mother’ and the ‘marketing executive”. Overconsumption, consumerism, relentless advertising and body dysmorphia are constant companions for our generation.” Their influences are laid out bare: Blur, Marina And The Diamonds, and The Streets are all present in both the lyrics and style. They take on big themes like elitism, capitalism (ironically in their Bandcamp bio they describe themselves as “capitalist pigs” but do note that it’s because “rent isn’t free”), and mental health issues but don’t compromise on fun instrumentation and catchy choruses, “B-R-A-N-D, if you don’t have it then you must be less important than me” Stroud-Allen repeats throughout. Despite their reasonably quiet online presence, in their songs My First Time come across as unapologetically young and rebellious, screaming out their thoughts over an indie-punk/post-pop backing track. Along with Stroud-Allen, Jordanna Forsey (drums), James Mellen (guitar) and Niamh Jones (bass) are creating music that’ll stick in your brain. Their next few gigs will be in their homebase of Bristol, where they met at university, supporting TNAM favourites Lime Garden at The Fleece on March 6th then at Strange Brew on the 27th at a ‘Rabbit Party’. Sounds fascinating. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MY FIRST TIME (@my1sttime) You Might Also Like
｡❣ New Single Review❣ : Ellie Bleach “That’ll Show ‘Em”
｡❣ New Single Review❣ : Ellie Bleach “That’ll Show ‘Em” Ellie Bleach is building a world and our latest glimpse of it is her new release ‘That’ll Show ‘Em’. It’s yet another single from her upcoming EP ‘Now Leaving West Feldwood’. 27.02.24 Words by Caitlin Taylor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUsKe3bL4yo Each song is about the residents of her fictional town West Feldwood so if you feel like some detective work you can probably start putting some pieces together with the ones released so far. There’s something of Fionna Apple or Tori Amos here but Ellie Bleach is undeniably most of all a cabaret singer. Her voice is deep and sultry, her lyrics are witty and somewhat dismal. It’s less Lana Del Rey than the previous single ‘Whole Lotta Nothing’ but equally as charming. It half seems like a piece of musical theatre as she tells the story of a man sitting across the bar who dreams of fame but overall the song is about imagining how it would feel to get revenge on the people you feel have looked down on you by becoming a star. To Dazed she said: “This is the most theatrical of all my releases thus far. Vaudeville arrangements including sax and clarinet help set the scene of a seedy jazz bar, then descending into total cacophony by the end. That’ll show em is the emotional crescendo of the entire EP, ending on a note of total desperation.” Her upcoming tour shares the name of this track and kicks off at the end of March. While speaking to The Rodeo she noted that this track “is arranged live to end in cacophony and transition into a different song, so it’s super fun to end the song live with chaotic improvisation” so make sure you catch it live to experience it firsthand. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ellie Bleach (@ellie_bleach) You Might Also Like
｡★★New Single Review✰✰: Vanity Fairy “Top of the Pops”
｡★★New Single Review✰✰: Vanity Fairy “Top of the Pops” Fresh from her slot supporting Pip Blom at London’s iconic Heaven nightclub, Vanity Fairy has released the glitzy slice of disco-heaven that is ‘Top of the Pops’. 27.02.24 Words by Minnie Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcZtiDg3E-8 This dreamy pop single is immediately a joyful and catchy listen, and Vanity’s Kate Bush-style airy vocals leave you feeling enchanted. According to Vanity Fairy, ‘Top of the Pops’ is about “when two people are in perfect sync, and the world is a mirror ball of glittering possibility”. It certainly conveys that sense of intimacy, yet dizzying possibility that relationships should be all about. This track feels like the perfect, sweet bop to blast while dancing around with your partner, not caring how silly you might look. According to Vanity Fairy, ‘Top of the Pops’ is about “when two people are in perfect sync, and the world is a mirror ball of glittering possibility”. It certainly conveys that sense of intimacy, yet dizzying possibility that relationships should be all about. This track feels like the perfect, sweet bop to blast while dancing around with your partner, not caring how silly you might look. I’m excited to see where Vanity Fairy’s singles take her. Already a firm favourite across London’s grassroots scene, she’s made a name for herself with her larger-than-life live shows. I think that ‘Top of the Pops’ could be destined for great things, and I think she’s one to watch as 2024 unfolds. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vanity Fairy (@vanityfairydust) You Might Also Like
｡◃◈New Single Review◈▸ : Amie Blu “everything about her”
｡◃◈New Single Review◈▸ : Amie Blu “everything about her” On February 15, Amie Blu released her single “everything about her”. This is her first release since her 2023 EP crumbs in my bed. 27.02.24 Words by Joyce Lian https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMnzhtN0vRQ The new single highlights her signature smooth style, but also features a new sense of lightness that her previous works have not. The song’s lyrical topic is most fitting for a release date following Valentine’s day, as Amie Blu croons about the hypocrisy of a hurt individual, who mistreats Amie in the same way they have complained about an ex in the past. Amie’s deeply rich, yet gentle, timbre expresses her heartbreak amidst the disappointment from seeing this hurt individual become everything they claim to hate. Amie’s soft and ethereal vocals are supported by an equally mellow instrumental. A simple drum beat accompanied by a pleasant strumming emanates throughout the entire song, while a twangy melody carries listeners into the first verse and reappears during the choruses. The chorus instrumentals pack just enough punch such that there is a satisfying build up, without sacrificing the overall serene energy that the song brings. Accented by soft backing vocals and gentle reverb within the instrumental, the vocal and instrumental performance culminates in a delicate and soothing song. “everything about her” perfectly melds the wistful lyrical content with a straightforward, yet interest-grabbing instrumental, and the result is an easy-listening song that is equally catchy as it is beautiful. The relative simplicity of the song showcases Amie’s vulnerability in her lyrics, while still leaving a sense of calmness. This song is a perfect addition to both a chill late night playlist or a slow morning playlist. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amie Blu (@amiebluu) You Might Also Like
｡★New Single Review✯: frances mistry “our blood”
｡★New Single Review✯: frances mistry “our blood” Longlisted for the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition 2022, Brighton-based Frances Mistry unveils her latest single, “our blood”. 26.02.24 Words by Madeleine Reynard https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY2aZqMJDKI A provocative sibling for the much-loved ‘pick at her skin’, it successfully whets her fans’ appetite before the release of her eagerly awaited second EP. Identifying herself as a ‘part-time Nintendo enthusiast,’ Frances supports her claim by shooting the music video for this single on a Nintendo 3DS amidst the woodlands of Brighton. Known for frequently featuring woodland photo shoots in her song promotions on Instagram (@frances.mistry), this choice aligns seamlessly with the whimsical essence of the artist. The forest backdrop becomes a sonic canvas for the ethereal vocals and heavy instrumental, creating a fitting atmosphere for this homegrown talent to bloom. Despite the seemingly nonchalant filming approach, Mistry’s lyrics delve deep into the complexities surrounding allegations against men. Frances shares, “This track is about how whenever allegations come out about men, people rush to defend these men and say the victims must be lying. Especially if these are men with a platform.” By implementing elements of female rage in the narrative alongside a haunting melody, ‘our blood’ captures this palpable sense of frustration perfectly. On this indie-rock tune, you are able to trace influence from Brit rock band Wolf Alice, through the tracks fuzzy guitar-led sound and the hazy vocals often associated with lead singer Ellie Rowsell. While influences are evident, Mistry transforms them into something entirely her own, creating a sound that stands out in its refreshing originality. View this post on Instagram A post shared by frances 🪐 (@frances.mistry) You Might Also Like
｡◞❋New EP Review❋◟: The Staves “I’ll Never Leave You Alone”
｡◞❋New EP Review❋◟: The Staves “I’ll Never Leave You Alone” The Staves, an English indie folk duo of sisters Jessica and Camilla Staveley-Taylor, have released another single from their long-awaited album All Now, which is out on March 22nd. 26.02.24 Words by Sophie Prior https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryDA4zxiW6E The new track, titled I’ll Never Leave You Alone, is reminiscent of the band’s earlier work: a soft and lilting folk tune showcasing natural harmonic blend and authentic country influences. Gentle guitar and a steady beat accompany the sisters throughout, while they beautifully sing of the trials and tribulations of adulthood and what it means to mature. Posting on Tiktok, Jessica and Camilla stated that the song is ‘‘about balancing all the intricate parts and the many faces of self and womanhood and the feelings of doubt that come from containing these multitudes. It’s about learning to navigate and live with them. To make friends with your doubt and with yourself’’. The track follows previous single releases of All Now, and I Don’t Say It, But I feel It, two tracks which blend their classic folk style with more modern pop influences. These two singles, combined with the latest release of I’ll Never Leave You Alone, make for an exciting teaser of what’s to come from the rest of the album. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Staves (@thestaves) You Might Also Like
｡❊❁New Single Review❁❊: Tilly Louise “Restart”
｡❊❁New Single Review❁❊: Tilly Louise “Restart” Scouse pop-alternative artist – Tilly Louise has returned with new catchy track ‘Restart’, which delivers yet more enthusiastic guitar flair. 26.02.24 Words by Natasha Judge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YZT1Y3PlPs The rising artist has created another hit, which depicts the vulnerability of heart paired with electric guitar moments. Tilly’s guitar ability stands out, and makes what should be a more sombre themed release which details an ending love – a fun, energetic track. As the title ‘Restart’ implies, the song almost takes back power from a failed situation and demonstrates perspective – which comes from being self-aware of recognising when to leave a situation. It would not be surprising if this track were to feature within a compilation scene in a coming-of-age movie. The song highlights how even after breaking down barriers, baring your heart and feelings to someone – it can still not work out. When describing the tune, Tilly said: “Falling in love too fast, giving every piece and part of you to a person that wants the idea of you. Not the real you.” Since emerging in 2020, Tilly has developed music which really examines the different feelings which emerge during adulthood, including self-criticism, love and life in-between. Particularly, Tilly’s previously released track – ‘Make Me a Robot’, embodies the difficulties that come with being capable of so many feelings, and it idealises the thought of being emotionless. Taking inspiration from the likes of Blondie and Paramore, Tilly also looks up to local Liverpool artists Zuzu, Natalie McCool, and Pixey. Her latest EP ‘Join The Club’, was well received and made its way onto various Official Spotify playlists such as Fresh Finds Rock. The previous EP delivered tracks such as the title track and ‘Baggy T-shirt’, which simplistically demonstrate the musicality of Tilly, again with consistent memorable guitar riffs. Racking up over 50,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, this multi-talented artist is one to watch. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TL (@tillylouisemusic) You Might Also Like