NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Tapir! ‘My God’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Tapir! ‘My God’ 06.11.23 Words by Cat Gannon A happy melange of colour, creativity and papier-mâchéhelmets, ‘Tapir!’makes no departure from their fun eccentricity in their new single ‘My God’ The London-based 6-piece, with two EPs and 3 singles already behind them this year, released ‘My God’ ahead of their debut album release (‘The Pilgrim, Their God and The King of My Decrepit Mountain’) with Heavenly Recordings in January 2024. In true Tapir! fashion, ‘My God’ continues the band’s style of untrammelled creativity, combining keys, soft drum beats, gentle vocals, acoustic guitar and quirky lyrics to create a care-free, easy listening track that suspends life’s worries and allows the mind to wander momentarily. The chorus is a nod to the infamous ‘My Guy’ song (originally sung by Mary Wells but covered many times), and the verses, made of comforting rises and falls speak of waking up, going back to sleep, Hugo Boss watches and Maybelline. Evading categorisation, ‘Tapir!’ incorporates easy-listening, indie folk and indie rock to defy genre limitations. The group (made up of Ike Gray, Wilfred Cartwright, Emily Hubbard, Ronnie Longfellow, William McCrossan, and Tom Rogers-Coltman) has so far created an artistic out put that is playful and care-free, and calls to mind the unapologetic imaginativeness of iconic collaborations like Penguin Café Orchestra, where the artistry pervaded not simply the musical output, but artwork and narrative ideas too. ‘Tapir! ’is for listeners who do not take themselves too seriously and like their bands to extend beyond the music. ‘My God’ is a track sure to relax, interest and make you smile. You Might Also Like Folk, Indie, New Releases, On the Rise, Single, South London, Tapir!
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Dionne ‘Golden Boy’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Dionne ‘Golden Boy’ 06.11.23 Words by Molly Gregson Dionne shines on new single ‘Golden Boy’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEqBICOg8CM Dionne Douglas, known artistically by the mononym of Dionne, is a Birmingham-born multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. Dionne first rose to prominence as the sister to Mercury nominated neo-soul artist Laura Mvula, with whom she performed as backing vocalist and violinist. But Dionne has now emerged as an exciting up-and-coming artist in her own right, sharing new single, Golden Boy. Her career so far has seen her touring with Florence and the Machine since 2018, where she quickly became a fan favourite part of the group after posting behind the scenes footage of the usually techno-phobic band on tour on her social media. In a recent post regarding the response to her own artistry, Dionne even went as far as to thank the ‘Dance feverlings’ that have helped her get here- a reference to the fans of the 2022 Florence and the Machine record Dance Fever. It has been apparent through her work as a backing-vocalist and as a vocal coach that Dionne has a technically brilliant voice, but on Golden Boy, her vocals really shine through. Her sound shares similarities to that of her sister, clearly encompassing similar gospel, soul and R&B influences, but Dionne shines out on her own, radiating positivity and passion through her lyrics and vocals on this dance-friendly single. Golden Boy is the ear worm you don’t want to forget; the simplistic choral lines of “take it, take it // make it, make it // you can have it” are mesmeric and captivating when delivered in Dionne’s voice. The first tastes of Dionne’s solo artistry are hopeful, uplifting and beautiful. On Golden Boy she sings “You don’t know what the future holds // give everything” and if Dionne continues releasing gems like this, her future certainly looks bright! Speaking about the single Dionne stated: “The heart is to go for things outside of your comfort zone! Give everything you’ve got and you might see that you’re capable of more than you imagined” This new chapter for Dionne has seen her release three singles in the few weeks so it seems as though she may be warming up to a bigger project, indeed, she’s certainly been teasing the prospect of live shows on her instagram. So watch this space, and hopefully big things are coming for this golden girl! You Might Also Like Birmingham, Dionne, electro pop, New Discovery, New Releases, Single, SynthPop
OCTOBER FLASHBACK – Paper Dragon ‘Lost In a Moment’ ft. Jasmine Knight
OCTOBER FLASHBACK – Paper Dragon ‘Lost In a Moment’ ft. Jasmine Knight 06.11.23 Words by Ethan Riley What happens when the genius minds of Paper Dragon combine forces with the powerhouse vocals of Jasmine Knight? We truly get Lost In A Moment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssfcHuEjhbo In the ever-evolving world of electronic music, a spectacular collaboration has emerged to captivate the hearts and minds of DnB aficionados. At a time when we were all yearning for a true auditory journey came the product of a true dynamic duo; the revolutionary musical collective Paper Dragon teamed up with the otherworldly talented Jasmine Knight to bring us Lost In A Moment. This track transports listeners to a realm of euphoria, where time stands still, and the music becomes a cosmic vessel for your soul. Imagine you’re standing at the edge of a dense, mysterious jungle, the air thick with anticipation. The distant rumble of a bassline is like a call, beckoning you into the heart of the musical wilderness. As you venture deeper into the track, a vibrant soundscape unfolds, filling you with hypnotic rhythms and ethereal melodies that gradually envelop you. The jungle becomes your playground, and you are truly Lost In A Moment. After taking a short hiatus, Paper Dragon set out to take it back to the old school by dedicating 2023 to a collection of jungle and breaks inspired music with their own special edge. Tracks like Holding On and Strawberries excited, enthralled and entranced us – and the collective show no signs of slowing down any time soon. Following the release of their epic EP Amplified Nostalgia, Pt. 1 earlier this year, Paper Dragon once again treat us to a true DnB delight with Lost In A Moment, spotlighting the otherworldly vocals of Jasmine Knight – an amazingly talented South London based singer/songwriter who has collaborated with some of the top dogs in the dance music scene. Her latest collaboration with Paper Dragon is a three-and-a-half minute blessing to the ears. The collective’s signature production skills blend seamlessly with Jasmine Knight’s ethereal vocals, resulting in an auditory experience that transcends time and space. The combination of their talents is nothing short of alchemical magic, creating a synergy that resonates with your very core. Jasmine Knight puts it best when she says on Instagram, “…you realise how beautiful life can be when you truly get lost in the moment, let go and surrender and enjoy your life as it is”. As an artist, she writes from a vulnerable place, and we feel it. Authenticity is of utmost important, and Jasmine Knight doesn’t shy away from letting us experience that rawness with her, evident in the way she expresses each word. Lost In A Moment bridges a gap, appealing to those who have grown up with classic DnB beats and newcomers eager to explore the genre’s rich history. It’s a sonic bridge between the past and the future of electronic music. The track’s fusion of nostalgia with contemporary production techniques creates a timeless experience that resonates with both seasoned ravers and fresh-faced enthusiasts. The DnB community has always been about unity, and Lost In A Moment embodies this spirit. It’s a track that unites people from all walks of life, regardless of their differences. The dance floor becomes a melting pot of individuals who have all succumbed to the enchantment of the music. Lost In A Moment is a testament to the power of music to bring people together in euphoria, transcending the barriers that often divide us. Get ready to lose yourself and find something greater in the captivating journey of Paper Dragon and Jasmine Knight’s masterpiece. You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – O. ‘Slice’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – O. ‘Slice’ 03.11.23 Words by Kristian Floate O. are an expressive baritone sax and drum duo who have forged their own sound in a way that has captivated audiences since their formation in the depths of the 2020 lockdown https://youtu.be/X6xJ2FEMiRU Under the wing of their label Speedy Wunderground, their newest offering, ‘Slice’, is a welcome follow-up to their standalone debut single ‘OGO’ from November 2022 – a fierce reminder that they are still worthy additions to your listening radar almost one year later. The colourful single is a first glimpse into their upcoming EP bearing the same name – out on November 24th. If this single is anything to go by, the EP is guaranteed to be a groove fuelled, funk filled adventure that will catch you delving deeper into the uniquely awe-inspiring art of O. But what makes O. especially noteworthy? Their quick rise and spiralling success came to no surprise, with Tash incorporating turbo-powered drum grooves and utilising the kit to its full potential across muted rim-shots, charging hi-hat breaks, tactical clap stack whacks and carnivalesque bell-hits. This refreshing drum twist is far-removed from those simple drum patterns that anchor the rhythm in many modern tracks, unleashing the fullest percussive sound and transcending the drum sound as we know it. Combined with Joe’s unmissable saxophone melodies, injected through a pedalboard and seeping with distortion, delay and reverb, the duo are building a new era of instrumentality and making it look like a piece of cake in the process. The duo’s ability to create such textured and layered soundscapes while maintaining simplicity in their line-up has caused an infectious buzz, batting confidently from dance worthy build-ups and headbang inducing breakdowns from start to finish. Translated seamlessly to the recorded track, O. saw initial traction through their mesmerising live shows – kicking off their live catalogue with a string of dates with black midi, collecting a loyal following, and since announcing a headline our to compliment the EP release in early 2024. After watching crowds flock to their Great Escape set in Brighton earlier this year, and experiencing their effortless liquid flow for myself, O. will no doubt be causing a stir across the UK in months to come. You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Fi McCluskey ‘Empty Space’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Fi McCluskey ‘Empty Space’ 03.11.23 Words by Alistair Mclean Fi Mcluskey transports us to the 51st century in this mind-blowing pop masterpiece https://youtu.be/haM3q2A800A Pop music is a peculiar genre in the music world. It can the most bland, derivative, and boring music you’ve heard or the most, inspirational, Mind altering and genre bending piece of music you’ve ever heard. Fi Mcluskeys new song “Empty Space” falls in the latter with one of the best songs pieces of pop music this year. Trust me, this is one of the best songs you will hear all year. Fi McCluskey is a relatively new singer; they do not have much of a social media presence and have only released a few songs on music platforms. However, this song will change that. This futuristic anthem begins with a quiet eerie vibe which replicates the songs title “Empty Space”. It slowly becomes more and more unhinged as the singer becomes louder with a thumping drum beat in the background, also in the track, there is an occasional sound that I can only describe as a transformer going past 70 mph an hour. McCluksys voice is almost hypnotising as it sounds like they are preparing to go to war, I don’t know if I want to go into battle or the dancefloor. The build-up of the song pays off as sound goes louder and faster until the point where Fi McCluskey is screaming with a techno beat blaring in the background. It can give the listener sheer anxiety just listening to the last 2 minutes of this song as the beat is reminiscent of an alarm going off in a rave. I hope this is a new chapter for the singer as this daring, exciting and ecstatic only scratches the surface on what this newcomer can bring to the table. You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – wych elm ‘Virgin Mary’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – wych elm ‘Virgin Mary’ 03.11.23 Words by Cat Gannon Redolent of The Runaways’‘Cherry Bomb’, Wych Elm’s‘Virgin Mary’is a dark vignette of woman’s suffering, a pocket-sized soliloquy on child birth, chastity, weakness and religion The Bristolian3-piece draws on punk and indie rocktraditions lacedwith folklore-ish grunge to create a unique sound. With subject-matter often on the more grisly side, Wych Elmwill have a strong allure for those roaming the sonic sphere forfresh music off the beaten track. Wych Elm had major success with their 2017 ‘School Shooter’single, and can already boast two albums in their oeuvre since 2019. Witha sardonic spin on patriarchal ideology, ‘Virgin Mary’opens witha bathroom-esque, echoeytimbre and stripped back instrumentals: I was made to be weak and that’s what I am/ He is my shepherd and I am his lamb/ I was made to be in pain, that’s what I’ll endure/ Give birth to your sons, premature. The chorus speaks to the female experience, with the protagonist regurgitating societal expectations, such as the pain of childbirth ora woman’s value being based in chastity: Be the Virgin Mary/ Be the lamb to the slaughter/ He said you can’t lose your innocence/ Or you’ll have nothing left to offer. The narrative is flipped later, with the protagonist retaliating: Why do I have to suffer/ To be fucking respected/ Being a woman is a wound/ That keeps getting infected. Virgin Mary is largely sung witha measured, conservative rhythm, giving it a taunting sense of creepiness. The vocals have a contained fury to them which leadto an explosion of emotion in the repetition of the chorus which finishes the song, ending with a screech of guitar feedback. Self-described as playing menacing and grungy indie rock, ‘Virgin Mary’epitomises Wych Elm’s style, and is a good place to start if you’re just getting acquainted with the band. ‘Virgin Mary’was released on 25 October and is part of their upcoming and third EP ‘Field Crow’, which will be released on 10 November. They have upcoming tour dates in Bradford and Manchester on 14 and 15 November, as well as London, Nottingham and Bristol later this month. You Might Also Like Bristol, Indie, New Releases, On the Rise, Post Punk, Single, wych elm
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Austel ‘Company’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Austel ‘Company’ 03.11.23 Words by James Humphreys-Goodall Austel delivers us with another introspective, ethereal work of art https://youtu.be/SsxLzKxQ-t4 Annie Rew Shaw – aka Austel’s newest release: “Company,” is qualified for being described as “nothing short of an electronica whirlwind.” Consisting of harrowing, spellbinding vocals partnered with a punchy synth-bass line, the introduction to “Company” immediately sets the objective for the remainder of the song: to grasp its audience by the heart and soul, taking it on an ethereal musical experience. Austel and the single’s co-producer, Grammy award winning engineer Guy Massey (The Beatles, Richard Hawley, The Libertines), have undoubtedly succeeded in creating a work of art that features: transcendent vocal harmonies; intricate melodies and cutting use of heartfelt lyricism, topped off with levels of ambience that can only be compared to that of the works of Austel’s self-professed muse: Thom Yorke. Instrumentation and control of dynamics play a pivotal role throughout the composition; the artist’s brother, Louie Rew Shaw, provides the song’s rhythmic drive with his powerful presence on drums: with synth, guitar and vocals all performed by Austel herself to a masterful degree. Austel’s instrumental versatility bestows a level of authenticity upon the track, which, in turn, compliments the single’s lyrical themes of being alone. Every once in a while, an artist will manifest with the ability to draw breath from you whenever they project their voice, encouraging time to stand still in the midst of its listeners; if you have the privilege of being audibly exposed to “Company” by Austel, then you are assured to be captivated and bewildered by the sheer talent that the London-based artist has to offer. Succeeding this release, Austel has set the proverbial bar high for herself, which leads one to believe that future releases could reach newfound heights for her and her collaborators. You Might Also Like
DEBUT SINGLE RELEASE – pencil ‘The Giant’
DEBUT SINGLE RELEASE – pencil ‘The Giant’ 03.11.23 Words by Hannah Bentley The london-based band revealed their first single in October, and it’s mesmerising https://youtu.be/Siw19knHIUQ pencil consists of five members: frontman Kamran Khan (AKA Fake Laugh), Coco Inman from the Philharmonia Orchestra, Dom Potts on bass guitar, Thomas Fiquet (part of Swim Deep), and lead guitarist Cai Burns from Nottingham. They played at festivals during the summer before signing with Moshi Moshi Records, known for releasing music with Lykke Li, Florence and the Machine, and Kate Nash. pencil’s debut track signifies the relaunch of Moshi Moshi’s Single’s Club. This track is sombre, yet intriguing; bare yet complex. It’s a beautifully constructed song with a discordant feel to it. One could easily imagine this as a soundtrack for an arthouse film, featured in a scene of anguish. Inman’s violin playing is totally enchanting. The strings bring an atmospheric quality to the song as her lilting notes dance through the speakers. The band called her intricate melody a ‘whirlpool arpeggio’ which is certainly accurate. Khan’s soft and delicate vocals are reminiscent of Radiohead’s Thom Yorke. The lyrics are emotionally raw and poetic, adding a theatrical element to the music. pencil commented that ‘“The Giant” is about growth- growing up, growing apart, growing old. It started life with Coco’s violin […] and we started figuring out a chord sequence for the verse together. The idea sat as a voice memo for a few days before one rare morning, when all the lyrics were written in one sitting.’ The quintet is currently touring around the UK supporting The Japanese House, no doubt captivating crowds with their bold, experimental sound. You Might Also Like Contemporary, General and Greater London, New Discovery, New Releases, Pencil, Post Punk, Single
NEW EP RELEASE – Belot ‘The Good Life’
NEW EP RELEASE – Belot ‘The Good Life’ 02.11.23 Words by Jessica Elliott Belot’s ‘The Good Life’ EP is a colourful journey of electric pop and quirky lyrics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqQpu3T8fH8 London-based artist Belot has released her third EP ‘The Good Life’. Being described as an ‘awkward pop pioneer’, this EP has everything you could possibly need with its fun beats and hard-hitting electronic pop sound. The EP opens strong with ‘Cool Whip’, which immediately throws us into action with a fun electronic beat. The whole track could be described using that word ‘fun’ as it would make a great addition to any party playlist. The lyrics speak of a cheater who tries to make up for their actions by buying gifts for their partner. The victim has had enough of the gaslighting, saying that not even a house in Malibu would convince them to give the cheater another chance. The amazing sound and relatable lyrics hit home with listeners and makes for an incredible opening track. Next up is, ‘The Good Life’, another track that makes you want to break out your best dance moves. Belot’s catchy pop vocals and the groovy bassline keep the song energetic. The synths add a lot to the track and makes it feel like the perfect song for late-night dancing under the stars. The third track on the EP, ‘V.I.P’, makes anyone feel like a superstar. The catchy chorus says all it needs to: “Rolling into VIP / Raindrops of champagne for free / Shades on, baby, can’t you see / Everyone’s all over me.” Even if you’ve never pulled up to the club in a limousine, this song certainly tells you how it would feel. The fourth track, ‘Get This’, begins with electronic sounds reminiscent of a video game soundtrack. This song is presented in a fun way, but the lyrics have meaning, with the artist telling us how little she cares for an ex that wants her back. Although the sound may become repetitive to some, it’s a catchy banger deserving of its place on the EP. To end the EP, ‘Ain’t It A Shame’, is just as powerful as every other track on The Good Life. Utilising the usual electronic, hard-hitting sounds that we expect from the artist, the lyrics are what makes this song stand out from the rest. Although Belot is yet to live the luxurious life of a worldwide popstar, she wrote this song about people who doubt your abilities and overlook you, only to come back to you when you finally become mainstream. She said: “It appeared to me that everyone, all at varying stages of their careers, had someone that had let them down, or snubbed them in some regard. Someone who in principle would never get a cut of them or their art. It’s a tale as old as time, and I wanted to write about it.” This is a phenomenal third EP from Belot that will undoubtedly bring a lot of new fans her way. Her quirky, colourful pop makes her stand out from the rest. You Might Also Like Alternative, Belot, EP, New Discovery, New Releases, North London, Pop
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Gently Tender ‘Country Folk’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Gently Tender ‘Country Folk’ 02.11.23 Words by Jay Barney Left out of the bands debut album then given the spotlight over a year later, Gently Tender releases their newest single ‘Country Folk’ https://youtu.be/CTqVNaNpwXA In August 2022 Gently Tender released their debut album ‘Take Hold Of Your Promise!’, however, one song was left on the drawing board. Claiming that the song ‘didn’t quite feel right with the album’, the band left the song ‘Country Folk’ out of the project, giving it its own spotlight as a lone single over a year after the album was released. With help from guest vocalist Francesca Brierley, Gently Tender return by taking the listener to a new realm of sonic tranquillity. Accompanied by an arrangement of chorus drenched guitars, hypnotic keys and steady drums, both Fryer and Brierley’s voices float on top of the track with ease. Whilst Gently Tender emerged from the ashes of London based indie band Palma Violets, the sound of the two bands draws little to no comparison. Offering a softer and more reflective project for former Palma Violets members Sam Fryers, Will Doyle and Peter Mayhew (as well as other members, Celia Archer of The Big Moon and guitarist Adam Brown), ‘Country Folk’ and Gently Tender in general, ooze with the optimistic feeling you find at the end of a coming-of-age film. ‘It’s a song about not getting stuck in the past and finding contentment in your present, even if it’s not what you expected’, the band wrote for the announcement of this new single on Instagram, and the lyrical content of the song perfectly aligns with this statement. Through extensive metaphors in the verses, there is a real sense of self-reflection, kindness and compassion in ‘Country Folk’. After the split of his former band, lead vocalist Fryer turned to the maintenance of his mental health. In an interview with the NME, Fryer claimed to have spent most of his time in the buddhist centre adjacent to his house when Gently Tender formed. The reflection that took place in this centre bleeds into ‘Country Folk’, as Fryer and Brierley come together in the chorus to harmonise the optimistic phrase ‘don’t look behind’, in a way that is reminiscent of The Mamas & the Papas. The way that the two singers urge the listener, or each other, to not look behind, summarises perfectly the feeling of not getting stuck in the past that surrounds this band and its history. Following a summer on the UK festival circuit, Gently Tender will be embarking on a UK tour this week, stopping off at Hebden Bridge, Glasgow, Manchester, Bristol and London. You Might Also Like Folk, General and Greater London, Gently Tender, Indie, New Discovery, New Releases, Single