NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Meadow Meadow ‘Talulah’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Meadow Meadow ‘Talulah’ 02.11.23 Words by Max Persad Following on from their 2 EP’s, Members Pete Darlington, James Green, Maya Bovill and Holly Hardy known as ‘Meadow Meadow’, released their new single ‘Talulah’ in anticipation of the full length set ‘You Are So Alive’ arriving on the 24th of November https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1fnE2TWTwk ‘Talulah’ is quite the juxtaposition. Using upbeat rhythms, pulsing strings which is further accompanied by melodic keys and throbbing synth, the lyrics tell the story of healing and finding yourself again after a toxic and abusive relationship. However, the two accompany and complement each other with incredible beauty as the listener is transported into this melancholic but hopeful acousmatic world. Speaking on the track, Pete identifies that this is a song which is ‘inspired by stories from the women in my life, this is dedicated to them’. It also includes a verse from bassist Maya Bovill which is a welcome touch and adds so much variety and delicacy to the track. The first verse from Pete offers a helping hand to women who are struggling in relationships with lyrics such as ‘your heart will grow again’ and ‘you will heal slowly’. It’s so profound to have a male voice offer a tender shoulder to lean on in this sense, its deeply moving. Maya’s verse then responds to Pete in a duologue type fashion, she speaks of this support and how she lost herself leading to quite a poignant and touching listen. At the end of the song, the drums perk up and take on a melodic mind of their own which gives the sense and feel that everything will be okay and help is just a comforting expression away. From this experience, Meadow Meadow have some incredibly calming and inspiring work and it’s exceedingly exciting to see what more this talented quartet can produce! You can catch Meadow Meadow touring in the UK on their first headline run from the 2nd of February to the 19th in 2024. You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – BLAB ‘Full Grown’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – BLAB ‘Full Grown’ 01.11.23 Words by Lily Cresswell Essex’s most exciting upcoming artist, BLAB, has released a new single which promises to brighten the dark winter days ahead. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCUCTTYuwek Crowned BBC Introducing’s Essex Artist of the year in 2021, BLAB – AKA Fran Murray – has given us even more reason to be excited about their self-dubbed DIY sound, with the release of ‘Full Grown’, an ethereal indie track with heart. Opening with a crunchy, classic indie guitar riff, ‘Full Grown’ hits listeners with a wave of late noughties nostalgia, with strong sonic nods to royalty of this era such a Lily Allen and Kate Nash. The track is in some ways subdued, focusing on lyrics that lament on the complexities of growing up, and a simple, repetitive melody that reflects this ache for childhood simplicity. Yet, underneath this is a definite, pulse propelled along by the high-attack synth drums, brightening the underlying darkness of lines like “trying not to think about getting old or dying alone.” But don’t be lulled into this toe-tapping whimsy too soon, as Murray brings the track right down to the acoustics, expertly stripping back the comfortable ethereal wash of layered guitars and synths, to really emphasise the harsh realities of adulthood and single-handedly advocate for a change in landlord laws (it’s 2023, enough with the no dogs in rentals already!). What is on the surface a simply pleasing track, ‘Full Grown’ has the potential to become a gig-staple and classic of BLAB’s ever-growing repertoire, with Murray themselves taking to Instagram to deem this their favourite release to date. Revealing more vulnerability than we have seen so far of the artist, BLAB’s latest single is one to add to your ‘Sunday Morning Chill’ playlists and have on repeat for the perfect indie-pop, low-key nostalgia vibe. You Might Also Like BLAB, Britpop, Essex, Indie, New Discovery, New Releases, Single
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Girl Ray ‘Hurt So Bad’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Girl Ray ‘Hurt So Bad’ 01.11.23 Words by Teguan Harris North London-based girl band Girl Ray has released their stunning electropop new single, ‘Hurt So Bad’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_7lUGh8TaM ‘Hurt So Bad’ is their first single release after the release of their third album, ‘Prestige’, which the band released in August of this year. ‘Hurt So Bad’ was recorded with Al Doyle and Joe Goddard of ‘Hot Chip’. The song also features vocals from Lysandre Ménard. In a statement on Bandcamp about their new single, the band collectively stated: “‘Hurt So Bad’ was written during the pandemic, when I was working on writing our third album and still deciding what the feel of it would be. Initially, I thought that a more electronic/house-inspired sound would be a good fit for us, and with ‘Give Me Your Love’ and ‘Hurt So Bad’ demoed, we visited Al Doyle and Joe Goddard’s studio near Brick Lane to flesh them out. They were a great match for these songs, and we loved playing with their mountains of rare synths. Although our album ended up being more live, I think you can still hear the beginnings of our disco inspiration in this track.” Girl Ray comprises Poppy Hankin, Iris McConnell and Sophie Moss, who released ‘Prestige’ last summer via Moshi Moshi. Ben H. Allen, the Grammy award-winning producer who worked with big stars such as M.I.A., Gnarls Barkley, Christina Aguilera and Deerhunter, was behind the production and composition of this album, alongside Hankin, the band’s songwriter. Girl Ray embarks on a mission to reclaim disco music as a celebration of sexuality and outsider culture, drawing inspiration from the queer television drama ‘Pose’ and using its original and rare sound and aesthetic. With the release of ‘Prestige’, the band has accomplished their mission. ‘Prestige’ took inspiration and sound from their previous album. The shambolic charm of their 2017 debut, ‘Earl Grey’, and the indie R&B sound of 2019’s ‘Girl’ formed the third album. ‘Prestige’ is an escape to a dreamy fantasy clubland, with the overarching narrative being love and the experiences of being in love. Girl Ray’s year in music has been more than successful. With their new album release, the announcement of their UK winter tour earlier this year, and the US tour they are currently on, it is easy to predict that the band will only get bigger on the electropop indie scene. It is enticing to anticipate what their next move in their career will be. You Might Also Like electro pop, Girl Ray, North London, On the Rise, Single, SynthPop
DEBUT SINGLE RELEASE – Daisy and The Deadheads ‘I Hate The Sea’
DEBUT SINGLE RELEASE – Daisy and The Deadheads ‘I Hate The Sea’ 01.11.23 Words by Georgina Shine The ‘wonky-folk pop’ collective is carving out its own self-styled sound within the folk and indie pop scenes and are stamping their own seal onto the musical world and all it has to offer. Having been originally written by Daisy before the group had even formed, the single came to life in about 10 minutes with nothing more than an acoustic guitar, but it has only recently become the finished article and is ready to be shared with audiences in its final form. Much like the sea, the piece is simple in that there is no over-complication with its creation as it is comprised of jazzy electric guitar arpeggios that leave you floating on a cloud as you are carried softly into dreamland by the gentile and enchanting vocals from Daisy. Inspired by the feelings that one goes through after a rough break-up, the track is an inward look into the soul as you face up to your feelings and lay them bear for the world to see. Although simple in its composition, I Hate The Sea is filled with complexity as it can take listeners through the different ups and downs of a breakup. The simplicity of having Daisy’s vocals and electric guitar be the dominant features on the number mirrors the experience of a breakup when you’re alone with no one and nothing around you and as your feelings and memories are all that echo in your mind, Daisy’s lone vocals are accompanied with just the electric guitar backdrop. I Hate The Sea explores the confusion and should have would have, could have, and the what ifs after a relationship is over. It tracks how the bitter break-up taste takes over and taints things that once were so joyous and special but the love that was once there makes it so hard to hate someone who went from bringing so much joy to causing so much pain. It also deals with the realisation that the sadness and pain can trickle into every part of your life and your brain and take over with the lyrics picking up on those moments such as ‘you ruined the f***ing sea’ and ‘you made me hate myself too’ sentiments that so many people can empathise with as they have experienced the same feelings. Daisy and The Deadheads have crafted a somewhat perfect breakup song because they’ve been able to create a poetic set of lyrics that captor the anger and frustration that you can’t always truly explain in that situation, whilst also making a melody that is gentle and calming like a hug that tells you I’ve been there and I know but we can get through this. Although the band may Hate The Sea you definitely won’t hate this hit. You Might Also Like Uncategorised
NEW EP RELEASE – Elkka ‘DJ Friendly’
NEW EP RELEASE – Elkka ‘DJ Friendly’ 31.10.23 Words by Georgina Walker Whether you’re looking to invigorate your playlists or for a DJ to place in prime position on your must-see list, Elkka needs to be on your radar. Her latest EP ‘DJ Friendly’ is like bottling up a surprise night-out that turns into a saucy silly affair, but the quality of Elkka’s EP is serious. ‘DJ Friendly’ makes for a joyful listen whether dancing is on the agenda IRL or you want to tap your toes and nod your head from the comfort of your sofa – no judgments here. First track ‘Babe’ opens with floaty sounds, heading into a slow burning intro that erupts into a euphoric chorus featuring vocals from Elkka herself. Elkka’s journey began as a singer songwriter, now to producer, DJ and label boss since 2016. At the chorus we’re hearing serious banger balanced with playful lyrics, ‘I f*cking love you babe’ can be both a tender, sultry moment or a girls bathroom proclamation mid night-out, just met? No problem. I f*cking love you babe. A solid addition to any pre-night out playlist. Showing no sign of slowing down, the next track on the EP is ‘Thirsty’. This confident club track features some abstract electro that makes for enticing listening. As the ‘gimme, gimme, gimme’ vocal builds, so does the anticipation for the track’s crescendo, and it delivers. The chorus explodes into an addictive listen, with enticing subtle high-hats and an acid-tinged finale for good measure, keeping this song firmly in your memory and you firmly at the party. Finally, we have ‘DJ Friendly’ the EP’s namesake is a distinctive and infectious track with all the ingredients to captivate dancefloors. This vivacious and energetic finale has a strong bassline and enough transition between light and shade to keep listeners on their toes. If you’re deciding whether to stay in or go out, a listen to this would make the FOMO extremely real. In 3 tracks Elkka encapsulates the best of dancefloors, with tangible energy that will permeate playlists and parties alike DJ Friendly’ was released on 27th October 2023 via Ninja Tune. You Might Also Like Uncategorised
NEW ALBUM RELEASE – Galya Bisengalieva’s ‘Polygon’
NEW ALBUM RELEASE – Galya Bisengalieva’s ‘Polygon’ + Track ‘Saryzhal’ 28.10.23 Words by Catherine Gannon Released on 20 October, Galya Bisengalieva’s ambitious 7-track album depicts 7 regions of East Kazakhstan which were affected by the Soviet Union’s secretive nuclear testing site – The Polygon. There is a place, after the Irtysh river has flowed from the rugged peaks of the Mongolian Altai mountains and before it journeys on through the inhospitable floodplains of westernSiberia, that for decades housed a dark secret. Just south of the valley of the Irtysh river, on the North-East Kazakhstan steppe, is the former site of The Polygon: a Soviet Union nuclear testing site. In 1949, the area was falsely claimed to be empty of residents, and 1.5 million people suffered from the resulting radiation effects for decades to come. Released on 20 October, Galya Bisengalieva’s ambitious 7-track album depicts 7 regions of East Kazakhstan which were affected by the Soviet Union’s secretive nuclear testing site – The Polygon. The Kazakh violinist and composer, a Royal College of Music and Royal Academy of Music alumnus, has made a name for herself globally with classical and contemporary performances and collaborations. Alongside her solo endeavours, she is currently the leader of the London Contemporary Orchestra. Saryzhal, the second track, takes its name from the Saryzhal region. In just 2 minutes 43 seconds it transports you through a sound-world of electrical sparks, pulsing energy, sepulchral dissonances, and transcendental visions. Two synthetic string tones, an upper and lower, fade in with a pulsing, portato effect, pure at first but fluctuating in clarity, becoming soiled with grittiness as more tones enter to distort the harmony into complete atonality. The drama rises throughout, enhanced by vibrato and punctuated with pizzicato as dissonances and consonances compete. The whole texture is comprised of layers of sound, shifting like tectonic plates as different noises fade in and out of our hearing. Manufactured groan-tube noises evoke sci-fi film eeriness before the track dies away in an attenuation of texture and power. Bisengalieva connotes a contaminated Irtysh river flowing towards and away from a toxic and sinister landscape, combining classical techniques with modern music technology to create a listening experience which is as ear-curdling as it is bewitching. This track, indeed the Polygon album, will certainly not be for everyone; Saryghal or any of the other tracks are not the type of music you can dip in and out of, as each take you on a journey that is inscrutable without context. But for those that are drawn to music as anexperience, Saryghal, with its complex layers and ability to be ambiguous and specific simultaneously, is ideal for those with a darker, more experimental musical appetite. See Bisengalieva live at London’s Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) on 28 November 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs_4g-Uv4vo You Might Also Like Album, Classical, Contemporary, Galya Bisengalieva, General and Greater London, Instrumental, New Releases, On the Rise
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Jockstrap + Taylor Skye ‘Good Girl’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Jockstrap + Taylor Skye ‘Good Girl’ 27.10.23 Words by Scott Rudd Quirky Art Pop Love Ballad Transmutes Into Infectious Industrial House Banger If ‘Red Eye’ could have revealed anything about Jockstrap’s forthcoming remix album of their debut ‘I Love You Jennifer B’ (Rough Trade), it would be to prepare us for a journey into a sonic landscape of eccentricity. However, in an unexpected twist, the second single from ‘I<3UQTINVU’ (Rough Trade), a remix of ‘Jennifer B’ titled ‘Good Girl,’ witnesses Skye and Ellery delving into their dance-inspired sensibilities. They harness sounds and tempos typical of house, techno, and industrial music to fashion a rather somber and melancholic dance track, reminiscent of an early EP from the duo titled ‘Lost My Key in the <3 Club <3’ (Kaya Kaya Records). Skye skilfully chops and manipulates Ellery’s vocals from the ‘Jennifer B’ chorus, which repeats, “Everything is good, girl, Take it, Leave it.” These lyrics are scattered throughout the misty synth line, a melancholic piano, and the hazy 808 basslines that dominate the opening section of the track. As the track progresses, it evolves into a full-fledged industrial house composition, particularly at the halfway point. The vocals undergo such frequent chopping and manipulation that they transform into mere noise, melding with the pounding, warping drumbeat that intermittently takes over for the remainder of the track. In the remix, the second verse of the original song is seamlessly integrated into the climactic portion. Ellery, portraying the perspective of the eponymous Jennifer B, displays her devotion to a significant other by sharing various aspects of her life. These range from the mundane and innocent, such as her desire to own a specific apartment, to more intimate and seductive notions, like her willingness to become a stripper for this person. This emotional journey then shifts to a scene of them playing Nintendo Switch together, which amazes her. It’s a sweet sentiment that’s celebrated, even though it serves as a rather abstract and peculiar declaration of admiration. It leaves one uncertain whether this is truly love for Jennifer B. Whereas ‘Red Star’ had melded various elements from ‘Neon’ to the extent that it felt like an entirely fresh composition rather than a traditional remix, ‘Good Girl’ retains enough of the original material to rightfully carry the remix label. However, it is now apparent that we cannot definitively predict what this project will offer. It’s a venture where expectations will consistently be defied and subverted. ‘I<3UQTINVU’ will be released on Rough Trade Records on 3rd November. You Might Also Like Uncategorised
NEW ALBUM FEATURE – SOFY ‘Chaos & Commotion’
Photo By Moja (@Moja.wtf) NEW ALBUM FEATURE – SOFY ‘Chaos & Commotion’ 27.10.23 Words by Scott Rudd An electrifying debut revelling in love, anxiety, heartbreak and Richard Curtis from one of Britain’s most exciting up-and-coming artists Debut projects, whether in music, film, television, books, and so forth, often leave the audience wanting more. This is usually due to the quality and content of the project, and it’s not a devastating or detrimental experience for an artist. However, SOFY’s debut mixtape, ‘Chaos and Commotion’ (Chess Club Records), manages to surpass these early-stage challenges and delivers one of the most impressive and exhilarating debuts I’ve encountered from a UK artist in a long time. She seamlessly blends indie, hip-hop, pop, and noise, making it seem as though she’s a seasoned veteran in the industry, although I’m certain she will become one in due time. Clocking in at a pleasant, albeit all too fleeting, 29 minutes, the 9 tracks on ‘Chaos & Commotion’ confidently showcase a unique and stylish approach to pop music that I wasn’t aware I needed until now. It’s quintessentially British and unapologetically so. The album kicks off with a rather raucous track, ‘Yoyo,’ in which SOFY passionately expresses her feelings of being toyed with. Her vocals are modulated, giving them a 90s Lo-Fi rock record feel, reminiscent of Blur’s self-titled project. At times, it can be a challenge to discern her lyrics amid the wall of noise generated by the guitars, drums, and DJ spins. Following ‘Yoyo,’ ‘Ashley Cole Type Beat,’ which I previously covered upon its release (you can read my coverage here: link), maintains the high energy but in a more polished and rapid style. ‘Socks’ slows down the tempo a bit, but it’s a welcomed change. It’s a heartfelt love song that fearlessly embraces the romanticized aspects of Britain. SOFY compares her life to a Richard Curtis movie, brimming with optimism, which is a breath of fresh air, especially in the midst of the challenging times we’re living in. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkx4bdbHXc4 ‘Timothée Chalamet’ is a steamy track that explores the passionate embrace of a lover. It features what I believe to be SOFY’s best performance on the album. By this point in the project, it becomes evident that her talent for writing hooks and choruses is undeniable. Each and every song on this project boasts hooks that have the potential to bring the house down when she embarks on her upcoming tour in the coming months. ‘Breathing Exercises’ is a poignant exploration of anxiety, with SOFY at her most observant, both for the better and worse for the artist. Sonically, this track falls somewhere between calm surf rock and upbeat chamber pop, creating an exceptionally well-balanced composition. On the other hand, ‘No Drama’ takes a complete 180-degree turn from the previous song, with SOFY’s vocals gliding effortlessly over a sumptuous beat. If any traces of anxiety lingered from ‘Breathing Exercises,’ ‘No Drama’ eradicates them completely. The influence of modernized rocksteady and ska takes center stage on ‘Wet Paint,’ a tale of admiration and temptation. It explores the notion of giving in to that glimmer of hope, even when you know it’s the wrong time and place—a pipe dream about love. ‘He’s Not You’ is an anthemic ballad that practically begs for an encore, with its intense build-up leading to a beautifully executed climax. The album concludes with ‘Supermarket,’ which wraps things up nicely, despite its moody and regretful content. What stands out most is SOFY’s ability to handle themes like heartbreak and loss in a way that doesn’t come across as cringeworthy, a pitfall that many artists in a similar vein often stumble into. There’s really nothing to complain about here, except for the desire to hear more from this exciting new talent in a genre that’s already quite crowded. With her witty songwriting and keen ear for production choices, SOFY appears to be forging her unique path in the music world, and I’m eagerly following her every step of the way. Chaos & Commotion will be released on 27th October via Chess Club Records https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJcOqVDHADU You Might Also Like Greater London, Hip-Hop, Indie, Leicester, New Releases, SOFY
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – English Teacher ‘Nearly Daffodils’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – English Teacher ‘Nearly Daffodils’ 26.10.23 Words by Caitlin Taylor If you’re at all interested in up and coming British bands, which you likely are if you’re here, you most definitely will have heard of Leeds based indie (self described “post-lame”) band English Teacher. With a series of single releases spanning back to 2021, their opinionated lyrics and playful instrumentals have established them as ones to watch. At the start of this month they dropped ‘Nearly Daffodils’ giving us a glimpse at their debut album which is hopefully imminent. Their previous release ‘Song About Love’ is still one of the best songs from 2023 in my opinion and ‘Nearly Daffodils’ continues on the theme of complicated relationships that don’t pan out as you may have hoped. On Instagram the band describes the song as “about heartbreak and acceptance of unfulfilled potential. How, no matter how much you may want something, no matter how much effort you may put into something’s growth or development, no matter how beautiful you can envision its fruition; life is a bitch and about as unstoppable as a freight train.” The verses feature a regular, repetitive beat that compliments Fontaine’s spoken word lyrics that are occasionally broken up with bursts of emotion. Her voice becomes desperate and panicked as she ends the first verse with “there is a reason the first nine months doesn’t count”. It’s a song about heartbreak but also acceptance that sometimes things just will not work. You can catch them touring the UK this month and stay on the lookout for their debut album soon. In the band’s last release ‘The World’s Biggest Paving Slab’, Fontaine describes herself as “the world’s smallest celebrity”. Let’s see how long that lasts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6xKTRZm3vI You Might Also Like Bedroom, English Teacher, Indie, New Releases, On the Rise, Single
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Bar Italia ‘Jelsy’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – bar italia ‘Jelsy’ 26.10.23 Words by Caitlin Taylor bar italia: a cafe in Soho, a song by Pulp and since 2020 a London based alt-rock trio of long haired brunettes who have just released ‘Jelsy’, a dreary meditation on being alone and feeling lost. Previously releasing music under Dean Blunt’s record label World Music, in March of this year Nina Cristante, Jezmi Tarik Fehmi and Sam Fenton signed with Matador Records to release their previous album ‘Tracey Denim’. The band certainly fits into Matador’s current roster which includes Car Seat Headrest, Julien Baker and Pavement to name a few. Released alongside the more aggressive and heavy guitar fuelled track ‘my little tony’, ‘Jelsy’ is slower and more contemplative with a clear shoegaze influence. At times the lyrics seem almost nonsensical as the band members contradict each other, and sometimes themselves, likely due to how each member writes their own vocal parts with only minimal interference from the others. Nina poses the question “don’t you see that being alone can be good for you?” in the second verse but ends the song with the line “isolation is the problem”. It feels intimate, as if we’re listening to the band’s own personal thoughts as they reflect on love, obsession and loneliness. It’s hard to interpret their songs as the band are keen to maintain their privacy. Their social media presence is refreshingly minimal in today’s world where most bands rely on an intense Instagram/Tiktok presence to gain fans. During live performances, it’s rare to hear the band speak between songs. In an interview with 032c, Jezmi talked about how the band may be perceived: “I think a lot of people look at it as us being rude or whatever, but we’re smiling at them the whole time… I think people just realize we’re quite shy”. Their next album The Twits is set to be released next month and the band will be exhibiting drawings at the Frieze Gallery in London on October 27th. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6T-u6-4ZLCM You Might Also Like Bar Italia, Greater London, New Releases, On the Rise, Post Punk, Single