NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Man/Woman/Chainsaw ‘What Lucy Found There’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Man/Woman/Chainsaw ‘What Lucy Found There’ 06.11.23 Words by Caitlin Taylor If you put Black Country, New Road, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and elements of 70s punk into a blender, the result would likely sound something like Man/Woman/Chainsaw’s new releases ‘What Lucy Found There’ As their first release as a six piece band after previously having just four members, it’s promising to see how well they work together already. It was released on Big Richard Records and cowritten by Layla Ameen. While it was officially released on October 11th, the song was debuted at the bands Friday 13th show at The Windmill, a traditionally unnerving day that aligns with the songs unusual lyrics. ‘Pretty soon all this is gonna turn into zits and skin’ they repeat throughout. Their unsettling lyrics match the bands name which comes from the Carol J. Clover book ‘Men, Women, and Chain Saws: Gender in the Modern Horror Film’. The band admits they haven’t read the actual book but liked the title enough to take it for themselves. They describe themselves as “brash, unadulterated noise-pop from the heart of London”. The spoken word verses by vocalist Ben Holmes have a clear Black Country, New Road influence but by combining his parts with Vera Leppänen’s gritty belting vocals, they manage to differentiate themselves from their contemporaries. It shows a lot of maturity considering the band members are only 18 at the time of release. They’re pretty new to the scene, having made their festival debut at The Great Escape this year. After a few shows around London including one with Alien Chicks earlier this month, their next show is part of We Are So Young and will take place at The Social on November 30th. They’ll no doubt be announcing more shows and music soon so stay tuned to their social media platforms until then. You Might Also Like Alternative Rock, Experimental, General and Greater London, Man/Woman/Chainsaw, New Discovery, New Releases, Post Punk, Single
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 – 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
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 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
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
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 SINGLE RELEASE – Lip Filler ‘Limelite’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Lip Filler ‘Limelite’ 25.10.23 Words by Lea Grnova Lip Filler: West London’s Rising Indie Rock Sensation released a new song Lip Filler, an indie rock band from West London, consists of guitarists Jude and Verity, bassist Theo, drummer Nate, and vocalist and keyboardist George. They have released another brilliant song that you’ll want to play on repeat, “Limelite.” “Limelite” is the first song this quintet wrote together. It evokes a sense of freedom, adolescent foolishness, rebellion, and introspection, much like the colour palette of a moody sunset over a rugged coastline, where the crashing waves mirror the music’s dynamic and unpredictable nature. Lip Filler embodies a distinctive blend of raw, unpolished energy and emotional depth. They are like the musical equivalent of an intimate, dimly lit club where the sound reverberates with passion and authenticity. From subdued verses that hang in the air like a question mark to explosive choruses that burst forth with raw energy, Lip Filler has the potential to become THE indie rock band. If you are a fan of indie rock, this song will hook you within seconds and secure a place in your list of favourites. And if you are not typically a fan of this genre, this band might just change your mind about it. “Across seven songs, drinks are thrown and cigarettes are burned into the carpet in a display of unbridled energy that feels rarely achievable in this age. The five members treat a tiny bedroom as if it were an arena.” If you’re eager to catch Lip Filler in a live performance, mark your calendar for December 7th at The Windmill Brixton in London. Don’t forget to stay in the loop with their latest show updates and new song releases by following them on Instagram (@lipfillertv). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_3RY9uEpUg You Might Also Like Indie, Lip Filler, New Discovery, New Releases, Single, West London
NEW EP RELEASE – Slaney Bay ‘Why Does Love Mean Loss?’
NEW EP RELEASE – Slaney Bay ‘Why Does Love Mean Loss?’ 16.10.23 Words by Abby Vauls Slaney Bay touches on family loss and the teenage experience in new EP Slaney Bay are an alternative-indie trio of childhood friends from South-West London. The band came onto the music scene in November 2022, with the release of their first EP, “A Life Worth Living” – a coming of age album that explores the difficulties of navigating growing up. They bounced off the success of this well received debut, performing as support for acts including Sinead O’Brien and Bleach Lab. The band have, as of September this year, released their second EP, “Why Does Love Mean Loss?” – a beautiful nostalgic EP that perfectly sums up the teenage experience. The soft indie acoustic sound exquisitely compliments the poetic, whimsically whispered lyrics from this EP. In such a short number of tracks, the EP successfully ranges from a wild, youthful energy that reminds you of how fun and twisted it was growing up, to the soft sadness that accompanies growing older, and the losses we face. The particular loss of Caitlin’s grandfather inspired my favourite song of this EP, “Family Tree” – an emotional tribute to the struggle of dealing with the loss of a loved one. The guitar (Will Nicola-Thompson) and bass guitar (Joel Martin) compliment Caitlin’s voice perfectly, as she sings about the beauty of resembling those who raised us, ‘thank God the apple never fell far from the family tree’. The song finishes with a clip of her grandfather talking – the perfect nostalgic end to this beautiful ode. Be sure to catch this sure-to-soar-to-stardom band at their headline show on November 3rd at Colours Hoxton, London, to be guaranteed an incredible live performance, as well perhaps, to shed a tear or two. https://youtu.be/LcS1vuekdNo You Might Also Like EP, Indie, New Releases, Slaney Bay, South-West London