｡✬ Gig Review ✬ : Etta Marcus at The Wardrobe, Leeds
｡✬ Gig Review ✬ : Etta Marcus at The Wardrobe, Leeds On Saturday 3rd February, the intimate venue of The Wardrobe in Leeds opened its doors to welcome the beautiful Etta Marcus, with her closing show of the ‘Death of Summer’ tour. 01.03.24 Words by Cameron Perry For people who have never heard of Etta Marcus, you better get to know, as she is one of the newest writers and musicians leading the way within the soft indie genre. Her sweet and seemingly shy persona, along with her voice and songwriting style admirably nods to artists such as Lana Del Ray, Phoebe Bridgers and Ethal Cain. At only 22 years old, the South Londoner’s success with her collection of EPs prompted the creation of her debut album, ‘The Death of Summer and Other Promises’ which I was lucky enough to witness. The venue of The Wardrobe was a fabulous choice for closing the show, as it offered people the chance to have personal interactions with Etta and her band in between performances, and for her to really see the crowd interacting and getting lost in the lyricism of her songs Opening with ‘Snowflake Suzie’, one of her newer songs from the album, this was the introduction to her cutting and emotive songwriting style, which set the tone for her entire performance. Followed by songs such as ‘Theatre’, ‘Hide & Seek’ and her standout EP ‘Salt Lake City’, the crowd were in awe with the purity and clarity of her voice, paired with the skilled musicality of her bandmates. Throughout songs such as ‘Little Wing’, ‘Crown’ and her well-known single ‘Girls That Play’, Marcus’s audience were giving as much as they were getting, as people danced along and sang their hearts out with great enthusiasm. However, the show took a dramatic turn when the band exited the stage, leaving Marcus stood alone. Here she referred to a time when she didn’t have her band and had to perform alone, and how certain songs just resonated with that time and the loneliness she felt. It was here that she then sang ‘Fruit Flies’ pays homage to the song ‘Strange Fruit’ by the legendary Jeff Buckley, where she played it in a very similar style. In that moment, it felt like the world stood still, as Marcus beautifully relayed the lyrics in her own personal way, making the song completely her own whilst accompanying the lyrics with her guitar. A key moment for me was the final few lines of the song, which she played completely acapella. This drew an intense focus onto her voice which was beautifully raw and heartbreaking, with her reciting the words “how beautiful to see, I’m where I want to be’ This wasn’t her only time referencing her idols, as she announced to the crowd that there would be a few ‘special surprises’, which included her ending the song ‘Skin Parade’ with her cover of ‘Fade into You’ by Mazzy Star, an artist who she credits her songwriting ability to. Her quirky and funny comments in between each song just made you fall in love with the artist that she is and upon leaving the venue, I felt like I’d really experienced something magical. Closing the show, she thanked the Leeds crowd for showing up and expressed her love for the city, having previously played at Hyde Park Book Club in 2023. I hope to see Etta Marcus grow her following as she deserves and excitedly anticipate her return to Leeds, hopefully playing a bigger venue. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Etta Marcus (@ettaamarcus) 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◈▸ : 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
｡✬✬✬Gig Review✬✬✬: The Line Of Best Fit ‘5 Day Forecast’ 19.01.24
｡✬✬✬Gig Review✬✬✬: The Line Of Best Fit ‘5 Day Forecast’ 19.01.24 For the fifth and final night of the Line of Best Fit’s five day forecast festival at the Lexington we were treated to a sensational night of three amazing female and non-binary-led acts. 23.02.24 Words by Jack Dixon jasmine.4.T Kicking off the evening was the incredible Jasmine.4.T, the Manchester-based band put on a beautifully varied set flitting between moments of light-hearted levity, to quiet contemplation and intense emotional interrogation. Throughout the set themes of community and compassion were everywhere as they shouted out calls for trans liberation, Palestinian solidarity and social justice. Despite this set being the first time the band had played a full set together, it sounded as if the band had been playing together for years. They presented the audience with not only an amazing vocal performance from Jasmine but also a phenomenal instrumental performance, particularly from their violinist/keyboard player Phoenix. The instrumentation bathed the audience in a rich and layered sound that felt tailor-made to be heard live. A personal highlight came from their song ‘Elephant In The room’ a deeply passionate cut that built in volume as the song progressed, betraying similarities to acts like Boy Genius that are unapologetic in sharing the most sincere and vulnerable parts of themselves. gglum Following on from Jasmine 4.T, indie-pop singer GGLUM presented the audience with a gloriously noisy set reminiscent of the early work of other bedroom pop artists like Billie Eillish. The London native appeared perfectly at home on stage as the audience revelled in her vibrant and grungy sound. The intimate setting of the Lexington provided the perfect backdrop for GGLUM’s raw and captivating energy, not to mention giving us the opportunity to fully appreciate her band’s effortlessly dynamic instrumentation. While her lyrical content (and name) can sometimes suggest an angsty and melancholic vibe, this performance was by no means short of an infectious, light hearted energy that made the gig all the more enjoyable. GGLUM’s debut album, ‘The Garden Dream’ is scheduled for release on the 29th of March with secretly canadian records and after hearing her performance at the Five Day Forecast that day can’t come soon enough. Eaves Wilder Finishing off the evening we had an electric closing set from Eaves Wilder, blending elements of pop, punk and shoegaze to deliver a beautifully emotive performance. Songs like ‘I Stole Your Jumper’ channelled the influences of punk acts like the Riot Grrrl Movement, capturing the audiences attention with the combination of heavy pulsating instrumentation and fiercely defiant vocals that produced an atmosphere of shared vulnerability and catharsis. This influence from riot Grrl shone through on later tracks, with ‘Connect The Room’ exploring the idea of being able to connect with her fellow female artists using a quiet, echoing performance that gave the impression of a chorus of collaborating vocals that beautifully illustrated the message of her track. Wilder showcased her versatility as an artist, transitioning from intense moments to softer, more introspective tracks like ‘Morning Rain,’ where her soft crooning vocals were complemented by a stripped-back instrumental contribution. Overall, the final evening of The Line of Best Fit’s Five Day Forecast was a testament to the raw talent of all three acts showcased. It was an evening filled with raw emotion, infectious energy, and unforgettable music, solidifying each artist as an exciting rising star within the UK’s underground music scene. You Might Also Like
｡𖦹 ⋆Debut EP Release ✮ ⋆ ˚: Essence Martins “Deer In The Headlights”
｡𖦹 ⋆Debut EP Release ✮ ⋆ ˚: Essence Martins “Deer In The Headlights” British Nigerian artist Essence Martins blends the genres of pop, indie-folk, and soul to create magical experiences for listeners. 23.02.24 Words by Georgina Shine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCe0TyN4eDg The newest release from Martins is their mini album/EP – Deer In The Headlights and it is a 6 track gentile yet ethereal experience that will leave you transported into another world. Rubber Band focuses on the purity of Essence’s vocals as it is the mainstay sound in the track. As the introduction to the project, it sets the story of what is to come. It does open a story with its lyrics of hardship and a troubled connection between two people. Its introduction to the ethereal abilities of Martin’s voice by making it the focal point allows audiences to appreciate the talent from the get-go and also excites for what is to come on the rest of the EP/album. Pending Status is a track about love and a relationship that doesn’t seem to be true as Martins talks about waiting around for the pending status of the situation to be confirmed. Interspersed throughout the track is a backing of a male voice with voice messages and phone conversations Wandering Souls explores the reality we live in and the potential of another worldly place beyond what we know. It asks the question of where a soul goes once its time within reality as we know it is over. Essences also pose the possibility of whether all of our questions would be answered if we could find out what lies beyond the world we see. The song reaches a crescendo towards the end that sees a layering of voices all at once that embodies the purgatory-style feeling of all of the wandering souls stuck in this state waiting for somewhere to go and to be free. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8esK7HDFhU&t=345s Like A Fool is a beautiful ballad that pulls at the heartstrings as the album’s title is quoted in this hit about heartbreak. Opening with piano and setting the scene of the pain and hurt, the chorus moves into an echoing vocal of this twisted love story. Each verse is serene as Martins recognises the pain that she experiences as a result of the result. But the chorus picks up in rhythm and volume as she tells of how even with the heartache she can’t quite pull away from the pain even though she knows it’s wrong. Brussel Sprouts beams with optimism in this light and soft track that puts a smile on your face as you hear it. The positivity that her lover brings her is highlighted here as she talks about all of the wonders of her twin sister and just what they bring to her life, how the things they can do are almost miraculous. Closing the EP/album is Hate No More an acoustic guitar-heavy number where Martins describes trying to support and save the protagonist of the song but the message is beyond the protagonist and feels like a song for the listeners and even for herself. This a saviour song that is about finding something beyond the music and the words, this is a song of sanctuary that says to everyone, whatever you feel, you’re not alone, there is a brighter side, a person at the other end wanting to help you. Overall, Martins has crafted a six-song masterpiece that uses her vocal and lyrical abilities to transport listeners to another world and take them on a journey. If you aren’t already a fan of this artist, then this EP/album is an incredible introduction to her musical world that will have you pining for more. You Might Also Like
｡✵✫Gig Review✫✵: The Old Blue Last Presents flirting. With Special Guests Pigeon Dog
｡✵✫Gig Review✫✵: The Old Blue Last Presents flirting. With Special Guests Pigeon Dog Late on Valentine’s night, the Vice-owned Old Blue Last performance area was packed almost wall to wall – it was a crowd we didn’t push through in an attempt to respect the loving V-day spirit (so apologies for the not quite up-to-par photos). 19.02.24 Words by Caitlin Taylor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_JhRCqUGi0 We wandered in pretty late as we were coming from Camberwell and arrived towards the end of Pigeon Dog’s set. We only got to experience the last two songs, but both were intriguing enough to put Pigeon Dog on our ones-to-watch list. Their Drummer George Bailey was unfortunately unable to perform but Maya Raykov and Dorota Dutkova still put on a captivating grungy, guitar-heavy performance with their replacement drummer. If you’re curious to hear more, their 2021 EP ‘Stink’ follows themes of queer love and toxic masculinity and is available to listen to now. They’re also supporting Nella at the George Tavern on February 19th. Headlining were the decently illusive “anxiety-pop” band flirting. who self-describe as “a group therapy project, set to a Sofia Coppela soundtrack”. Similarities to The Cranberries and Sinead O’Connor were immediately obvious in lead singer Poppy Waring’s vocals but with a heavier instrumental backing. She noted that this was a particularly special night because their first headline gig was also on Valentine’s Day and the last time they were at the Old Blue Last was in 2018 when their first EP was released. The first half of their set was reasonably calm but they stepped things up in the second half after warning the crowd that “you should get some earplugs if you don’t already have any”. A particular stand-out moment was their cover of All The Things You Said by t.A.T.u., another band with creative ideas about capitalization and full stops. They played around during the set, featuring spoken word sections, heavy guitars and even venturing into performance art when at one point Waring drifted off the stage, downstairs, and onto the floor where she gently writhed around as the crowd peered down at her. At the end of their closing song, one by one each member of the band walked off stage, leaving their instruments in front of their amps creating deafening feedback that acted as a dramatic full stop to their performance. Going to gigs should be more normalized on Valentine’s Day – whether you’re single or in a couple a sweaty dancefloor full of equally passionate people who are watching bands who truly love what they do is much more intimate and maybe even romantic than dinner and drinks. Both Pigeon Dog and flirting. have been around for a few years now so have music out online and a few gigs in the near future to check out. Also special shout out to Aqualine who’s set we sadly missed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by flirting. (@actualflirting) You Might Also Like
‘*•.Debut Album Release ♡*’: Lime Garden ‘One More Thing’
Image by Jono White ‘*•.Debut Album Release ♡*’: Lime Garden ‘One More Thing’ Lime Garden’s long-anticipated debut album ‘One More Thing’ is a reflection of the bands ever-growing maturity – a timeless staple piece that strings years of songwriting into a tightly-wrapped package of passion and delicacy. 16.02.24 Words by Kristian Floate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlDHewTO7Zc Chloe Howard (vocals), Tippi Morgan (bass), Leila Deeley (guitar) and Annabel Whittle (drums) have collaborated since the age of 16, ploughing their way through defining debut ‘Surf ‘N’ Turf’ amongst their expansive alt-rock regalia to bring us a refreshed insight into the world of Lime Garden. There’s one thing for certain, they’ve come a long way since the ‘Lime’ days! With an exclusive first-listen to the entirety of ‘One More Thing’, we are transported across punchy driving basslines, reverb -saturated harmonies, raw acoustic authenticity, pulsing synth flavour and crisp guitar virtuosity. This fusion of parallels infuses each track with their own unique charm, while nodding to the coherent style that Lime Garden have pioneered since day one. One of the first instalments from the upcoming LP is ‘I Want To Be You’, a stripped ballad that explores themes of true obsession around the catchline ‘I want to be you so bad’. Opening with a hi-hat-heavy drum machine pattern, and intertwined guitar and vocal melodies, the track doesn’t overload the listener with the bells and whistles and keeps things simple yet impressionable. Released in November as the third taster of the full release, this single will feature as a midpoint to the album at track no.6. With ‘Nepotism (baby)’ reaching the public domain in July 2023, suspicion grew on the Brighton quartet’s next move – our prayers were quickly answered upon the release of ‘Love Song’ in September, alongside the announcement of the full album. ‘Love Song’ is a striking opener, with disjointed guitar runs and pulsing synths flowing seamlessly on a bed of silky vocal melodies. The surge in production value across LG’s newest tracks hasn’t gone unnoticed – and the alt-rockers can be seen incorporating more complexity than ever before. With phaser-drowned bass and autotuned playfulness across the track ‘Floor’, reversed keys in ‘Pine’ and guttural synth foundations across ‘It’, Lime Garden are dropping essences of new technicality from start to finish, yet keeping their stripped simplicity across ‘Looking’ – where delicate vocal-centred harmonies and relatable lyricism are blended effortlessly on a bed of tender acoustic guitar strums. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lime Garden (@limegardenband) ‘Popstar’ is a personal favourite, with more relatable lyricism and infectious catchiness that first appeared in Lime Garden’s earlier releases ‘Marbles’ and ‘Clockwork’: ‘I’ve tried all my family, but no one has much to spare, so it looks like it’s up to me to work until despair – I don’t like my job’ The clear storytelling of an aspiring popstar, this track highlights the difficulties of holding down a part time job while simultaneously maintaining your music career – well that’s my take! The track has inspired the design of t-shirts available to buy in exclusive merch bundles here. With an exciting string of dates announced across the UK & EU, intimate Instores, and limited edition vinyl (who knew ‘cornetto vinyl’ was an option?) – Lime Garden’s 2024 is off to a flying start! ‘One More Thing’ is out today with So Young Records You Might Also Like
｡✯New Single Release✯: Cruush “Headspace”
｡✯New Single Release✯: Cruush “Headspace” Manchester alt-rock risers cruush release ‘Headspace’, the second single from their upcoming EP ‘Nice Things Now, All The Time’ hitting stores April 12th via Heist or Hit 14.02.24 Zac Chidgey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_QUEiUTXZI After penning a deal with Manchester heavyweights ‘Heist or Hit’ in early 2022 the band wasted no time getting projects released with a string of singles leading up to their debut EP ‘Wishful Thinker’ which came out in April 2023. They’re back with their latest track ‘Headspace’, the second single from upcoming EP ‘Nice Things Now, All The Time’ coming out 12th April. Described by the band as ‘Maybe the most relatable song on the EP’ the track touches on themes of love lost and trying to get over a crush, blending grit-your-teeth distortion with disarming sweetness. The track opens with picked guitars and a driving beat, shortly met by Amber’s soft vocals telling a timid story of the naivety she experienced in love, doubting they would do anything wrong. The band uses the arrangement to their advantage, utilising synthesisers, and the mix to dictate the energy, building to a climax towards the rear, creating a live energy surge – something the band were conscious of creating whilst recording the track. With the likes of Jack Saunders, Steve Lamaq and Tom Robinson backing the band, and magazine heavyweights NME, DIY and CLASH lining up to call themselves fans it’s hard to avoid the bands effortless pull. On the live side selling out hometown shows at Gullivers and YES whilst supporting artists such as NewDad, BDRMM and The Lounge Society the band really are just as prolific live as they are in the studio. With the EP will come a limited run of 12” vinyl’s, holding their 2023 EP ‘Wishful Thinker’ on the flip side – a treat to all the fans who have been asking for a physical since its release. ‘Nice Things Now, All The Time’ is a must listen for existing and new fans as the band explore their sound deeper than ever before, you can catch them live with a string of shows coming up advertised on their socials. View this post on Instagram A post shared by cruush (@cruushband) You Might Also Like
‧₊˚Gig Review⋆ ˚｡: Headshrinkers, Hare & Hounds 04.02.24
‧₊˚Gig Review⋆ ˚｡: Headshrinkers, Hare & Hounds 04.02.24 On Sunday 4th February, Black-Country band Headshrinkers hit the stage at Birmingham’s iconic Hare & Hounds venue, for a night of pure Midlands madness. 14.02.24 Words by Gracie Rogers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hvd2dNBBUxM The first opener was Sancho Panza – sort of. Rail strikes reduced the quintet to a solo artist for the night, but nonetheless this was a cracking way to warm up the crowd. Aided onstage by his friends, we were treated to smooth vocals, a gorgeous acoustic guitar, and lots of laughs. After a quick break, the Lydons took to the stage, and delivered the opener to end all openers. Hugely impressive for such a newly formed band of youngsters, these lads brought an awesome energy to their setlist, with some staggering vocals and truly epic chemistry. Lydons certainly have a bright future ahead of them! It was then time for the main event, and Headshrinkers certainly delivered. We’ve come to expect a quality opening from them, and things certainly set off with a ‘Bang Bang’. One of my favourite tracks from the group, this was a truly joyous way to kick off the set. The four-piece group have amassed a small but ferociously loyal following, and for good reason. Their discography has such a unique quality, balancing Scarlett’s awesome drum beats with frontman Garran’s stunning observational poetry, and some heavy guitar work from Xavier and James. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HEADSHRINKERS (@theheadshrinkers) From their ‘Doorway Conversations’ EP to a range of standalone singles, the band have only put out a limited number of tracks (though we’ve been promised that there is another EP in the works), and yet have already accumulated an impressive number of absolute anthems. Perhaps their greatest quality is the pure chemistry between the band members. Each one adds something incredibly special to the mix, and they were a delight to watch on stage. This is a group of performers, who seem so at ease on stage and with each other, and who make the crowd feel at ease too. They’re brilliantly funny, and their live sound is absolutely impeccable, juggling professionalism and relatability. We were treated to the phenomenal ‘Haggard Muggins’, where the originality of Garran’s vocals really shone, ‘Interrobang’ with the sickest of all bass lines, and the highlight of their set was of course the immense ‘Plasticine’ mosh pit (on a Sunday of all days) which rounded out the night. Hare & Hounds is a well-established and much-beloved venue in Birmingham, having hosted artists like Ed Sheeran and Ellie Goulding, and being the site of UB40’s first ever gig. Sunday solidified Headshrinkers’ place in Hare & Hounds’ iconic guestlist, and if you get the chance to catch them at one of their upcoming shows, they are not to be missed. You Might Also Like