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
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Eaves Wilder ‘Freefall’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Eaves Wilder ‘Freefall’ 16.10.23 Words by Teguan Harris Eaves Wilder explores pure hedonism and releases herself from trauma in her unearthly new single, ‘Freefall’. London-born and raised Eaves Wilder unleashes a heartfelt and raw single that resonates with survivors of trauma, titled ‘Freefall’, released under her label, Secretly Canadian. ‘Freefall’ is her third single release of the year, following ‘Better Together’ and ‘Are You Diagnosed’, featured in her stunning 2023 EP ‘Hookey’. Wilder frees herself from trauma and the inability to let go in ‘Freefall’, urgently welcoming intimacy after healing and recovery. Wilder is on a vulnerable and raw journey of hedonism and letting go, creating space for her listeners to resonate and realise when they are ready to begin again after such hurt. Harnessing her early obsession with 60’s Motown records, Lily Allen and The Sunday’s Harriet Wheeler, Wilder began songwriting around the age of eight. Wilder wrote ‘Freefall’ when she felt ready to move on and allow herself to let go again, as she urges to do everything and feel everything at once. With intimate lyrics and ethereal melodies, it is unsurprising that this divine single has already gained popularity and noticeability since its release; ‘‘Freefall’ has made her Next Wave on Jack Saunder’s BBC Radio 1 show ‘Radio 1’s Future Artist’, where she gave an insightful interview on the show on BBC Sounds. Wilder has a habit of earning that title, where she was named Next Wave at ‘Radio 1’s Future Artist’ with her single ‘Are You Diagnosed?’ earlier this year. Wilder has exciting opportunities lined up for her, as she is set to headline Abbie McCarthy’s Good Karma Club on October 17th with support from Girlband and is also headlining Golden Slippers at Blacks in London on November 20th. She has also previously supported Last Dinosaurs on their sold-out show at Lafayette last September, headlined The Social last February with the support of Tummy Ache, Jacoténe and TV Room, and performed at one of the most anticipated events of the year, Glastonbury, last June for BBC Introducing. From exciting opportunities to being named Next Wave at Radio 1’s Future Artist, Wilder is evidently on the rise as a rising alternative and indie music star. With her unique and dreamy talent and sound, Wilder’s next move is exhilarating to predict. You Might Also Like Eaves Wilder, Greater London, Indie, New Discovery, New Releases, Shoegaze, Single
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Eden Rain ‘Pet Names’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Eden Rain ‘Pet Names’ 14.10.23 Words by Federica Purcaro Eden Rain’s new release is all about grooving into love Eden Rain, Leeds-born and now London-based pop-alt rising artist, is back with a newly released track titled ‘Pet Names’, celebrating the importance of trusting love and allowing it to be our guiding light despite getting tangled up in the twisted web of insecurities. The track, written and produced by Josef Page, has a dreamlike feeling thanks to the immersive upbeat guitar and hazy-like synth, never stranding from our side through the entire listen. It is a song with an underlying sweetness behind it, of butterflies and rosy cheeks, thinking about the love that surrounds us and finally giving in to simply letting our walls crumble and diving into the arms of our loved ones. The track, released on October 5th, is coming off Eden Rain’s upcoming second ep, ‘but i’m alright now’ and is another solidified proof of an artistic identity taking up form between creativity and poetry into the perfect alternative pop sound, perfect for a generation that uses music as a vessel for all the emotions that sometimes are too big to muster up into words alone. The lyrics reflect the song’s meaning, filled with tenderness and unwavering affection. Eden Rain explains that the song feels like a thank-you note to the people who never stopped taking care of or gave up on her by consistently showing up even when she believed she was unworthy of ever receiving that amount of love and attention. Eden previously talked about the meaning behind the title stating: “I called it Pet Names because sometimes I can be a little disorganised, chaotic mess, and the people that love me take to feeding me, cleaning up after me, taking me on walks…. I’m like a little pocket pet.” Her voice perfectly captures this soft and moving feeling, bringing to the piece an ethereal and delicate character that captivates you into listening to it over and over again, without ever getting tired of it. We cannot wait to see what more Eden Rain has in store for her musical journey. A journey that, right now, compares to a fresh and colourful canvas of emotions waiting to be seen by everyone. In the meantime, you can check Eden live at The Lower Third in London on November 4, 2023, and at Leeds Oporto on November 23, 2023. https://youtu.be/laafg0IlZYE You Might Also Like Bedroom, Eden Rain, Indie, Leeds, New Discovery, New Releases, Single
SEPT EP RELEASE – Fran Lusty ‘Ladybird – Forest Song (You Make It Easy)’
SEPT EP RELEASE – Fran Lusty ‘Ladybird – Forest Song (You Make It Easy)’ 10.10.23 Words by Georgina Shine The truly enchanting Fran Lusty is a singer-songwriter based in London who also takes pride in her Norwegian roots and her Nordic heritage comes through in her love for creating tracks that embrace the wonder of the natural world Lusty has recently released her new EP Ladybird, which is a 5 hit indie folk escape. One of the tracks on the EP is Forest Song (You Make It Easy) and it’s an enchanting demonstration of the magic and majesty in Lusty’s talents. Escapism and freedom are the joys that come from this number. Forest Song takes you on a journey into a new world through music as you find yourself working the Forest Path created by the soundscape. The song starts with a gentle serenity that replicates the feeling of first starting on an unknown path into the wilderness, taking the time to be mindful of each step and each movement as you take in your surroundings and tentatively move deeper into this new world. The song then moves into a crescendo moment where we experience a new rhythm, new pace and an influx of new sound into the senses. The sound of choosing to take our woodland stroll into new territory feels like a mimic of the experience of suddenly stumbling upon a clearing where the forest opens up and shares its magic, majesty and beauty. Like the experience of seeing the sunlight breaking through the canopy and highlighting the beauty of the forest, the change in sound highlights the diversity of Lusty’s abilities and brings attention to a different aspect of her sound. There is no doubt that Forest Song makes it easy to fall in love with the world around us and with the artist herself. Combining an appreciation for the natural world, with her natural talents Lusty has created an enchanting and dreamy musical getaway that you will want to visit over and over again as you take comfort in both what the artist represents and what she herself has to offer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M-gWnCE9Uo You Might Also Like Acoustic, Alternative Rock, EP, Fran Lusty, Greater London, Indie, New Releases, On the Rise
MAY EP FLASHBACK – Freak Slug ‘Viva la Vulva’
MAY EP FLASHBACK – Freak Slug ‘Viva la Vulva’ 09.10.23 Words by Sankavi Naresh Freak Slug is fearlessly herself in the aptly named “Viva La Vulva” not shying away from a more experimental sound as we get to experience a diverse range of songs Xenya Genovese aka Freak Slug is a Manchester-born indie-pop artist whose smooth vocals and eclectic sound have been gracing music platforms since 2019 with her single ‘Disorder’. Her EP, “Viva la Vulva”, released in March is a departure from her beginnings with ‘Disorder’ – it explores love in different forms and stages. The album is an exciting mish mash of 80s and 2010s indie pop. There is a comforting aura around it, reminiscent of bedroom pop that has gained popularity in recent years. Freak Slug is fearlessly herself in the aptly named “Viva La Vulva” not shying away from a more experimental sound as we get to experience a diverse range of songs. ‘27 club’ encapsulates a youthful 2010’s essence whilst its lyrics allude to something darker. The 27 club is a list or group of popular celebrities who died at the age of 27. Freak Club sings of a mysterious figure with “blue eyes” whom she is a “stranger” to- alluding to the fact that she’s lost him to suicide and spends the song reflecting upon their first meetings. Here the 27 club is a physical space where Freak Slug and this mysterious figure’s paths have once intertwined. ‘Kiss the Devil’ is more mellow in tone as Freak Slug seamlessly weaves a tale of a femme fatale and the bounds in which she can pursue a relationship with this woman. She acknowledges that “girl is trouble” but pursues her, dancing with (and in this case, kissing) the devil seems to be worth it in this cautionary number. ‘Sleepover Mood’ possesses a trance like melody fitting for its mood, almost lulling the listener in, quietly seductive in its lyrics. It has an almost bohemian feel to it, somewhere on a beach house in Hawaii but also what you’d hear playing out of a jukebox at an 80s diner, maybe even a sleepover. That’s the beauty of Freak Slug. She’s ever-changing and incredibly versatile. ‘Viva La Vulva’ – the title track of the EP is aptly named and is boldly Freak Slug, she effortlessly explores one’s sexuality through lyricism and viva la vulva is a statement in itself – more power to women. There’s a lofi, space-wave energy present, with a constant synth accompanying us on an intergalactic journey across the singer’s exploration of lustful one night stands. A haunting feeling hangs above the song – almost teasing listeners, spinning them into this scene. This is a refreshing take on a topic which is juggled with so much in songs, the lighthearted vibe to it is revitalising. Viva La Vulva is available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music and Soundcloud. You Might Also Like Bedroom, EP, FLASHBACK, Freak Slug, Grunge, Indie, Manchester
SEPT SINGLE FLASHBACK – THALA ‘I Know When You Care’
SEPT SINGLE FLASHBACK – THALA ‘I Know When You Care’ 08.10.23 Words by Suzanne Latre In the realm of indie music, vulnerability is often the gateway to resonant and authentic expression. THALA, a rising indie artist, is a prime example of this ethos, embracing vulnerability and channelling it into her ardent love for lyricism amid psych-tinged ’90s indie rock soundscapes. The lead single of this EP, “I Know When You Care,” is a fully charged emotional outpouring, burdened by the heart-wrenching experience of a family being torn apart. THALA’s songwriting skillfully weaves soaring guitars and poignant lyrics to channel the hurt and confusion induced by her parent’s divorce. “I don’t wanna stand here picking sides, cos I’m not sure which one is mine,” she reveals, embodying the internal struggle and the complex emotions entwined in family dynamics. The chorus resounds with a profound realization, acknowledging the sadness observed in each family member while mourning the time lost and the fractured relationship that ensued. It’s a raw and honest expression of the pain and longing that accompanies the breakdown of a familial bond. THALA’s album showcases fearless lyricism, excavating feelings of loss, pain, desire, and conflict against a backdrop of luminous production and addictive melodies. The album’s artwork, designed by Bill Green, sets the tone for the EP, merging sepia-tinted photographs with youthful scribbles, echoing bygone days and personal secrets yet to be disclosed. THALA’s signature dreampop vision is brought to life through blissful guitars and evocative crescendos, enveloping listeners in soaring choruses and intimate storylines. While the album exudes a sense of glorious emotive draw on the surface, THALA’s songwriting complexity allows for multiple interpretations, adding a layer of depth and is has this innocent air of what a child could be living during their families’ split: Sadness, confusion, distraction, a tinge of hope that all will be well. For THALA, music is not just a creative outlet—it’s a healing force, a means to navigate and mend the wounds within. With “I Know When You Care” and the ‘twotwentytwo’ EP, THALA invites listeners into her world, a world colored by vulnerability, passion, and the profound beauty of genuine human experience. It’s an intimate journey, a page from her diary that invites us to reflect on our own complexities and vulnerabilities, and in doing so, find solace and understanding through the power of music. You Might Also Like FLASHBACK, Grunge, Indie, New Discovery
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Dutch Mustard ‘Dirty Queen’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Dutch Mustard ‘Dirty Queen’ 08.10.23 Words by Teguan Harris Dutch Mustard releases their empyrean new single ‘Dirty Queen,’ their third track of the year. London-based alternative rock band Dutch Mustard has unveiled their latest unique single for our ears to be blessed with, titled Dirty Queen. ‘Dirty Queen’ is the third song Dutch Mustard released this year, in conjunction with their other 2023 singles ‘Feel Everything’ and their cover of Kate Bush’s ‘Running up That Hill’, following their stunning EP ‘An Interpretation of Depersonalisation’ released in 2022. With ‘Dirty Queen’, Dutch Mustard produces a dreamy and heavy sound, telling a sarcastic love story, with a colourful and dreamy music video accompanying the single, starring Holland-born Dutch Mustard frontman Sarah-Jayne Riedel. ‘Dirty Queen,’ through ethereal symphony and celestial production, unleashes the tale about where the fear of love could cause mayhem. Dutch Mustard has a history of producing breathtaking melodies contrasting with heavy sound. Dutch Mustard has a habit of letting their creativity bleed through their discography, with Riedel’s pure and creative experimentation of fuzzy and pristine melody, vision and lyricism. ‘Dirty Queen’ is a production of empyrean sound and symphony, with Riedel’s creative vision and the talented band that stands behind her at all times. After the release of their wondrous EP and their mind-blowing singles from this year alone, the future of Dutch Mustard is enticing to predict; with their creativity, spark, talent and uniqueness, the future for this alternative rock band looks bright. Alternative rock fans should be running, not walking, to revel in their sound. Stream ‘Dirty Queen’ below. You Might Also Like Uncategorised
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Ellie Bleach ‘Lakehouse’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Ellie Bleach ‘Lakehouse’ 01.10.23 Words by Holly Wilson Ellie Bleach Takes Us On a Trip To The Lakehouse. London-Based Singer/songwriter Ellie Bleach takes a little inspiration from her hometown in brand new single, “Lakehouse”. The 23-year-old, who was raised in the seaside commuter town of Southend, indulges us with melancholy daydream type fantasies, Ellie says, “Lakehouse is narrated by a silver spoon heiress with marriage at breaking point. She’s attempting to patch this up with a trip to their family’s lake house”. Ellie narrates a world of peculiar characters through her music, her wry wit and esoteric lyrical style examines the strange eccentricities of modern life. Her new single follows standalone track “Pamela”, which was released earlier this summer. “Lakehouse” follows direction from previous tracks with Ellies character-driven, witty, and cynical but harbours a country twang. “I just really enjoy writing from the perspective of a character that might be a little bit more unhinged than me” says Ellie. Her short stories echoed through music create a phenomenal experience, playing with sound and fantasized imagery. Named 2023 ‘One To Watch’ by both Dorl and Gigwise Ellie has a bright future ahead and we look forward to following her journey – we’re about to be hit with an insanely powerful album. https://youtu.be/oR11NaaRA8M You Might Also Like Ellie Bleach, Folk Pop, General and Greater London, Indie, New Discovery, New Releases
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Wings of Desire ‘A Gun In Every Home’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Wings of Desire ‘A Gun In Every Home’ 25.09.23 Words by Alistair Mclean Wings of Desire breaks out with a shoegaze spectacular. Slow Dive, Jesus and the Mary chain and My Bloody Valentine were pioneers in the Shoegaze genre during the 1980s and 1990s, unfortunately, the sound was hard to replicate with many bands failing to understand what made the genre so exciting. Luckily, Wings of Desire continue the sounds of they’re previous contemporises by releasing a new shoegaze inspired song ‘A Gun In Every Home’ that is reminiscent of a closing track from a coming-of-age indie film. The duo hailing from the UK are a breath of fresh air for the UK indie scene, drawing inspiration from psychological revolutions and 20th century counterculture, the inspirations pay off as it delivers a hopeful, guitar heavy track with dreamy vocals as the main forefront of the track. The two lead singers James Taylor and Chloe Little work well together in this newest single with James taking on the verses, sounding like the singer is desperately trying to break out as he is drowned out by static guitars and drums. Taylor sings lines such as “I never wanted to hurt you my beautiful angel” this would explain why littles contributions to the song sounds much more angelic and clearer, painting the picture that Little is looking down on Taylor while the frontman is telling her how much he cares for there love. Other than the guitar and drums being a major driving force behind the track, the song also has great additional instrumentals that make it a standout. The piano melody sprinkled in the background with the added vocal layers in between further drives home the vibe of an inspirational coming to age track. Listening to this single makes me excited for the future of Wings of Desire and makes me an instant fan, while also wanting to going back and listen to the same bands who created the dreamy psychedelic sound that is shoe gaze. Wings of Desires ‘A gun in every home’ was released on the 20th of September alongside another single ‘001 [Tame The War, Feed The Fire]’. A list of their upcoming shows can be seen here: https://wingsofdesire.bandcamp.com/ You Might Also Like Uncategorised
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Lola Wild ‘Rendezvous’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Lola Wild ‘Rendezvous’ 23.09.23 Words by Ricky Labrada Covered in a 60’s aesthetic the track is a catchy and somewhat infectious indie tune “I’ve tried so hard to go back,” states Lola Wild in the start of her debut single ‘Rendezvous’. Covered in a 60’s aesthetic the track is a catchy and somewhat infectious indie tune aided by a visually pleasing video. The song with the smooth vocals and calm instrumentals overall, especially keys, complement the track very well. It is nothing ground breaking in terms of sound, but this a track where that is not necessary, it’s simply pleasing to listen to. When combining that with the visual identity, they add to each other as the visuals present an irresistible blend of choreography and aesthetic. There is a strong visual identity attached, bringing a retro vibe with every shot. She wrote a love song and the very real fear and vulnerability that comes with it. The beauty of the track comes from this vulnerability as it’s something everyone can relate to. The spin here comes about in the topic being a queer love and her own experiences. “She’s the perfect piece of my heart” and “I still remember how you use to laugh” show us a tinge of heartbreak with those feelings for a past love that still linger. That retro experience combined with the subject matter is nice juxtaposition as usually those who take past aesthetics don’t always challenge the status quo. Wild choosing to flip the love lyrics to fit a more modern world adds a layer of personality lacking in indie and pop music. I enjoyed the track from my first listen to the various ones I had when writing this review to confirm my feelings on it. It is a beautiful track and I look forward to hearing her next project. It’s a 7/10 for me and a strong track for Wild to commence her musical career. (Unsure if we do scores if we do this is what I rate it) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IkHp_N-Vfo You Might Also Like East London, Indie, Lola Wild, New Discovery, New Releases, Pop