INTERVIEW – Talk Show
INTERVIEW – Talk Show 17.11.23 Words by Noah Cole I sat down with effervescent Talk Show frontman Harrison to discuss their new album ‘Effigy,’ the band’s past discography and collaborating with Gorillaz Remi Kabaka Jr. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP77nVs0sV4 The industrial four-piece, who claim their roots in South London, have undergone an evolution that can only be compared to the likes of New Order’s post-Joy Division efforts. Emerging as a different animal in 2019 with double single Fast and Loud, the band had a sound that they claim was more ‘The Crow’ than their current ‘Blade’ (1998) inspired iteration. Speaking on their evolution frontman Harrison said; “It came together really, really quickly gold. We already knew we had a pretty certain direction we were heading in any way from the previous EP (Touch the Ground). We kind of already felt like we’d shifted and what we were aiming for was going to be a bit different to the old EP’s, which I felt pretty disconnected with anyway.” It feels like another lifetime ago, a little bit, partly because of COVID.” As music and film fanatics the band’s post-covid metamorphosis was built on the influences of movies like Blade and the bands who scored them such as Massive Attack, instead of The Crow inspired melodies of past: “It’s kind of like, in my eyes The Crow is a bit more goth kind of thing, and maybe inprevious iterations of the band or thought processes we would have maybe thought we were more aligned to that.” “But I think ours kind of shifted a little bit and it felt a bit more like Metropolis-esque, Blade, Matrix kind of style. “The other two films that I massively wanted to reference in the visuals was Fallen Angels which is a film by Korean director Wong Kar-Wai which is beautiful, like it’s stunning, and it’s really, really claustrophobic. “I always find of that era; all the darkness is all really green, it’s just a really interesting colour scheme that I really quite like. The other one was Enter the Void, which is another, again, just visually beautiful film.” Referencing music influences Harrison said; “With gold on the new album, I think it’s just the type of stuff I was listening to had massively shifted. And I think my eyes were more open about that.” I mean I was listening to loads of nine-inch nails, I was listening to a lot of Massive Attack, a lot of Tricky.” “And that’s what kept it interesting for this album. I’d like to think that the album itself is pretty diverse. in some of its influences or each track by track or verse by verse. I mean, there’s not like folk bands and mariachi jingles and, you know what I mean? But I’d like to think the way that we’ve maybe pieced it together, the tracks each have their own different stamp on them, which I think was really important for the album.” Although ‘Effigy’ claims diverse influences from Metropolis, Nine Inch Nails and Fallen Angels, a large contributor to the diverse sound of the band’s first LP was Remy Kabaka Jr of Gorillaz fame. “Working with him in the studio was, was really, really eye opening. I think just the way that he pushed us was really positive because I think he got us to think about the music in a different way, in a way that we’venever really thought about before.” ‘Gold’ Single Artwork It feels more complete, rather than just like guitar, bass, drums. Kind of helped us add detail into it without it being self-indulgent, without it being wanky.” “I feel very lucky to have said that I’ve worked with him. He was just great. And he really, like I said, he really pushed us in a, in a really strong direction.There’re definitely things that I’ve learned from that, that I will absolutely carry forward. Which is all you can ask for, right? When you’re a new-ish band like us you want to be taking influence and soaking stuff up. Another collaborator on the album was Sonny Diperri who mixed ‘Effigy’ singles Gold and Closer“making those tracks shine.” However, with all the differing tones on the album the age-old question seemed appropriate “what genre is the new album?” In reaction Harrison replied, “We are forever going to be tarnished with the post punk brush, and that’s fine by me.” “I’m actually not remotely bothered by it. I think some musicians, or some bands get really wound up by it. I just see past it and it’s fine. It is closer to more of a rock album and I think it’s maybe like industrial rock. Maybe that’s what I would call it because I wanted it to feel like it’s in an urban setting with buildings. It’s supposed to be set in this somewhat mythical nightclub. I wanted it to have a feeling ofbeing in a city and it being in a really densely populated place. And I think that’s what massively inspired the cover art for the album as well.” Harkening back to the “claustrophobic” nature of Wong Kar-Wai’s Fallen Angels Harrison said “It needed to feel like it was somewhere busy. Although it was on the secluded edge of a very, very claustrophobic,and densely populated place. It’s supposed to feel like the entrance to somewhere, and that’s as far as I wanted it to lead, do you know what I mean? I wanted it to look somewhat familiar, but also somewhat like, what is that? What is that place? Or what are those?” Circling back to the band’s pre- ‘Touch the Ground’ discography Harrison said; “It totally feels like another band, in my eyes. The band get wound up by me saying this, but like, we won’t go back to playing some of those songs. We just won’t, because it doesn’t feel right to be playing them. It doesn’t feel right for me to be singing those words. “Maybe the other guys in the band feel differently
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
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – wych elm ‘Virgin Mary’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – wych elm ‘Virgin Mary’ 03.11.23 Words by Cat Gannon Redolent of The Runaways’‘Cherry Bomb’, Wych Elm’s‘Virgin Mary’is a dark vignette of woman’s suffering, a pocket-sized soliloquy on child birth, chastity, weakness and religion The Bristolian3-piece draws on punk and indie rocktraditions lacedwith folklore-ish grunge to create a unique sound. With subject-matter often on the more grisly side, Wych Elmwill have a strong allure for those roaming the sonic sphere forfresh music off the beaten track. Wych Elm had major success with their 2017 ‘School Shooter’single, and can already boast two albums in their oeuvre since 2019. Witha sardonic spin on patriarchal ideology, ‘Virgin Mary’opens witha bathroom-esque, echoeytimbre and stripped back instrumentals: I was made to be weak and that’s what I am/ He is my shepherd and I am his lamb/ I was made to be in pain, that’s what I’ll endure/ Give birth to your sons, premature. The chorus speaks to the female experience, with the protagonist regurgitating societal expectations, such as the pain of childbirth ora woman’s value being based in chastity: Be the Virgin Mary/ Be the lamb to the slaughter/ He said you can’t lose your innocence/ Or you’ll have nothing left to offer. The narrative is flipped later, with the protagonist retaliating: Why do I have to suffer/ To be fucking respected/ Being a woman is a wound/ That keeps getting infected. Virgin Mary is largely sung witha measured, conservative rhythm, giving it a taunting sense of creepiness. The vocals have a contained fury to them which leadto an explosion of emotion in the repetition of the chorus which finishes the song, ending with a screech of guitar feedback. Self-described as playing menacing and grungy indie rock, ‘Virgin Mary’epitomises Wych Elm’s style, and is a good place to start if you’re just getting acquainted with the band. ‘Virgin Mary’was released on 25 October and is part of their upcoming and third EP ‘Field Crow’, which will be released on 10 November. They have upcoming tour dates in Bradford and Manchester on 14 and 15 November, as well as London, Nottingham and Bristol later this month. You Might Also Like Bristol, Indie, New Releases, On the Rise, Post Punk, Single, wych elm
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 – 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
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – SPRINTS ‘Up and Comer’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – SPRINTS ‘Up and Comer’ 19.09.23 Words by Liv Winter Riot Grrrl Garage Punk – Dublin’s Up and Comers release new single ahead of debut album. Ahead of their highly anticipated first album debut, Dublin Punk-Grunge rockers SPRINTS dropped their newest single, Up and Comer. Due January next year, the album, ‘Letter To Self’, boasts two singles currently released by the band, with Up and Comer being the most recent. The Irish four piece has gained reputation with their energetic live shows, and a steady flow of singles documents the band’s growth from their formation in 2019. Up and Comer is a raw, impassioned homage to punk music, echoing ‘Riot grrrl’, a subcultural movement that combines feminism, punk music, and politics. Featuring the tell-tale signs of a classic up-beat punk track, fast, distorted guitars and loud vocals from the band’s lead vocalist Karla Chubb. On the track, Karla had to say: “Up And Comer is a pretty dry take on a fear and self-consciousness that has been ruminating in me since I picked up an instrument. This innate fear that maybe I would always be ‘good for a girl’, but would I ever actually be great? It’s an invisible narrative that has been constructed by the doubts and negativity I’ve been fed by others, as well my own imposter syndrome.” The lyrics of the track take aim at the critique and limitations put upon the band, although received positively, it’s a lukewarm reception, and the band are demanding, through this forceful song, more recognition outside of just being good for an up and comer. The anger is heard and felt, and solidifies the punk genre with both lyrics and overall sound. SPRINTS will be hitting London on October 4th and their hometown of Dublin on October 6th, before embarking on a European Tour commencing January 5th, coinciding with their album release. https://youtu.be/RAVgqbsw5NE You Might Also Like Dublin, New Releases, On the Rise, Post Punk, Punk Rock, Rock, Single, Sprints
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Dog Sport ‘Cylinders’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Dog Sport ‘Cylinders’ 18.09.23 Words by Lea Grnova Liverpool’s emerging band Dog Sport debuts with ‘Cylinders,’ infusing 80s post-punk with grunge aggression and promising a fresh musical experience. Liverpool, known for its rich musical heritage, has birthed yet another promising act on the music scene. Dog Sport, is led by guitarist/singer Jack O’Neill, singer/bassist Matthew Walker, drummer Lisa Fawcett, guitarist Calum O’Neill, and keyboardist/guitarist Alexander Rose. “The light and shade of songs mirror the small pleasures found between long working hours, growing up in uninspiring industrial towns, and living amongst the organized chaos of the city,” the band describes the music. Dog Sport made its musical debut with “Cylinders,” a track released on the 15th of September 2023. In an era where nostalgia often intertwines with innovation, Dog Sport emerges as a compelling force, offering a fresh take on the familiar. “Cylinders” serves as a captivating introduction to the band’s musical identity, infusing the essence of 80s post-punk with a dash of grunge aggression. Close your eyes and allow your imagination to transport you to the labyrinthine streets of a gritty urban landscape. The distant hum of heavy machinery becomes your backdrop, and the echoing footsteps of uncertainty resonate off the cold, concrete walls adorned with layers of graffiti. Each bit of paint tells the story of rebellion. This is the imagery that “Cylinders” evokes. This song radiates unapologetic energy, blending chaos and harmony with avant-garde sophistication. It is a compelling composition defined by raw aggression, enigmatic vocals, a pulsating bassline mirroring urban rhythms, a guitar as an emotive messenger, a keyboard crafting a portal to the unknown, and drums that serve as the heartbeat of rebellion. Whether you are a fan of 80s post-punk or simply looking for something new and exciting, Dog Sport’s “Cylinders” is a track worth checking out. If you would like to see Dog Sport live, they will be one of two support acts for System, exclusively at The Salty Dog in Northwich, on the 23rd of September. You Might Also Like Dog Sport, Liverpool, New Discovery, New Releases, Post Punk, Shoegaze
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – headboy ‘Reservoir’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – headboy ‘Reservoir’ London trio headboy enthralls with their upcoming debut EP, teasing us with the raw and commanding single ‘Reservoir’ Words by Isla Mcrobbie 16.05.23 London trio headboy has given us a tantalizing taste of their upcoming debut EP, titled ‘Was It What You Thought,’ through the raw and commanding single ‘Reservoir.’ This powerful song delves into post-breakup post-punk themes of despair and detachment. Through metaphorical lyrics, it portrays a poignant and toxic comparison between two individuals, narrated from the perspective of a jealous observer. The repeated phrase, “I’m scared all the time,” reinforces the underlying sense of vulnerability and unease. The production of ‘Reservoir’ creates a murky and brooding atmosphere that intensifies the emotional impact. Lead vocalist Mars showcases a distinctively deep, gravelly voice that amplifies the melancholic undertones. The track’s minimalist and sharp instrumentation, driven by guitar and propelled by an adrenaline-fueled drumbeat, evokes a haunting quality reminiscent of iconic bands like Joy Division or Interpol. headboy possesses an undeniable and captivating charm that has garnered widespread appeal, myself included. Upon visiting their website, I discovered an exciting announcement—their EP release show is scheduled for June 30, 2023, at the esteemed Paper Dress Vintage venue on 352a Mare St, Kingsland, London E8 1HR. As soon as tickets become available, I eagerly plan to attend the show, and I warmly encourage you to join me there!
NEW EP RELEASE – Nuha Ruby Ra – ‘Machine Like Me’
NEW EP RELEASE – Nuha Ruby Ra – ‘Machine Like Me’ Nuha Ruby Ra’s ‘Machine Like Me’ EP: A Raw and Cathartic Exploration of Emotion through Experimental Soundscapes Words by Isla Mcrobbie Nuha Ruby Ra’s latest EP, Machine Like Me, is an experimental piece that challenges traditional notions of melody, harmony, and rhythm. Clocking in at just over 23 minutes, the EP offers a supernatural listening experience that’s sure to make you want to scream out your emotions. In an interview with DIY Magazine, Ruby Ra explained that she writes songs and performs them to shed trapped emotions. She screams on stage, and those screams are like a godsend. With Machine Like Me, Ruby Ra invites her audience to scream along and release their innermost thoughts and feelings. This EP has been long-awaited, teased since the release of the initial single My Voice in 2022, followed by Self Portraiture and 6 In The Morning. The project explores bleak underground soundscapes and features introspective, vulnerable, and yet fiercely reflective lyrics. The final three tracks, Slicer, Rise, and You Never Know, showcase Ruby Ra’s vocal range and ability to push the boundaries of traditional music genres. Ruby Ra’s unique sound and approach to songwriting have garnered critical acclaim and a growing fan base. With Machine Like Me, she solidifies her position as an artist to watch in the experimental music scene. Overall, this EP is a powerful and visceral expression of the human experience that will leave you feeling energized and ready to take on the world. Check out Machine Like Me now and experience the primal scream therapy for yourself here.
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Heartworms ‘Retributions Of An Awful Life’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Heartworms ‘Retributions Of An Awful Life’ A new-wave take on dystopian post-punk. Heartworms release first track of debut EP ‘A Comforting Notion’. Words by Isla Mcrobbie Image Credit: Camille Alexander “Look at me, I can fly That’s the way it’s happening You could feel this all the time Let’s just take another three Up the wall, through the trench This will quit your life dry This will kick your life high But to quench your life, why?” Frontwoman JoJo’s voice is in defiant order in the anticipated debut track titled ‘Retributions of An Awful Life’. And what an awful life it is, a cinematic noir take on battle, Heartworms have continued their militant regime into our ears with the first release of upcoming dystopian post-punk debut EP, rather ironically titled – ‘’A Comforting Notion’. (Scheduled release March 22nd) Hitting the cover of Issue 42 of So Young Magazine during an interview with Poppy Richler she describes her lyrics: “There may be elements of hope in the music I write, but it always comes down to a dark synth, lyric or a darkness in the way its sung”. This introspective track showcases the band’s signature sound, reminiscent of the late 1970s and early 1980s in its use of synthesizers and other electronic elements. Characterized by this experimental and eclectic production, there is an incredible industrial emphasis in the moody instrumentation. So far Heartworms few releases have proven to be a new wave take on a genre paved by the likes of Joy Division, The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees. Get ready to listen to something dark, edgy, and atmospheric, with a refreshing focus on mood and texture rather than raw aggression. And I for one, can’t wait to hear what’s next. Listen to Heartworms new release ‘Retributions Of An Awful Life’ here: Heartworms 1 Videos Heartworms – Retributions Of An Awful Life Video Video Director – Niall Trask Video Producer/ 1st AD – Dan Matthews DoP – Morgan Sinclair Focus Puller / First AC – Callan Matthews Song Produced by – Dan Carey Record Label – Speedy Wunderground.