TNAM X HEY, NOTHING
TNAM.UK X HEY, NOTHING Music from/selected by/inspired by hey, nothing – with help from the TNAM team. Find our original interview from Pitchfork festival over on our Instagram! TNAM.UK Playlist {{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }} {{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }} {{ options.labels.newReviewButton }} {{ userData.canReview.message }} You Might Also Like Recent Posts
Songs from South Africa
Songs from South Africa Staff picks of some of the best new music and artists living in or from South Africa. People’s Playlist by Caitlin Taylor {{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }} {{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }} {{ options.labels.newReviewButton }} {{ userData.canReview.message }} You Might Also Like Recent Posts
Leibniz – Shut Up The World
Image credit: Jake Reid Leibniz – Shut Up The World Leibniz are a quick-rising Brighton trio that have captivated the grassroots music scene, with their infectious live energy and raw emotion making the ‘grungecore’ newcomers an essential addition to the artist radar. Words by Kristian Floate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J94fsi6pXCk Expect unfiltered anger and pain – bursting from the seams of a discography that doesn’t tip-toe around difficult subjects, but tackles them head-on. From transgender liberation and healthcare to mental health, Leibniz are highlighting the sometimes bleak reality of these topics, plating them up in front of diverse audiences and creating meaningful and essential conversation. Easing in with a squeaky clean octave melody, the trio don’t bother hanging around with gradual build-ups and steady interludes – cascading into full chaotic breakdown within the first few bars and maintaining an unmissable potency from start to feral finish. With Leibniz’s upcoming debut EP ‘Lifetime Patient’ encapsulating the ‘sonic expressions of trauma’ and playing homage to growing NHS waiting lists – their first single is a welcome introduction to a band who won’t hesitate to let their guard down and share the unfiltered truth. Written during a panic attack, Erin says – “I was literally having a meltdown when I wrote ‘Shut Up the World’. I just needed to release all this confusing energy and tension, and I think this song really represents the feeling of being overstimulated and unable to do anything about it, all I want is to shut up the world around me and shrink inside myself but all I can do is scream”. If the pained screams of lead vocalist Erin Munn aren’t enough to communicate the deep-rooted frustration and confusion catalysed by feelings of overstimulation in a deafening world, their lyricism is sure to do just that. Desires to ‘turn off my mind’ and regain control are deep-rooted from the very first note, and the relatability of these themes are ones that have earnt them deserved spaces on local + national stages, from supporting Brighton’s Belmondo on September 8th to riot grrrl legends Pussyliquor earlier this year. https://www.instagram.com/p/DAajBMStJJ0/ The unstoppable forces of Erin, Jack and Elisha have also turned the heads of Brighton’s Small Pond Studio, and their contribution to the critically acclaimed ‘Emerging’ program with 2023’s ‘Cold and Calculated’ has sent seismic waves across the country and established the band as ones to watch. Paired with their DIY follow-up ‘No Body No Home’ in early ’24, Leibniz are forging a discography that compiles elements of grunge, shoegaze and hardcore effortlessly, while showcasing a sound that continues to mature and diversify in technicality and complexity. ‘Shut Up The World’ will be released on September 27th, and the full EP ‘Lifetime Patient’ will hit the airwaves on 11th October – paired with physical cassettes and unannounced live shows.
Manchester Psych Fest 2024: A day of raw, hypnotic, guitar-led energy
Heartworms by Kyle Roczniak MANCHESTER PSYCH FEST 2024: A DAY OF RAW, HYPNOTIC, GUITAR-LED ENERGY As the Autumnal clouds firmly make their mark and restore Manchester’s infamous dull tones, Manchester Psych Fest saw a glimmer of sunshine as TNAM.UK bid farewell to the whirlwind of Summer festivals once more. Words by Kyle Roczniak Kicking things off in a stylish fasion, the beautiful ballroom of the O2 Ritz saw Parisian collective Juniore make their much-anticipated return to Manchester soil, carrying with them a wide array of surf-rock inspired melodies and sunsoaked grooves, encapsulating a certain ‘60s French noir. Their big hits such as ‘Ah bah d’accord’ are welcomed with rapturous energy from the packed-out room, as vocalist Anna Jean’s elegant tones set the city up for a day of weird and wonderful music. TTSSFU Kyle Roczniak It’s not long until we’re back in the smallest, sweatiest rooms though, as a mad dash across the road following Juniore’s hour-long epic means I can catch Duvet’s guitarist Tasmin Stephens open the 500 capacity Gorilla, under her solo project name TTSSFU. Wielding her signature heart-shaped guitar and flanked by her consummate band, her soaring indie-pop tunes translate perfectly to a live setting, received by a refreshingly respectful crowd of all demographics. Psych Fest sees Tasmin take on two must-see sets, delivering driving post-punk goodness with Duvet a mere 3 hours later. A highlight of MPF is always the eclectic atmosphere provided by the utilisation of different event spaces. Between catching Goat Girl at the historical Albert Hall, and dashing back to the Ritz for NewDad, the afternoon is filled with a rare sense of urgency as I dash between Manchester’s staple ‘sweaty venue’ YES, and the makeshift outdoor stage at Projekts, an urban skatepark nestled comfortably under Manchester’s inner ring road, the Mancunian Way. My trip there was an excitement-filled one, finally catching Heartworms live, the London-based solo project of guitar and theremin witch Jojo Ormes. Her ability to create such a wide soundscape is something to be noted, as she effortlessly belts atop a mix of heavy guitars and boomy, driving drums, creating an electronic sound with a post-punk-esque lineup. Closing on ‘Retributions Of An Awful Life’, Heartworms must surely feel a sense of belonging in front of the rapturous festivalgoers, as they dance and sing the afternoon away, and do their best at catching the T-shirts thrown into the crowd by the band. Heartworms by Kyle Roczniak Heartworms by Kyle Roczniak Heartworms by Kyle Roczniak The rest of the day sees me waiting around for my real heroes HotWax – the MUST-SEE grunge rock trio from Hastings, with the loudest and most prominent set that undeniably leaves the biggest mark and is aching to be showcased on bigger and better stages around the world. Aside from some technical difficulties that involved bassist and vocalist Lola having to forcibly hammer against the switches on her instrument, and press down on guitarist and lead vocalist Tallulah’s pedal board like her life depended on it, the set was the perfect late-evening farewell to the group, with their raucous antics pleasing a mix of devoted fans and converts. With the rapid drum rhythms (courtesy of Alfie Sayers) and angular guitar lines of ‘Phone Machine’ to the unforgettable earworm bass in tracks such as ‘Rip It Out’ and ‘High Tea’, we can be sure that the band’s onstage teaser of an upcoming debut album means that any future Manchester shows will only progress to be bigger and more exciting for everyone. Hotwax by Kyle Roczniak Hotwax by Kyle Roczniak Hotwax by Kyle Roczniak
⋆｡ New Single Release ⋆｡: Yee Loi “Going Spare”
⋆｡ New Single Release ⋆｡: Yee Loi “Going Spare” Yee Loi, a dynamic rock duo hailing from the Wirral, England, composed of sisters Rose and Matilda, are turning up the volume with their latest single, ‘Going Spare’. Delving into personal territory, the track explores Matilda’s experience as the ‘spare’ child in the family dynamic. 07.03.24 Words by Emily Fletcher https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gytw9yK143Y In a candid Instagram video, Matilda shares the complexities of being sandwiched between the revered eldest sibling, the only son, and the adored youngest, feeling overshadowed and underestimated. However, ‘Going Spare’ isn’t just a heartfelt reflection; it’s a clever play on words, tapping into British slang where ‘going spare’ means to erupt in anger. Matilda channels her frustration into a catchy anthem, blending personal narrative with universal themes of striving for recognition and acceptance from your family. Through driving rhythms and infectious melodies, the song resonates with anyone who’s ever felt overlooked or underestimated, particularly those who relate to the middle child experience. Yee Loi’s ‘Going Spare’ is more than just a rock hit; it’s a cathartic release wrapped in a rollicking tune that speaks to the human condition. Rose, the counterpart to Matilda in the Yee Loi duo, sheds light on the creative process behind their newest song. She recounts how she crafted the track using the 12-string guitar she received as a Christmas gift. Through experimentation, Rose stumbled upon a catchy riff, which evolved into the verse of ‘Going Spare’. Drawing influence from the likes of George Harrison and The Byrds, she aimed to infuse the chorus with a heavier sound, adding depth and dimension to the composition. The song exudes a lively energy with its 2000s rock edge, perfectly complimented by the vocals. The single’s cover art even channels a distinctive 2000s rock aesthetic, radiating a rebellious and defiant vibe. The bold red hues juxtaposed with black and white elements create a striking visual impact, giving it that nostalgic feel. It’s a must-add to any playlist, and keep an eye on these talented sisters in the upcoming months.’Going Spare’ is available to stream on all music streaming platforms. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yee Loi (@theyeeloi) You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Scarlett Woolfe ‘Poor Suzy’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Scarlett Woolfe ‘Poor Suzy’ The first time we saw Scarlett Woolfe was when she supported Bishopskin at their Lexington gig back in November. 08.01.24 Words by Caitlin Taylor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09fY7vHAGNg Her energy and dedication to her craft definitely made an impact on us. Now she once again demands attention with her first official release ‘Poor Suzy’, a rageful song about an unfortunately common female experience. Stylistically there’s the obvious comparison to the melodramatic gothic storytelling of Kate Bush but I’d argue there’s something of FKA Twigs in here also with Woolfe’s vocals, her desperate gasps and heightened emotions, although undeniably this is much more of a rock song than Twigs’s usual style. Either way, Woolfe draws on other powerful feminine performers to muster this passionate performance. The lyrics are even reminiscent of an Angela Carter tale, in particular The Snow Child where a girl is created from a male fantasy, and after being abused by both the man and his wife, she melts into the snow, leaving behind a blood stain. Woolfe has explicitly stated that the song is about the abuse faced by women. She writes on her Instagram that: “Poor Suzy is about being a woman, a woman who is deeply lost, a woman who has been the subject of abuse. Abuse is like a poison that slowly seeps into your skin. It is hard to see the signs. It is hard to leave. Too many women have been subject to emotional and physical situations of this kind, where their light is diminished, they are stripped bare, their voices shunned and they have forgotten what makes them who they are… This song is for my grandmothers. This song is for survivors. This song is for all women, past, present, and future who have struggled and who are struggling.” Her next gig is in Paris on January 12th but she’s also currently recruiting artists, performers, and musicians for her next ‘A WOMAN BECOMES A WOLF WHEN SHE LEARNS HOW TO SCREAM’ event over on her Instagram. The last one took place at The George Tavern in December, raising money for domestic abuse survivors, and seemed to be a true display of community. She’s said that Poor Suzy is about beginning to be able to connect with women again after abuse and it’s beautiful that she is creating a space where hopefully people feel open to do so. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @scarlettwoolfe You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE -Venus Grrrls ‘Hex’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE -Venus Grrrls ‘Hex’ 16.11.23 Words by James Humphreys-Goodall Heralding from the heart of West Yorkshire, Venus Grrrls are a riot grrrl inspired, altrock band that have set a sky-high standard for bands around the UK. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKYxBqfi3Sw Released on Halloween, their aptly named single: “Hex,” has once again proven that Venus Grrrls are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to consistently producing and releasing quality, thought provoking anthems of empowerment. Having released “Lidocaine” and “Liar Liar” earlier in the year, both of which achieved critical acclaim such as: two Spotify editorial covers; a feature on Amazon Music’s “Breakthrough Rock and Fresh Rock,” and national radio play on BBC Radio 1 from Jack Saunders. It’s a near certainty that “Hex” will accelerate the band’s journey to destined stardom. “‘Hex” is an ode to womenkind, touching on the universal experience of harassment. In the landscape of Hex, there are consequences for such behaviour, and generates a reality where we take the power back for ourselves. We are scared, and we are frustrated with the tale as old as time; we all have a story when we shouldn’t.” – Grace Kelly, Lead Singer The track’s introduction consists of a driving, crunchy bass line which guides the listener to a heavy, dark rock sound. Lyrically, “Hex” follows riot grrrl themes. Throughout the track, GK’s vocals are extremely prominent, to the point where they steal the show. The track’s lead vocals combined with backing vocals lead to an audible experience that can only be described as harmonically perfect throughout the song’s duration. “Hex” proves once again that Venus Grrrls’ ability to maintain their authenticity, as well as their raw sound, accentuates them to be one of the shining stars in the UK’s modern day rock scene. The sheer energy produced by their instrumental prowess and feminine rage highlights each band member’s individual excellence. Hopefully, Venus Grrrls will continue to share their art with us for many years to come. At this moment in time, the world needs more music like theirs. For any further information regarding Venus Grrrls’ future releases and tour dates, click here. You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Ellie Evans ‘The Friend I Kiss’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Ellie Evans ‘The Friend I Kiss’ 15.11.23 Words by Hannah Fitzhugh Self proclaimed messy uni student, Ellie Evans has us all in our feels with the release of her ever so relatable track, ‘The Friend I Kiss.’ The Bristol based singer songwriter might have just created the ultimate hot girl anthem for 20 something year olds navigating toxic ‘situationships’. https://youtu.be/FirjRb36-rI?list=OLAK5uy_ne0Yqxmw4jipcqOgc_TZokpaWUHTkcWOA Think British Olivia Rodrigo but rougher around the edges; with this release of her fourth official single, the artists sound is becoming more and more recognisable and she’s certainly one to watch out for. Combining indie and pop-rock influences, the single explores a relationship without labels, and the battle of trying to hide your feelings for somebody who will never commit. Packed with cleverly crafted lines made to be screamed along to in the car or cried to in the shower, Ellie belts the chorus, ‘I don’t speak to any of my other friends this way, he says that’s the benefit I guess that’s why I stay.’ When it comes to her lyrics, the artist confesses she simply takes inspiration from ‘her own chaotic life’ and clearly she holds nothing back. ‘Thought I was looking love in the eyes but he’s just a selfish 6 foot lie.’ Witty, satire lines like this one form Ellie’s distinct style by incorporating humour with a painful situation as a coping mechanism- something many of her Gen Z listeners seem to resonate with. Ellie took to TikTok to sum up the target audience for her music perfectly, captioning her video, ‘Calling all the girlies in failing situationships and the friends with benefits stage with boyfriends who aren’t boyfriends but do boyfriend things. ’Watch out for Ellie’s next move on her instagram @ellieeeevans and stream ‘The Friend I Kiss’- out now on all major platforms. You Might Also Like
NEW EP RELEASE – HotWax ‘Invite me, kindly’
NEW EP RELEASE – HotWax ‘Invite me, kindly’ 10.11.23 Words by Laura Mills HotWax’s ‘Invite me, kindly’ takes you on a journey of rock and rebellion with gritty guitars and vivacious vocals. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPMbvaV7Mxg East Sussex based, teenage punk powerhouses HotWax consisting of members Tallulah Sim-Savage, Lola Sam, and Alfie Sayers have released their second EP ‘Invite me, kindly’. The trio are currently on tour with Royal Blood touring around the United States. HotWax open their EP with ‘High Tea’ a single of clear energy and dominance. The song is centres around pushing away those doubts – no more ‘what if’ or ‘why’ and as those lyrics are belted out by Tallulah Sim-Savage listeners can almost feel hesitation being drawn out of the body and away from our minds. The track starts with choppy riffs guiding us to the chorus as the band give every last drop of energy into their instruments creating a sound that explodes but with a hint sleekness and precision. Organised chaos. Following this powerful single, the next track on the EP is ‘Phone Machine’. It follows the same style of dominance outlined in the first track but the vocals feel less loud and more like a command we’re instructed to do. Through the whole track it’s impossible not to hear a similar sound to one created by Indie Legends Wolf Alice. In a statement vocalist Tallulah said “I felt I had lots of phrases saved up in my head that I couldn’t wait to put into my lyrics. The EP looks at themes of acceptance to people who have hurt you before, letting your doubts leave you and feeling free. Playing these songs live this summer has been so refreshing, I still feel so passionately about a lot of the lyrics, which makes it feel very therapeutic to perform.” The outstanding factor of this bands EP is undoubtedly ‘Drop’. Guided by gruelling guitars and the constant beat of the drums marches listeners to the chorus, the delivery of these powerful vocals alongside the ferocious lyrics reinforces the bands message of sheer anger and enragement as Tallulah lets us have it belting out “Coz you’re angry then you’re not / Then I feel the tension drop / Then I’ll have it all for you /Yeah is that what humans do”.‘E Flat’ and ‘She don’t like it’ are also great additions to this EP showcasing this bands versatility and range with sections that are much softer and slower. Our rock trio are currently enjoying their first ever shows in America supporting Royal Blood on tour and have two solo dates to play once this tour finishes in LA and New York. The band return back to their adoring UK crowds on December the 15th at De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea. You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Izzy S.O ‘Would We Make It’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Izzy S.O ‘Would We Make It’ 08.11.23 Words by Niamh Noeleen Izzy S.O has recently unveiled the third installment of her 2023 trilogy of singles https://youtu.be/hC8wsp5JIK8 “Would we make it” is a dreamy alt-pop track that lyrically tackles the breakdown of a relationship. Beneath the nostalgic rhythm, the song is emotionally charged by the desperate and honest notion that if you strip back the chaos of the world, the outside problems, then the love between two people might just ‘make it’. Izzy’s artistic journey initially began with poetry, she found solace in transforming her experiences and emotions into a digestible art form. Her talent with the written word carries into her songwriting as she’s able to vividly explore narratives in a remarkably, relatable way for listeners. The transition from writing poetry to writing music occurred during the pandemic, when she started to collaborate with producer Dustin Dooley. Together, they solidified her new and distinct sound, which gracefully straddles the line between pop-rock, alt-pop and indie. In a music landscape saturated with emerging talent, Izzy S.O stands out as a genuine and gifted artist who knows how to deliver emotionally charged, relatable songs. And with her influences rooted in the great female artists of the past such as; Alanis Moissette and Mazy Star, Izzy has managed to offer a fresh perspective as a young female. “Would we make it” undoubtedly serves as a beautiful conclusion to Izzy’s trilogy of singles. With its dreamy alt-pop vibes that somewhat bears the echoes of Avril Lavigne’s evocative sound, the song captivates listeners from the first few notes. Izzy’s poetic prowess shines through, as she weaves a narrative that resonates honestly with genuine emotions and experiences. “Would we make it” as a stand alone track is emotionally and musically full and satisfying but when listened to after its predecessor’s in the trilogy, it expands the artistic experience of the song tenfold. Izzy S.O’s ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while infusing her sound with a unique contemporary touch is a testament to her musical finesse. “Would We Make It” doesn’t just conclude the trilogy; it leaves the audience eagerly anticipating what’s next in Izzy S.O’s musical journey. And as she continues to make her mark in the music industry, we can only anticipate what remarkable stories and sounds she will share with her ever-growing audience. You Might Also Like