｡✶New Single Review✶: Sarah Meth “Computer Love”
｡✶New Single Review✶: Sarah Meth “Computer Love” What do you imagine heartbroken AI would sound like? Probably something similar to Sarah Meth’s new release ‘Computer Love’. 21.02.24 Words by Caitlin Taylor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3Y4cU7nclM It’s as if Grimes made gentler music or if Portishead and FKA Twigs had a robotic baby. On Instagram she described it as having been “made with digital tenderness” and accompanied it with a video of two lovers on a beach, interspersed with pixels, in a deep cyan tone. Her last EP ‘Steps’ was released in November 2023, a raw and emotional collection of songs covering her experiences of sexual trauma. ‘Computer Love’ bears some similarity to the track ‘Intro / It Happens’ as both have lo-fi vocals, but this new release certainly feels softer. In an interview with Fred Perry Sarah states that 90s’s trip-hop taught her to “not be overly precious with the recording quality for certain things when you’re making music if you want to make your own world of sound”. It does feel as though she is experimenting with soundscapes here, layering them with her own forlorn vocals. It’s likely to sound stunning live. The last couple years have been good for Sarah. She supported King Krule during his Space Heavy Tour and released multiple mixtapes and EPs. This is the first single from ‘Midnight Snack Volume Two’, the follow-up from the original mixtape released in 2022 which featured an accompanying film. It’s safe to assume we can expect the same for this new mixtape and we’ll definitely be keeping an eye out. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sarah Meth (@sarahmeth) You Might Also Like
｡✿❃New Single Review❃✿: Chloe Slater “24 hours”
｡✿❃New Single Review❃✿: Chloe Slater “24 hours” Manchester based Chloe Slater strikers her listeners with rhythmic sassy injected lyrics on her second single ’24 hours.’ 20.02.24 Words by Lana Hall https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elxpzQeMAtg Like many of us discovering new music these days, I first heard the snappy opening lines of ’24 hours’ on a TikTok video of Chloe Slater, lip syncing to her upcoming single. “It’s not clear if I’m ripening or rotting / It girl told me if I’m sad to just go shopping” radiated from my phone’s speakers. Now, I’m not blind to the irony in discovering a song that mocks influencer culture, on TikTok, but the nature of artists having to promote music on social media only adds further layers to the critiques Slater sings about on ’24 hours.’ Released on 8 February 2024, the opening verse of Slater’s second single comprises of a clean beat punctuating her, slightly distorted, spoken-sung angsty lyrics, wishing she could live like an influencer on “daddy’s money”. The rhythmic, sharp lyrics draw you in from the get go, as you listen to Slater narrate the story of an ‘it’ girl, in a grungy tone, before transcending into an explosive chorus. Unexpectedly, the stripped back opening of ’24 hours’ builds into its’ fervent rock chorus, accompanied by underlying sonic notes, striking the listener with an impressively layered instrumental that feels like an older, angrier sibling of Clario’s hugely popular ‘Bags.’ Slater also taps into a stronger vocal during the chorus, to accentuate the passive aggressive “your 24 hours aren’t the same as mine” lyric. A lyric inspired by the infamous Molly Mae interview, and cements Slater’s incandescent attitude towards social media influencers The strength of this single lies heavily with its lyrics. Written alongside Slater’s friend and producer Jack Shuter, the rhythmic intensity and sassy attitude of Slater’s lyrics drives home her commentary on influencer culture, with grit. Through the staccato delivery of the verses in ’24 hours,’ listeners are forced to absorb the annoyance felt by Slater towards influencers. Slater’s indignant critique of influencer culture is the biggest take away from this single, and is one that resonates with listeners, who come away emboldened by the track’s aggressive tone and incredibly relatable narrative. 24 hours is available to listen on all music streaming platforms. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chloe Slater (@chloeslater333) You Might Also Like
｡★★New Single Release★★: Bess Atwelll “Release Myself”
｡★★New Single Release★★: Bess Atwelll “Release Myself” Indie folk royalty Bess Atwell has released another jewel with the hopeful yet heart wrenching ‘Release Myself’. 16.02.24 Olivia Bloore https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueB8u4gLaGE The Brighton based singer songwriter has captured hearts with her previous albums ‘Hold Your Mind’ (2016) and ‘Already, Always’ (2021). Her most recent single ‘Release Myself’ accompanied the announcement of her next LP, ‘Light Sleeper’. The track stands alongside ‘The Weeping’ and ‘Sylvester’ as singles preceding the album which will be released on 24th May. The record is produced by Aaron Dessner, known for his work with The National, Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift. On her Instagram story Atwell discussed the meaning behind the title: ‘sleep is total surrender, and the record is about finding peace with your feelings’. ‘Release Myself’ contrasts the nostalgic and pining ‘Sylvester’ and ‘The Weeping’ with a more hopeful tone. The lyrics speak of self forgiveness: the hook ‘I can only release myself’ is followed by the understanding that Atwell has ‘got a lot to be forgiven for’. Over a wash of overlapping 90s guitar textures and rhythmic strums, the track saunters along with a fresh air of confidence. Providing a fuller mix than the previous singles, the prominent drums and lightly distorted guitar solo give the emotive and vulnerable lyrics an upbeat feel. Not only is Atwell a talented wordsmith, but she has one of those haunting voices that illustrates every lyric with sincere emotion. There is a richness and saturation to her voice that appears effortless, but is supported by an incredibly strong technique. The result is a mesmerising golden tone which allows the raw emotion to shine through every word. ‘Release Myself’ is certainly more indie than predominantly folky in sound, yet preserves Atwell’s signature soaring melodies. Atwell also released a music video for the single, directed by Dylan Friese-Greene, in which she is illuminated by sunlight and floral graphics. There is a delicacy to the way in which the singer is silhouetted which reflects the vulnerability of the fragile lyrics, ‘in the morning you’ll be fine’. ‘Release Myself’ is an anthem of self forgiveness that signals a new era of Bess Atwell. We cannot wait to hear what the collaboration of Atwell and Dressner will bring us with ‘Light Sleeper’. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bess Atwell (@bessatwell) 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
｡✯New Single Release✯: Jar Of Blind Flies “Not Your Baby”
｡✯New Single Release✯: Jar Of Blind Flies “Not Your Baby” Jar of Blind Flies have continued to maintain a tight grip on their local music scene, deservedly fixed in a top-podium position alongside Brighton’s growing hall of fame. 14.02.24 Words by Kristian Floate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnCiaUJoEks After numerous live circuits across the UK in 2023, and consistent sell-out hometown appearances, Maddy (vocals), Jake (bass) and Marley (drums) have re-rooted back to their recorded work with a brand new anthem – ‘Not Your Baby’. As the first release from the Brighton-born trio since 2022, this is set to be an unbeatable valentines day treat! With cascading cymbal-heavy drum work intertwined with lovingly fuzz-kissed bass runs, Jar of Blind Flies have played homage to the grungier noise-laden punk fusions that have grown to define their sound. Flowing parallel to Maddy’s angelic harmonies, it’s this contrast that ties the trio together and sets them far apart from the rest, while offering a glimpse into a gritty 90’s nostalgia that underlines the trio’s influence. Each verse opens up playful call-and-response between Maddy and Marley, nodding to their earlier release ‘Crawl Back Inside’ and setting the tone for a chant-worthy live staple piece. ‘Not Your Baby’ Is a refreshing insight into a band that have honed in on their sound while simultaneously progressing to new, heavier terrain – something that these three blend seamlessly with reflective tear-jerkers such as ‘Dolly’ and mesmerising microtonal masterpieces like ‘Angels’, two tracks from 2022’s debut album ‘MÍÀ’. As early risers to the DIY revolution in Brighton, Jar of Blind Flies always had a natural flair for quality production and riveting live shows. The trio were quickly swooped up under the wing of Marshall, recording ‘Not Your Baby’ in a studio graced by the notable Kin Nun, Nova Twins and more! Bassist Jake Smith explains: ‘Recording at The Marshall studio was a whole new level for us. Going from the relatively DIY recording style of our early songs to recording in a 250-capacity amphitheatre with every bit of tech you could ever imagine was a Real culture shock. The way the recordings have come out is levels above what we could’ve hoped for’. The track is a collaborative effort, combining the forces of Tidalwave’s Alessandro Cogolo and Sam Allen in the production process. The unstoppable duo are a vital puzzle-piece to Brighton’s ever-diversifying music scene, and responsible for tracking, mixing and mastering tracks from emerging artists that have since propelled under the global spotlight (Lambrini Girls, Currls). Maddy, Marley and Jake have always emphasised the importance of these resources in their local music scene – especially one that has nurtured the talent of so many, and ‘Not Your Baby’ is no exception. With the trio firmly embedded in a flurry of noisy alt-rock sweetness, they’ve earnt the attention of fellow high-risers CLT DRP, supporting their hometown headline on 23rd March , and headlining Blondies showroom in London on May 2nd. ‘Not Your Baby’ will be released on February 28th, and after this exclusive first-listen – it’s set to be a soundtrack to 2024! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jar Of Blind Flies (@jarofblindflies) You Might Also Like
｡✵New Single Review:✵: Niamh Regan “Madonna”
｡✵New Single Review✵: Niamh Regan “Madonna” She’s already gained critical attention across Ireland and the UK, but with new track ‘Madonna’, Niamh Regan continues to show us why she’s one of the best up-and-coming songwriters in folk music worldwide. 12.02.24 Words by Matilda Whitaker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcO3Achn5tk Galway alternative folk artist Niamh Regan embarks on a new, more political path with the lead single from her upcoming album ‘Come As You Are’, a bleak look into the realities of treatment and views of women in the 21st century. From the get-go, it’s clear to see the reasoning behind Regan’s choice of ‘Madonna’ as a lead single. It’s familiar to those acquainted with her earlier work, and yet bends and evolves her sound in ways we haven’t heard from the artist, whose debut album was nominated for the Choice Music Prize 4 years ago. The track features the unmistakable intimacy of Regan’s comforting vocals, well-mixed over a warm, fuzzy acoustic guitar: here is Regan in utmost control. It’s rare to see an artist so confident in their sound, and yet as soon as the track begins I find myself sure in the knowledge that Regan doesn’t just know what she’s doing; she knows exactly what she wants to accomplish, too. What stands out most during the length of ‘Madonna’, though, is the stunning complexity of Regan’s songwriting. ‘A Madonna-Whore complex, is it a thing?/ The night they found her dead’, she repeats throughout the track, a hugely potent look into the motives for violence against women and the prevalence of this topic in today’s age. This is commented on towards the end of the song, where she pens ‘Something to think about’, an almost humorous understatement of the massive philosophical questions she addresses here. This amount of wit squeezed into a track under 4 minutes long seems exclusive to only a select few artists, cementing Niamh Regan as one of the most promising songwriters of the generation. ‘Come As You Are’ is out 31st of May, and Niamh’s UK tour starts in Glasgow on April 2nd. Get tickets before it’s too late! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Niamh Regan (@niamhreganmusic) You Might Also Like
｡✺New Single Review:❈✬: Caity Baser “I’m A Problem”
｡✺New Single Review:❈✬: Caity Baser “I’m A Problem” Caity Baser Unveils Gutsy New Single ‘I’m A Problem’. 12.02.24 Words by Heather Collier https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcN0K-N-1Kc British singer-songwriter Caity Baser has officially released her empowering new single ‘I’m A Problem’. Brandishing an unapologetic attitude and an armoury of fierce, in-your-face lyrics, the hotly tipped 21-year-old is quickly becoming one of the UK’s most provocative new stars. The Southampton-born TikTok sensation has built a die-hard Gen Z following overnight, crossing the threshold from behind the screen to IRL with fans swarming to shows to catch a glimpse of Baser in all of her Y2K girlypop glory. Sharing the backstory behind the single, Baser took to Instagram, commenting: “I made this song a year ago when I first went to LA. I came into the studio absolutely fuming about a situation I can’t even remember now…I took this energy and thought about all the times I’ve been called too loud or annoying… When u listen to this song I want you to feel as empowered and happy and cunty as I felt when I was making it.” Boasting catchy, viral hit songs like ‘Friendly Sex’, ‘X&Y’, and ‘Pretty Boys’, the BRIT nominee has been on everyone’s lips after receiving generous radio play and performing an electric set at Standon Calling and the BBC Introducing stage at Reading & Leeds Festival last year. If that’s not enough, there’s no slowing down for Baser just yet as she is weeks away from releasing her debut 14-track mixtape ‘Still Learning’. ‘I’m A Problem’ is a melting pot of prickly bubble-gum pop, female rage, and as Baser puts it, ‘big dick energy’. In a world fuelled by slut-shaming, silver spoonism and violence against women and girls, female and non-binary artists on the UK soundscape are pushing boundaries more than ever before, determined to take their power back – and rightfully so. Baser is a proud member of ‘Loud LDN’, a British collective of female and gender-expansive artists based in the capital. Founded in 2022, the collective features a wide range of members, including Piri and Venbee, with the purpose of supporting each other and propping one another up in what can often be viewed as a lonely industry, particularly for women and non-binary musicians. From experimenting with grungy rock, to embracing a string of drum and bass releases, to landing where she is today, Baser has concocted her own unique sound, a loveable, bratty hybrid of upbeat pop melodies and 20-something rebellion that can be compared to the likes of fellow female chart-toppers Dylan, Mimi Webb, and Mae Muller. The Brighton-based singer’s larger than life personality is complimented by her first ever visual, a choregraphed music video with some lairy 2000s-inspired outfits to match. Shot at Silvertown Studios in London, the video was directed by Olivia Rose of Amelia Studio Productions. Accompanied by a polished ensemble of dancers, the scene is set with Baser being bombarded by hate comments on social media, leading her to poke fun at and call out the bizarre nature of online trolls. Unfazed by the chaos, Baser is joyful and euphoric as she dances and writhes around to the track, flipping off the camera and dishing out some well-deserved revenge on her ‘haters’. The track closes out with a lukewarm confession – ‘sorry, I’m a problem’ she mumbles, except she’s not sorry at all. Love it or hate it, Baser wears her heart on her sleeve. ‘Still Learning’ is available to pre-order and is set to be released on March 15 via Capitol Records / EMI Records. Tickets to the Still Learning UK Tour are available here. You can catch Caity live on the dates below: MARCH 2024 26/03 O2 Academy, Leeds 27/03 Academy, Manchester 28/03 Rock City, Nottingham 30/03 O2 Academy, Liverpool APRIL 2024 01/04 – 3Olympia – Dublin 03/04 – O2 Academy – Glasgow 04/04 – O2 City Hall – Newcastle 06/04 – The Great Hall – Cardiff 07/04 – O2 Academy – Birmingham 08/04 – O2 Academy – Bristol 09/04 – O2 Guildhall – Southampton 17/04 – University of East Anglia, Norwich 19/04 – Eventim Apollo – London View this post on Instagram A post shared by Caity Baser (@caitybaser) You Might Also Like
｡❃New Single Review:❁✬: Dylan “The Alibi”
｡❃New Single Review:❁✬: Dylan “The Alibi” If Dylan and Taylor Swift ever wrote a song together. 09.02.24 Words by Liesl Hammer https://youtu.be/6qZSiEdn5vE On February 9th, the 24-year-old, Suffolk-born singer Natasha Wood professionally known as Dylan, released her new single “The Alibi” which has already become a TikTok sensation. From the beginning, it seemed that Dylan was destined to be a singer-songwriter starting from the time Dylan’s dad introduced her to classic rock bands like AC/DC and Aerosmith. She loved their electric guitars so much that, for her birthday her father brought her a plywood replica which she painted pink and held performances in their kitchen. I discovered her about two years ago and instantly fell in love with songs like “No Romeo”, “Blisters” and “You’re Not Harry Styles” where she pours her heart into everything from heartbreak to knowing your self-worth. Although she plays within the pop genre, she adds an element of rock to spice up her tracks and this one is no different. Dylan started promotion for “The Alibi” on TikTok on Christmas Eve 2023 and since then we have been begging for the full-length song but in true artist style, we only got a 30-second clip of the chores until now… Starting with a muffled voice as if trying to be heard from an already closed door, the narrator of “The Alibi” seems to know that the song won’t be heard by the partner but she’s going to try anyway. The first verse has almost no musical backdrop where she discusses the breakdown of a relationship then drums and electric beats kick in with the chorus which assists in its catchiness ‘if there was a crime, if there was a body, if there was a knife, if you told a real good, real bad lie I’ll be standing by my side.’ The repetition of ‘if there was…’ emphasis the loyalty she still feels towards this person which is incredibly bittersweet as the person clearly didn’t treat the narrator right. Although not the same message as “No Romeo” or “You’re Not Harry Styles,” this song does illustrate the multifaceted nature of femininity. We can’t be girl bosses who never want love all the time. We should be allowed to be heartbroken sometimes. Other than my love for Dylan, I knew this was going to be a new favourite of mine when she described it as sounding like if she and Taylor Swift ever wrote a song together from the perspective of Este in “No Body, No Crime.” Dylan has risen to another level in my two years of supporting her, touring with Ed Sheeran and performing on the main stage at Latitude in 2022. She is currently on her Rebel Child World Tour and I can’t wait to see her next time she comes to Norfolk. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DYLAN (@dyl.an) You Might Also Like
｡✰New Single Review:✦❁: CLIPZ “The Touch (ft. Rose Gray)”
｡✰New Single Review:✦❁: CLIPZ “The Touch (ft. Rose Gray)” CLIPZ returns to drum and bass roots with alternative-pop artist, Rose Gray, in brand new single “The Touch”. 09.02.24 Words by Holly Turton https://youtu.be/VODOh2H1ebc After a decade mastering his craft as REDLIGHT, Hugh Pescod returns to jungle alias CLIPZ and teases a forthcoming drum and bass project for 2024. With a number of festival headlines and radios hottest records under his belt, CLIPZ begins 2024 with as much fervour as a 90s warehouse rave. Also introducing East London based singer, songwriter, and DJ, Rose Gray to the new track. Blending the most hedonistic club-pop with a sprinkle of trance and techno in what we should call, her very own genre – Rose Gray brings a new definition to alternative sound. New single “The Touch” provides a seamless blend between each of the artists own crafts, emotive vocals and slick drum and bass beats that make for an electrifying listening experience. Rose Gray’s ethereal vocals add a captivating layer of emotion to the track, marking her debut in the drum and bass genre with finesse. CLIPZ describes their seamless fusion of talents as an effortless creative process when working on the track together. Keeping the production of the song true to his roots and energy vibrant, the chemistry between the artists is evident throughout the tune. The track serves as an exciting preview of what’s to come in 2024 and leaves listeners eagerly anticipating more. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ☆*:. ｡Rose Gray ｡.:*☆ (@rosegray_) You Might Also Like
｡✬New Single Review:✴✧: Becky Sikasa “crashing and falling”
｡✬New Single Review:✴✧: Becky Sikasa “crashing and falling” “I’ve gone through phases of being absolutely terrified of making mistakes, of doing things wrong,” Becky says following the release of her raw new single ‘crashing and falling’. 09.02.24 Words by Teguan Harris https://youtu.be/0coG7hU_qH0 Scottish soul singer Becky Sikasa releases her new single, ‘crashing and falling,’ her first release of the new year. ‘Crashing and falling’ follows her 2023 dreamy and philharmonic singles ‘Wait Up’, ‘Work of Love’ and ‘hard to love.’ Her vulnerable and poignant new single expresses Becky’’s fear of “making mistakes” and “doing things wrong.” Despite her apprehension of making mistakes, she embraces love and affection to pull her out of that fear. Her fans and listeners can resonate with this beautiful message that love can rescue you from your fears. Becky Sikasa’s explorative discography has elements of soul, R&B and indie, and her latest single, ‘crashing and falling,’ is no different. Like her stunning album ‘Twelve Wooden Boxes’ and singles such as ‘Wait Up’ and ‘hard to love,’ Becky’s angelic harmonies weave through the vibrant and soulful sounds of talented and established producers, creating how we should define soul, R&B and indie. Branding herself as “the writing and the pieces and the song,” Becky has a beautiful way of expressing herself through her music and delivering touching odes that her listeners can resonate with. Her new single ‘crashing and falling’ received accolades following its release, which is nothing less than what Becky deserved with an overwhelming talent like hers. BBC Radio 1Xtra’s CassKidd named Becky Sikasa the artist to watch in 2024. Becky has been no stranger to the stage this month as she performed live at BBC Radio Scotland and Signature Brew Haggerston in London. Special guests accompanied her in Glasgow at St Luke’s & The Winged Ox. Becky Sikasa’s success in music is only rising. She is the next neo-soul superstar to grace the ears of many listeners and big stages. With a beautiful and heavenly single to introduce herself as an artist in 2024, Becky is on a trajectory to be the next big thing in neo-soul. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Becky Sikasa (@beckysikasa) You Might Also Like