NEW SINGLE RELEASE – MANDRAGORA ‘BEDROOM’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – MANDRAGORA ‘BEDROOM’ Blazing debut single from Bristol based 5 piece nu-metalcore band, teasing us with a hint of their upcoming EP later this year. 18.12.23 Words by Tom Heath https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyU5-BvMCUQ Blazing debut single from Bristol based 5 piece nu-metalcore band, teasing us with a hint of their upcoming EP later this year. Mandragora have an impressive list of sold out shows under their belt, as a band that have clearly hit the spot in their local scenes. Bands playing heavier music always face the challenge of trying to re-interpret various sub-genres in a modern format – how do you translate your influences in a way that actually represents who you are and where you’re from? Mandragora have very much found their unique interpretation of a sound that can be difficult to define, and they’re owning it. Influenced by the likes of Trivium and Rage Against The Machine, BEDROOM is a single that manages to subtly blend all the different sub-genre influences to inject much needed freshness into the formula for modern audiences. The song revolves around crunchy riffs that are simple but hit hard, repeating cycles that build you up and then smack you down again – always reminding you that they mean business. The vocals are a satisfying mix of punky, full force shouting and occasionally screams that beckon the next breakdown. Saying that, they’re by no means relying on this full force approach alone, and manage to split the song up with high end lead parts which maintain the simplicity of the style but give you a melody to hold on to – punctuating that fuzz of their overall groove. Mandragora will be taking part in the Underdog Microdog Competition this year, as well as supporting Copenhagen Hard Rock group Black Orchid Empire on the Bristol show of their headline tour. If this new single proves anything, it’s that this is without a doubt a band you want to see live. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MANDRAGORA UK (@mandragorabanduk) You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Lola Wild ‘Here I Go’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Lola Wild ‘Here I Go’ Lola Wild lulls the reader into a retro-cinematic haze with ‘Here I Go’, her latest single. 14.12.23 Words by Hannah Naismith The song looks into the future after a discordant shift in a relationship; the time lost to memory, and lost with another. Through the surreal blending of the guitars with Lola Wild’s backing harmonies, a soundscape is created that deepens towards the end of the song with the electric guitar’s dissonance. There is a darkening indie touch to Lola Wild’s sound – the post-production layers rich, wistful vocals in the creation of ‘Here I Go’. To accompany this, Robert Chaney balances the richness of Lola’s voice to offer the duality in the relationship’s story. In the final verse, Lola repeats the line: ’I keep driving all night and day/ I wonder why and what has changed’. The song mirrors this: it immerses the reader in a late-night drive cruising past the flashing city lights into the abyss of feeling, of what once was. Lola Wild, as an artist, has already begun to craft her own artistic identity that centres upon a flamboyant, 60s like exterior persona. This song reflects her own nostalgic character as it merges the reminiscence of the past with the modern. Lola finds her influences in the likes of Connie Francis, Roy Orbison and David Bowie. A parallel could also perhaps be drawn between Lana Del Ray, although Lola Wild maintains her own noir and artistic flair. Following on from her previous single ‘Rendezvous’, there is much anticipation for her debut EP, ‘Get Up’ set to be released early next year on January 26th. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lola Wild (@itslolawild) You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Supersaurus ‘Platinum Blonde’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Supersaurus ‘Platinum Blonde’ Non-binary fronted girl pop band Supersaurus have been collaborating since 2020 to culminate several self-produced ‘sad-pop’ hits. 12.12.23 Words by Georgina Shine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCo3Rg7n99Q Despite their sad-pop association, there is nothing sad about this group as they bring high energy and passion to all of their tracks and their new single Platinum Blonde is no exception. Supersaurus find power and influence in their personal experiences and bring a sense of self to their writing. The group’s ever-expanding catalogue of content is filled with issues that so many people can relate to especially in current times; as they tackle the likes of depression, anxiety, and being part of the LGBTQ+ family/community. Platinum Blonde is the 9th single release from the outfit and is a feel-good fantasy that will take you over. Opening with a drum and bass introduction similar to Duran Duran’s Wild Boys you know you’re in for good vibes and a hit for the ages. There are also riffs and undertones later in the track reminiscent of Queen’s Another One Bites the Dust that add power to the beats and create a sense of familiarity with the track that ingratiates the ears and brain to the band. Despite the lyrical storyline being filled with the characteristic sad pop themes, there’s nothing sad about this hit as its infectious rhythms erupt with all of the good energy. Platinum Blonde is a party track that will get your body moving because it is impossible to stay still when you hear it. With disco grooves and 80’s synth beats the single has a classic ‘old school’ sound whilst also being completely modern and up to date which will cement it within charts and hearts as a timeless classic for years to come. Supersaurus are cementing themselves as a mainstay superpower within the indie-pop scene with tracks that subvert the boundaries of their associate genre and make waves within the music scene as they rewrite the rule book on what we expect from indie-pop and modern-day music as a whole. The way Supersaurus can merge genres and produce a hit which feels familiar and somehow totally brand new and different allows the ability for listeners old and new to interact with the track instantly and form a connection to the single and the band and have you ready for what’s next from this exciting and engaging quartet. You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Gaby K ‘I’m Good’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Gaby K ‘I’m Good’ Gaby K falls out of love as her relationship exceeds its expiry date on her relationship in her new single ‘I’m Good’. 07.12.23 Words by Teguan Harris https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-oQrZaH_K4 Gaby K has released her innovative new single, ‘I’m Good,’ with exceptional production from musician and producer Jeremy Rompola. ‘I’m Good’ follows the success of her personal and vulnerable single ‘What Have I Done?’, with accolades from Mezmerized Magazine, HOEZINE and more. Gaby K opens up to her listeners in ‘I’m Good’ as she falls out of love and her relationship exceeds its expiry date, running its course. Following the single’s release, Gaby K shares on Wordplay Magazine, “It’s okay to be okay with your decision of leaving someone, it’s okay to be sad about ending a relationship with the individual who you thought was ‘your person’, and it’s okay to feel relief that the relationship has ended and you can thrive as an individual itself.” As heard in her singles such as ‘What Have I Done?,’ Gaby K has a creative way of narrating her experiences through song; not only is this a talent of Gaby K, it is a gift that is difficult to replicate. Gaby K combines her natural and honest storytelling and songwriting gift with her raw and sensual vocals, drawing on her inspirations from Amy Winehouse, Jessie Reyez and Amber Mark. ‘I’m Good’ is a familiar story that not only people heard but experienced more than once, the closure that many people need. The line ‘“Watch me grow, watch me seize it” is the empowering message people need to hear that growing away from your partner is normal and okay. Gaby K announced her EP on her social media titled ‘Get to Love You’, with ‘I’m Good,’ ‘What Have I Done?’ and ‘My Girls’ being the latest singles to feature in the upcoming EP. Set for release on 9th February 2024, listeners of R&B and Soul should run to be the first streamers of her new EP. You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Gen And The Degenerates ‘Famous’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Gen And The Degenerates ‘Famous’ British alt-punk outfit Gen and the Degenerates have announced their debut record Anti-Fun Propaganda alongside the release of new single ‘Famous’. 07.12.23 Words by Molly Gregson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbGxyWmCQaQ The Degenerates have made a name for themselves on the British post-punk and alternative scene, building an equally raucous, socially conscious and degenerate audience. Now they’re gearing up for their biggest project to date, their debut full length album, Anti-Fun Propaganda out on the 23rd February, and with it they bring the latest in a series of satirical, writhing and explosive singles- ‘Famous’. Gen and the Degenerates may appear to be manifesting further success with their recent single titles – ‘Famous’ follows up the release of similarly titled ‘BIG HIT SINGLE’ – but you only need to hear the opening lines of these amusingly obnoxious titles to see that they are darker diatribes to the culture of celebrity and industry. ‘Famous’, as described by lead singer Genevieve ‘Gen’ Glynne-Reeves (she/they), “is a kind of poison pill disguised as a pop confection. It’s taking a satirical look at celebrity culture, materialism and where we draw our self worth from, but it’s masquerading as a sexy, unrequited love song” The Degenerates have mastered the skill of delivering biting social commentary through vibrant punk anthems, but they also bring two conflicting thematic approaches, a particular warmth that arises out the hedonistic friendship of a band in their early 20s, and a darkness that comes when the vibrance of youth has been corrupted by the fraught nature of contemporary social issues. Gen certainly embodies the fun and ferocity of the band. Their vocals on ‘Famous’, as well as her charismatic performance in its accompanying video make for an enchanting frontperson. But Gen and the Degenerates work as a friendship-driven collective. This social aspect of their music looks to be prominent on Anti-Fun Propaganda, which they have described as “a coming-of-age story seeing the band find out who they are, and what they stand for. Late nights and early mornings, sexuality, gender politics and mortality, all while surviving your twenties in a volatile and confusing world fuelled by turmoil”. Anti-Fun Propaganda will be released on the 23rd February via Marshall Records, produced and recorded by the renowned Ross Orton (Arctic Monkeys, Amyll and the Sniffers, The Kills) You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Head Ballet ‘Contact Lens’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Head Ballet ‘Contact Lens’ A funky sort of sadness grips me as I’m walking down the road listening to Head Ballet’s latest release 06.12.23 Words by Harvey John https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYrZNAkBG9M The Manchester based electronic-dance band have pulled me out of this semi-bright British day (a taste of summer in this bleak winter) into a sense of loss. Usually I avoid this feeling, sadness. I don’t try to look back at past failings or feel their weight. And you know what? I feel good – I feel…released. The band’s latest song, Contact Lens, released on the 24th of November and weaves it way between joy and sadness – going from ‘holding hands’ and romantic notions to falling into ‘a cloud in such bad weather’. There’s a great sense of loss in these lyrics. The band lead singer and vocalist, Kiera Court, has a wispy sort of voice that carries the playful notes she produces and layers the undertones of someone with a heavy heart and a sense of loss. It’s a voice that you’d find instantly recognisable. If you put Head Ballet on a speaker in a room full of a thousand chatty people, those who fans would instantly feel their ears prickling up. Loss in for Head Ballet isn’t a losing someone, it’s losing the ability to see clearly – that what they’ve lost provided them with so much clarity that without it they feel almost blinded. The idea of losing innocence isn’t something that’s lost on this generation, and for a band that takes inspiration from its experiences – that formed during the height of lockdown – loss of clarity and feeling blind and confused is something that many of this Covid-kept generation can relate to. Contact Lens is a song that seeps pain like a dull ache, one that makes you want to cry – and that’s a compliment! Songs should feel emotionally evocative, not just passive tunes that you listen to while you’re on the bus or going for a run or leaving work. Sometimes you need to let your hair down, get out the Ben & Jerry’s, lie on your bed and listening to a sad song and let all that built up pressure free – utterly lose it, just ‘like a contact lens’. If you’re looking to see this band live and live within or can travel to London in January, then you are in luck! The band will be playing live in The Waiting Room in Stoke Newington. Tickets are available and can be found through the link in the bands Instagram bio. For those able to attend the show at 7pm on Wednesday 31st of January will be in for a treat! You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Josie Oliver ‘Tomorrow’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Josie Oliver ‘Tomorrow’ Josie Oliver wishes for a better ‘Tomorrow’ in her new single 06.12.23 Words by Giulia Castagnaro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rgec8J9GYbM Josie Oliver is a UK-based singer and artist. She recently released her fourth single titled ‘Tomorrow’. This song starts with a beautiful piano intro, inviting the listener into an emotional space. The melody of ‘Tomorrow’ maintains a rather sad undertone which accompanies us throughout. The lyrics present a moment of heartbreak and how although we know someone is not good for us, we might still endure the pain instead of letting them go. Josie Oliver explains that just like a bitter pill that is hard to swallow, she will wait out the pain until tomorrow. The song captures a feeling of nostalgia for what once was. It presents a longing so strong that even though it now turned into pain, you are unable to let go of what is hurting you. As Josie expresses, it has become a habit, and ‘you are one of the worst of them’. While at the beginning of the song, the lyrics indicate a sense of pride for her stubbornness to move on, ultimately, there is anger and pain in holding on just as much as there is in letting go. Holding on to this habit will not make the pain go away. Just like Josie’s feelings, her song becomes something you cannot let go of. I have been listening to ‘Tomorrow’ every single day, immersing myself in her wondrous melody and heartfelt lyrics. The song paints a bittersweet, yet beautifully painful experience, leaving the listener wanting to know more about how this heartbreak came to be. Any indie fan will love Josie Oliver’s ‘Tomorrow’ as it hits home with a theme all of us can relate to. You Might Also Like Indie, Josie Oliver, New Releases, On the Rise, Pop, Single
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – PROJECTOR ‘No Guilt’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – PROJECTOR ‘No Guilt’ PROJECTOR are one of the many notable talents to emerge from Brighton in recent years, with their upcoming album ‘NOW WHEN WE TALK IT’S VIOLENCE’ reflecting the evolution of a band that have drifted into the spotlight and reached a new heights since their debut back in 2017. 05.12.23 Words by Kristian Floate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IGxhwkT2UM Aside from the indisputable growth in production quality, PROJECTOR have a firm footing on a sound that holds a fusion of stylistic influences, while pioneering their own sound altogether at the same time. Their latest single ‘No Guilt’, taken from their debut album due to release in February 2024 with Venn Records, is a prime example of PROJECTOR’S rock-ready versatility – with vocals that offer an essence of Interpol and the early days of the Kaiser Chiefs, while layering twangy guitar hooks that wouldn’t go unnoticed in a Squid single, or a release from fellow Brightonians KEG. This familiarity, infused with refreshing chant-worthy vocal screams and infectiously energised noise, pushes PROJECTOR to untapped terrain that has taken the trio to the mainstream rock scene with flying colours. With endless Spotify playlist features and BBC Radio 6 airplay, the self-produced trio are turning heads already. ‘No Guilt’ is built on a simple foundation of four ascending notes, which quickly blossoms into a gritty stop-and-start rock ballad of intense rock experimentalism. Released alongside a cinematic retro-esque music video filmed at Duke of York’s Theatre, ‘No Guilt’ pushes listeners into the artistic flair that PROJECTOR have developed and perfected in recent years. The raw, emotional angst of PROJECTOR is channelled seamlessly to the live stage, and with 15 UK/EU tour dates across February, March and April, their newest offering will be guaranteed to leave their mark on rock, grunge and pop fans alike. Whether you’re an advocate for vinyl, CD or digital, their debut album is ready to pre-order in all three mediums – so get your 2024 listening off to a strong start! Album Pre-Order – NOW WHEN WE TALK IT’S VIOLENCE | PROJECTOR (bandcamp.com) Tour Tickets – Live – Projector (projectorprojector.co.uk) You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Mariella ‘Clueless’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Mariella ‘Clueless’ A laid back, R&B groove is the vibe for upcoming artist Mariella’s fourth-ever single release named ‘Clueless’. Listeners won’t be able to help bobbing their head to this progressive soul. 04.12.23 Words by Sophie Coombs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU2Izpv6zCg It’s difficult to believe the artist has less than 1,000 followers on Instagram and under 10,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. With silky smooth vocals and vulnerable yet poetic lyrics about unrequited love, it’s no surprise Mariella has previously been featured as one of BBC’s ‘Future Artists’. Comparable to Jorja Smith and Mahalia yet with her own unique sound and vocals, Mariella’s ‘Clueless’ is a versatile single for listeners. Add it to study, work, drive, or pre-drink playlists and it won’t be out of place. Mariella takes listeners on an exploration of heartbreak and healing through her lyrics. So many of us can relate to the realisation of what is actually happening rather than what we perceive, and this is captured perfectly with lines such as: “Oh my gosh, I’ve been so foolish romanticising you.” And: “There’s nothing to say that could take away the shame knowing you didn’t feel the same.” Vulnerable, heart-wrenching lyrics contrast with the upbeat tone of the song which perhaps suggests the protagonist has reached the stage of acceptance with their heartbreak. It is this mixture of lyrics and a slick R&B sound that creates such a wonderful listening experience. The single remains in-line with Mariella’s previous releases such as ‘Disconnect’ and ‘Natural’ but has a more mature, refined edge. She is evidently a songwriting powerhouse who can combine her words with her soulful sound. ‘Clueless’ feels like an evolution of Mariella’s music rather than a change in direction and with such raw talent as displayed in her latest release, there’s no doubt this is only the beginning of a very exciting musical journey for her. You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Lauran Hibberd ‘mary’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Lauran Hibberd ‘mary’ Lovers of indie-rock with a dash of nostalgic 2000s-esque sound will have Lauran Hibberd’s latest single ‘mary’ on repeat for months. 04.12.23 Words by Sophie Coombs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNknDPPJWcw The single comes in advance of Hibberd’s second album ‘Girlfriend Material’ which is due to release in March 2024. One hopes it is an excellent taster of what to expect in the album by the Isle of Wight-born artist. ‘mary’ combines a sound similar to Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Sour’ with early-noughties rock plus a Hibberd twist to create a fresh yet familiar anthem. The song would not be out of place as a TikTok trending sound nor as a scene opener in the likes of ‘Mean Girls’. The single tells a tale of the protagonist falling for the eponymous Mary during a double date with her boyfriend and the aftermath of the two women beginning a relationship. It oozes the excitement and anticipation that comes with a budding new romance. Its chorus hits you all at once, featuring powerful drums and Hibberd’s impassioned lyrics which will be stuck in your head hours after playing: “This has never happened to me before, where I ditch the guy for the girl next door.” Parallels between the verses are to be noted too and spotlight Hibberd’s songwriting skills. Witty comparisons between her (ex)boyfriend and Mary allow a glimpse into the singer’s humorous personality. Hibberd’s hook brings the song to its crescendo, with catchy lyrics and toe-tapping beat. Throughout the single, instruments used are as compelling as Hibberd’s vocals and this is most evident in the final moments. The song finishes with the most commanding line used throughout: “Everybody wants a Mary.” This song cannot be reviewed without mentioning its themes of LGBTQ+ relationships. Katy Perry’s 2008 ‘I Kissed a Girl’ was praised for its representation of the LGBTQ+ community, and Hibberd’s ‘mary’ is a strong reminder of the progress made in the past 15 years. The experience of a same-sex relationship is normalised and sung about just as heteronormative relationships have been for the past centuries. This single tells so much more than a story of two women in the early stages of their relationship, it tells of the development our society has made in accepting LGBTQ+ love for what it is – love. You Might Also Like