NEW SINGLE RELEASE – NewDad ‘Let Go’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – NewDad ‘Let Go’ 11.11.23 Words by Gracie Rogers Irish alternative-rock band NewDad are back with another single ahead of their debut album, ‘Madra’, releasing 26th January 2024 https://youtu.be/xM6WlqCV_G0 Blending new wave influences like The Cure and Pixies with shoegaze and dream-pop influences (Slowdive, Curve, Lush), the four-piece blur heavy guitars with singer Julie Dawson’s ghostly, ethereal vocals. ‘Let Go’ is ‘one of the darker songs from the upcoming album, as the band lean back into their alt-rock roots. With intense lyrical themes, the track’s repeating motif, ‘I can’t let go’ builds and builds to an almighty guitar crescendo. The fresh new music video, directed by Zack Arlo, sees the group performing at the ultimate gothic house party, with distorted shots and hand-held cam footage giving the song a further boost of grunge. NewDad took their name from a random online generator, a decidedly gen-z decision which suits them perfectly. They have found success with their previous Eps ‘Waves’ and ‘Banshee’, and take their thematic inspiration from both lived experiences, and characters from film and television. ‘Ladybird’ on their 2022 EP took its inspiration from the popular Greta Gerwig movie of the same name, and took the band in a dream-pop direction which established them with a younger crowd. However, their return to alt-rock could not come at a better time, as Gen-Z have begun to embrace an alternative revival founded on the music of their parents’ time. Fans of The Cranberries or Wolf Alice will find something they love in NewDad’s decidedly contrasting sound, filling the space between Cara Joshi’s bass guitar and Dawson’s other-worldly vocals with layer upon layer of thick guitar rhythms. If the track peaks your interest, the band are embarking on a UK tour throughout February and March 2024 to mark the release of ‘Madra’. Here at The New Age Magazine, we’re very excited to see if the rest of the album follows in the style of ‘Let Go’, and we’re hopeful it will be the soundtrack to a dark British winter. You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – ‘Hard to Love’ Becky Sikasa
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – ‘Hard to Love’ Becky Sikasa 10.11.23 Words by Sophie Coombs ‘Hard to Love’ by Glasgow-based Becky Sikasa was released on November 3 2023, comprising three expressive tracks. Raw and emotive, it evokes a gut-wrenching sensation as soon as you hit play. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yISFIaodFCk The release combines soul, R&B and indie to create a listening experience like no other. Sikasa’s heart is on her sleeve throughout, with intricately woven lyrics and impassioned vocals. The introductory song, of the same name as the EP, causes stirrings of heartache and hollowness. It is a stripped back and moving piece with Sikasa’s voice and lyrics doing the heavy lifting. In the future this track is sure to be selected for an intimate, melancholic scene in film or TV. Its tender sound is enough to set the scene. Following the emotive and pared-back ‘Hard to Love’ is ‘Wait Up’, a soulful ballad nearing on gospel as it opens. This is the most successful track from the release on Spotify with over 140,000 plays to date. ‘Wait Up’ picks up the pace from its predecessor and gives you insight into Sikasa’s true potential as an artist. Its lyrics tell a story that so many can empathise with of feeling you’re not where you should be just yet. Sikasa delivers words of encouragement in the chorus: “You don’t need to wait up, I’ve got time.” Layering of vocals and instruments as we edge towards the final note is both powerful and personal. Closing the release is ‘Work of Love’. It is a concoction of vulnerable vocals, beautiful instrument work and impassioned lyrics: “The work of love is not for the weak.” Here Sikasa recognises her own self-love and the journey from ‘Hard to Love’ to ‘Work of Love’ becomes apparent. The collection of tracks ends on an optimistic, embracing note. Despite all three songs being released as one single, each track differs from the next while playing its part in a cohesive project. What stands out through it all is Sikasa’s voice, which is somewhat incomparable. Her sound is just as unique and Sikasa’s latest release flexes her creative muscles at the same time as taking the listener on a journey of self-discovery, acceptance and love. ‘Hard to Love’ is nothing short of a triumph. Earlier this year Sikasa was shortlisted for the 2023 Scottish Album of the Year Award with her EP ‘Twelve Wooden Boxes’. At the time of printing she has almost 40,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. With the SAY Award success already under her belt and the exceptional release of ‘Hard to Love’, one hopes Sikasa’s sound is more discoverable to new listeners than ever before. You Might Also Like
New EP release – Florence Arman ‘Love is The Worst’
New EP release – Florence Arman ‘Love is The Worst’ 09.11.23 Words by Céline Galletti If you need a few breakup songs to cry to this fall, singer and songwriter Florence Arman has got you covered https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSZQvqKQR_c Her second EP “Love is the worst”, released this October 2023, explores the themes of heartbreak and painful love in a series of romantic soft-pop tracks reminiscent of Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo. A hidden gem of recent pop releases, the EP is composed of 7 tracks offer a bittersweet vision of love. Each song explores the different ways in which love can hurt, going from romantic heartbreak, to impossible crushes, to losing a loved one, to struggling with self-image. However, despite what she claims, the singer is far from disillusioned from love. The soft vocals, the melodic instrumentals and the dreamy tone of the lyrics fabricates a feeling of romanticism that hovers over the album, reminding us that love might be “the worst”, but it is also something we should never let go of. With some personal stories and humour sprinkled here and there, Florence manages to create relatable messages full of vulnerability and self-irony. In the clip of the song “Good Girls”, where she sings about being stuck in a toxic relationship, she is dating a literal trashcan, that ends up cheating on her with another trashcan. In “Friends”, she is overthinking a text to her crush, and ends up panicking and abandoning it. These humorous feel-good tracks are superposed with other more nostalgic pieces, such as the hauntingly beautiful “New Pair of Shoes”, where she mourns a diseased parental figure. Another outstanding factor of the EP is undoubtedly Florence’s angelic voice, whose softness is in direct contrast with some of the harsh truths she is singing about. This dreamy aspect is reinforced by a play with vocal echoes and swirling musical accompaniments of guitar, piano and synthetic music, which creates a delicate and enchanting listening experience. Florence’s performance is even more impressive considering that she only debuted her solo career in 2020. The Austria-based artist comes from a family of British musicians and has previously worked with big names in the international pop scene such as The Kooks, Barns Courtney, Rhys Lewis, G-Flip, Crystal Fighters, and many more. She claims to write her albums as a sort of “self-therapy”, and beautifully mixes poetic melody and existential themes. There’s no doubt: the young artist is particularly promising, and she will keep making a name for herself in the years to come. She is touring this upcoming January 2024 in Europe and will perform in London on January 19th, so don’t miss your chance to listen to her performance live! You can keep in touch with all of her updates at @florence.arman on Instagram. You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Divorce ‘Eat My Words’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Divorce ‘Eat My Words’ 09.11.23 Words by Lily Cresswell Four-piece Nottingham group Divorce have released their new single Eat My Words, ahead of their UK tour this November https://youtu.be/S0kTWdkeI0g The mellow track signals that we’re entering a more mature and confident era of the band, with the simplicity of the production and arrangement allowing listeners to really wrap their head around the band’s pop-grunge-country sound. Yet, Eat My Words isn’t without emotion. Beginning with a quiet profundity, the song develops into one that is rife with energy that at times bubbles into subdued anger and desperation. This emotion is crafted into a climax two-thirds into the track, before returning to the muted feelings that end poetically unresolved. It’s the emotional energy that really stands out in Eat My Words, but it must be acknowledged that it is the effortless beauty of all the other elements that allows this emotion to sing (…pun intended). The melodious guitar, decorated with country slides, acts as scenery to the vocals, providing it with a perfect background that never once overpowers but gives the listener much depth and tone. Importantly, the guitar licks feel natural and unrehearsed, bringing true authenticity to the recording, the perfect accompaniment to the emotionally raw vocals. Partnered with this is the understated rhythm guitar that creates special moments throughout the track, with distorted chord crunches proceeding its dramatic silence. These moments of emptiness work synergistically with the other layers of the track, adding little pockets of surprise for the listener, encouraging reflection on provocative lyrics such as ‘…baby nothings real underneath’. Eat My Words is an absolute triumph of a single, studded with a real sense of authenticity and certainty that feels like a turning point for the band. Divorce have found their sound, and it shows, with oozing confidence to own this corner of the industry as they continue to grow in their success. You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Picture Parlour ‘Judgement Day’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Picture Parlour ‘Judgement Day’ 09.11.23 Words by Laura Mills It’s almost impossible to believe that Picture Parlour have only officially released two singles as their sound suggests this is a band with tremendous ability and sheer confidence https://youtu.be/sGgDvXR0094 They’ve supported Bruce Springsteen, played The Great Escape Festival, even bagging themselves a spot of the cover of NME and have just finished playing venues around the country supporting The Last Dinner Party which is rather impressive for a band who only released their first single back in July. Following on from their debut of ‘Norwegian Wood’ a song the band have implied listeners should “Stream it, watch it, cry to it, scream with it, air guitar your way through the damn thing” have now hit us with ‘Judgement Day’ a love letter which is guaranteed to seduce listeners. In a statement the band said “It’s a love letter. It’s about being swept off your feet by someone you never expected to meet and surrendering to that all-consuming feeling. It’s a dramatic statement that on judgement day, at the end of time, you want to stand hand in hand with your lover.” Arguably even better than their debut single, the track starts with a slow tempo instrumental luring listeners in and as we’re presented with Katherine Parlour’s raw, gritty vocals we’re seduced into a trap of our own making but it is so satisfying that we simply submit. It’s interesting to see this band present something slightly different to ‘Norwegian Wood’ in the respect their latest single has lyrics filled with passion and emotion, especially in the chorus ‘You look so divine like death in a lightning strike / Holy water drips down on me / And it tastes just like holy wine / How can I stay on my feet?’ paired with this intense, fiery delivery leave us begging and pleading for more. Likewise, the breakdown section where these powerful guitars are played to create an electricity sound backed by the pounding beat of the drums transports listeners into an extraordinary atmosphere. It’s so clear through this track that their main influences include ‘Humbug’-era Arctic Monkeys and early St. Vincent. The single was produced by multi-award winning producer Catherine Marks who has worked with the likes of Wolf Alice, The Killers and Foals. The band have two dates left to play this year including Pitchfork Festival and Great Escape First Fifty. Their next show in 2024 is alongside Black Honey and Kynsy at Leeds Beckett’s Student Union on 9th of February. 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
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Sophia Alexa ‘Emily’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Sophia Alexa ‘Emily’ 01.11.23 Words by Zachary Chidgey Sophia seems to be talking someone through everyday struggles and reassuring their worries, with new single ‘Emily’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upOC_GGR72A Sophia Alexa is an indie- folk singer-songwriter who operates within a dreamy soundscape, this is ever present on latest release ‘Emily’. The lyrics feel like a big sister giving advice to someone struggling, letting them know it gets better. The story is honest and raw which is present in lyrics such as “Carry your regrets in a beat-up Guitar case”, as Sophia has said in the past she deals with issues through music and gravitates towards her guitar. The track reminds me of ‘Angelina’ by Lizzy McAlpine with its 3rd person prospective and simple production allowing the story to shine The story is told over mellow acoustic guitars which grow as the track progresses introducing pads and subtle percussion to keep the track engaging but never distract from the vocals. The vocals are layered to give them a warm and surrounding feel. The special part of the track to me is the way the story and production intertwine with its warm and harmless sound, an approach you take when you are trying to give someone advice or reassure them. This track builds on Sophia’s already rising star, cementing her sound and place within our playlists and daily rotation. ‘Emily’ allows her story to be at the forefront showing off her Storytelling and Vocals abilities setting her apart from others. With a growing social media presence and 200,000 monthly listeners on Spotify the only way seems to be up for Sophia and her heartfelt music. You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Carpark ‘Suburbs of Hell’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Carpark ‘Suburbs of Hell’ 07.11.23 Words by Josh Stone It has been nearly a year since we’ve had some new material from the London pop punk trio, but Carpark are here and they are back with their story of a post apocalyptic world, that is “Suburbs of Hell” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvtA6VakNt4 Opening with a very atmospheric tease of what we can expect from the chorus with singer Sophie Scotts melodic vocals. Leading to a very laid back verse, which unfortunately doesn’t offer the most memorable hooks or melody lines. However, we get through that very quickly and into a pre-chorus that hooks you right back in, tantalising you, then BANG… that chorus blasts through like an atomic bomb and you can’t help but head bang, accompanied with a passionate frown. The drums, guitar and bass are arranged brilliantly and the vocals are catchy as Hell. It’s just a shame that we go back into the same verse, I was really craving to hear a development, a hook, a new part, something that drives new towards the repeat of the epic chorus. Again, the breakdown is just too little. A bridge that follows the chorus’ epicness would have just glued up this emo-disco floor stomper, something really awesome. Especially considering the chorus guitar is such a driving ingredient, but it’s brilliantly understated in the pre-chorus/chorus. A variation could have had a starring role in verse I think, rather than it being too atmospheric. A heavy influence of nostalgic early 00s pop punk is present, oozing with Avril Lavine’s 2002 hit “Let Go”. But what I enjoy the most about this track is the direction that Carpark seem to be going. Carpark’s newly found dancier edge lends its influence towards Paramore, Charlie XCX’s early work and similarly Icona Pop, which I am all here for. I think it is a fantastic direction for this band and can see them going from strength to strength. “Suburbs of Hell” is a fantastic follow up to the groups 2022 EP; “The World Ended in 2012”, it offers a more consistent sound and vibe to what I love about this band, more so than their last single “Don’t Want You”. In comparison to their previous EP that offered an essence of grunge grunt which I’m sure stems from Sophie and Laurens previous band Hey Charlie, this single has moved towards a dancefloor filler, meanwhile keeping that punk angst. It’s always exciting to see a band progress and find a balance between maintaining their core elements and exploring new musical territories. You Might Also Like
OCTOBER FLASHBACK – Paper Dragon ‘Lost In a Moment’ ft. Jasmine Knight
OCTOBER FLASHBACK – Paper Dragon ‘Lost In a Moment’ ft. Jasmine Knight 06.11.23 Words by Ethan Riley What happens when the genius minds of Paper Dragon combine forces with the powerhouse vocals of Jasmine Knight? We truly get Lost In A Moment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssfcHuEjhbo In the ever-evolving world of electronic music, a spectacular collaboration has emerged to captivate the hearts and minds of DnB aficionados. At a time when we were all yearning for a true auditory journey came the product of a true dynamic duo; the revolutionary musical collective Paper Dragon teamed up with the otherworldly talented Jasmine Knight to bring us Lost In A Moment. This track transports listeners to a realm of euphoria, where time stands still, and the music becomes a cosmic vessel for your soul. Imagine you’re standing at the edge of a dense, mysterious jungle, the air thick with anticipation. The distant rumble of a bassline is like a call, beckoning you into the heart of the musical wilderness. As you venture deeper into the track, a vibrant soundscape unfolds, filling you with hypnotic rhythms and ethereal melodies that gradually envelop you. The jungle becomes your playground, and you are truly Lost In A Moment. After taking a short hiatus, Paper Dragon set out to take it back to the old school by dedicating 2023 to a collection of jungle and breaks inspired music with their own special edge. Tracks like Holding On and Strawberries excited, enthralled and entranced us – and the collective show no signs of slowing down any time soon. Following the release of their epic EP Amplified Nostalgia, Pt. 1 earlier this year, Paper Dragon once again treat us to a true DnB delight with Lost In A Moment, spotlighting the otherworldly vocals of Jasmine Knight – an amazingly talented South London based singer/songwriter who has collaborated with some of the top dogs in the dance music scene. Her latest collaboration with Paper Dragon is a three-and-a-half minute blessing to the ears. The collective’s signature production skills blend seamlessly with Jasmine Knight’s ethereal vocals, resulting in an auditory experience that transcends time and space. The combination of their talents is nothing short of alchemical magic, creating a synergy that resonates with your very core. Jasmine Knight puts it best when she says on Instagram, “…you realise how beautiful life can be when you truly get lost in the moment, let go and surrender and enjoy your life as it is”. As an artist, she writes from a vulnerable place, and we feel it. Authenticity is of utmost important, and Jasmine Knight doesn’t shy away from letting us experience that rawness with her, evident in the way she expresses each word. Lost In A Moment bridges a gap, appealing to those who have grown up with classic DnB beats and newcomers eager to explore the genre’s rich history. It’s a sonic bridge between the past and the future of electronic music. The track’s fusion of nostalgia with contemporary production techniques creates a timeless experience that resonates with both seasoned ravers and fresh-faced enthusiasts. The DnB community has always been about unity, and Lost In A Moment embodies this spirit. It’s a track that unites people from all walks of life, regardless of their differences. The dance floor becomes a melting pot of individuals who have all succumbed to the enchantment of the music. Lost In A Moment is a testament to the power of music to bring people together in euphoria, transcending the barriers that often divide us. Get ready to lose yourself and find something greater in the captivating journey of Paper Dragon and Jasmine Knight’s masterpiece. You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – O. ‘Slice’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – O. ‘Slice’ 03.11.23 Words by Kristian Floate O. are an expressive baritone sax and drum duo who have forged their own sound in a way that has captivated audiences since their formation in the depths of the 2020 lockdown https://youtu.be/X6xJ2FEMiRU Under the wing of their label Speedy Wunderground, their newest offering, ‘Slice’, is a welcome follow-up to their standalone debut single ‘OGO’ from November 2022 – a fierce reminder that they are still worthy additions to your listening radar almost one year later. The colourful single is a first glimpse into their upcoming EP bearing the same name – out on November 24th. If this single is anything to go by, the EP is guaranteed to be a groove fuelled, funk filled adventure that will catch you delving deeper into the uniquely awe-inspiring art of O. But what makes O. especially noteworthy? Their quick rise and spiralling success came to no surprise, with Tash incorporating turbo-powered drum grooves and utilising the kit to its full potential across muted rim-shots, charging hi-hat breaks, tactical clap stack whacks and carnivalesque bell-hits. This refreshing drum twist is far-removed from those simple drum patterns that anchor the rhythm in many modern tracks, unleashing the fullest percussive sound and transcending the drum sound as we know it. Combined with Joe’s unmissable saxophone melodies, injected through a pedalboard and seeping with distortion, delay and reverb, the duo are building a new era of instrumentality and making it look like a piece of cake in the process. The duo’s ability to create such textured and layered soundscapes while maintaining simplicity in their line-up has caused an infectious buzz, batting confidently from dance worthy build-ups and headbang inducing breakdowns from start to finish. Translated seamlessly to the recorded track, O. saw initial traction through their mesmerising live shows – kicking off their live catalogue with a string of dates with black midi, collecting a loyal following, and since announcing a headline our to compliment the EP release in early 2024. After watching crowds flock to their Great Escape set in Brighton earlier this year, and experiencing their effortless liquid flow for myself, O. will no doubt be causing a stir across the UK in months to come. You Might Also Like