BRAD STANK DROPS SMOOTH NEW SINGLE ‘SHE WAS A TEASE’ ALONGSIDE ALBUM RELEASE

Liverpool’s own singer-songwriter Brad Stank heralds the arrival of his new album with new single and video ‘She Was a Tease’.

Sauntering along at five-minute run time, ‘She Was a Tease’ manages to resist burning out too quickly. Instrumentally, the song could place the listener in the hazy depths of a late- night jazz club. A saxophone swoons through the song, played by King Krule collaborator Gal Go, providing a smooth undercurrent to the relaxed drum beat and heavily reverbed electric guitar. Lightly strummed acoustic strings can just be made out in the background, adding a tender Latin influence to the track.

GUS DAPPERTON RETURNS WITH OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR ‘POST-HUMOROUS’

New York indie pop artist Gus Dapperton has just dropped the official video to his latest single from upcoming sophomore album, ‘Orca’. The single released earlier in July, alongside a lockdown lyric video containing joyous performances from Dapperton’s family and friends. He now offers another visual treat for the song.

‘Post-Humorous’ once again explores Dapperton’s tender side, with the singer addressing the struggles of life, through a healthy dose of left-field humour. This self-awareness of his image and music has always been a part of Dapperton’s artistic identity, and offers a refreshing perspective on the modern music landscape.

Tomberlin builds on her signature sound with new single 'Wasted'

Kentucky artist Sarah Beth Tomberlin has just introduced the world to her new single ‘Wasted’, from her upcoming EP ‘Projections’. ‘Wasted’ builds upon the singer song-writers soft acoustic sound, first heard in her 2018 debut album ‘At Weddings’. The single arrives with a music video, directed by Busy Phillips.

The song is anchored by a simple melancholic acoustic melody which repeats throughout, returning to the soundscape that Tomberlin introduced on her previous project. However, with the help of indie veteran Alex G, this time the sound evolves. Additional layers such as crashing snare drums, a subtle haunting violin and bass notes of an electric guitar add flavour to the established style.

Giant Rooks: ‘Rookery’ Album Review

I don’t know if it was my German roots that somehow cosmically drew me towards this band but whatever it was that did, I’m glad it happened. Giant Rooks’ debut album ‘Rookery’ is the physical embodiment of the phrase ‘started with a bang’. This album consists of twelve songs all of which are, for lack of a more elegant term, bangers.

I thought the decision to name the album ‘Rookery’ was interesting and poetic in its own way, especially after having listened to it in full – it alludes to a sense of growth and community and that’s what I think this band is all about and is underlying in all of their songs. I get the feeling throughout this entire album that it is truly a BAND; drawn together by loving what they do which is apparently making ridiculously catchy music.

Glass Animals: Dreamland - Review

As the album title would suggest, this buoyant and at times hypnotic album offers the kind of airy psychedelic pop that one might describe as “dreamlike”. But Glass Animals do not offer simple dreamy aesthetics. The title track proves that the term is not perfunctory. Dreamland is a strange kaleidoscopic sanctuary, a place where you can return to the simple joys of a long-lost youth. The dreams that fill this land are memories of innocence and pain, of a youth filled with 2000’s R&B and “watermelon juice kisses”. 

The inspiration from the album comes from a traumatic experience; frontman Dave Bayley reflected on his life after the bands drummer Joe Seaward was involved in a near fatal accident. As a means to cope with the ordeal, Bayley reverted back to childhood memories (the first lines of the album brilliantly introduce this nostalgia trip; “Pulling down backstreets deep in your head, slipping through dreamland like a tourist”). Bayley claims his influences for the album are a melange of The Beatles, The Beach Boys, classic hip hop and 808 bass. The mix of these inspirations would already create an interesting soundscape, but the real ingenuity of the album comes from the autobiographical references. 

Chappaqua Wrestling – new single, The Rift

For fans of: No Hot Ashes, Bedroom/Boredom, Larkins, The Night Café

Having just released their third single of the year, it is safe to say that Manchester born band Chappaqua Wrestling know how to make a crowd pleaser. ‘The Rift’, being heavier than their other, more popular tracks, such as ‘Plant Trees’, shows the versatility of the group, while still sticking to their soft rock vibe. The new release pairs with their earlier singles out this year, ‘Early’ and ‘Football’, which both delve into the indie rock scene. With ‘Early’ coming out pre-pandemic there were high hopes of multiple gigs for them this year, including Live at Leeds which has been postponed to November. 

James' Record Store Day Picks

As record collecting survives another year, it seems to continuously prove that its resurgence isn’t just a fad. Even after every parent has purchased an all in one player for their child going off to uni, and every article has been written about how ‘it just sounds better man’, vinyl seems to live on simply for the same reason any tangible art form has, because it feels fantastic to have a collection of something. Not to mention it’s now becoming one of the only surefire ways to financially support an artist you love.

There is one facet of record culture though, that while not lost, has been completely assimilated into the internet. That facet is ‘cratedigging’. The pastime of combing through sales racks at your local shop to find weird but cheap oddities, is something that has become obsolete for the disappointing but overall positive reason, that vinyl just isn’t cheap enough to do that with anymore.

Record Store Day however, seems to be one of the last providers of an actual cratedgging experience. There are a lot, and I mean A LOT, of singles, LP’s, 12 inches, soundtracks, demos, that you will never have heard of, and that most importantly, will be somewhat discounted.

Unlike buying a record because it’s one of your favourites, or to support an artist, Record Store Day offers the novelty of buying something you have no clue if you’ll like, but still potentially getting a valuable exclusive that the shelves will never witness again.

After sifting through the insane amount of releases this year, both good and bad, I’ve created the below list that has everything from old classics to brilliant rarities on it.

Maybe buy them, maybe don’t, but I guarantee, they’re all worth a listen...

IDLES: Back On Tour – 2021 UK and IRE

Do you hear that thunder? that’s the sound of a huge IDLES announcement. Following the release of IDLES’ new single ‘Model Village’, and their highly anticipated new album ‘Ultra Mono’ out on the 25 th September, today, IDLES announced that in May and June 2021, the band will be going back out on tour. IDLES’ tour will see them playing 11 nights across the UK and Ireland, with back to back dates at Dublin Vicar Street, and London’s o2 Academy Brixton. These will be noisy and are not ones to be missed...

Another Sky: Last Night I Slept On The Floor - Review

Another Sky are a London four piece making waves within the music industry, and their debut album ‘Last Night I Slept On The Floor’ reinforces this, whilst it also gives a strong direction of the band. Not an easy feat for a debut album. It is a captivating listen from start to finish due to the pure sense of nostalgia provided through the heavily reverberated instruments, combined with the crisp vocals of Catrin Vincent. Vincent’s voice is relatively similar to that of Hannah Reid from London Grammar. Recently, Vincent explained: “People say I sound like a man. Maybe the means they’ll listen.” Following the release of ‘Last Night I Slept On The Floor’, she can rest assured that people are definitely listening. 

Albums To Look Forward To

The Flaming Lips, American Head (release date: September 11, 2020)

It wasn’t until a couple of days ago when I was sat on my floor, spinning The Flaming Lips’s This Here Giraffe EP on my record player when it dawned on me that we need more Wayne Coyne in the world. Low and behold, this psych rock band read my mind with their new record ‘American Head’ due for release on September 11, 2020. 

Apart from their collaborative album with Deap Vally released earlier in the year, The Flaming Lips last complete record was the classically fantastical concept album; King’s Mouth from 2019. The bodily theme of abnormally big facial features has somewhat been carried through to American Head, namely through its title and the album art of the young boy whose eyes have been caved in, seemingly by paintball shots. However, the band appear to have returned to their roots, scrapping the concept album they sought after with King’s Mouth.

The Lemon Twigs – Songs for the General Public

The D’Addario brothers are back and, in my humble opinion, are better than ever. The Lemon Twigs seem to have left Shane the conceptual chimpanzee in 2018 with Go to School, and have emerged today as the serious, yet humorous, indie rockers they have set out to be since their conception. Songs for the General Public that was originally set for release on May 1 st of this year was moved to today, August 21 st . Although those three delayed months were tough considering the light-hearted fun in their released singles, the wait has most definitely been worth it.

The Lemon Twigs have been praised for their vocally ’60s style whilst lyrically and melodically dipping their glam-rock toes straight into the ’70s, and Songs for the General Public is no exception. From the opening track ‘Hell on Wheels’ that sounds like it has been plucked straight from Marc Bolan’s notebook, to mid-tracks such as ‘Moon’ and ‘Hog’ that share an explicitly Lou Reed style, this album is a work of accessible genius.

Sea Girls: Open Up Your Head - Album Review

The first studio album from London-formed indie four-piece, Sea Girls, was released on 14 August under Polydor Records label. Produced by Larry Hibbitt in London, the album features fourteen guitar-pop tracks. Since the release of “Call Me Out” in 2017, the band has become one of the most fascinating indie bands in recent years.

“Open Up Your Head” is uplifting, reflective, and darkly honest. Filled with colourful melodies and synth hooks, it has become the sound of summer. With six of fourteen songs already released, the album features a handful of popular favourites, such as “All I Want To Hear You Say” and “Damage Done”. Notable standouts are the “Weight In Gold”, and “Transplant”; both capturing every aspect of the real essence of who Sea Girls have become.

JWESTERN debut single 'Call You Right Now'

‘Bedroom pop’ has become somewhat of a thrown around term lately, used to describe any sort of laptop born music, that fits a vague hazy atmosphere. The reality is that often such songs offer an intriguing fusion of sounds, and the fact they were created with limited equipment, many late nights, and a lot of imagination makes them all the more impressive.

When a newcomer breaks onto the scene, I find myself curious to hear what new ideas they are bringing to the ever-evolving bedroom music space, whether they will stand apart from their peers and stake their own claim on the territory.

HAIM - Women in Music Part III

7 years ago when HAIM first rocked up on the global charts they were young, unsure, and “bad at communication”- a point relayed with a steady drum beat and vocal harmonies. Over time the sisters have grown into themselves which is reflected in their music; the lyrics from 2017’s ‘Something to Tell you’ speak of the need to communicate “but [they] don’t know why it’s so hard”. If the words in each album tell of their experiences with love and relationships, then by their third album they’re aware of what they do and do not want from a partner, even if they still “don't know what to say”. This slow growing surety in themselves and their romantic lives puts a relatable element of drama into their lyrics, whereas the lively percussion and rhythmic bass keep the tone light and positive; allowing the listener to absorb the lyrics completely. If the first two album’s hadn’t already sold you on HAIM’s artistic ability; then WIMPIII has most definitely solidified their notability as guitar playing, drum bashing, bass-facing LA girls worth listening to. 

Fontaines D.C: ‘A Hero’s Death’ Album Review

With the immense success Fontaines D.C gained from their debut album ‘Dogrel’ you can only imagine the pressure they faced to create something even better to follow in its footsteps. As listeners we typically expect artists to release albums that go beyond the success of their previous album while still sticking to the same sound. When bands then explore a new sound we struggle to accept the change, we’ve all done it. With Fontaines however, they took that risk with their new album ‘A Hero’s Death’ and I personally feel this new album gives us, as listeners, a better opportunity to get to get to know them.

The Cribs - Running Into You: Review

The Cribs announced and released Running Into You, their first new music since 2017’s

24-7 Rock Star Sh*t, in the same day, bursting back onto the scene as if they never left.

The track is an indie-grunge hybrid which would sound very at home in the 90’s,a style they have grown into since evolving from the slacker indie pop of their earlier albums and maturing with age. It quickly bursts into the powerful verse before launching into the catchy, sing-along chorus, a commonplace feature of their music and a skill they've always held.

Oliver Tree - Ugly Is Beautiful: Review

Oliver Tree's long awaited Album ‘Ugly is Beautiful’ hits the spot for every mood. The main factor that grips me towards this artist is he has no specific style, this is largely reflected within the album. During an interview with Apple music Tree is quoted saying, “Ugly is Beautiful is about finding the things in ourselves that we see as flaws and learning to love those things.” 

Not many people can bundle so many styles so closely together without it feeling disjointed but Oliver Tree has executed it impeccably. Ugly is Beautiful is the perfect mix of dance/hip-hop styled tracks along with engulfing indie pop that makes me want to start my teenage years over.

Pillow Queens release video for new single 'HOLY SHOW'

Pillow Queens, the all-female outfit from Dublin, have released a music video to accompany their new single ‘Holy Show’, taken from their upcoming debut album ‘In Waiting’.

The video depicts a gentle budding romance between two girls, flitting between memories of a fondly remembered road trip, and one girls' moments of solitude thinking about happier times. It serves as a perfect accompaniment to the song, which offers a more stripped back sound compared to the bands previous single ‘Handsome Wife’, whilst still delivering their captivating blend of pop catchiness and fuzzy punk guitar riffs.

Declan Mckenna announces livestream show of upcoming album 'ZEROES'

 Declan McKenna has excited fans across the globe with the announcement of a livestreamed playthrough of his upcoming album ‘Zeros’, to coincide with the album’s release on September 4 th .

The live show will take place at London’s LaFayette music venue, with multiple cameras being employed to give ticket holders an exclusive first look at the singer song-writers sophomore effort. The event is designed to be a refreshing blend of an album listening party and a live set, breaking new ground in an increasingly uncertain landscape for current musicians.

Wallows announce a virtual world tour: coming soon

 

The three-piece Los Angeles indie trio Wallows (featuring actor Dylan Minnette, Cole Preston and Braeden Lemasters) are returning on stage with a Virtual Would Tour pre-recorded in LA’s location, The Roxy Theatre.

The four shows will be streaming through NoCap, featuring performances that were filmed while COVID-19, following the health and safety guidelines. This is the perfect occasion for fans to enjoy comfortably from their home one of the bands that is really worth to follow.

Formed in 2017, the trio released its first full-length debut Nothing Happens. The album mixes indie pop sounds with post-punk influences, surf punk guitars and alternative rock vibes. A great album from start to finish. The band gained quickly a huge fandom due to Minnette’s leading part in the Netflix’s show 13 Reasons Why, but also thanks to the great group aesthetic and their social media presence.

The virtual tour will have different performances, each of the four times that will be streamed, set to please the different audiences.

The Magic Gang’s New Single: (The World) Outside My Door

For fans of: Sundara Karma, JAWS, Blossoms, Marsicans, Sea Girls, The Night Café

With the release of ‘Death of the Party’ hovering on the horizon, The Magic Gang fans have been treated to the release of a fifth single from the upcoming album. The album has been teased since February when the first single ‘Think’ was released; to many fans dismay, including myself, the album’s release date was postponed, due to none other than corona itself. This time with a more personal feel ‘(The World) Outside My Door’ is another outstanding track to be added to the band’s discography.

It is impossible to talk about the Magic Gang without being somewhat nostalgic. 

The Japanese House: New Music Alert

For fans of: The Aces, No Rome, flor

Ladies, gentlemen, all my non-binary folk: The Japanese House has released new music. And let me tell you, The Japanese House gets better and better the more they release. So let’s dive right in, shall we?

The Japanese House is a solo-act with mastery over guitar, synthesizer and keyboard, not to mention having a voice, androgynous and hypnotic, likened to that of Imogen Heap and Victoria LeGrand. Their newest EP ‘Chewing Cotton Wool’ has now been rounded out with the addition of two songs, one featuring Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon. Amber Bain (the creator and non-binary bad-ass) has been an inspiration for their fans, not only musically, but also in being so open with their non-conformity to traditional gender norms, their struggles with gender and identity, as well as queer love and expression. All in all, I think we can agree they’re pretty dang cool.

Black Honey's New Single: Beaches

For fans of: Anteros, the big moon, Sunflower Bean, Dream Wife.

There are very few followers of the indie music scene who have not heard of Black Honey, and with songs echoing the golden age of female voiced rock it is obvious why.

In recent years the popularity of the fourpiece has grown, and their potential in making it big in the industry had been made clear from singles as early as 2015. This is not forgetting their 2018 album which projected their retro rock vibes, in a compilation of their early singles, in songs such as Corrine and Madonna. With the band first coming to my attention through Live At Leeds, they have gone on to do a variety of gigs, including their amazing performance on the Festival Republic stage at Leeds Festival last year.

The One More Haim Tour

Now I know, live music seems like the stuff of dreams right now, but fear not, music will play, we will dance, and fun will be had again. With a plethora of artists announcing rescheduled tour dates in 2021, HAIM is not the least of them. The pop-trio have added six tour dates in the UK and tickets are up forsale RIGHT NOW. 

Where are these illustrious shows going to be played you might ask?

Well we’ve got you covered there:

Rescheduled Gigs to Look Forward to in 2021

Let The Music Play Campaign

As the music industry crawls back onto its feet after the damaging repercussions of the Covid-19 outbreak, and social distanced gigs become the new norm, it is more important than ever to support your favourite bands. You can do this by streaming music and buying tickets to events, even if they are next year!

Aside from major festivals such as the fiftieth year of Glastonbury being delayed a year, there is a multitude of small-scale festivals to look forward to:

Manchester psych fest

When? Saturday 4 th of September 2021, 2pm – 4am