September's New Releases

Lewis Del Mar- The Ceiling

To start off my favourite new releases of September I wanted to add in a song by Lewis Del Mar called The Ceiling. Technically this wasn’t released this month but as I missed out last months, I felt I should include this track as it has been one of my favourite new songs this year. 

Lewis Del Mar is made up of two lifelong friends Max Harwood and Danny Miller. I first came across Lewis Del Mar in 2016 and immediately connected with their music and the new album August
held up to my expectations. In October 2016 RollingStone Magazine described Lewis Del Mar’s sound as “A beachside dreamscape with acoustic guitars and electronic drums washing up on shore.”

Fans also like... Dermot Kennedy and the Well Groomed Men of Indie Folk

While recently going through Spotify’s new ‘Listen Alike’ site, and after finding out to my abject shock that Megan Thee Stallion and I only have a 5% corroboration in music taste, I came across a name that I didn’t recognise, but probably should have, Dermot Kennedy.

While yes, we apparently both like one DaBaby song and ‘Hip Hop’ in general (Listen Alike isn’t exactly specific), after actually listening to Kennedy’s own music I was surprised to find a sound that I thought had fallen out of vogue.

That sound being, the very specific but somehow also immensely generic ‘stomp and clap’ indie/pop/folk. The stuff that sensitive boys play at the gym with lots of guys chanting ‘ayyyohh’ in the background, and a big sterile bass drum thumping away.

Movements: Album Review

After the initial release of their debut album ‘Feel Something’ in 2017, Movements began to make a name for themselves in the alternative, emo, and indie rock scene. Three years later, following the success of ‘Feel Something’, the four-piece band have released their sophomore album, ‘No Good Left To Give’, and it exceeds every expectation that fans may have had leading up to its release. Movements have outdone themselves with this record, breaking out of genre boundaries, exploring new sounds and pairing those sounds with impassioned vocals that explore topics, like struggling with mental health, in new depths.

MEET... Sea Girls

Press junkets are virtual, live gigs are impossible, and consensus suggests that consumers are finding comfort in the familiar. However, to say that Sea Girls have struggled to push their debut album Open Up Your Head would be grossly unfair. The fourteen-track record peaked at number 3 in the album charts this August, having been preceded by a string of singles including the euphoric All I Want to Hear You Say, and indie singalong hit Damage Done.

The Polydor backed four-piece are notorious on the live scene for their energetic shows. With a string of gigs booked from February next year, the pandemic seems unlikely to quell their steady yet certain rise. Formed five years ago, Sea Girls had fans singing their lyrics back at them as early as 2017, a breakthrough year in which they played TRNSMT amongst other festivals. 

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - Straws in the Wind review

Since the release of their last studio album, 2019's Infest the Rats Nest, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard have been extremely busy. From touring globally to, amid the coronavirus pandemic, recording new work. This dedication to producing music is no surprise to us, given their 2017 effort to release 5 albums in one year. Throughout their prolific musical career, the band has released jazz, long-form, and microtonal albums; from album to album, they are questioning the boundaries of their genre and style. The Gizz (as they are also referred too) are no strangers to being musically adventurous. Infest the Rats Nest (2019) was a shock to some Lizard Wizard fans due to the heavy, driven rhythm and semi-droned singing; but primarily, it was seen as a step away from their albums released in 2017, all of which have since become their sonic hallmark.

GIRLPOOL—TOUCH ME (IT’S LIKE I’M WINNING IT)

Known for rendering the world through a quasi-surrealist lens, Los Angeles-based Girlpool—the very much living and breathing creation of Avery Tucker and Harmony Tividad—have only continued to prove never expect the expected from them. From their 2017 album Powerpaint, in which ‘Corner Store’’s 90-second eruption of feedback and distortion punctuated our indie-rock meets dream-pop expectations, to their 2019 What Chaos Is Imaginary, which moves effortlessly between meditative and crunching, bleeding, distorted rock to impressionistic dream pop, the band’s every twist and turn is utterly unique, ingeniously inventive and ever-exciting.

YORE 'Bon Mot' review / Q&A with Callum Brown

Ulrika Spacek, Mint Field and Fews member Callum Brown debuts the first single from his upcoming solo venture under the name Yore, featuring a collaboration with White Flower’s Katie Drew, along with a music video by fellow Vicious Collective member, Andrey Rayner.

‘Bon Mot’ begins with a guitar and drum track that declare themselves to be the orchestrator of an opening sequence of, what sounds like, the entirety of the 90s. Katie Drew’s soft whispers linger in the background, only to throw itself into a dramatic sigh, ‘I’m just waiting for myself’, as she wishes for something that she knows she can never have. The song bubbles and spills over, and instead of slumping into a puddle of passive potential misery, celebrates its moment of catharsis and release. 

‘Bon Mot’, at its highest point is energetic, bright, a glass jar of butterflies, with heady guitars that brings to mind not just the sound of The Verve’s ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’, but also the lyrical/contextual sense of individual ennui coupled with an acknowledgement of said ennui, by celebrating absurdity, instead of falling into cold nihilism. And still, halfway into its mere three minutes, the song does simmer down, and Drew’s voice is soaked in longing as it drops into a whisper, stating ‘disappointment’. 

Charli XCX – How I’m Feeling Right Now REVIEW

British electro-pop singer and songwriter, Charli XCX, released on 15 May 2020 her fourth studio album named How I’m Feeling Right Now. During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, she made the album from her home studio in Los Angeles in just five and a half weeks in collaboration with her fans.

The album is DIY and “indicative of the times we’re in” Charli explained. She hosted Zoom meetings with fans and posted updates from her bathroom. “It’s weird yelling into a mic while my boyfriend does a puzzle”.

Gus Dapperton 'ORCA' Review

Is Gus Dapperton an E-Boy? I mean, on the surface yes, just look at that album cover, but as the term has increasingly negative connotations, it’s important to ask instead, does Gus Dapperton SOUND like an E-BOY?

There’s an element of that identity which will always haunt Bedroom Pop as a whole, as in a field that seems to have an endless supply of soft spoken male singer/songwriters, to stand out, there needs to be  something decidedly different about you.

To a degree, Dapperton’s first album (Where Polly People Go to Read) certainly doesn’t fall victim to these tropes. For me, the way to describe his debut, is as music to slow dance to that isn’t boring. It has a keen pulse, and steers clear of the more self indulgent slower stuff that finds its way into the album cuts of more and more dream pop acts as time goes on.

Fever: Honesty - Single Review

It’s not difficult to tell if something is good or bad. When you take a bite of food, either you let out a moan of orgasmic delight, or your face sucks itself in with sour disgust. It’s the same thing when it comes to food for the soul –music. This is how I tell if a song is good or not. 

Put the song on and let it play out. Now occupy yourself with something else. In fact try to not to pay any attention to the song itself. Open Instagram, Whatsapp your friends. Get lost in your own mind. 

If you find yourself, unconsciously, nodding your head to the lyrics and bobbing on your bed to the rhythm then you know the song is good one. When it seamlessly seeps into your soul and brings your inner child to to life.

Must listen to album: Funky Kingston by Toots And The Maytals

In light of the recent passing of the legendary Frederick Nathaniel ‘Toots’ Hibbert, this week’s must listen album is – Funky Kingston, by reggae and ska group Toots and the Maytals. The 1973 album is a true classic within the reggae genre - perfect for those looking to explore and expand their music taste. 

It boasts solid funky rhythms across all songs, most particularly within their better tunes; ‘Louie Louie’ and ‘Pressure Drop’. The charm of this album, is not just within the soul of Toots’ vocals, but in its appropriateness for all occasions: be it Sunday morning whilst making your pancakes to listening as your Motivational Monday tracks. 

Ultimately, Toots’ album is both a mood lifter as well as a reflective piece of art.

MEET... Girl In Red

Marie Ulven, better known as girl in red, is a singer-songwriter from Norway. Girl in red creates serene and emotionally raw songs in which she openly talks about her struggles with mental health and coming to terms with her sexuality. It is this willingness to be unequivocally herself and sing openly about her feelings, that has no doubt contributed to her ever growing fanbase who relate to and believe in her music.

Ulven acclaims her love of music came from her grandad who she received her first guitar from in 2012. The 21-year-old went on to teach herself how to play the guitar and piano and produce music all from her bedroom and soon started posting her music onto Soundcloud. The release of her debut single ‘i wanna be your girlfriend’ placed girl in red firmly in the ever-growing bedroom pop scene.

FONTAINES D.C. - A LUCID DREAM – VIDEO REVIEW

Fontaines D.C. returned on July 31 st 2020 with a much anticipated second album ‘A Hero’s Death’ on Partisan Records. Just over a year since their debut record ‘Dogrel’ was released, the title referencing a comic and slovenly form of working-class Irish poetry known as doggerel, their first album release embodied a labour-endured grit with critical acclaim - gaining a Mercury Prize nomination and album of the year 2019 at both BBC 6Music and Rough Trade record store.

Building on Fontaines D.C.’s strong links to the Emerald Isle, in fact, the suffix of the band’s name is in homage to the initials of Dublin City, ‘A Hero’s Death’ continues Irish semantics, in both title and aesthetic. The name of the record derives from the line ‘Everybody’s looking for a hero’s death’ in The Hostage by Irish playwright Brendan Behan, whilst the album art features the statue of mythological Irish warrior Cuchulainn, currently standing in Dublin as a commemoration of the Easter Rising.

Maxîmo Park – Child of the Flatlands

Maxîmo Park are back, at long last! Following the release of ‘Risk to Exit’ back in 2017, the band have made their long-awaited return, with their brand new single ‘Child of the Flatlands’. Originating from Newcastle, Maxîmo Park are an alternative rock band. For those who are unaware as to what to expect from the new releases, all you need to know is their first two studio albums went gold, with their debut album being nominated for a Mercury award. With over two years to themselves, grafting in the studio, I think it is fair to say we can be expecting something big. It has not been an easy ride for the band losing two members in quick succession, however, you can guarantee that the potential of a new album will be emotionally charged with intricately written lyrics.

Women Of Indie - the forward momentum of the genre

When thinking about women of the indie genre you’re often left thinking of successful artists such as Hayley Williams, Billie Eilish, Hayley Kiyoko, or Halsey of the indie-pop genre; those that have defied the trials and tribulations of womanhood to make, and sell good - non-formulaic - music.

The key is in the fact their songs are not entirely “pop”, and therefore can be considered real art, or at least closer to it. Whilst men can dominate the pop scene to little a grumble, women have to constantly struggle in an uphill battle to justify their creativity, working twice as hard to gain half the opportunities, respect, support, and recognition.

An Interview With: Another Sky

Another Sky are a four piece, female fronted band formed at Goldsmiths University. Catrin's hauntingly beautiful vocals are a key feature of their music. I first came into contact with the band after seeing their new album artwork plastered all over Manchester - and rightly so. 

Their new album 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 (Ben Broyd).

One of our team Emma, had the pleasure of having a chat with lead singer Catrin about their new album, their formation and the meanings behind their songs and band name... 

 I slept on the floor is your first full album. So how does it feel to have produced something so tangible and significant for the first time in the band's history.

Oh that's lovely.That's a lovely question I timed. It feels, you know, I just can't grasp it, just maybe because in my life, I mean, I'm moving house. I we have this whole situation with a studio every day. I've been waking up not knowing what's next. So I've not even got time to think about music. It just becomes this action that you do compulsively. 

Wings Of Desire announce debut single ‘001’

The first of a trilogy breaking down social structures and asking WHY…

Wings Of Desire hold the ideas of social philosophy and art in the centre of their work. They look into the current broken modern world and show hope in the sea of toxic cultures. Named after the 1987 German movie; Der Himmel über Berlin or in English; Wings Of Desire a romantic fantasy film; where an angel looks over the whole of humans in Berlin, listening to their thoughts, watching their lives of isolation and love.

Make Friends New Single

It’s taken me several days to put this together ~ partly because of life, but mostly because I had trouble finding MY words to do justice for these four guys from Bristol. I played the song loud and soft and everywhere in the middle. Intimate is the best word I can come up with.

The smooth sounds of Make Friends’ “Hesitate”, easily draws listeners in with light, nimble “guitaring” and the fairly constant rhythm of drums. The easy-listening lyrics sometimes gets lost when the voice drops to almost a mumble. I’m left guessing “I can be the one that saves you, fails you or tells you.

MEET... The Clause

What could be more fun than bouncing around at an indie disco, eloquently as possible trying to recall and exclaim lyrics to fill up Debbie Harry’s Heart of Glass, still riding the buzz of an Arctic Monkeys classic, on the back of a disco biscuit. Being on stage in a band that creates that kind of youthful carefree glee, that’s what. The Clause bring that energy in abundance.

In Birmingham’s thriving creative scene, from cultural hot spots and post-industrial places, comes a history of underground music successes spanning genres, from the likes of MIST, The Streets and The Twang. It is no wonder The Clause are riding a wave headed by accomplished DIY indie bands that have flown the nest from the city, such as Peace, Swim Deep and JAWS. The four Brummie lads that make up The Clause are keen to carve out their own course – with sold-out UK crowds and an ecstatic army of local adolescent fans.

EADES - I Want More review

I Want More is a grainy black-and-white film track, a “let’s just drive” track, an afternoon picking wildflowers track; it’s filtered escapism, and hot on the heels of Eades recent EP success. With mellow vocals by lead Harry Jordan simultaneously punk and dulcet, and slow-burning 70’s Iggy-Pop-esque guitar, Eades delivers a euphoric garage-rock ballad that would stir even the dullest of crowds, if crowds ever become a thing again. 

Lyrically, this track is a rehash of a popular punk theme: antagonistic feelings towards the 9-5 grind that all up-and-coming musicians have to battle to sustain their art. Despite the four-pieces musical touchstones also being nostalgic, and covering a coalescence of genres, EADES has a self-assured confidence to their sound that propels this track forwards, and a wordsmith charm that stops the lyrical core from seeming overdone. I Want More seems to whisper that you may have heard this trope before - but not in this way, not by this band. 

THE STYLE COUNCIL ANNOUNCES ‘LONG HOT SUMMERS’ COMPILATION

Seminal pop-soul band The Style Council have recently announced the ‘Long Hot Summers’ compilation, a collection of music from across their career all on one album. The compilation will contain iconic hits (one of which it takes its name from), as well as previously unheard demos and unreleased tracks.

The band were most notable for their hit song ‘Long Hot Summer’, a soulful tune which powerfully soundtracks struggling emotions in the guise the (in)famously loved up season. Paul Weller, perhaps known best for his work fronting The Jam, started The Style Council as a means to write and perform types of music he didn’t think suitable with his other work. It didn’t take long for the band to take off, with the new wave sounds of the 80s welcoming exactly the kind of style The Style Council offered.

Plastic Cowboys: Interview

Plastic Cowboys are an indie punk band made up of three members; Ciaran McGann, Joe Monaghan and Darren McCarthy. From December 2019-April 2020 they have managed to squeeze in two releases, ’99 on a Saturday’ and ‘Not As Cool’. Both singles can be found on Spotify and Apple Music. Keep your eyes peeled for this emerging trio on the music scene...

What bands/artists inspire you as musicians?

Beach Boys, Ramones - (Darren)

Metallica, Pink Floyd - (Joe)

Sex Pistols, Thin Lizzy, The Beatles. - (Ciaran)

 

What are your top three albums of all time?

The Meadows 'Love Limbo'

The Meadows, a self-described ‘sophisti-pop’ band from Sheffield, have released their newest single ‘Love Limbo’. I think these boys deserve some more listeners, there’s something really nostalgic about their sound. 

‘Love Limbo’ is a shorter song at two and a half minutes but it doesn’t feel abrupt: leading in with some bird sounds (kudos for that guys, nice touch), a piano riff sets up the base of the song reminding me of a 60s Burt Bacharach, especially on the synth solo half way through. Vocals remind me of The Verve’s Richard Ashcroft, and the overall vibe of the song meets somewhere in the middle of The Verve, Burt Bacharach and Jamiroqui.  It’s just a really cool blend of influences and sounds. I had fun listening to this.

Nick Cave: Cave Things

Nick Cave is music royalty, famous for his baritone voice and emotional intensity. Cave’s music explores a depth of cultural issues surrounding death, religion, love and violence. Nick Cave is a man of many talents, most notable for fronting the rock band Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, but it doesn’t stop there. 

Throughout his career Cave has ventured into various other avenues and expanded his work into writing, acting, screenwriting and blogging. Nick Cave’s diversified career shines through into his music, and ultimately adds more substance to everything he touches. 

Audiences will now be granted another chance to venture into the mind of the enigma that is Nick Cave. His extended film ‘Idiot Prayer - Nick Cave Alone At Alexandra Palace’ screens in cinemas from the 5th November, and will feature four previously unseen performances. It may seem like just a live streamed concert, but there is a method behind the madness. Cave explains 

Everything Everything: Re-Animator REVIEW

It’s taken me a while to work out how to feel about Everything Everything’s latest album Re-animator.

While some might see it as a confusing departure from their last two albums, sonically all the seeds for RE-ANIMATOR are spread throughout both ‘Get to Heaven’ and ‘A Fever Dream’. I think what’s challenged me with the record is the bold combination of esoteric and surreal lyrics with current political commentary and critique. The band isn’t a stranger to politically charged and off the wall writing, but they certainly knock it out the park with this one. You could spend hours sitting down and breaking down Jonathan Higgs’ elaborate and sometimes gruesomely dark imagery, and they certainly beat the shit out of the paddling pool deep lyrics of their contemporaries like the 1975. I guess my only question is if synth heavy art-pop/rock is necessarily the best sound to match Higgs' decidedly ambitious message.

MEET… Grimes

Claire Elise Boucher (born March 17 1988)—known professionally as Grimes—is a Canadian musician, singer, producer, composer and visual artist. Born and raised in Vancouver, Grimes began releasing music independently at the end of the 2000s, releasing her debut Geidi Primes initially only on tape in the Montreal warehouse scene. 

With four albums to her name since, Boucher has only moved from strength to strength, evolving into the Grimes we know today.

The music and work of Grimes is an intricate crafting and interweaving of the artist’s influences, a dream-like escapade through worlds of pop, high-hitting electronic production and hip-hop. Both a question and answer to the misogynistic music culture that sees women both pitted against one another and in a constant position of needing to prove their technical ability, a somewhat tortured relationship with visibility has played a large part in her career to date. However, from Geidi Primes to Miss Anthropocene, Boucher has forged her very own place within the industry; a pop star but very much on her own terms.

Shame release new single ‘Alphabet’ with Electric Brixton Show announcement

New powerful single but is it too late?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jka7aCIHT-I&feature=emb_logo

Surprise single and music video drop from the South London Punk Lads Shame with ‘Alphabet’. It’s been two years of silence from the Shame, with rumours in the ether of a second album ready to go.

The rumours only sparked higher with Web-chat series they were doing during lockdown with other bands like Fontaines D.C. lead singer; Grian Chatten, with the band’s friends discussing how good the second album is.

Then with one day’s notice across Shame’s social media accounts teasers to keep your eyes open on the 10 th September. The day came and they dropped ‘Alphabet’. It’s pure, unapologetic punk; the boys are back and aren’t holding back and showing us why we love Shame. They have not lost their identity or energy in their hiatus.

Alphabet is relentlessly brilliant, with a blend of rolling drums, punchy bass and raw feedback guitar riffs, woven together with snarling throw off lyrics. It’s a pure and frankly brilliant. The song discusses relationships, the subconscious and social normalities in our society.

TRAAMS Single Review

TRAAMS return with ‘The Greyhound’, in collaboration with Lewis Evans (Black Country, New Road) on saxophone, to open a collection of three tracks set to be released across the coming months, after a brief hiatus.

Melancholic lead guitar enhanced by a slow motorik beat set the stage for Hopkins to lament, “Show me a different way”, which in turn evolves into a charged demand as the song progresses. The ten-minute saga of lush sound seems to fold into itself, unlike their previous single from 2016 titled ‘A House on Fire’, which was far more wired up, unpredictable, and evidently revelling in it. And yet, just like their previous single, the middle of the song is when it seems that the pleasantries are over, and the instrumentals begin to move from creating a mise-en-scene of details to painting a vast landscape of sound. 

Sunship Balloon premiers ‘1000 Conversation’ Music Video in wake of album release.

Take a journey of heartbreak and lose with Daniel Haggis & Tord Øverland in a nostalgic indie bubble....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcN3pSSr-3I

In a series of single releases; 1000 Conversation echoes the final of the trilogy of Sunship Balloon’s singles before their long waited album release Everywhen on the 18 th September. Sunship Balloon is the side project of Daniel Haggis and Tord Øverland of The Wombats.

Sunship Balloon rides the line between pop, psychedelic and nostalgic indie. 1000 Conversation follows the journey of lost friendships, lost love and the overwhelming regret people hold within themselves over the months and months. The song blends snappy pop influenced guitar and keys, with coming of age innocence. Taking influences from the 1975 and The Wombats. Sending you back to being in school, during your break listening to the classic 2007 indie bangers, like a cocoon of nostalgia. It’s hard to miss the psychedelic drums and synths melodically running through the whole track. Breaking the mould from other pop acts currently.

Fans also liked - Music To Scare Your Parents

It isn’t exactly a hot take to point out that 6ix9ine is objectively bad, and a lot of people will tell you that this is in fact the point, or at least part of his appeal. 

Whether you hate him or just don’t mind him (I’m only giving you those two options), his skill as an artist has rarely been the focus of any conversation about the guy. 

What’s currently being debated in regards to his numerous guest spots on influencers feeds, is where the line is between ‘art’, and I use that term very loosely here, and the artist. 

For me that line runs pretty far behind having sex with a 13 year old. So bad music or not, let me be far from the first person to say, fuck 6ix9ine.

I know we’re all pretty accustomed to beloved celebrities being nonces at this point, but that’s the confusing part to me, because I don’t know if anyone would really describe 6ix9ine as ‘beloved’. 

As many other music journalists have pointed out, he sort of exists as a villain in hip hop. He shouts a lot, looks like ICP’s pubes, is actively involved in gang violence, and did I mention he had sex with a 13 year old? 

Yes. Yes I did. 

Bear's Den - Fragments - When You break review

Fan’s of Bear’s Den are no doubt by now accustomed to Andrew Davie and Kevin Jones’ consistent ability to reinvent themselves and twist up their sound in a way that really keeps us on our toes - or in the case of their latest release ‘When You Break - Fragments’ - on the tip of Paul Frith’s dancing violin. 

In their debut album ‘Islands’, they rolled with the folk-rock genre of their EP ‘Agape’ and lead us on an intimate and uplifting journey of acoustic guitars and banjos; topped with some well placed harmonies and delicate, catchy finger-picking, we were all tapping our feet in time to reminiscent thoughts of Mumford and Sons. 

Best New Releases of 2020 So Far

Tame Impala - The Slow Rush

The Australian psychedelic rock band released their fourth album following the release of a series of singles, like Posthumous Forgiveness and It Might Be Time, which are included in the album. Influences come from Philly soul and early prog to acid house and adult-contemporary R&B.

Bob Dylan - Rough and Rowdy Ways

First time to release new songs in eight years. Showing another side of himself, Bob Dylan talks about the difficult times of America.

Circa Waves X Alfie Templeman : Lemonade

Lemonade is Circa Waves lockdown single which reminds all of us that it’s ok to not have everything under control and that we have to deal with being defeated sometimes.

This is the first collaboration of the band, after releasing La’s’ cover There She Goes in June. This new single also marks Alfie Templeman’s first release after the EP Happiness in Liquid Form.

King No-One 2021 Tour

2020 dawned the release of two fresh new records and 2021 tour announcement from vibrant alt- pop guitar trio, King No-One. The York based band sell out major label venues, and gives you, the listener, a dynamic sound experience paired with exciting lyricism. Their new release records “Roll of the Dice” and “Not Willing To Sacrifice My Life” are certain to land in your summer playlists and get your head moving to the beat.

King No-One emerged onto the scene in 2013 in York, England and built their reputation through busking and live performances at small venues. Later moving to Manchester, King No-One soon blasted to be one of the top live guitar bands in England, performing across the country at well-loved venues such as O2 Ritz, Bristol Academy and Rock City. 

Declan Mckenna Live @ Lafayette

'The New normal' is a phrase that has gained increasing popularity over the past few weeks. 

Face masks in shops? The new normal. Meeting your friends in the park? New normal. Hand gelling every 3 seconds? New normal. Could live-streamed gigs from the comfort of your own sofa also be the new normal?

Due to mass gatherings coming to a grinding halt artists all across the globe are having to come up with new innovative and creative ways to stay in contact with their fans and deliver live music. The latest artist to jump on this newly formed band wagon is fan-favourite, Declan Mckenna. He took to the internet to perform a virtual concert of his newest album in full for the first time, whilst also throwing in a few nostalgia fuelled bangers.

MEET: Shame

Many music lovers might remember, at some point in time, cobbling together a bunch of mates who can play instruments, and messing about in any space they can find trying to create something that resembled music. Shame came from such a background. Each day, the five band members would hop off the school bus, head up the stairs of Brixton’s oldest pub, The Queen’s Head, and bash out sounds on their instruments, in the name of art and fun. 

The former birthplace of British post-punk legends, Fat White Family, would go on to mould the young lads into seasoned musicians by the time they started releasing their first singles, gifting them the energy but not the notorious harmful excesses of such older bands. Shame’s first singles were no amateur affairs. ‘Gold Hole’, a song that would later make it onto their debut album, demonstrated the gritty content of their lyrics, all delivered by furiously ecstatic guitars and frontman Charlie Steen’s raspy vocals. ‘Visa Vulture’ arrived not long after, directly ripping into Theresa May’s failed Brexit strategies through the disguise a hilarious yearning love song. 

Songs to leave lockdown with...

Black Dog – Arlo Parks

Heat Waves – Glass Animals

My Future – Billie Eilish

Just A Phase – Two Another ft. Arno Faraji

As lockdown restrictions continue to be lifted and life goes back to the ‘new normal’, it’s a good time to find the complete soundtrack to vibe with while you walk over Clapham Common with your take away pint in hand, the sun winding down for another day over the perfectly placed trees, making for a rather Instagram worthy backdrop.

Richard Ashcroft Announces Acoustic Album

Richard Ashcroft has revealed that he will be releasing an acoustic album of some of his classic songs. Talking with Radio X’s George Godfrey about his future plans Ashcroft commented, “yeah, at the moment I'm set to start on an acoustic set of some of the best tunes and stripping them back and laying them bare basically, so that will be my next thing. I'm excited about that."

TV People’s New Single: Nothing More

 

“Making sense of the method in the meaningless” is the core message from Dublin four piece punk rock band TV People’s latest single, “Nothing More”.

Dubbed as one of the most exciting acts to emerge from the Dublin rock scene, this is their third single of the year following the successful releases of “Kitchen Sinking” and “Time Eats Up”. Based on those songs, generational ennui is at the forefront of this young band’s mind.

Opening with strong crisp drums, a layered guitar riff and an upfront bass line, TV People quickly set the tone of this moody dirge. Lead singer Paul Donohoe repeats that he is so tired of it all in a listless Ian Curtis drawl, punctuated at times by an Irish lilt. Speaking about the song, the band comments that “the song documents the experience of trying to make peace with the realisation that life may be inherently meaningless and deal with the burden of being responsible for your own life's purpose.” 

Must listen to album-Boat by Pip Blom

There is often a snobbery around pop music, saying it is easy to make and lacking in craftmanship; however, Pip Blom’s debut album is a prime example of the complexity it takes to crack. 

Boat is an uncomplicated triumph of melodic guitar and poignantly honest vocals.

If you aren’t familiar with the band; Pip and Tender (brother and sister) front the Dutch quartet with Gini (a force of nature) behind the kit and Darek on bass. 

Despite them all being of Dutch origin, the entire album is sung in English, as, in Pip’s words, ‘Dutch isn’t sexy enough’.

Speedy Wunderground – A record label you should pay attention to

If the words ‘Speedy Wunderground’ do not already spike excitement to you: they should. This revolutionary record label, headed by Dan Carey, Alexis Smith and Pierre Hall, is bringing music back to its primal form: raw talent. The premise of this recording group is to record everything in a singular day (finishing by midnight) with the aim of presenting a snapshot of the day.

Mixing is also completed in one day and overdubs kept to a minimum. The aim of this minimalistic approach is to avoid ‘faff’, ‘clutter’ and overcooking of songs. Due to this, the label provides a simplistic yet distinctive sound to all of its songs.

Kelly Lee Owens- Inner Song album review

Welsh songwriter Kelly Lee Owens has managed to conquer the second album barrier with ‘Inner Song’, a suspended animation of colour, power and passion.

The album opens with Arpeggi, a transcending lyricless cover of Radiohead’s In Rainbows tune. It shines an electronic light onto the original song, bringing a euphoric twist. On moves the album on in relaxing waves of beautifully textured electronica. The juxtaposition hot-blooded beats and diaphanous vocals boasts Owens’ true talent, as both: a music producer and songwriter.

Gengahr x LYAM

Whilst lockdown for the most of us largely involved waking up at 1 pm every day, going on forced family walks and developing an unhealthy Tiktok obsession, it has become apparent that for many artists, this instead was a time of creative discovery and production. Our ears are currently reaping the benefits of this quarantine boredom, as the past few months has seen a wide range of artists releasing new music.

Not to be left out, London indie psych-pop band Gengahr has recently offered their contribution to the post lockdown musical tide, with their latest EP announcement. The EP, which is due to be released on the 16th of October, will feature four new versions of songs from the bands third and most recent album Sanctuary, featuring collaborations with Let’s Eat Grandma, MT Hadley, and sir WAS. The first of these, a rework by experimental rap artist Lyam, has now been released as a single; a little taster for the EP to come...

White Light - Not My Style: review

White Light are a new indie band out of Manchester and are soon to release their debut single, Not My Style, which has an indie pop/rock sound and features an impressive confidence from all members for a debut. The band have also taken to social media in the 30 days before the song is released to talk about their influences as a band and as individuals, offering listeners a window into how they work.

Given that this song was recorded over lockdown at home and produced by the members of the band themselves without the expensive gear of a studio or engineers/producers to assist them, its a clear and very well done recording, easily studio quality. 

Tame Impala Impress With Tiny Desk

There aren’t many people on this planet who don’t know who Tame Impala are, but if you are part of the unlucky few then prepare to be enlightened. Tame Impala are an Australian band, who offer psychedelic musical wizardry in the form of catchy pop songs. The man largely behind the production and writing duties is Kevin Parker, a multi-instrumentalist who first began Tame Impala as a solo music project, before realising he needed more than two hands when playing live. Emerging from a small but vibrant music scene in Perth, Tame Impala have gone from strength to strength, becoming regular headliners at huge festivals in the last couple of years.

Irish Folk Music: The Resurgence

Folk music. Now a lot of people I’ve told about my fascination with folk music have immediately switched off and I do kind of get it, say the word ‘folk’ and it does have kind of an old-world feel to it, but it’s not all fiddles and peasant blouses and getting stoned in fields (although why anyone would have a problem with this is beyond me anyway, besides that last one is pretty universal to music anyway). But I think folk music is special.

What’s interesting to me about music is that there are about a million intersection points. Between, rock, grime, hip-hop, synth-pop, folk… the list goes on, there are a million different ways to combine and intersect them. Now forgive me if I’m wrong and I may be biased because I love it, but I think folk music and folk influence is having a bit of a resurgence right now. And a lot of this resurgence comes from, what I think is the heart of folk music:

Ireland.

When I think Ireland I think music, poetry, and culture. That is after all the epicentre of what Ireland is. The Irish have a unique cultural ability to channel pain into something artistic. I remember remarking on the fact that there must be something in the water in Ireland that makes musicians so good. So as a result I’ve decided I would share some of my favorite Irish musicians with you, so that you too can gape in awe at these wordsmiths...

Lankum

My friend introduced me to this group. Lankum is a contemporary Irish folk group from Dublin, members including Ian Lynch, Daragh Lynch, Cormac MacDiarmada, and Radie Peat. If you’re after a true folk feel, these guys have got you covered. Folk music is known for its repetitive style, as it was after all in its origins meant to be sung by groups of people in taverns. Lankum plays into this style but isn’t boring by any means. Their instrumentation is great (all of them have mastery of about five different instruments) not to mention the unflinching vocals. They’re just good, go listen to them.

Song suggestions: The Wild Rover, What Will We Do When We Have No Money, The Old Man from Over the Sea

Lemoncello

Another favorite of mine, Lemoncello is a project started by the Irish singer-songwriter Laura Quirke and the cellist Claire Kinsella. It’s no wonder really, considering they bonded over their love of ‘close vocal harmonies, humour and vulnerability in lyric writing’. I feel like this is the kind of music you listen to when you’re looking for some healing. I really can’t fault them, the lyrics, the music, the emotion behind it.

Song suggestions: Morning, Mantelpiece, Libra

David Keenan

I’ve told this man to his face that I love his music so I sure as hell will recommend him to you guys. David Keenan is a Dundalk raised singer-songwriter who has kind of been taking the Irish music scene by storm, especially since the release of his debut album ‘A Beginner’s Guide to Bravery’ this year. For anyone that went to watch Hozier in his most recent tour you may recognize this man’s voice, he was the opening act. I’ve seen him live a couple of times now and I could only recommend, he’s a stellar performer but until that’s possible again, go listen to his excellent lyricism and the raw emotion in his voice.

Song suggestions: Keep the Peace Prepare for War, Origin of the World, Full Stop

Ye Vagabonds

Again, another recommendation from my friend with excellent music taste (shout-out to you Luca, he’s also a musician by the way, Luca FD on Spotify). This is a duo consisting of two Carlow raised brothers, Brian and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn. Carrying influences from European music, traditional Irish folk music and the music of the 60s folk revival, the brothers weave harmonies together effortlessly and accompany it with melodic guitar that almost lends itself to being a third harmony.

Song suggestions: The Foggy Dew, Lowlands of Holland, Wake Up

Basciville

This duo is more indie-blues in its execution but at its roots is folk. I said earlier that Irish musicians have a unique ability to turn pain into artistic expression, this duo is no exception. No matter the tone of the song, the message they are trying to purvey, the emotion comes through; from the more gothic sounds of ‘Unreturned’ to the nostalgic tones of ‘Diving Hour’ these guys will have you feeling things.

Song suggestions: Post-Youth, Unreturned, Diving Hour

Lisa Hannigan

I love Lisa Hannigan, she’s the kind of artist I get mildly mad at because she’s so intensely good at what she does (*jealous artist Chloe disappears from chat*). But in between fits of jealousy, I listen to her music because it’s so beautiful and so enticing. Starting as a member of Damien Rice’s band, she started a solo career six years later and has since brought out three albums. Her slightly raspy but ethereal voice fits perfectly in pretty much every musical direction she goes. Go, listen to her, run don’t walk.

Song suggestions: Fall, Paper House, Courting Blues

Saint Sister

Saint Sister are what I think of when I think folk reimagined. With a combination of beautiful harmonies, a synthesizer and an electric harp, Morgan MacIntyre and Gemma Doherty make a great duo. They met at Trinity College in 2014 and have since been voted the ‘Best Irish Act’ by The Irish Times and were nominated for a Choice Music Prize. If I still don’t have you convinced, go watch their performance they did for Other Voices Live, you’re welcome.

Song suggestions: Half Awake, Tir Eile, Dynamite

So there you go all, I hope I’ve helped at least one person find some new music, I hope I’ve convinced at least one person that folk music is cool, and I hope to see at least one person listening to an unknown duo in a pub in Dublin somewhere. Raise a Guinness, sláinte.

- Chloe Boehm

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Normal Average People: Review

Lovers of alt-J, the Black Keys, and the 80s punk scene rejoice! There’s a new duo on the scene: Normal Average People. 

I like their music so much I’d almost encourage you to skip this review and go listen to their new EP right now but hey since I have you here, may as well talk about them.

Normal Average People, newly signed to Blitzcat Records, released their debut EP ‘The Moon Saloon’ last week and having only recently discovered their music, this was a great surprise for me. 

I have a feeling these guys are going to go down well with all you lovely readers...

Idles Make Abbey Road Their Home With Lock-In Sessions

IDLES have conquered almost the entire world since their debut album Brutalism released in 2017. The punk-but-don’t-call-us-that 5-piece, hailing from Bristol, are a force to be reckoned with, and to see them strut their stuff inside Abbey Road’s iconic studio space was akin to watching tigers in a glass cage. The release of 3rd full-length album Ultra Mono is firmly on the horizon, but this is more than promotion or an exercise, not merely a fancy show-off of who they know now that could get them a gig at Abbey Road, this feels like something more.

Despite the “Lock-In Sessions” title, IDLES explode out of lockdown, a word that would have seemed so foreign but 7 months ago, now seared into the minds of everyone in the world. This was, in a word, escapism. Escapism with a conscience.

End Of The Road Festival

As an avid festival goer I have been so lucky to experience a variety of musical experiences. My parents both kick started my interest in music by being brave enough to take me and my sister to festivals whilst we were very young, my first musical memories being Gorillaz and Faithless a Glastonbury at aged 9. But no festival has quite stuck with both me and my family like End of the Road Festival.

Declan Donovan - Perfectly Imperfect Review

SoundCloud singer-songwriter Declan Donovan released his new single ‘Perfectly Imperfect’ in August alongside an understated lyric video. Unlike in previous singles, Donavan’s latest release foregoes the pop genre tones in favour a subtler, much more raw delivery.

‘Perfectly Imperfect’ offers us an insight into Donovan’s gentler thoughts, the piece is a romantic serenade reminiscent of debut hit ‘Fallen So Young’. 2020 has offered plenty of challenges for relationships young and old, the pressure of spending every second with one another, with every imperfection, has been too much for many.