Track of the Week: Alfie Templeman – Happiness in Liquid Form
Forget long-winded metaphors for Summer – this track is Summer. Co-written with The Vaccines’ Justin Young, the shimmering and breezy disco-pop is the perfect pick-me-up for those feeling down. We may not be able to go to festivals right now, but this track brings the festivals to us.
Children of the State – Big Sur
A doo-wopping groove never sounded so good! In ‘Big Sur’, the five-piece explore loneliness through retro-rock and Submarine era Turner-esque vocals – so soft it dances upon the ears. It’s an electrifying vintage voltage, a song fit for those late-night boogies after a long day of work.
CIEL – Same Old Times With U
CIEL’s dreamy sound is a breath of fresh air in times like this. The ethereal keys bringing you into this kaleidoscopic daze, floating past hints of shoegaze and alt-pop. In their same old times, CIEL deliver something new and shiny.
Gregg Sgar – Don’t Go Outside
God, as the track enters with hauntingly beautiful hums, it captivates you straight away. Injections of R&B beats and a droplets of ivory keys create a soft cohesion that chills you out.
Ghostpoet – Nowhere To Hide
The grip this track has on you really lets you know there is nowhere to hide. It’s, at times, discohesive instrumental and visceral storytelling ignites your feelings of unease and creates a fiery competitor. They say a picture is worth 1,000 words, but this single is worth 1,000 more.
Hazel English – Five&Dime
We’ve all felt it before – those swooning feelings of a certain someone who won’t leave your mind, and it just drives you a bit crazy. Well, that’s the focus of Five&Dime, a woozy mid-tempo track that you leaves ya swaying and clicking along to. Reminiscent of 60s melodies, English just emits serenity as she serenades, filling you with a sense of bliss.
Jack Conman – Sweet Julia
With a voice like a knife through butter, Conman proves it isn’t just Julia that’s sweet. Gentle guitar paired with even gentler harmonies, its a sky without clouds, a night full of stars, a complete moment of relax. In 3 minutes, Conman delivers the rose-tinted romantic warmth we need in these lockdown blues.
Laura Marling – Held Down
Laura, oh Laura, Laura – we love you more than ever. ‘Held Down’ is just as raw and heartfelt as what you’ve given us in the past. “I’d like for you, perhaps, to hear a strange story about the fragmentary, nonsensical experience of trauma and an enduring quest to understand what it is to be a woman in this society. When I listen back to it now, it makes more sense to me than when I wrote it.” Marling said. While seemingly upbeat, a song for something like a road trip, Marling’s lyrics betray a deeper well of darker undertone. “I don’t want to let you down.” the songstress sings. Laura Marling, you never could.
Mt. Joy – My Vibe
Honestly, a vibe we want to feel all the time. Soulful rockers Mt. Joy don’t lose a drop of themselves in latest single, continuing their legacy to create an upbeat and shimmering escape. Letting go, branching out, and finding your own happiness. It’s a track of utmost relief. But that music video. That does not give me relief.
Patawawa – Forget About It
Nu-disco? You better believe it. This kind of bassline will take you places. Those places may involve a nice pina colada, cold pint or non-alcoholic beverage of your choice, set to the background of an endless summer. Sweet electronic licks score semi-surf rock guitar chords, while the chorus “Just forget about it.” is repeated until it becomes a mantra. Not a track to be forgotten
Psychic Markers – Clouds
‘Clouds’ is about pressure. Pressure to think, pressure to conform, pressure to be; it starts when you’re a little kid, worsens when you get older. ‘Clouds’ is also about the opposite of pressure. Freedom, individuality, enjoyment; living in the here and now. I like it, and I think you will too.
Omar Apollo – Imagine U
They say texting an ex is the worst move to make, but in Omar’s case, it’s the cause for a funky new single. In his filtered vocals and pitched up guitar, it’s hard not to be hit by Omar’s silky vibes and give in to his groove. Its quirky beats are one you can’t escape, and honestly it couldn’t have come at a better time when we’re all probably a bit bored so likely to send the cheeky voicemail our ex-lovers way.
The Beths – Dying To Believe
Electric. Vibrant. An all-around classic Beths track. As we’re stuck indoors, ‘Dying To Believe’ bursts with an energy that will make you feel a sense of freedom in your own living room. The bassline is just so infectious, you can’t help but press the repeat button.
The Howlers – Badlands
We love a bit of Spaghetti Western here at The Rodeo, and god does this throw us into the depths the Wild Wild West. An essence of tassled Tarantino glamour strikes through the brooding indie-rock anthem of ‘Badlands’, whereas ‘Country Lines’ treats us to a slowed and slightly fuzzy romantic side of the three piece. Truly a cohesion that could knock Ant and Dec off the top.
Westerman – Waiting On Design
A wheezing synth introduction is something that I didn’t know I needed until now. It’s an intricate fusion of something new, something borrowed and something blue. A modern twist on an 80s synth creating an emotional revelation in Westerman himself as well as us, the listeners.
