Track of the Week: TV People – String
Punky and punchy; just how we like it. All twanging guitars and piercing lyrics, there’s no limit to the moodiness on ‘String’. Centring around past experiences, involving addiction and the self destruction, the lads explore what hard times mean to them in later life; tackling the blurred line between having a good time, and doing yourself some damage. Amidst the catchy riffs and the broody vocals, it’s a very important message: don’t push yourself, look after yourself.
Alfie Templeman – Shady
‘Shady’ has that trendy, cooler-than-thou indie vibe going for it. Even though some may consider that a negative, I am calling it now: Alfie Templeman is going to be a superstar in the not-so-distant future. This song however, sounds like it’s going to be from the record released just before he earns himself that title.
Anna B Savage – Corncrakes
The definition of a juxtaposing track. It’s quiet and soothing, but Savage’s lyrics are as haunting as Bly Manor. A soothingly brooding track about an emotional realisation prompted by birds, it’s the type of song which is written to make you feel something. Whether that’s fear or comfort, we’ll leave it up to you.
Anna McClellan – Feel You
‘Feel You’ is perfect. It evokes a sad, scrunched-up smile, and the head bobs of a soul lost in frisson-inducing guitar. The vocal melody is to die for and the lyrics replicate a need that we can all relate to. Someone grab me a tissue, please.
Do Nothing – Glueland
More of the same high quality from Do Nothing. Dystopian preaching and attractive hooks. Very nice.
Drug Store Romeos – Jim Let’s Play
A frantic spooky lullaby, Drug Store Romeos really know how to make an obscure tune. I don’t know whether to feel safe or scared. Bass and unidentifiable noises combined with haunting and faux-fragile vocals make this a truly beautiful and eerie song, but Halloween was a few weeks ago, guys, come on.
EUT – Party Time
Strongly relate to the dude in this video: cutting about the living room, singing to himself on the kitchen counter as EUT blast through the telly… can’t blame the guy, really. Amsterdam’s finest offer little other option with a track as energetic as this, at least while gigs remain a fantasy.
Falcon Jane – Feelings
If this isn’t featured in a perfume advert any time soon, I’ll be shocked. You can easily picture some gorgeous model posing to those ethereal vocals and catchy, jazzy instrumentals. It’s so beautiful, and pretty unforgettable, too.
Francis of Delirium – Lakes
‘Lakes’ is a powerful anthem which balances feelings of serenity with that of pure expression. Jana and Chris are looking exciting in their indie-rock groove. Best one yet?
Ishi Vu – Isolate Incidents
This reminds me of those maximalist PS1 game soundtracks that used to melt your face off when you were 10. Yes it’s harsh, yes it’s underground, but it cuts like a warm knife through butter… if that butter was, how can I put this, in the middle of a rave. V nice.
Low Island – Don’t Let The Light In (piano)
There’s something about stripped down versions that always sounds haunting, and this definitely isn’t an exception. This one sounds a bit like a British Sufjan Stevens, all isolated vocals and melancholy piano. Whilst it might not bang as hard the original (which, to prove it is a certified bop, made it to the FIFA21 soundtrack) it’s still well worth taking the time to listen.
Loyle Carner – Yesterday
The production on this track is astounding as Loyle teams up with iconic hip hop producer Madlib: layers upon layers of sax riffs, drum loops and a recurring female vocal flutter in to give epic landscape to Loyle’s verses. His lyrics appear nostalgic at first, only to root themselves in the contrasting experiences of his Black ancestors compared to the life he knows today. Powerful stuff.
Pearl Charles – Imposter
Where has Pearl Charles been all my life? ‘Imposter’ has a smoothness I haven’t heard since Grace Potter was still releasing bluesy Americana records. Pearl herself touts a vocal style not too far removed from Aimee Mann. Put it all together and you’ve got a recipe for undeniable success.
Public Body – Table Manner
Brighton four piece, Public Body, talk dinner etiquette and public disorder on their latest single ‘Table Manners’, a polemic poem on the state of British politics. Frontman Seb Gilmore’s lyrics are self-assured and as persistent as the trembling synths that proceed throughout the track, which has the blueprint of any biting post-punk band. The repetitive bass runs of Parquet Courts; the sporadic lead guitars of Gang of Four’s Andy Gill. All these elements come to a head, here, in three-and-a-half minutes of gleeful quips and refrains. Nicely done.
Span Sisters – Eddie Murphy
This song makes me feel like I’m cycling through a children’s book. In just two and a half minutes, Span Sisters banish bad thoughts and whisk you away somewhere cushioned and calm. If we made world leaders listen to this, we could set the world to rights.
TALIA – Hyde Park
A sunny track about a nostalgia-driven love. It’s the kind of track you’d listen to on a slow Sunday morning, with a steaming cup of tea in hand. TALIA brings breezy vocals and sweet, down to earth lyrics which make your heart ache for a love that you’ve never had. Aw.
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