Track of the Week:
HONEYMOAN – Super Emotional
There’s always a twinkle in the air when HONEYMOAN are on my speakers. As fresh as the veg from your local market, their music is upbeat and vibrant – it clears the mind. A song you could probably make a half-decent TikTok to.
Tamaraebi – Waistline
Versatility and vibrance come to mind when listening to this new Tamaraebi track. The Nigerian-born artist has been making waves with his refreshing brand of r’n’b, pop and reggaetron and this latest single is no exception to this success. Luscious synth, powerful vocals and an infetious, chugging bassline ensure are just a few hit features that will keep you listening.
SCREENTALK – Mountain Soda
NB: this track is not an ad for ‘mountain soda’, whatever that may be. It’s something much better. Liverpool quartet, SCREENTALK, announce themselves as a riff-ready band with this debut single. There’s a particularly great chemistry between vocals and drums, which interact like two raucous bulls charging in unison.
Nnic – When You’re There
We’re torn between moods with this one. Between dancing energetically into the night and chilling in the garden with a chilled drink. It’s a great paradox only birthed by the most complex and creative tunes. ‘When You’re There’ delivers this mix of electronic pop, dance and ballad in a self-assured way that makes it as vibey as it is versatile.
CIEL – Never Alone Ago
Lo-fi seems to be very in right now. Was it ever ‘out’ though? Probably not – what a waste of words that was. Anyway, this new number from CIEL starts off proper lo-fi, all mumbled and that, before the band emerge out of the shell and ditch the distortion, for a second or two.
Michael Gallagher – Time
Time for a boogy. A boogy in the North East. With lots of layers on. Greggs’ pastry on your fleece. You can see your breath as you sing, even though it’s nearly June, for Christ’s sake. This is more than a song you’ll simply tap your feet to – get on yer dancin’ shoes.
Fable – WOMB
There’s something enthralling about songs like this. Where the artist is completely at ease, firmly in control the impact their music will have on the listener. Fable doesn’t even need to get out of first gear to make an impact – WOMB is a magical triumph.
The Maine – Lips
When it comes to writing catchy, summery pop-rock anthems, there are very few bands as underappreciated as The Maine. New tune ‘Lips’ is no exception to their tried-and-true formula, and should easily put a little sunshine in your day and some movement in your feet.
Maple Glider – Baby Tiger
Baby tiger’s are cute little things. Small, furry, playful – bit like a puppy. They’re harmless on the surface. But then they grow into a carnivorous beast. Maple Glider’s music is similar. On first listen, it’s timid and tame but listen closely and you’ll feel its devastating effects.
Girl Ray – Give Me Your Love
Didn’t actually ever expect Girl Ray to release a song that opens with, what sounds like, war drums… Yeah, seriously. War drums. The title suggested it was gonna be about love? My head is fried. Very good tune though – as infectious as ever from the trio.
VC Pines – Concrete
Another soulful track from London resident VC Pines. It’s a slow burner this time; without the same energetic chorus of his previous work, but maintains that funky bass line to excellent results.
Chvrches (feat. Robert Smith) – How Not to Drown
One of the best melody architects in pop music teams up with sadcore mastermind himself – if that’s not a cure for your weekday blues, I don’t know what is. (See what I did there?) You don’t need me to tell you this is worth your time… but I will anyways.
