Here in New York, the sky is a weird sepia hue and the outside world reeks of smoke. Pretty end of days kind of vibe going on here, which means plenty of time indoors with my old friend Headphones. And while we’re on the subject, here’s an extensive list of what’s been coming through ’em this week.
TRACK OF THE WEEK: Ellie Bleach – Pamela
With a taste for the dramatic and a knack for entrancing storytelling, this new one from Ellie Bleach contains more pop tropes than previous releases. It’s a more candid release, recalling the toungue-in-cheek songwriting style of Lily Allen putting suburban gossip into a pop song. [JR]
Also new this week…
Honeymoan – Sit Right
This morsel of eccentric alt-pop is the latest single from Honeymoan’s upcoming debut album, promising more cool pop to come. Like what you hear? Honeymoan will be joining us at The Lion’s Den in Manchester on the 13th October as part of their UK tour. You don’t want to miss this one. [VG]
ERNIE – Pink Headaches
Ahead of a huge hometown appearance opening for Sam Fender at St. James’ Park (the holy grail for any Geordie), ERNIE have released their debut track, ‘Pink Headaches’. A dreamy track, it’s similar to that cold gust of wind on a scorching day, or a shop that actually has air conditioning. Blissful stuff. [JR]
Dutch Mustard – Feel Everything
Another dreamy shoegaze anthem from Dutch Mustard. Feel Everything is guitar heaven with 90s nostalgia blaring through it. That cresendo towards the end will never get old. [LW]
Durry – Coming of Age
A catchy af track about the monotony of 9-to-5 life, with a music video straight out of Office Space. Love everything about this – ‘Coming of Age’ is tailormade to be performed in front of a gigantic crowd and I have a feeling that’s what’s on the horizon for these lot. [TF]
Christine and the Queens – A Day in the Water
The final taste of the new Christine and the Queens album before its release this week, ‘A Day In The Water,’ reminds us why Chris is one of the most exciting and unique performers of our time. Check out the live studio performance that accompanies this release – performed lying down, because why not? [VG]
Dead Pony – MK Nothing
This will blow your head off. That’s it, that’s all you need to know. Go listen to it, that’s an order. [JR]
Do Nothing – Nerve
Do Nothing’s latest track ‘Nerve’ features Chris Bailey’s classic sociological interpretation of his surroundings, singing of put up pretences and facades and the evermore difficult task of truly knowing someone within the social media-dominated world and the mask of profiles. The singer has grown tired and weary of wandering through this minefield: ‘These kind of things they happen all the time…’ The track establishes the mood and emotional rollercoaster to be ridden when the rest of the album is released at the end of the month. [ND]
The Japanese House – One For Sorrow, Two For Joni Jones
With each single, we’re reminded how much the world missed The Japanese House’s music during Amber Bain’s hiatus. A piano-number, the auto-tune and vocal overlays are turned down, resulting in Amber’s most intimate moment yet. [JR]
The Criticals – Clever Girl
Nice dancey groove, here. Someone on YouTube said this song is like if Mick Jagger were in the Strokes, and since we’re not going to top that comparison, we’re just going to say thanks, “Jack,” for doing our job for us on this one. [TF]
Wallice – Disappear
The next taste of Wallice’s forthcoming EP starts off by lulling you into a false sense of security. It appears Wallice is trying out a more tender sound, before the chorus roars loud, vintage riffs buzzing through your headphones. It’s cool and collected, but it’s also a fierce anthem. [JR]
Sprints – Adore Adore Adore
You can always count on Sprints to pack a punch. On ‘Adore Adore Adore’, singer Karla Chubb lashes out at the expectations placed on women in the music industry and beyond, rejecting the mould that we’re expected to conform to. A powerful message paired with gut-punching noise-rock – this is why Sprints are one of the most exciting bands around. [VG]
Manchester Orchestra – Table For Glasses
There should be no doubt in anyone’s mind how much I love Jimmy Eat World – especially if you’ve read one of our print magazines. And so, when I learned that the incredible Manchester Orchestra put their spin on the Clarity classic, ‘Table For Glasses’, I was obviously sold without hearing a note. Then I listened to it… over… and over… and over… it’s a gorgeous spin on the original. Obviously. [TF]
Contributor Key:
[TF] TJ Foster, [JR] Johnny Rogerson, [LW] Lydia Webb, [VG] Vicky Greer, [ND] Neve Dawson
