Track of the Week:
Malady – Famous Last Words
Utter silk. The second release from newcomers Malady is a strong strong step in the right direction. After a politically-charged debut single, ‘Famous Last Words’ explores the purpose (or purpose-less) sides of day-to-day life. Using electronic rhythms and guitar flourishes, the single distills the density and confusion of urban London – the band’s home – into three-and-a-half quality minutes. Watch this space.
Also new this week…
Billie Marten – Human Replacement
On this delightfully brooding single, Billie Marten swaps out light for dark with cinematic strings, emphatic drums and a steadfast bass-line. Pair this with the fantastic swagger of Marten’s vocal delivery and there’s nothing not to love, an impeccably powerful track. Her new album’s out today as well, check it out.Â
Crimewave – Expendable
Glitches used to be something that could destroy your favourite video game in one foul, T-pose-shaped swoop. But Now? Oh, how I’ve learned to love the glitch. Partly because of Crimewave’s new single: partly because it means you get two pints instead of one at the pub. Ironically, both go down very nicely.
The Early Mornings – Days Spent
‘Days’ Spent’ is the latest offering from the razor-sharp Manchester trio, The Early Mornings. With venomous, angular guitar and a driving bass-line, the track contains a rough and ready mix of textures that meld to create that buzzing feeling of excitement. It’s almost like – dare I say it – a drizzly Friday night out? You know you want to…
Matt Maltese – Mystery
Melancholic Matt is back firing on all his introspective and dulcet cylinders. This time Mr. Maltese takes us on a rustic motorbike ride into the sticks. Exploring love and longing and meandering his way through reflective thoughts, Matt gives his woodland backing a dense and apt foliage of synth, organs and minimalist acoustic accoutrements. It’s basically like a… I don’t know… a warm cuddle under a birch? Yeah, that sounds about right.
Danielle Lewis – My Youth
Simplicity, done well, is a sight to behold. ‘My Youth’ is no exception. Lewis’ soft vocals transport us into an ethereal world of youth and emotion. It’s lyricism is poetic, without being flowery or bombastic, and its melodies sooth without sending you to sleep.
LIP TALK – More
Luscious teardrop sounds backed by unsettled guitar lines and enticing low rhythms give ‘More’ a psychedelic-but-weird utopian sound. We love it.
Liz Lawrence – Down For Fun
Songwriter extraordinaire Liz Lawrence has struck gold with this latest track. What with its jerking instrumental and hypnotic harmonies, the track is something of a understated toe-tapper. If your idea of fun is watching an ice cube melt in an ever so delicately way, then be sure to check out the video too. We’re here for it.
NOPRISM – Order
Loads of synth. Loads of keys. Loads of 80s inspired new wave, no wave, every sorta-wave. The Newcastle band are channelling many eras, sounds and bands with this new single, without ever feeling derivative. ‘Order’ is an energetic banger of the highest calibre.
Typhoon – Empire Builder
There’s some nostalgia oozing through this new Typhoon track. The portland band have a knack for writing melancholic tracks, but what really comes to light here is their ability to take the listener on a journey. Across the mind; across america. In a mere four minutes, too, not too shabby.
