<p>Early year new music residencies at venues are – as expected – a pretty decent place to catch some acts who are expected to be making some substantial movements in the coming year.</p><p> the Hello: 2018 series put on by DIY at the Old Blue Last every Tuesday through January certainly delivered the goods this week with the headline act Boy Azooga. The Cardiff based four piece put on a real enjoyable show with some tight instrumental performances and fantastic on stage antics that came off as super fun and engaging. With that in mind I wanted to highlight their single from last year Face Behind Her Cigarette. A rhythm heavy bit of indie rock that takes some of the best elements from a sound that has somewhat diminished as the decades gone on. Think the fun parts of Foals with some of the character and happy-go-lucky atmosphere of Vulfpeck. Hoping that Boy Azooga really push on in 2018 and they can bring more of the fun of their live shows into their new releases.</p>
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New: Boy Azooga – Face Behind Her Cigarette

<p>Californian indie outfit Sjowgren return to close out the year with the fantastic single Waiting Room.</p><p> With numerous parts and dynamic shifts it’s almost dizzying hearing the track flow through vicious crash heavy pre-chorus’ before drifting into bridges carried by palm muted guitars and soft harmonised vocals. A lot of fun can be had with the hard to pin down nature of the track and it would be very interesting to see how it translates live. Check it out in the link below.</p>
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New: Sjowgren – Waiting Room

<p>LA based producer Jaja Bu’s manages to balance elements of experimental R&B, wonky and electro with incredible grace in his mind bending single<em> Sweetness.</p><p> </em>Despite being very easy to listen to the track is not simple to keep up with. Bu gets an immense amount done in such a short space of time. In the intro and opening verses of the song many listeners will get flashbacks to XXYYXX’s debut album but not soon after the pre-chorus features a vocal sample that sounds beautifully inspired by FKA Twigs’ Video Girl, this is of course before the song takes another turn with the production under the sung refrain sounding almost Flume-esque. Sweetness is a track that really keeps you guessing yet somehow also manages to answer every question it poses immaculately. How Jaja Bu holds everything going on in the track together should be celebrated and I cannot wait for whatever he has next in store for listeners.</p>
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New: Jaja Bu – Sweetness

<p>Dom Robinson’s <em>Pieces of You </em>is an icy folk track that feels all t0o necessary in these unbearable temperatures.</p><p> In a market saturated with more elaborate styles of songwriting in the genre it is the simplicity of the song that works so much in Doms favour. The acoustic guitar and drums set the chilled tone of Pieces of You with the string sections sounding like they were taken straight from Aracade Fire’s Funeral. Collectively the instrumental lays the stable foundation for the etherial presence of the stunning layered vocals. The way the vocals work both off each other and within the song with it’s reverb and cascading harmonies make it feel as if you’re listening to a diary entry written by several people all going through the same relationship induced emotions. Pieces of You is a great track that shows the beauty that can come with simplicity and honesty.</p>
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New: Dom Robinson – Pieces of You

<p>Grace Lightman’s first release on Handsome Dad Records <em>Fangs</em> is a super addictive bit horror tinged funk-pop.</p><p> Initially it might be hard to look beyong Lana Del Rey comparisons with Grace’ voice and the verses instrumentation sharing a similarly aged and etherial aesthetic. These vintage elements add wonderfully to the eeriness that flows through the track whether it’s with the occasional ghostly echo on Grace’ vocals or the layered textures of synths tones that vary between theremin and organ like. The choice of percussion and bass is what gives the song its immense funk with the rhythm section truly driving the track in the early stages and making the development of the song feel even more dynamic. Grace also shows a keen ear for song writing with the chorus successfully releasing the tension of the verses and adding to the tracks numerous dimensions. Fangs is a very easy song to fall in love with especially for any fans of more alternative pop.</p>
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New: Grace Lightman – Fangs

<p>Vivienne Chi’s latest single <em>Vivienne </em>is a hard hitting alternative anthem that leaves a bruising and empowering impression.</p><p> Named (assuming pretty obviously) after herself the song, as quoted from Vivienne’s own site, is “about the little voice in your head that can sometimes lead you down a self-destructive path, often in times of vulnerability & confusion”. While the lyrics cement the theme successfully – especially in the disconcerting pre-chorus – it’s the turbulent sonic shifts throughout that so dynamically sell the song in it’s powerful concise package. While the verses of the track are reasonably calm with Vivienne’s sweet vocals, the bass and kick drum provides a disconcerting sense of aggression that simmers when combined with additions like guitar distortion. The chorus on the other hand hides nothing. The layered vocals sound almost shrill with a chorus affect and the brighter, sharper guitar break up the stubborn drums and bass to effectively intensify the songs already emotional depth. Check out the fantastic alt-rock songwriting below.</p>
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New: Vivienne Chi – Vivienne

<p>Emmit Fenn builds up to the release of his new Prologue EP with his latest haunting single <em>Woman</em>.</p><p> Commenters on the tracks Soundcloud have been quick to liken it’s opening to Nirvana’s infamous closer to Nervermind “Something in the Way”, which whilst fair should hopefully not distract new listeners from the songs depth and beauty. Despite the intro being so dark the production choices freshen the single, mixing trap style high hats with an electro snare Woman has an R&B aesthetic that ties in well with Emmit’s breathy soulful vocals. The chorus to the song really seals the deal with the addition of a mighty disconcerting piano that looms low in the mix bordering on eerie. Have a listen to the single below.</p>
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New: Emmit Fenn – Woman

<p>South London’s quirky ALASKALASKA are known for their unique take on art-pop, their latest single <em>Bitter Winter</em> thankfully plays within their similarly loose boundaries.</p><p> Mixing everything from fun cutesy vocals and bouncy drum machines to more dry horns, guitars and percussion Bitter Winter balances the cacophony with ease. Most bands might struggle containing the off kilter  rhythms and different sonic textures that make the track what it is. The production and synth work also give the song an incredible dynamism that really help pay off the occasional calm before the storm vibe in a big way. Have a listen to the bands superb single below.</p>
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New: ALASKALASKA – Bitter Winter

<p>James Wyatt Cosby’s latest single <em>Candyfloss</em> is a love song as gentle and sugary as it’s title suggests.</p><p> A very straight forward bit of Indie Pop that really feels appropriate for the summer season. The song is produced exceptionally well with instrumentation from strings that wouldn’t fit snuggly into a Foxygen album. The foundation of the song though is James’ very relaxed vocals and upbeat acoustic guitar that really form the framework for happy go lucky track. While the lyrics speak of distanced relationship that feed into the more dream poppy elements of the track it is definitely the unrelenting peppiness of Candyfloss that stands out. Check out the infectious summery single below.</p>
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New: James Wyatt Crosby – Candyfloss

<p>Yet another star coming out of the Scandinavian scene Vera’s latest single <em>In And Out Of Love </em>has been making serious waves online.</p><p> At only 2:39 long the track has to make an impression fast, which is does incredibly successfully. The track is laid back and incredibly smooth while also having a striking immediacy. Vera’s dry yet enticing vocals and breathy harmonies ride the woozy beat as the Flume-esque synths take the song in a lot of different directions. However, what really steals the show is the Saxophone piece that plays between Vera’s refrain in the chorus. The Sax cries out and somehow fits the song perfectly despite being a major tonal shift. Considering the way that a lot of producers are from Scandinavian scene are taking cues from one another it’s great to hear Vera add a more unique features to In And Out Of Love.</p>
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New: Vera – In And Out Of Love

<p>Etyen’s new track <em>Homosapiens </em>is a super sweet bit of electro pop that you will have on repeat.</p><p> From start to finish the track has an incredibly infectious energy. Built off a production style that is very in your face with the amount going on the intricacies of the track initially aren’t obvious. However the song progresses in such a way that everything from the structure of the beat to the way that the synths work with Tala’s vocals is revealed in a really satisfying way. In the case of Tala’s verses they add such an ethereal tone to the track that shines thanks to twinkling synth riff and heavenly chord progression that beautifully support her. Homosapiens is a stunning single that fans of Visions era Grimes will get a most welcome nostalgia trip off.</p>
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New: Etyen feat. Tala – Homosapiens

<p>In a week where many charities and outlets are raising awareness for mental health Quiet Hollers’ new track, <em>MEDICINE, </em>is a bluesy bit of Indie Rock that tackles the subject with great care.</p><p> Riding a mellow but groove centric riff that sounds lightly Black Keys inspired Shadwick Wilde sings of the internal battles that revolve around mental health: When does one look to seek help and what treatment is the best way to go? Layers of strings section add a sympathetic tone to the track as the guitars fuzz and cymbals crash to mimic the depth of the issue past the vocals. It always feels so important for artists to be talking about such tender issues whether they use specific experiences as lyrical reference point or not, in MEDICINE it’s the more general lyrics that make the track feel more accessible and relatable for the many not knowing how to help themselves. Check out the track below, and please remember the importance of looking after ones mental health.</p>
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New: Quiet Hollers – MEDICINE

<p>Rosie Carney returns with yet another elegant slow burner that belies her age.</p><p> <em>Your Moon </em>is yet another sign that at just 20 years old Rosie songwriting chops are up there with many double her age. As ever her voice is soft and graceful with the chorus specifically showing how well Rosie is able to explore her range within the mellow, laid back tone of the song. From a production angle the way that the more reverb soaked guitars float around the cleaner acoustic adds beautifully to the tracks dreamy qualities, with the low key organ being another lovely touch. This is a truly stunning track and an incredibly easy listen.</p>
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New: Rosie Carney – Your Moon

<p>After a 2 year break Wilma Archer (formerly Slime) returns with the mesmerising <em>Like A Hunger</em> featuring Amber Mark.</p><p> The track, simply put, is full of surprises and stupidly infectious. Opening sounding almost dystopian with bleak synths slowly getting louder Like A Hunger constantly has the listener on their toes almost like early SBTRKT. Will’s colourful production is magnificently well crafted and provides the perfect backdrop for Amber’s more dry, soulful vocals. Built from layers upon layers of different instruments the true quality of the production reaches its heights at the end of the track with the brief inclusion of a Clarinet solo that fades in and out of the song above the gurgling bass and twinkling syncopated synths. Check the track out for yourself below.</p>
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New: Wilma Archer – Like A Hunger (feat. Amber Mark)

<p>Elle Olsun’s latest single <em>Crying Over You</em> is a smooth, futuristic take on a style most will be well acquainted with.</p><p> Crossing elements of soul and funk with spacey vocals and instrumentals Elle has crafted a subtly unique sound for herself. Crying over you feels like almost jazzy with it’s more regimented stiff drums and bass letting the more playful wind instruments, synths and backing vocals gently prance around the track. The songs chorus feels like the perfectly constructed platform for Elle to work; her vocal rides the spaceyness of the synths elegantly and gives Crying Over You a really sweet soul. Check out the track below.</p>
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New: Elle Olsun – Crying Over You

<p>London based producer Ikonika returns with new track <em>Manual Decapitation </em>in the lead up to her new album Distractions.</p><p> The song itself is far more accessible than its name might suggest. The opening synth arpeggio is reminiscent of Flume’s recent track Enough featuring Pusha T, but manages to retain a smooth eerie sound throughout in contrast to Flume’s more abrasive choice of tone. The inclusion of bells and ghostly vocals that sit low in the mix give the track a real sense of depth, while the subtle changes Ikonika plays with in the synths keeps the songs emotional tonality in constant fluctuation. Check out the beautiful Manual Decapitation below.</p>
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New: Ikonika – Manual Decapitation

<p>Wooing’s debut track <em>In Colour </em>is a bewildering and exciting psych rock anthem.</p><p> The band led by Rachel Trachtenburg of Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players and Supercute! fame begin the song with a very sparse almost melancholic dream pop intro before taking it up a serious gear. All of a sudden the rest of the band come in and Rachel’s echoed vocals hover in and around stern drum drums and a fierce distorted guitar that gives In Colour a real heavy bite. This is a fantastic introduction to Wooing with their EP DayDream Time Machine a must to look out for in May.</p>
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New: Wooing – In Colour

<p>Bruno Major’s new track <em>Second Time </em>is a gorgeous ballad that needs to be heard.</p><p> Originally written by fellow songwriter Jonny Latimer, Bruno released it after getting Jonny’s blessing and has done it all the justice it deserves. A beautiful and simple story of infatuation, the lyrics set the scene supported by a sweet melody. The song feels almost like a lullaby with Bruno’s gentle vocals and fingered picked acoustic, however the addition of tight drums and a woozy guitar solo towards the end of the track keep it from being too sleepy. Check out Second Time in the link below.</p>
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New: Bruno Major – Second Time

<p>Just in time for an oddly sunny April, Rex Orange County returns with his new summery single <em>Sunflower.</p><p> </em>Opening with a smooth jazzy intro, Rex teasers listeners with a vintage sound before taking the track down a more contemporary indie route. The production is beautifully crisp and clear with each layer of instrumental sounding bright below Rex’s soul-tinged vocals. The vocal layers and overdubs in the chorus stand out especially with smatterings of horns and a saxophone towards the end of the track making the track feel rich and vibrant. Check out Sunflower in the link below.</p>
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New: Rex Orange County – Sunflower

<p>After grabbing the attention of listeners worldwide in January with the stellar single Yer Killing Me everyone’s new favourite Minesota based pop-punk outfit Remo Drive return with the album that all fans were hoping for.</p><p> The build up to Remo Drive’s debut album Greatest Hits has been frenetic with every single, including Art School and Crash Test Rating, creating more and more buzz for a band that is so fresh on the scene. The album itself is an electrifying yet mature hit with the deep cuts managing to do the band just as much justice as the singles. <em>Strawberita</em> is yet another example of the bands creative and playful style of songwriting. Opening with a distorted guitar lick that sounds almost Snowing inspired the band attack the song but also know when to take their foot off the pedal when necessary. At only 3:37 long Strawberita has a mighty amount of instrumental and style transitions that will keep listeners on their toes, swinging between phases of pop-punk, emo, and indie seemlessly. You can check out Strawberita in the link below and make sure to give Greatest Hits a listen.</p>
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New: Remo Drive – Strawberita

<p>Pleasure<em> </em>is the long awaited return from Feist in the wake of her 5th album.</p><p> 6 years is a long time for an artist to take off; concerns of a stale or dated sounding comeback would be fair. However, Pleasure doesn’t leave fans worrying for long showing the benefits of a fresher grittier sound. A palm muted guitar intro starts the track gently with Feist taking vocal cues from contemporaries Karen O and P J Harvey as she works within the space of a more skeletal sound. The tracks development is euphoric after a gnarled solo guitar bridge with the 2nd verse building up instrumentally leading into one of the most feel good choral endings to a song you’ll have heard this year. Feist hopefully won’t wait too long to release what is now an even more hotly anticipated album.</p>
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New: Feist – Pleasure

<p>Garren’s soul flavoured <em>There She Go</em> is the perfect way to see in Spring.</p><p> Smokey and mysterious whilst very much reliant on a groove heavy beat the track ticks a lot of boxes in regards to popular current trends in R&B. There She Go is infectious from start to finish thanks to Garren’s production with the modulated lead guitar and synths taking control allowing the vocals to float in and out where fit. Check the track out below.</p>
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New: Garren – There She Go

<p>British soul sensation Jorja Smith celebrates International Women’s with a stunning video for <em>Beautiful Little Fools</em>.</p><p> Both the song and video take inspiration from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s  The Great Gatsby with Jorja directly quoting Daisy Buchanan for the songs title. Discussing young women’s destinies often being defined and restricted by societies restrictions and social constructs Jorja seeks to inspire women of all walks of life to be more than “beautiful little fools”. Jorja’s gorgeous voice spreads the message and shines over the songs smooth neo-soul backdrop. Check out the songs stunning new video below.</p>
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New: Jorja Smith – Beautiful Little Fools

<p>Pop-Electronica trio Mr Sanka return with new uplifting anthem <em>Be Easy</em>.</p><p> The band have chosen to give more breathing space and depth to Be Easy as opposed to the more care free and bouncy feel of their previous hit Flight Mode. The song opens with seemingly dour synth patches and handclap percussion supporting the vocals and lyrics discussion of trying to keep positive in tough times. As the booming drum machine kick in the layered vocals start to brighten the tone of the song building the verse up towards a euphoric chorus. The tension of the verse and the release of the chorus keeps Be Easy incredibly refreshing and creates the “light at the end of the tunnel” optimism of the track. Check out the bands fun animated video below.</p>
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New: Mr Sanka – Be Easy

<p>Crumb’s track <em>Bones</em> is an incredibly addictive bit of jazz soaked psych-rock.</p><p> The Boston foursome have produced a track that manages to hit so many sounds with immense grace. Opening with a smooth, winding intro that swings in tone between indie and jazz, every instrument shines. Once the vocals come in the song transitions to a soulful pop song with Lila Ramani’s voice somewhat hidden in the mix and complemented by lead guitar and synth riffs. The track constantly keeps you guessing. There is a phenomenal guitar led instrumental interlude between the two vocal sections and then the track is whisked away by a psychedelic passage leading into a fiery jazz sax solo that closes the song. The band fits in an astonishing amount in for what feels like such a short song and really leaves you craving more. Catch the video for the Bones below.</p>
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New: Crumb – Bones

<p>With so many hyped releases dropping last Friday it wouldn’t be surprising if you’d let some slip through the cracks; Vagabon’s debut album, Infinite Worlds, is one that you cannot let pass you by.</p><p> Vagabon front woman and producer, Lætitia Tamko, has created a project that superbly explores and pushes the boundaries of Indie. Whether it’s with anthems like opening track The Embers, journeys through electronica on Mal à L’aise, or acoustic numbers like Alive and a Well, Infinite Worlds is incredibly expansive for a project that lasts less than half an hour. <em>Fear & Force</em> is a personal highlight. Opening with a beautiful finger picked guitar passage Lætitia sings of “hiding in the smallest spaces” creating a claustrophobic sonic environment. This is then relieved by the chorus’ warm bass and light harmonised vocals with lyrics speaking of returning to a more comfortable, familiar environment. It’s songwriting like this that comes across so easily and effectively that help make this such an unmissable debut. Check out  Fear & Force in the link below.</p>
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New: Vagabon – Fear & Force

<p>Berlin based “doom-folk” producer and singer songwriter Perera Elsewhere returns with her new single <em>Something’s Up.</p><p> </em>With a similar mysterious soundscape to that of her debut album “Everlast”, Something’s Up has a beautiful combination of both space and depth. Bellowing drums and shimmering cymbals support the woozy synths and Perera’s smokey layered vocals in what is an almost hypnotic 3 minute experience. Check out her entrancing single in the link below.</p>
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New: Perera Elsewhere – Something’s Up

<p><strong>Speedy Ortiz</strong> add further quality to the <a href="https://ourfirst100days.</p><p>bandcamp.com/album/our-first-100-days">Our First 100 Days</a> campaign with their latest single <em>In My Way. </em>The Massechusetts group join the likes of PWR BTTM, Toro Y Moi, and Surfer Blood to help raise money for the charity’s that will be effected by the Trump presidency. In My Way takes a less aggressive approach compared to some of groups previous projects with Sadie Dupuis’ vocals softly intertwining with fuzz soaked guitars. The bands knack for playful and intricate song writing still shines through despite the hooks not necessarily being as gnarled with the chorus especially profiting from a warmer tone. Check it out below, and be sure to support the Our First 100 Days campaign.</p>
<p><iframe style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=695465480/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3091156379/transparent=true/" width="300" height="150" seamless=""><a href="https://ourfirst100days.bandcamp.com/album/our-first-100-days">Our First 100 Days by Speedy Ortiz</a></iframe></p>


New: Speedy Ortiz – In My Way

<p>LGBTQ punk extraordinaires PWR BTTM return with a Valentines Day release for their new album, Pageant<em>.</p><p> Big Beautiful Day</em> has everything you’d want from a PWR BTTM track with energetic drums, infectious guitar melodies, and of course the hella empowering lyrics. Driven by an almost fearless self-confidence the song tackles the often daunting task of ignoring the words of  close minded men. Lines such as “my advice is to look incredible as you make their lives regrettable by being your damn self” and “curse everyone of you for telling me I cannot be who I want” instill the ultra possitive theme throughout and build excitement for the bands full project out on May 12th.</p>
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New: PWR BTTM – Big Beautiful Day

<p>Fresh Sub Pop signee Jesca Hoop delivers her most complete project to date in her latest release Memories Are Now.</p><p> The album features a diverse range of beautiful tracks showing off Jesca’s now refined ability as a songwriter, from the ethereal title track Memories Are Now, to the more dense deep cuts like <em>Cut Connection. </em>Cut Connection opens similarly to many other songs off the album; Jesca’s vocals sitting above a skeletal rhythm created by (what sounds like) clashing wood and a distorted root note guitar progression. However, the songs chorus introduces a yelped refrain echoing slightly amongst a brighter melodic guitar and a fierce distorted bass that pulses heavily but low in the mix. This more intense change of tone leads to a dramatic build up later in the song that pay offs incredibly with a crashing group of haunting layered vocals and eerie guitar riffs. Sitting in the middle of the project Cut Connection shakes up the previously friendly nature of the Memories Are now. A brooding highlight in a stellar 4th album from Jesca Hoop.</p>
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New: Jesca Hoop – Cut Connection

<p>In a time where many have already put the final nail in the coffin of indie/punk/rock/emo (circle where relevant) young Minnesotans, Remo Drive, have released a single that delays the funeral.</p><p> With a combination of infectious melodies, tight performances and reflective hollered vocals <em>Yer Killing Me</em> is one of the best pop punk anthems you will have heard in recent times. Everything about the song is fun and accessible but keeps enough style and edge to make it stand out. The band have also somehow managed to avoid the over-nostalgic trap, while clearly not hiding their sonic influences of the late 00’s.  Keep an ear out for their debut album “Greatest Hits” dropping March 16th.</p>
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NEW: REMO DRIVE – YER KILLING ME

<p>Scottish trio Young Fathers return with their latest single, taken from the soundtrack of T2: Trainspotting, <em>Only God Knows ft.</p><p> Leith Congregational Choir. </em></p>
<p>With a hard hitting, pulsing rhythm that Danny Boyle went so far as to describe the track as the “heartbeat for the film”, it continues the sound of their 2015 album <em>White Men Are Black Men Too<b>. </b></em><b></b>The song’s fast tempo echoes that album’s opener <em>Still Running, </em>with lo-fi production breaking up the trio’s rapid-fire split verses and repeated shouts of “only God knows” with an industrial sounding drum sample and soft falsetto backing vocals.</p>
<p>It’s the addition of the Leith Congregational Choir that gives the song such an uplifting quality and takes the trio to new gospel heights, their singing perched atop a synth organ that both starts and ends the song.</p>
<p>God Only Knows definitely has us looking forward to whatever the Mercury Prize winners have next in store.</p>
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New: Young Fathers – Only God Knows ft. Leith Congregational Choir

<p>Reading indie four-piece <strong>Sundara Karma</strong> return with the latest track off their forthcoming album YOUTH IS ONLY EVER FUN IN RETROSPECT, <em>Happy Family.</p><p> </em></p>
<p>Opening with a folk heavy guitar intro, the band take inspiration from Fleet Foxes with gorgeous and wistfully echoed vocals. The track takes on a more upbeat tone with the belated addition of booming bass, drums and hand clap percussion, before launching into a grand and euphoric chorus.</p>
<p>From more gentle, rustic folk to arena rock in 6 minutes, Sundara have proved yet again to be more than your average indie/alternative starlets. With a deeper, wider range of sound on display, Happy Family will keep fans very excited going into a what is sure to be a big 2017 for Sundara Karma.</p>
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New: Sundara Karma – Happy Family

<p><strong>Low Island</strong> return with their latest track <em>Disconnect</em> to end the year on a frenetic high for the indie electronic newcomers.</p><p> Having already released End Piece and Anywhere the band have quickly been able to establish their mature, spacey sound before their release of their debut EP. With Disconnect the group have upped the pace and appear to have taken hints from their Oxford based neighbours Foals in addition to elements of Wild Beasts and Caribou. The song begins not too dissimilarly from their previous singles with smooth, whirring synths and electronic sounds toing and froing below the lead vocal, however after forty seconds high tempo drumming is met by a cascade of layered vocals and a repetitive guitar lick. The song hits a frenetic tone that rarely pauses for breathe. There are moments of space as instrumental breakdowns allow guitars and drums to drop out but even when these occasions arise the tracks addictive pace and progressive layering keeps listeners on their toes. Low Island’s EP will definitely be one to listen out for in the near future.</p>
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New: Low Island – Disconnect

<p>Stratford, Ontario’s <strong>Cat Clyde</strong> returns with her latest single <em>Mama Said</em>.</p><p> Another take on a modern country and folk sound Mama Said is more relaxed than Clyde’s first single Like A Wave, with a slower tempo and tone instantly set by the vintage, laid-back slide guitar and accompanying bass and snare pattern. When Clyde’s acoustic guitar and vocals come in the song begins to feel slightly more contemporary and youthful. Despite the acoustic being so low in the mix the instrumentation politely nods to Where Is My Mind era Pixies with Clyde’s voice sounding like a Joplin inspired Amelia Meath (of Sylvan Esso). The performances in the track perfectly reflect the bedroom-jam mood set by the lyrics of a child fighting the will of a parent to “start a new life”, using the cleaner production of the lead slide-guitar to mimic the emotionally soothing qualities of Clyde’s voice. With now two tastefully refreshing approaches to a more mature sound 2017 looks bright for Cat Clyde.</p>
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New: Cat Clyde – Mama Said

<p><strong>Burial</strong>, South London’s mercurial producer, returns with his latest Young Death/NightMarket EP.</p><p> The project will come as little surprise sonically to fans of the elusive electronic maestro delivering two more dark and ambient compositions to his already stellar back catalogue. The opening track, <em>Young Death,</em> is classic Burial, with solemn and misty production being broken up by hopeful and optimistic pitched up vocal phrases such as “I will always be there for you” and “Don’t cry”. The piece sounds akin to  computer generated gospel of a dystopian age as soulful back background vocals rise through the production and bright sequenced synths subtly glow through the often claustrobic soundscape. The songs breakdown to almost half tempo just after four minutes in creates a belated sense of tension as the now drained vocal samples hopeful lines of promises are shifted and questioned by eerie background vocals and a more bare and spacious instrumental. A must listen for fans of Burial and electronic music alike.</p>
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New: Burial – Young Death

<p><strong>oddnesse</strong>‘s debut single <em>Somewhere Somehow </em>is the dream pop inspired take on shoegaze that you will need to help you through the holiday period.</p><p> A driving 4/4 drum pattern lifts a fuzz soaked melody into a more up uplifting take on the usually somber genre. Bright vocals and gorgeous gentle, compelling instrumental passages, along with the aforementioned optimistic drum beat, take the track beyond a style often defined by copycat My Bloody Valentine esque production. This is especially prominent in the chorus where a soft glistening synth piece sits sympathetically under layered vocals that make the bands opening single shimmer. Definitely one to keep a close eye on going into the new year.</p>
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New: oddnesse – Somewhere Somehow

<p><strong>Childish Gambino</strong> aka highly acclaimed comedian, actor, writer, musician and all round 21st century cultural polymath Donald Glover, returns with his latest album “Awaken, My Love!”.</p><p> Testing contributors to all end of year lists, Gambino has produced a forty-nine minute project that blows away all previous expectations, and reservations, of the rappers sound with a nuanced take on neo-soul, funk and r’n’b. <em>Zombies</em>, one of multiple highlights of the first half of the album, sees Gambino lyrically attacking the parasitic “zombies” looking to feed off his and others success and typifies his sonic evolution. Gambino adopts a vocal style comparable with Bilal whilst also adding a minimal and tasteful use of autotune. The instrumentation has an eerie air to it whilst also managing to balance the more sultry vibe that the rest of “Awaken, My Love!” carries through it. A clean, smooth drum pattern lays the groundwork for gorgeous hushed background vocals with numerous modulated instruments including synths and guitars riding underneath Gambino’s vocals . Zombies, amongst other tracks like lead singles Me and Your Mama and Redbone, prove Gambino as capable of tackling what has become such a popular and fast developing sound in 2016 as the likes of leaders of the genre like Anderson .Paak. Check it out below.</p>
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New: Childish Gambino – Zombies

<p>Dutch punk and grunge band <strong>Swain</strong> (formerly known as This Routine Is Hell) return with their latest album The Long Dark Blue.</p><p> <em>Kiss Me Hard</em>, an especially eye catching song off the record, maintains the wave of 90’s revivalism over the past few years but manages to keep its own base of raw excitement that takes listeners away from their nostalgia trips. Opening with a harmonic guitar intro before kicking into a snare roll and punchy guitar passage that sounds particularly similar to Nirvana’s Stay Away, Swain initially look to wear their references on their sleeve. By the time the chorus comes in lead singer Noam has taken the track up a notch and pushed the band into their own more concise sound with an impassioned but almost weary delivery that the lead guitar supports with a mirrored emotional tone. The rest of The Long Dark Blue falls along a similar sound with songs ranging from the more punk Hold My Head to the more emotionally draining, yet equally intense Never Clean My Room.</p>
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New: Swain – Kiss Me Hard

<p><strong>The xx, </strong>probably one of the most innovative British Indie groups to come out of the late 00’s (for all who’ve been living under a rock for the past 7 years), have returned with their first single, On Hold, off their forthcoming album <em>I See You.</p><p></em> Known for their more minimalist and somber approach to electro inspired Indie rock, especially in regard to their second release, <em>Coexist, </em>On Hold is a much brighter change of pace for the  Wandsworth trio. Featuring an uptempo and pitch-shifted sample of Daryl Hall & John Oates – I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do), On Hold is a song that is unsurprisingly heavily influenced by Jamie xx given his success over the last two years. Romey Madley Croft and Oliver Sim sound more empowered and confident than ever in their vocal performances while the lyrics still maintain the bittersweet tone of their previous albums. On Hold will test more purist xx fans who may miss the production subtleties and spacious qualities of <em>xx</em> and <em>Coexist, </em>however for those anxious for a more progressive sound On Hold should suffice until January 13 when the next evolution of band will be full revealed.</p>
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Crack in the Road

Boy AzoogaFace Behind Her Cigarette

SjowgrenWaiting Room

Jaja BuSweetness

Dom RobinsonPieces of You

Grace LightmanFangs

Vivienne ChiVivienne

Emmit FennWoman

ALASKALASKABitter Winter

James Wyatt CrosbyCandyfloss

VeraIn And Out Of Love

Etyen feat. TalaHomosapiens

Quiet HollersMEDICINE

Rosie CarneyYour Moon

Wilma ArcherLike A Hunger (feat. Amber Mark)

Elle OlsunCrying Over You

IkonikaManual Decapitation

WooingIn Colour

Bruno MajorSecond Time

Rex Orange CountySunflower

Remo DriveStrawberita

FeistPleasure

GarrenThere She Go

Jorja SmithBeautiful Little Fools

Mr SankaBe Easy

CrumbBones

VagabonFear & Force

Perera ElsewhereSomething’s Up

Speedy OrtizIn My Way

PWR BTTMBig Beautiful Day

Jesca HoopCut Connection

REMO DRIVEYER KILLING ME

Young FathersOnly God Knows ft. Leith Congregational Choir

Sundara KarmaHappy Family

Low IslandDisconnect

Cat ClydeMama Said