THE unimpeded progress of a world full of innovative artists continues as we head into August and our tentative first steps into the month have been accompanied by some absolute gems. Whether it’s bands that are still in their formative stages and congregating in dilapidated recording spaces or globe-trotting stars that continue to perform at the highest level, here’s the rundown of what to inundate your ears and hearts with this weekend.
Harry And The Hendersons- Mother Sao
Hailing from Rutherglen, Harry And The Hendersons’ sophomore album is almost upon us and it’s sure to be a rewarding affair if new single ‘Mother Sao’ is anything to go by.
Calling on a litany of techniques and tropes that would be regarded as off the beaten track amid a sea of soundalikes, the latest excerpt from Method Of The Matchstick Man casts a more menacing silhouette than much of their material but is still driven by their insatiable knack for harmonies and bittersweet melodies. Combining the ambitiousness of 60’s rock stalwarts such as Canned Heat and King Crimson with the immediacy of modern indie-folk, this is music that dusts off the cobwebs and implores you to follow them on their enticing journey.
Car Seat Headrest- War Is Coming (If You Want It)
With all proceeds set to be donated to The Transgender Law Center, the latest offering from modern slacker rock lynchpin Car Seat Headrest is indicative of the purple patch that he’s been in since the release of last year’s Teens Of Denial. Set to bring his unique brand of visceral yet sincere material to Electric Fields in September, his latest track about ‘not murdering people’ exemplifies his unique appeal and is an excellent and yet stark addition to his canon.
Out Lines- Buried Guns
Featuring The Twilight Sad’s James Graham, SAY award-winning Kathryn Joseph and producer Marcus Mackay, Out Lines are set to release their debut album Conflats on 27th October; and if this lead single is anything to go by, it promises to be one of the most intriguing records of the year.
From its sparse opening drumbeat to its brooding synth line, an air of mystery hangs over the track. Shrouded in shadowy darkness, the striking composition is led by two of Scotland’s most distinctive voices in Graham and Joseph who are incredibly beguiling in their delivery over Mackay’s atmospheric production. Sprawling to an immense five minutes in length, the track is a deeply compelling starting point for the outfit which brings their unique talents together to great effect
Bully- Feel The Same
Now almost serendipitously aligned with American punk rock authority Sub Pop Records, Bully are readying the follow-up to their fantastic debut album Feels Like and we are utterly ecstatic at the prospect. Maintaining the chaotic 90’s alt inspired sound and confessional songwriting manifesto that instantaneously welded them to the framework of our minds, the first taste of what’s to come from new record Losing sees Alicia Bognanno and co lamenting over modern monotony and life’s depleting nature alongside a gritty slice of fuzz pop.
Brockhampton- Gummy
We’re little more than two months released from their immense Saturation and yet California-based hip-hop firebrands are back with another unorthodox anthem in the form of ‘Gummy.’ Featuring contorted G-funk style production and braggadocio-laden verses from Matt Champion, Kevin Abstract et al, it further fleshes out the inspiring dichotomy that exists within the ‘All-American Boyband’ as they veer from candid and introspective to maniacally self-assured at will.
