FEATURING a fantastic mix of homegrown talent, established acts and new names from further afield, this week’s New Music Radar is your perfect soundtrack to the weekend ahead. Check out new tracks from The Vanities, Edwin Organ, Sports Team, MUNA, Mattiel and more.
The Vanities ‘Gang Culture’
Following the release of the fiery sonic assault that was ‘38’s’ earlier this year, The Vanities are now back with the second excerpt of their debut EP ‘Well It’s Not My Fault If I’m Uncultured’. A track we were delighted to premiere on TTV this week, ‘Gang Culture’ is an energetic slice of indie-rock which finds the band railing against those who harbour misconceptions of the younger generation and supposed ‘gang culture’
Fast-paced and delivered with an acerbic sneer, they match their youthful spirit with sharp insight; the brash raucousness of the Libertines with the punky attitude of The Clash. And they aren’t afraid to expand their sonic palette either as the riff-driven urgency of the track is only alleviated by way of some ska-aping rhythms which make their way to the surface now and again. Produced by the enduring partnership of Johnny Madden and Chris Marshall, the band’s debut EP will be out later this summer.
Edwin Organ ‘Gabriel’
Self-confessed reclusive songwriter Edwin Organ is back with another utterly brilliant slice of woozy leftfield pop this week called ‘Gabriel’. Gradually amassing a string of carefully crafted and wholly unique releases, it’s almost impossible to pin down Organ’s breezy, tropical and at times bizarre amalgamation of sonic influences; bringing a languid flexibility and lightly deft touch to his romantic, off-kilter creations. ‘Gabriel’ finds the producer ruminating over the uncertainty of male role models with a beautifully lackadaisical croon, squelchy synths, off-kilter, dreamy piano flourishes and syncopated rhythms.
Mattiel ‘Food For Thought’
Atlanta-based outfit Mattiel have shared their second album today in less than two years and it’s already receiving waves of critical acclaim. Perhaps more experimental than its predecessor, the record finds Mattiel exploring her trademark sound with greater intensity and style, delivering more witty garage-rock with a lo-fi vintage finish. One of its many highlights comes in the shape of ‘Food For Thought’ which is driven by a brilliantly infectious bassline as she delivers a rather droll pastiche of spoken-word indie with 60s organ sounds and a lo-fi charm.
Sports Team ‘Here It Comes Again
With a busy festival season ahead, the much-hyped Sports Team are back with ‘Here It Comes Again’. A typically infectious offering which radiates the frenzied energy of their infamous live shows, the track features the frenetic vocals of frontman Alex Rice over a flurry of off-kilter guitars and big grin-inducing summery vibes.
The LaFontaines ‘Body’
The Motherwell outfit have shared the latest cut from their upcoming album ‘Junior’, out this Friday, and it’s described as one of their most personal songs to date. With Kerr Okan’s distinctive flow delivered over some typically big, swaggering beats, the track is anchored by a hugely cathartic, arena-sized chorus. Said to be the last song written for the record, it certainly has an emotional yet triumphant quality to it that suggests that The LaFontaines are back to their very best.
Sløtface ‘Telepathetic’
Nowegian four-piece Sløtface are prone to making things that are not very fun seem very fun indeed. Born of exhaustion and touch of snark, the band’s latest single ‘Telepathetic’ rails against self-inflicted unproductiveness and turns the subject into an empowering, vigorous pop-punk banger. Their first new song since 2017’s debut LP is full of driving basslines, crunching guitars and anthemic lyrics that encourage you to get off your seat and reject apathy.
MUNA ‘Number One Fan’
Along with announcing details of their second album ‘Saves the World’, MUNA shared this massive hook-laden number last week. Carefully crafted and produced, vocalist Katie Gavin may sound like she’s downcast to start off with but a story of self-love soon takes over, sung against a glorious backdrop of grooving synths and airy snare rhythms before an electrifying guitar solo takes over on the bridge. An infectious and uplifting listen, MUNA give 80s disco vibes a refreshing contemporary flare.
HONEYMOAN ‘Sweating Gold’
South African outfit HONEYMOAN have teased the release of their second EP with a new track called ‘Sweating Gold’. A band who are only just starting to make their presence known on UK soil thanks to the support of Radio 1, Radio X and more, ‘Sweating Gold’ is an enthralling introduction to the outfit which feels almost nostalgically familiar yet refreshing all at once. Elements of dreamy shoegaze come together with grooving basslines and jagged guitar licks while Alison Rachel’s enchanting vocals navigate the listener through the captivating track.
The Raconteurs ‘Bored and Razed’
After making their long-awaited return to UK shores at the end of last month, The Raconteurs have shared another cut from their upcoming album ‘Help Us Stranger’. Said to be the opening song on the record, the track is a suitably fiery onslaught of wiry guitars and vocal trade-offs between Jack White and Brenan Benson who compare Detroit and California.
Egyptian Blue ‘Contain It’
Formed in Colchester while studying before moving to Brighton, Egyptian Blue have been seizing attention with their intriguing hybrid of dark post-punk and trippy psychedelia. With their debut EP ‘Collateral Damage’ out on 21st June via key tastemaker imprint Yala! Records, the band have shared another teaser by way of ‘Contain It’ and it’s an expansive, jittering blast of post-punk energy that just refuses to sit still.
