ANOTHER week means another massive influx of great new music for us to sift through and bring to your attention. As we hurtle towards the second month of 2017, the industry is now once again operating at full pelt and artists have responded in kind with tracks that either cement their reputation as among the world’s finest or position them for a prosperous year ahead. Decimating genre barriers and expectations with glee, these are the tracks that should the musical accompaniment to the week ahead and beyond.
THE SHIMMER BAND
Featuring the kind of gargantuan riff that purpose-built to shake the foundations of stadiums the world over, the ambition which pours out from The Shimmer Band’s every utterance and self-assured chord must be heard to be believed. Primed for a massive year and accruing vocal support from tastemakers and fellow bands alike, new single ‘Jackknife And The Death Call’ is a refreshing, vibrant take on rock ‘n’ roll that’s likely to leave you floored upon first listen. Set to embark on a tour with Cabbage next month, it’s entirely fitting that they’re heading out with another act that seems predestined to dominate 2017 as the world seems fir for the taking.
YOUNG FATHERS
Affectionately described as ‘the heartbeat’ of T2 Trainspotting by director Danny Boyle, Young Fathers have revealed the cathartic new track ‘Only God Knows.’
Featuring a stirring performance from the Leith Congregational Choir, this track is among the most cathartic that the band have produced to date. Punctuated by rich organs and led by the enrapturing vocals of Kayus Bankole, ‘Only God Knows’ has all the makings of a composition which could soundtrack the film’s most pivotal moments given its emotional range and heart-wrenching honesty.
Hidden Charms
A band that has consistently left audiences riveted at every stop along the road, London’s Hidden Charms possess a chameleonic and versatile sound which harbours endless potential. Back again with a bruising and confrontational new track entitled ‘I Don’t Mind’, it sees the band veer into the realm of demented, unforgiving blues rock and it’s safe to say that it’s another resoundingly successful transition. Constantly reinventing in spite of the fact they’re still in their relative infancy, this is a band that are taking their captive fanbase on a winding sonic journey and the destination remains shrouded in an alluring air of mystery.
Lucia
Among the breakout stars to emerge from the high octane world of the Glasgow music scene, Lucia has expressed her intentions for 2017 with absolute clarity. Enlisting the services of fellow rising prospect Roxy Agogo, her latest single ‘Saturday Is Dead’ is a frenetic dose of potent punk rock that sounds almost tailor-made to incite a riot. Taken from her upcoming Best Boy EP, ‘Saturday is Dead’ serves as the latest installment in her journey towards widespread acclaim.
