OUR top picks of the week cover indie, quirky post-punk, bedroom pop and more. Check out new tracks from The Big Moon, Sports Team, Hung Parliament, Pip Blom, Dry Cleaning and more.
The Big Moon ‘Your Light’
The Big Moon have finally shared details of their second album ‘Walking Like We Do’ with the announcement of its release date on 10th January. Tackling more difficult subjects this time around, the four-piece have talked about how they have broadened their lyrical scope on the upcoming record which they say is about “being strong in the face of uncertainty, about standing tall even though you’re completely lost and not being afraid of the future because it just keeps on coming.” Along with the exciting news, they have shared a brand new single called ‘Your Light’; another uplifting antidote to the tumultuous world we live in, all about finding personal strength and freeing yourself from the anxieties of the real world. Much like its predecessor ‘It’s Easy Then’ with its electronic-tinged soundscape, it’s a bold and ambitious offering full of lush harmonies, celestial synths and a buzzing bassline.
Hung Parliament ‘Alé
Unearthing exciting new talent that roots itself in our nation’s music scene is what drives us on a daily basis so today we shine a light on Hung Parliament, the new solo project of Thomas Hugh Dawson from Cumbernauld. In an age where artists are able to unleash new music into the world on a near constant basis from the comfort of their own bedrooms, Hung Parliament has stood himself apart, seizing our attention with his debut EP ‘Cassio Chord’. Hip-hop rhythms, an effective use of sampling and an intimate bedroom aesthetic come together in the five-track release but its his innate songwriting ability that stands out the most. ‘Alé’ perfectly captures this with its dreamy melodies, fuzzy guitars and reflective lyrics. It’s a song he describes as “instantly laying down the philosophy of Hung Parliament”.
Dry Cleaning ‘Sit Down Meal’
Set to make their live debut in Glasgow later this year when they play the new Great Western all-dayer in November, London’s Dry Cleaning have followed up their debut EP with a brand new track ‘Sit Down Meal’. It bears all the hallmarks of their inventive brand of post-punk – jagged guitars meet Florence Shaw’s deadpan delivery as she ruminates over the feeling of being suddenly dumped. They once again put their own spin on things though by dropping in trite greeting card verses through the lyrics.
Pip Blom ‘Freckles’
Pip Blom has continued her prolific run with the release of another raucous new single called ‘Freckles’. Her debut album ‘Boat’ only arrived this May but already we’ve been treated to a number of surging lo-fi gems since then and ‘Freckles’ falls into that category. Expressing their frustration with a friend who is difficult to read, jangling guitars build into another one of her punchy earworm choruses, brimming with angsty urgency. It’s another raw, gritty offering from the Dutch artist who has perfected the art of simple yet strong and snappy songwriting.
Angel Olsen ‘Lark’
An artist who is yet to unveil a record that hasn’t been universally praised, Angel Olsen has unveiled the stunning ‘Lark’. Accompanied by equally captivating visuals, the song is said to be one that took years for the singer to finish and is reflective of a “journey through grieving, a kind of personal struggle”. Over its six minutes, ‘Lark’ gradually builds and builds into an absolute masterpiece – it starts out sparse and blues before guitar and strings are added again and again with greater intensity. It’s a song that just keeps going from peak to peak and has us eagerly anticipating her upcoming record.
FKA twigs, Future ‘holy terrain’
In a massive week for FKA twigs fans, the enigmatic artist unveiled in her first interview since 2016 that her new album will arrive on 25th October alongside a new track and video. ‘holy terrain’ features a verse from Future, the only guest appearance on the album, and is commanding and mesmerising in equal measure. Her evocative lyrics and floaty falsetto are delivered over a twitchy beat and warped backing vocals as she offers a tormented look at a period in which she was infatuated. Quite different from the sparseness of ‘Cellophane’ which came out in April, it’s an emboldened return.
Slowthai & Denzel Curry ‘Psycho’
Slowthai has teamed up with Miami rapper Denzel Curry for a new collaborative track called ‘Psycho’. Both known for their chaotic energy and unique stage presence, the two artists have come together to unleash their dark sides on a track that’s full of punk energy and completely untameable. Imagine their spitfire lyrics delivered over horror movie violin screeches.
LIFE ‘Bum Hour’
Ahead of its release on 20th September, LIFE have shared another preview track of their upcoming album ‘A Picture of Good Health. The band tap into the overwhelming feeling of disillusionment felt by many at the moment on ‘Bum Hour’, a track about lying in your bed and shutting yourself away from the world. Unlike its title suggests though, there’s absolutely nothing lethargic about the band’s latest offering as they deliver a relentless and brutalist slice of post-punk that pulls no punches. It’s oddly anthemic as the commanding lead vocals chant over a backdrop of shrill guitars and a sauntering bassline.
Mystery Jets ‘Wrong Side of the Tracks’
With their sixth album slated for arrival at the end of the month, Mystery Jets have shared its deeply moving closing track. Brimming with rich harmonies, heavy guitars and rallying cries, the new album will mark a shift for the much-loved indie outfit, not only sonically but also thematically. As previous singles have shown, the tracks are sprinkled with subtle political messages about the power of becoming engaged and taking action to right the wrongs of the generations before us. However, ‘Wrong Side of the Tracks’ is one of their most open and direct offerings – a track that looks you straight in the eye and challenges you: “Tonight no one can stop them, only me and you.”. Inspired by climate activist Greta Thurnberg, it’s an airy anthem with a hugely important message from a band who are still very much at the top of their game.
Sports Team ‘Fishing’
After stomping their way across the UK, festival circuit this summer, Sports Team are back with another fizzing indie banger called ‘Fishing’. A track which captures all the raucousness of their captivating live shows, it’s driven by a grinding riff, stomping rhythms and a typically eccentric lead vocal from Alex Rice. Now one of the many buzz bands who have been described as part of a new indie revival, they’re an outfit who have been able to tap into a certain type of millennial yearning – with sharp wit, humour and a touch of romance. You don’t want to miss them when they play King Tut’s on 27th November.
