Lauren Mayberry ‘Something in the Air’

Lauren Mayberry has shared her new single ‘Something In The Air’, which debuted as BBC Radio 1’s Hottest Record in the World. The song is lifted from her highly anticipated debut solo album Vicious Creature, due for release later this year via EMI Records (UK) / Island Records (US).

Channelling 90s icons like Fiona Apple, PJ Harvey and Kathleen Hanna, and with the influence of 90s British girl groups like All Saints and Sugababes, it’s a big pop-rock anthem with soaring, yearning vocal melodies at the heart of it.

“Something In The Air is a song that really came out of nowhere,” explains Lauren. “I was in London finishing another song with my friend, co-writer and producer Dan McDougall. We were taking a break in the shared kitchen in the studio complex when a pretty iconic British musician, who I won’t throw under the bus here, came in and started making conversation about electricity, 5G and how it’s making us all sick. Dan and I went for a walk around the block before going back to the studio and were unpacking those theories, and why people want to believe them – and the chorus lyric just appeared.”

Nü Cros ‘For Me, Before’ 

Glasgow noise-punks Nü Cros have shared their eagerly anticipated debut EP ‘For Me, Before’. Featuring previously head singles ‘CREASED’ and ‘DLAW’, the four-track EP also introduces two new songs called ‘DIRT’ and ‘FALLING’ – the former a high-octane assault of pummelling drums, distorted guitars and raw vocals, and the latter a melancholic guitar-picked melody that quickly plunges into distorted chaos. Together, it’s a vital and gripping collection – brimming with intensity and raw, relentless energy. A band who are quickly carving out their own place in a world of hardcore, sleaze-disco – often drawing comparisons to the likes of Humour, Yabba and VLURE – it’s a blistering, fearless debut that absolutely demands attention. Keep your eyes on these guys.

Saint Sappho ‘M.A.D’

After catching our attention with a string of impressive single releases, Saint Sappho have shared ‘M.A.D.’ Dealing in expansive, shoegaze-inspired soundscapes, the new track is released in memory of the band’s Tammy’s mother. It’s an emotive and deeply personal release – harnessing the emotive nostalgia of 90s rock with shimmering synths, strong percussive grooves and soaring melodies. It’s a beautiful expression of grief and reflection that’s imbued with a hopeful kind of optimism for the future.

VUKOVI ‘GUNGHO’ 

The ever-evolving VUKOVI are back with the announcement of a new album called ‘MY GUN HAS GOT A GUN’, due for release next January. Commenting on the new album, Janine says: “A new chapter of sound is about to unfold. These songs will speak to places we’ve all been, but few have heard.” And to coincide with the news, they’ve shared the utterly electrifying ‘GUNGHO’.

Katherine Aly ‘WHATUAGONDOABOUTIT [for the friendzoned]’

Katherine Aly has shared ‘WHATUAGONDOABOUTIT [for the friendzoned]’ from her upcoming new EP ‘222’. The new EP finds her exploring the trials and tribulations of modern dating against a heady mix of electronic dance, R&B, indie electronica, funk and soul, and pop influences. The new single showcases this eclectic sound – it’s a confident, seductive number that’s full of playful lyrics, strutting rhythms and funky guitar licks,  with some twists and turns along the was well as a Lady Whistledown-worthy narrator.

Katherine explained: “Within this song, you’re listening to a woman replying to a guy confessing his feelings in real time – from the moment she realises she’s already taken too long to reply in the intro to the first verse where she shares her surprise that there was anything more than friendship between them. Throughout the song there is a Bridgerton-like narrator explaining how the woman is feeling (‘the lady was too stunned to speak, the lady laid her cards, next move is on the gentleman’) so the ‘dear’ listener is following the story only to realise, in the end, the woman already knew what was going on – and maybe this was part of her plan to start with!

“In terms of writing, this song was the most fun to make as we completely ignored any rules that something ‘wouldn’t make sense’ from adding dice rolling sounds and leaving the bass rather than vocals to lead in the chorus, to a complete melodic twist at the end of the song.”

Constant Follower ‘All Is Well’

Constant Follower, the musical project led by Scottish songwriter Stephen McAll, has released its evocative new single ‘All Is Well’ today, heralding the arrival of the highly anticipated album The Smile You Send Out Returns To You. The new album, described as McAll’s most personal and profound work to date, will explore themes of addiction and recovery, parenthood, and the impact of individual kindness and be released on February 28th via Last Night From Glasgow. New single ‘All Is Well’ delves into the paradoxes of modern life, where technology and distraction create a false sense of security and stifle personal growth. Through haunting melodies and poignant lyrics, McAll examines the existential dread that often lurks beneath the surface of comfort and convenience.

Check out the playlist here.