Brooke Combe “Dancing At The End Of The World’
Edinburgh singer Brooke Combe releases her eagerly anticipated debut album today, titled ‘Dancing At The End Of The World’. After leaving the trappings of her major record deal behind her, her new material may be less polished but it’s all the better from it – it’s raw, vulnerable, atmospheric and flows with an infectious sense of self-empowerment. It’s an album rich with vintage influences – from classic Motown to 90s neo-soul and R&B to flourishes of psychedelia, disco strings and Northern Soul grooves – harbouring a sound that places her alongside contemporary influences like Michael Kiwanuka and Jalen Ngonda. At the centre of it all if her versatile, raw vocal – husky and self-assured on the likes of the exuberant ‘This Town’ and soulfully yearning on ‘LMTFA’. It’s a triumphant record that earmarks her as the new face of Scottish soul.
Jacob Alon ‘Liquid Gold 25’
Ahead of their sold-out show at King Tuts tonight, Jacob Alon has shared a third single called ‘Liquid Gold 25’. Named after the brand of poppers and inspired by a recent hook-up on the dating app Grindr, it lyrically explores Alon’s wish to dissociate, and the destructive impulses that can arise from our desire to feel wanted. Set against a guitar hook and hi-hat, it’s imbued with the same lyrical vulnerability and direct honesty we’ve come to expect from their intricate songwriting. Speaking to The Independent, they said: “I was thinking about the cycles that can be common in the queer community of downloading Grindr, deleting it in periods of low self-esteem, seeking validation then experiencing repulsion, longing, loneliness…” Alon says now. “It’s definitely possible to have a healthy relationship with these things, but very often the culture on that site tends to be more toxic. It feels like self-harming a little bit, the way you seek it out knowing you’ll come away feeling low.”
Isabella Strange ‘Karma 5’
Isabella Strange release their debut EP this weekend called ‘Sick Git’, which will be marked with a headline show at Voodoo Rooms in Edinburgh tomorrow night (Saturday 1st February). The band channel the likes of riot grrl, grunge and surf-punk in their raw, punky sound – and the result is an EP that’s punchy, scrappy, abrasive and refreshing. Carried by a bold and confident attitude, the band previewed the EP with the release of the brilliant and progressive ‘Karma 5’ last week – dark, atmospheric, gritty and absolutely captivating from start to finish. Tune in below and keep an eye out for the EP tomororw.
Uninvited ‘All The Good Ways To Cope’
Glasgow punks Uninvited have unveiled a driving slice of pop-punk called ‘All The Good Ways To Cope’. Marking their first release of the year, it’s a rousing return – propelled by big riffs, insistent drums and instantly addictive choruses. It’s an anthem of self empowerment, about finding strength in the face of personal challenges.
Little Acres ‘Wait’
Little Acres – made up of vocalists Cariss Crosbie, Emilie Boyd and Rachel Lightbody – have this week launched their new EP ‘Wait’. The five-track EP explores the many facets of adulthood and womanhood against a series of sonically rich, eclectic and inventive instrumentals. Of course, the trio’s harmonic vocals take centre stage, blending beautifully together and at times weaving in and out of each other – lending a gentle warmth and inventive stroke to the project. Offering a unique blend of alt-pop, contemporary jazz and neo-folk influences, it’s an accomplished collection.
Black Country, New Road ‘Besties’
Progressive indie rockers Black Country, New Road have shared a new single ‘Besties’, lifted from a new album on the way called ‘Forever Howlong’. The new track is a Beatlesque baroque pop number featuring lead vocals from Georgia Ellery for the first time, who you may know as one half of Jockstrap.
“‘Besties’ came into my world with a dance of feelings, with such an understood concept of exploring the core emotion of taking on the world, and its obstacles to be with her, the bestie, again,” says Rianne White. “Building this with the band took me to so many memories, informed by a collective of experiences from my childhood writing letters and maps to my bestie, into formulating our own map and sliding-doors effect narrative – charged with the instinctual punch and intuition of – I need to be with my bestie now. Working with Georgia, May and Tyler was a real treat across their performances especially, and quite literally, running from the more conventional lip-sync world, and injecting cameo moments with Charlie, Lewis and Luke. Knee-high in January’s jacket of mud, darkness, fields, street corners and a pack of hounds we found the beating heart of a world made better by chasing love and connection. Shooting in these conditions, and having fun is a real testament to a fantastic team and collective of people! It’s been such a pleasure, this song was love at first harpsichord!”
Chloe Qisha ’21st Century Cool Girl’
UK pop riser Chloe Qisha has shared new pop gem in ’21st Century Cool Girl’. Opening her account for 2025, it’s an anthem in waiting for the singer who is sure to emerge as a key player in the UK pop scene this year. Exploring years of teenage angst and self-doubt, it ultimately moves into a moment of self-belief. She says: ’21st Century Cool Girl’ is ‘that’ girl. An ode to my teenage self who treated everyday like I was in some 90s romcom. I loved reminiscing on the throws of past teenage romance – and the awkward heightened emotions that come with that – as well as growing up and owning your insecurities and being open and ready to love someone. It’s like putting your cards on the table and saying “well, this is me. I’ll love you forever if you want in”.
Check out our full playlist here:
