THIS bumper edition of New Music Radar unearths some exciting new talent alongside old favourites. We’ve got the return of Arab Strap, a new EP release from Declan Welsh & the Decadent West, a few Bandcamp recommendations and some brand new artists who are new to these pages. Check them all out below.
Declan Welsh & The Decadent West ‘We Wish You All The Best’
Declan Welsh & The Decadent West have followed up last year’s album, ‘Cheaply Bought, Expensively Sold’, with a triumphant four songs in their latest EP ‘We Wish You All The Best’. With this EP, DW&DW retain the distinctive indie-rock flare that has won them fans and favour over the years but perhaps lean more towards a sound akin to Pulp or The Strokes. Whilst these influences have long been detectable in their work, they truly make the sound their own in this nicely varied collection. The EP was preceded by the release of ‘Ghosted’ and ‘Useful’ as singles, with ‘Shame’ and ‘Over Sentimental’ being today’s arrivals that complete the body of work. Stream and share ‘We Wish You All The Best’ now
Arab Strap ‘The Turning of Our Bones’
Complete with that foreboding tone and fusion of the traditional and the trailblazing that only they can conjure, Arab Strap are back with their first song in 15 years. Picking up where they left off, Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton delve back into the depraved and unpicturesque depths of the soul with “The Turning Of Our Bones.” Constructed of equal parts brooding Electronica, rootsy guitar and that deep, uncompromising Scottish brogue, it turns out it’s title has quite a literal connotation to it: “Inspired by the Famadihana ritual of the Malagasy people of Madagascar, in which they dance with the corpses of loved ones; it’s all about resurrection and shagging”, Moffat announced upon its release. Once again plunging listeners into the unseemly nooks and crannies of the human experience, the track emphatically proves that the duo are no heritage act and still have a whole lot left to explore
Gallus ‘Nice (Acoustic)’
Gallus have surprised fans with an acoustic version of their 2018 debut single ‘Nice’. Usually known to incite chaos at their frenzied live shows, the new cut is a far cry from the rollicking and boisterous ode to reckless abandon we’ve come to know and love; instead revealing a newfound wistfulness and emotional depth to its reflections on reckless nights and substance-fuelled escapism. With no live shows on the horizon, Gallus have uploaded the track exclusively to Bandcamp where it is available to download for £1. Click on the link below.
Bring Me The Horizon ‘Obey (With YUNGBLUD)’
Bring Me The Horizon and YUNGBLUD have been teasing a collaboration for weeks and now it has finally arrived with the release of new single ‘Obey’. It’s a thunderous, larger-than-life return from the Sheffield outfit; a storm of thrashing guitars, guttural roars and electronic chaos , full of nu-metal angst and unrelenting stadium-sized choruses. Led by Oli Sykes, Bring Me The Horizon have always been fuelled by the same fire-starting passion but they are completely ferocious on ‘Obey, taking their ambitious, genre-blurring anthemics to new heights. Meanwhile YUNGBLUD, usually known for his inclusive punk anthems, makes himself right at home on his heaviest track to date. It’s a colossal collaboration about fighting back against the systems that control our lives; an empowering anthem that will make you want to stand up and be counted.
Matilda Mann ‘Happy Anniversary, Stranger’
Gradually building a reputation for her tender yet evocative songwriting, Matilda Mann has returned with a gorgeous new single ‘Happy Anniversary, Stranger’. Following on from recent offerings ‘As It Is’ and ‘Robbed’, both so beautiful in their simplicity, the new track features a richer and more upbeat production with twinkling guitar lines, warm harmonies and buoyant rhythms all dancing around each other in a sweet expression of love. Brimming with folky charm, it’s an endearing tale of fleeting romance; a flurry of exchanged glances and sunny optimism.
C’est Karma ‘Fist Fight’
C’est Karma is the solo project and moniker of Luxembourg-based singer, songwriter and producer Karma Catena. Actively engaged in social and political causes in her hometown, she has started to use her growing platform to speak candidly of issues such as climate change, under-representation in the music industry and more, earlier this year releasing her empowering single ‘Girls’ to coincide with International Women’s Day. On her new single ‘Fist Fight’, she switches her attention to violence and turns her own pacifism into a commentary on the conflict between instinct and reason. Citing the likes of Bjork, Sophie and Charli XCX as influences, it’s electro-tinged alt-pop with a sharp punk edge; a melting pot of genres that heralds the arrival of an EP scheduled for November.
Joya Mooi ‘Good Girl’
After releasing a string of jazz-leaning cuts earlier this year, Amsterdam singer Joya Mooi has returned with a silky smooth slice of R&B in ‘Good Girl’. Described by the singer as an ode to disobedience, it’s a catchy mix of trap-inspired beats and soulful flowing vocals that sees her re-affirm her individuality and break out from the societal norms around her.
T Truman ‘Loretta’
Following on from the release of ‘Holiday’ and ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll’, T Truman has shared the third single from his upcoming EP ‘Born To Be Right’ (out 25th September) and it’s an ambitious, piano-propelled stomper called ‘Loretta’.
Transporting us right back to the 70s with its glitzy piano melodies, opulent strings and vocal harmonies, the track even namechecks the influence of Elton John as it builds up to its soaring, high-reaching chorus. Channeling piano-pop heroes of the past while simultaneously bringing a layer of authenticity and charisma to the landscape of modern indie, ‘Loretta’ is his most emphatic statement to date.
Tomorrow Syndicate ‘Populous’
Since its release in early August, Tomorrow Syndicate’s new single ‘Populous’ has sold out in record stores and has gained regular airplay on BBC 6 Music thanks to the likes of Steve Lamacq and Gideon Coe. Released via Polytechnic Youth, the electronic outfit continue to bolster their songwriting credentials while staying true to their analogue roots. Stomping drums pave the way for cosmic synth lines and chiming guitars with Gerard Espie forging a subtly commanding presence on lead vocals. Gradually ascending off into space, it marks another triumph for Tomorrow Syndicate and a fine addition to their increasingly impressive catalogue.
Tom Joshua ‘Undergrowth’
After first seizing our attention with the understated ‘Cinema’ back in February, Tom Joshua has been building up to the release of his debut EP ‘Undergrowth’ and today he unveils its standout title track. Easing us in with his distinctively gentle yet commanding vocals, the soothing, contemplative verses soon burst into stomping choruses with strident guitars and chanting harmonies taking the reins. It’s an incredibly dynamic piece of folk-inspired indie that reveals a different side to the singer-songwriter’s talents; more upbeat but no less moving in its impact.
Quinny ‘Act Like A Saint’
With Bandcamp waiving their fees once again for artists today, Paisley singer-songwriter Quinny has shared a new EP titled ‘Act Like A Saint’. Exclusively available to download over the next 24 hours, the collection has been years in the making, originally taking shape back in 2014 with the help of Catholic Action’s Chris McCrory before seemingly disappearing into the ether. After re-discovering the tracks in the depths of his hard drive, the four-track EP now sees the light of day and deserves your full attention. An enthralling mix of the raucous and sentimental, Quinny reinforces his songwriting credentials once again with witty lyricsm and poppy charm. Download the EP on Bandcamp for £4 below.
Frekltan ‘Time To Care’
Fans of LCD Soundsystem should look no further than this invigorating new single from Frekltan. It’s the first track we’ve heard from Joe Hearty (Copy Haho) and John Baillie Jr’s (Bossy Love) new project and the perfect start to your weekend; all throbbing basslines, siren-like synths and subtly commanding vocals that urge us to live in the moment. Brimming with confidence and vitality, John Baillie Jr’s production is impeccable from start to finish, full of urgency and the perfect complement to Hearty’s effortless cool. It’s a hugely exciting opening volley and we can’t wait to see what comes next.
Shamir ‘Running’
With his second album of the year due in October, ‘Running’ is the third single giving us a glimpse of what to expect from it. Tacking themes of toxic friendships and gender dysmorphia over an electro pop beat with a catchy chorus it’s clear to see why Shamir is calling his new self titled album his most commercial sounding yet with two previous singles ‘On My Own’ and ‘I Wonder’ also laying testament to his claim.
Robin Kester ‘Sweat and Fright’
‘Sweat and Fright’ is the latest offering from Dutch singer – songwriter Robin Kester, taken from her upcoming mini album out later this month. A delightful slice of electro folk teamed with Robin’s ethereal vocals, it’s a dreamy song about nightmares that you won’t forget about anytime soon. The seven track mini album ‘This Is Not A Democracy’ was recorded with producer Marien Dorleijn in his studio based in a former psychiatric institution and includes a collaboration with Villagers’ Conor O’Brien.
Check out our New Music Radar playlist below which is updated on a weekly basis.
