THIS week brought us glorious sunshine and a raft of exciting new tunes from some of our favourite up and coming artists. Check out the likes of Brooke Combe, Rianne Downey, LVRA, Linzi Clark and a special collaborative track between Be Charlotte and VanIves below.
Linzi Clark ‘Balancing Act’
Following the release of ‘The Kitchen’ earlier this year, Linzi Clark has returned with her second solo offering and it’s a beautiful continuation of where she left off. ‘Balancing Act’ presents the singer-songwriter at her most raw and vulnerable – reflecting on her own personal identity and sexuality, where she fits in and how to find that elusive sense of belonging. Elevated by Bovine’s rich, Americana-tinged instrumental – gently twanging guitars, a twinkling piano melody and steady drums allow her luscious vocals to shine before it all comes to a glorious crescendo in the closing seconds. It’s a song that feels deeply revelatory but open to interpretation at the same time – a deft balancing act some would say.
Brooke Combe ‘A-Game’
Having already caused quite a stir with her soulful rendition of Scotland’s Euro 2020 anthem ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’, Edinburgh-based Brooke Combe is back with another slice of original material. Written about a lustful relationship, new single ‘A-Game’ is a rousing piece of soul-pop that finds Combe’s entrancing vocals delivered over a warm, full-bodied instrumental. With a timeless voice that would feel suited to any era, we reckon Brooke Combe is a name you’ll be hearing a lot more of in the near future.
Be Charlotte and VanIves ‘Swim Easy’
Brought together by our very own TTV Collective initiative, we were delighted with the news that Be Charlotte and VanIves were officially releasing their collaborative single ‘Swim Easy’. Written by Charlotte and the band’s Stuart Ramage before being produced by Roan Ballantine, the pair showcase their respective lyrical talents on the stripped-back track. Written from the perspective of a shared relationship, it’s an emotive song that highlights the importance of speaking your truth. Gently delivered yet absolutely entrancing from start to finish, it’s a stunning piece of work.
Sunstinger ‘Bonnie’s Kaleidoscope’
Rising from the ashes of former Scottish bands like Sergeant, Tomas Bird & The Blonde Spirit and Rioteers; Taylor Wright, Scott Gourlay, Bill Anderson and Nick Hernandez have cemented their reputation as the powerful collective unit known as Sunstinger. Following a string of single releases over the last couple of years, the Fife outfit have finally released their debut EP today ‘Beyond The Frame’ and it’s packed with the kind of luminous, anthemic, shoegaze-inspired soundscapes they’ve grown to excel in. Listing the likes of Joy Division, Slowdive, DIIV and The Charlatans as key influences, the four-track EP is a perfect encapsulation of what makes the shoegaze genre so inviting while the opening track ‘Bonnie’s Kaleidoscope’ is a compelling introduction for those still to be initiated.
We Were Promised Jetpacks’ Fat Chance’
Scottish indie veterans We Were Promised Jetpacks have returned with news of an upcoming album called ‘Enjoy The View’, which will be released on 10th September. Offering a slight change in pace with tight drums and carefully woven guitar parts, new single ‘Fat Chance’ is said to indicate the direction of the album – it’s an ode to overcoming, despite the odds.
Rianne Downey ‘Do Or Die’
Another talent to emerge from Parr Street Studios in Liverpool, which is overseen by The Coral‘s James Skelly and producer Chris Taylor, is Rianne Downey. With a strong online following already behind her, she’s gradually carving out a reputation as the nation’s next country-pop star. Her latest single ‘Do Or Die’ sums up her newfound confidence and unwavering commitment to songwriting. Reeling in the listener with gently twanging guitars and honeyed vocals, she uses the track to deliver a message of strength and resilience.
LVRA ‘NIGHTMARE’
A singer we’ve been keeping close tabs on for a while now, Edinburgh-based rising alt-pop star LVRA delves even deeper into the darkness on her new single ‘NIGHTMARE’. Increasingly impossible to predict, the new track showcases LVRA’s wildly eclectic set of influences – traversing through elements of hyper-pop, left-field electronic and dark alt-pop with dense layers of jagged electronic beats and cascading synths. Lyrically, it explores the all-consuming anxiety that accompanies insomnia and the music captures this feeling with razor sharp precision. With each release comes greater confidence and this new track packs an almighty, menacing punch.
Jaykae ‘1000 Nights (ft. Jorja Smith)’
Jaykae enlists Jorja Smith for a collaborative new track called ‘1000 Nights’. The grime star delivers his thoughtful bars over a clattering beat, both soulfully complemented by Smith’s trademark vocals and powerful first verse. Debuted as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record in the World last night, it’s an instantly alluring track.
Matilda Mann ‘Bloom’
London-based songwriter is back with another captivating pop gem called ‘Bloom’. Easily one of her most upbeat tracks to date, it’s a confident, summery return that showcases her growing maturity as a songwriter. Premiered on Annie Mac’s Radio 1 show this week, it’s no surprise she continues to gain acclaim for her enchanting vocals and folky sensibilities.
Oscar Lang ‘21st Century Hobby’
Ahead of his debut album ‘Chew The Scenery’ arriving on 13th August via Dirty Hit, Oscar Lang has unveiled a dreamy new single from it called ‘21st Century Hobby’. Showcasing his growth as a songwriter, the track is a fary cry from his bedroom pop days of old – all scuzzy reverbed guitars, psychedelic key flourishes and earworm melodies. Sinking deeper into a world of reverb and echo, it’s written about ‘society’s obsession with sharing your life online and comparing yourself to other people’.
Listen to our New Music Radar playlist below.
