NEW Music Friday is in full swing and we’ve got an assortment of riches to share with you this week. Our top tracks of the week feature Hen Hoose, Foals, Twin Atlantic, Tamzene, The Ninth Wave, Sinead O’Brien and more.
Hen Hoose ‘The Best’
Today marks the release of ‘Equaliser’ by Hen Hoose – a songwriting collective featuring an all-star line-up of female and non-binary artists, brought together to challenge the gender imbalance in the music industry. Featuring a wide range of songwriters from different backgrounds (founder Tamara Schlesinger, Pippa Murphy, Karine Polwart, Amandah Wilkinson, Emma Pollock, Jayda, Carla J Easton to name a few), the group have expertly brought their disparate influences together to create one incredibly varied yet cohesive record that features some career-best work. We’ve picked out ‘The Best’, an irresistibly catchy slice of electronica, as a highlight but we recommend tuning into the entire project.
Foals ‘Wake Me Up’
‘Wake Me Up’ is a fitting title for Foals’ comeback single – their first new release since 2019. “I just wanted to write a song about transporting yourself to a better, idyllic situation” frontman Yannis Philapakkis has said of the new track – and he’s done exactly that with this euphoric, dancefloor-inspired number. Bursting with vibrant energy, it leans into the funky side of the band’s sound, with a new album expected in 2022. They say “For this one, it’s back to a sweaty, late-night dance floor — a going-out record.”
Twin Atlantic ‘Get Famous’
Twin Atlantic continue to build up to the release of their new album ‘Transparency’ (out 7th January) with the release of their new single ‘Get Famous’. Picking up where the swaggering and charismatic ‘Bang on the Gong’ and ‘One Man Party’ left off, the track finds Sam McTrusty’s spoken word monologue delivered over a punky backdrop as he reels off a series of first fame references. Inspired by the ‘Influencers in the Wild’ Instagram account, very little is off limits.
The Ninth Wave ‘What Makes You A Man’
The Ninth Wave announced details of their second album this week ‘Heavy Like A Headache’ – out on 11th March 2022 via Distiller Records. Along with the news, they shared a powerful new track ‘What Makes You A Man’ – a song which explores issues of consent over a heavy, lurching instrumental that seethes with defiance.
Master Peace ‘Shakedown’
Master Peace has followed up his acclaimed EP with a punky new number called ‘Shakedown’. Bursting with irrepressible energy and hurtling in at just under two minutes in length, the high-octane track fuses hip hop, trap and punk sensibilities with his signature indie sound – it all comes together to create a high-energy sound entirely of his own devising.
Shame ‘This Side of The Sun’
Following the release of their incendiary second album ‘Drunk Tank Pink’ earlier this year, Shame have returned with the brilliant ‘This Side of the Sun’. Full of that visceral live energy they’ve renowned for, it’s an instant banger – full of wiry guitar lines, striking images of disillusionment and vital urgency.
Black Country, New Road ‘Bread Song’
Black Country, New Road give us another insight into their upcoming new album with ‘Bread Song’ – a spacious, wandering tapestry of sound that leans into their softer, more delicate sound. There’s a trance-like quality to the first half of the song with the frontman’s stream of conscious narrative floating over an orchestral backdrop with finger-picked acoustic guitars, before it forges ahead with pulse-quickening rhythms and an amalgamation of sax, violin and keys. Unafraid to play with dynamics, it’s something different from the outfit that retains their feel for experimentation and spontaneity.
Tamzene ’till you brought me home’
After a quiet period away from the spotlight, Tamzene has returned with a new four-track EP called ‘home tapes’ – a stripped-back collection written during lockdown and self-recorded on her family piano at her childhood home in Cromarty in Scotland. It’s a stunning collection that shines a light on Tamzene’s gorgeous vocals and honest lyrical style. She says. ”till you brought me home’ naturally felt like the leader of the pack. It’s about returning to yourself, and how important it is to make mistakes and have failures to understand what matters and what’s good for you. ‘
Sinead O’Brien ‘GIRLKIND’
Signed to Chess Club Records, ‘GIRLKIND’ was created alongside Dan Carey – the creative mastermind behind Speedy Wunderground – and it’s a very direct, urgent return. Exploring the idea of femininity in society and how to navigate it, it’s a formidable track that is full of atmospheric twists and turns. Carried by her poetic turn of phrase, O’Brien is an increasingly compelling songwriter who is almost impossible to predict.
Cristale ‘Merryland’
Known for her excellent wordplay and ear for production, ‘Merryland’ is a direct and visceral return that nods to drill and wider hip-hop influences. Against a skittering beat, the rapper performs with flair and effortless cool. Already carving out a stellar reputation, it’s easy to see why with this track which is sure to gain her even more recognition.
Voodoos ‘Why’d You Come See
Bearing all the hallmarks of a classic Voodoos anthem – Piero’s Strokes-esque lead vocals, razor sharp guitar work, an angsty lyrical narrative and hooks aplenty – this new single sees the band build on last year’s ‘What Was That Supposed To Mean?’ EP and bolster their sound even further with singalong refrains and layers of guitar work. Bustling with energy, it’s another instantly addictive track from a band who have found their lane and flourishing in it.
Listen to our New Music Radar playlist below which features more new tracks from The Noise Club, Jawn Ladder, Linzi Clark, Franz Ferdinand and more.
