Luke La Volpe ‘Landslide’
Luke La Volpe is back with his second single of 2024 – the towering ‘Landslide’. Rising from the unlikely musical hotbed of West Lothian (also home to Lewis Capaldi, The Snuts), the singer-songwriter has carved a burgeoning reputation in recent years with his stirring balladry and bluesy songwriting – ticking off venues and festivals like TRNSMT, Belladrum, King Tuts, St Lukes, SWG3, Truck and more on his journey to date. Returning to the limelight after a period away honing in on his craft, ‘Landslide’ captures all we love about the singer – his deep, timeless vocals set against a bluesy, atmospheric backdrop which rises to a gorgeous crescendo.
Midnight Ambulance ‘Alice’
The sound of a ticking clock introduces ‘Alice’, the first piece of new music from Midnight Ambulance since 2022. Next thing we know, a looping vocal eerily plays round against a strange backdrop of noise, before it all comes to an abrupt stop and a school bell sounds out. Next, we hear Amelia Stokes – ‘Alice was beginning to get very tired’. It’s unsettling and disconcerting yet utterly compelling. And bam – the band return with more familiar sounds – rumbling basslines, Stokes’ soft yet ominous vocals and rippling keys all take over. It’s a fiercely impressive return – one that keeps you gripped from start to finish over its four-minute runtime. Increasingly intense, its structure and progression feels so instinctive yet it has been crafted meticulously to create this seismic impact. Check it out below.
Walt Disco ‘Come Undone’
Ahead of their new album ‘Warping’ arriving on 14th June, Walt Disco have shared another striking new single called ‘Come Undone’. Written alongside Jessica Winter, it’s described as a ‘lonely party song’ – about feeling isolated when surrounded by people. Strutting boldly forwards with electrifying guitar licks, fun vocal harmonies and disco keys, it’s a triumph. Lead singer Jocelyn Si said: ‘Come Undone’ is our lonely party song, it’s about the yearning for company, physical touch, and sexuality that is often universally felt by a person who is single…
“These desires can be briefly satisfied by dates and short flings and, at those times, I’d find I would open up more to these strangers than to friends that I’d known and loved for years. “Nobody sees me the way you perceive me is easy” is quite a ridiculous thing to say about someone you have just met.’
The Joy Hotel ‘Black Balloon’
The Joy Hotel have shared new single ‘Black Balloon’ from their eagerly anticipated debut album ‘Ceremony’, set to arrive on 19th July via SO Recordings. The new album finds the band searching for the profound in the seemingly everyday – which lends itself to the epic, cinematic arrangement of each track we’ve hard thus far. But while ‘Jeremiah’ was surging and defiant, ‘Black Balloon’ is softer and mroe considered – a poignant reflection on grief while trying to make sense of indescribable tragedy. Led by those soulful dual vocals, they’re wrapped in a carefully layered instrumental that builds up to a stunning crescendo.
Sister Madds ‘Can’t Read Your Lips’
Sister Madds are back and in fine form on new single ‘Can’t Read Your Lips’. Produced by Blair Crichton, it’s their most hard-hitting release to date – upping the ante with some potent guitar work and a biting vocal display. Unwavering in its confidence and brimming with attitude and razor sharp hooks, they’re a band undoubtedly on the rise. They headline Hug and Pint tonight as part of their Teeny Tiny Tour.
Lucy Parnell and Djana Gabrielle (Hen Hoose) ‘The Lucky Ones’
Female/non-binary led songwriting collective Hen Hoose have announced a new EP, set to be the first of three to arrive this year which have been designed to showcase the rich variety of influences, prowess and talent that lies at the heart of the collective. With all tracks written collaboratively, the first EP – titled ‘Hen Hoose – EP 1’ – will feature the likes of Lucy Parnell and Djana Gabrielle, Tanya Mellotte and PAIX, Ray Aggs and Kathryn Williams, Shears and Xo, Cariss Crosbie and Elizabeth Elektra, The Anchoress and Jill Lorean and BISHI and Inge Thomson. Our first insight into the project is ‘The Lucky Ones’ – a stirring track written and performed by Lucy Parnell and Djana Gabrielle. A light, airy yet stirrying slice of synth pop, the carefully crafted backdrop is elevated by celestial vocals which reflect on life during and after the pandemic.
Man of Moon ‘Rise’
Man of Moon today unveil their second record ‘MACHINISM’. The follow-up to ‘Dark Sea’, which scooped our album of the year in 2020, sees Chris Bainbridge team up with Iain Stewart to create a behemoth of an album that leans into elements of kraut, psychedelia, rock and electronica. Somehow bigger than they’ve ever sounded before, thanks in part to Stewart’s pummelling control of the drum kit, it’s a relentless assault of noise that has us gripped from start to finish – adding new textures to their already dynamic sound. Sounding inspired and refocused, it’s a formidable return – with highlights including the driving ‘Rise’, ‘Swim’ and ‘Reign’.
Saint Sappho ‘Too Far Gone’
Saint Sappho are a new duo comprised of multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Zoe Young and drummer Tammy Dyson, recently signed to Optimo Music’s new Optimo Music Rock imprint. To mark the move, the duo have shared a new double single of ‘Too Far Gone’ and ‘Fade Away’ – two expansive tracks that show shades of shoegaze and 90s Britpop. Imbued with a sepia-tinged nostalgia yet a youthful outlook, the two tracks indicate a band to watch out for. The latter in particular is a slow-burning ballad that’s elevated by powerful percussion and electric guitar embellishments – channeling the likes of The Verve and Star.
Taking a leap of faith in the name of following your dreams is a bold and courageous move – but what happens when it doesn’t quite work out? On her new single ‘Rainbows In The Dark’, Be Charlotte finds strength in reclaiming her power and owning her mistakes – reflecting on a time when she was at her lowest ebb but ultimately emerging full of self-belief and defiance. With her deeply personal and poignant lyrics at the core of the song, she delivers an inspiring message of self-belief and resilience against a seamless pop production – reminding us that even our darkest moments, there’s light to be found. A statement of intent and a testament to her resilience, she says of the song: “I followed my heart, moved to a new country to follow my dreams but it didn’t turn out how I thought it would,” says Be Charlotte. “This song is my story of reclaiming my power through self-discovery and owning mistakes. Realizing it’s okay to be who we are even if that’s different, these lyrics are my most open and raw yet.Searching for light in the dark.”
rEDOLENT ‘dinny greet’
Edinburgh’s rEDOLENT have unveiled their debut album ‘dinny greet’ via Post Electric. The band explore a series of dark themes such as heartbreak, alcoholism, dead-end jobs, mental health issues and more in the album’s runtime, with the over-arching idea of seeking the brighter side and coming out the other side – as alluded to in its title. In carving out their own distinctly unique sound – one defined by skittering drums, soft hushed vocals and weaving synths – the band have somehow perfectly captured the anxieties of modern life. It’s a sound that feels claustrophobic and anxious yet simultaneously giddy and hopeful. Paired with thoughtful lyrics and innovative arrangements, it makes for a compelling listen – striking a balance between hard reality and joyous escapism.
Listen to the playlist here.
