Track Of The Day: Ailbhe Reddy – ‘Shame’

With her latest poignant single, Ailbhe Reddy’s Emerald Isle roots shine through with her strong, Celtic vocals. 

‘Shame’ perfectly encapsulates the stigma which surrounds depression as well as the perception society has of the illness. “I also wanted to write a song about depression which you could kinda dance to.” Reddy admits, and – given that dancing helps relieve the symptoms of depression – Shame is so much more than simply a showcase of Reddy’s talents.

Steady clicks of the beat draw us into the track as an electo-pop current rides on the waves underneath light, airy harmonies. Reddy’s vocals contain the strength of her Irish heritage as she sings “I try not to let it win, but it’s so deeply engrained.” A minimalist approach to the track places more emphasis on the importance of the subject, as the bass gently builds before the passionate outburst of the bridge.

There has been more openness in recent years within the music industry on the topic of mental health and ‘Shame’ is a track which poignantly opens up the discussion again with a touching frankness.

‘Shame’ is out now. Stream on Spotify.

Nicky Lee-Delisle
@Nicky___Lee

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EP: Argonaut – ‘The New Argonaut EP’

Whilst the original Argonauts were heroes of ancient times, sailing off on an epic quest in search of mythic treasure, the more singularly named Argonaut represent a group of indie-pop heroines creating their own musical treasure. Since releasing third album Forever last year, the band have undergone a line-up change, incorporating additional female members including former luminaries of legendary indie groups Hefner and Monochrome Set and UK Riot Grrrls Linus. Despite that lineage, the five-piece are still true to their DIY roots, The New Argonaut EP was recorded near live at Bally Studios with reassuringly light production.

The Riot Grrrl + indie-pop sandwich structure of the band is reflected in the EP’s running order. Opener ‘You Are’, with its gutter-deep bassline, Slits-style harmonies and choppy lead guitar, has a sinister and bitter irony in its simplicity. “You are a beautiful creature” is the refrain in the chorus – a celebration of women, possibly, or maybe also a comment on the less than charming ways men like to describe them. Closer ‘Girl Talk’ reprises the deep-bass and slashy guitar, but in more praiseworthy, upbeat style. It’s middle-eight handclaps are soulful (and almost gospel) in nature, before its closing coda goes into Le Tigre anthemic electro-rock, underscored by a swirly guitar line that shimmers before crunching the EP to a close.

Inbetween are two classic slices of off-kilter indie-pop. The first, ‘Since Yesterday’, is a cover of Glasgow duo Strawberry Switchblade’s song of the same name. Where the original was an electronic melange, this is a stripped-back version with the synths replaced by guitar feedback. It’s a reminder of the inherent contrast at the heart of twee indie: beautiful harmonies meeting angular post-punk experimentation. Following the cover is a return to one of Argonaut’s own songs – ‘March!’, taken from Forever. With its swoopy, pleading vocals, crooning guitars and deliriously contrasting male backing vocals, the track could be plucked directly from the Sarah Records back-catalogue.

Released on Analogue Rock – run by one former bassist, Joules – and available exclusively through KeyMailOrder – run by a different former bassist, Paul, The New Argonaut EP is indie through and through. The band’s press release, penned by their own guitarist, even mentions that the band had stormed through the recording session in just six hours: two hours less than originally booked. And, if it’s not the most slick and stately voyage you’ll ever embark on, at least with Argonaut, you’re not going to feel fleeced.

The New Argonaut EP is out 24th August, order it here. Catch Argonaut live at Byline Festival this Sunday, 26th August.

John McGovern
@etinsuburbiaego

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WATCH: Death Valley Girls – ‘Disaster (Is What We’re After)’

Fans of Iggy Pop are going to approve of Death Valley Girls‘ new video for their latest single, ‘Disaster (Is What We’re After)’. The Los Angeles “doom boogie/dystopian punk/occult glam rockers” have shared the visuals featuring the icon, alongside the news they’ll be releasing their third studio album, Darkness Rains, on October 5th via Suicide Squeeze.

The ‘Disaster (Is What We’re After)’ video, directed by Kansas Bowling and shot on 16mm film, is a recreation of the famous Andy Warhol Eating a Hamburger short film, but starring Iggy Pop, eating a burger, listening to Death Valley Girls (which he proudly proclaims at the end).

“We’re strong believers in opti-mysticism and connecting with people through rock n’ roll” Death Valley Girls say of their collaboration with Iggy. “Having Iggy dig our music was more than amazing for us. When Kansas told us she had a dream about recreating the ‘Andy Warhol Eating a Hamburger’ short film but with Iggy starring for our music video, we were cautiously excited about the possibility. Next thing we know we’re in Miami with Iggy himself, and a rock n’ roll dream became reality!”

Death Valley Girls consists of vocalist & multi-instrumentalist Bonnie Bloomgarden and guitarist Larry Schemel, as well as a plethora of like-minded compatriots who can fit their lives around the band’s relentless touring schedule (and in the back of the van). On their third album Darkness Rains, they’re joined by bassist Alana Amram, drummer Laura Harris, and guests like Shannon Lay, The Kid (Laura Kelsey), members of The Make Up, The Shivas, and Moaning.

On their latest single, thundering bass lines and riotous guitar riffs combine to beckon disaster in classic rock style. It reflects the band’s ethos perfectly: “Embrace the darkness and don’t fear the Reaper”. Watch the video for ‘Disaster (Is What We’re After)’ below and follow Death Valley Girls on Facebook for more updates.

Pre-order your copy of Death Valley Girls’ Darkness Rains here.
(The first vinyl pressing is limited to 1,500 copies. Both the cassette and vinyl include digital downloads.)

Photo credit: Michael Haight

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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WATCH: Anteros – ‘Call Your Mother’

Anteros have delivered another shimmering indie-pop gem in the form of ‘Call Your Mother’, with a sweltering new video to accompany it. Released via Distiller Records and produced by Charlie Andrew (Alt-J, Marika Hackman, Bloc Party), the track fluctuates between heartfelt youth and heady fun.

The video is the first in a series of short films shot in Marrakech, co-directed by frontwoman Laura Hayden and creative director Bella Howard (Lana Del Rey, Charli XCX, HAIM.) Speaking about the inspiration behind the video, Laura says: “Growing up, leaving home, the first taste of freedom is the sweetest. It leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. Confusion, mess, self-awareness, little big disasters, discovering the grey area. Having to stew there for a while. Communication, self-reflection, the BIG picture, the small ones that get you there. Where to look? What happens next? Excitement. Melancholy. You stand still, you move on. You build your own home.”

Anteros have been busy playing live shows alongside the likes of Two Door Cinema Club, Sundara Karma and Circa Waves – as well as appearing as guests on one of our previous Get In Her Ears radio shows! Expect plenty more new music from the band in the coming months, with their debut album set for release in 2019. The four-piece have also announced a new UK headline tour for October, including a date at The Garage in London.

Watch the video for ‘Call Your Mother’ below and follow Anteros on Facebook for more updates.

Anteros 2018 UK Live Dates
Oct 10th – Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar, Brighton
Oct 11th – The Garage, London
Oct 12th – Rough Trade, Bristol
Oct 14th – Soup Kitchen, Manchester
Oct 15th – King Tut’s, Glasgow
Oct 16th – The Wardrobe, Leeds
Oct 17th – Rough Trade, Nottingham

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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