Promoting and Supporting Women in Music
The third in our ‘Comic Reviews’ feature – where illustrator Sally-Anne responds to a new track with her wonderfully unique drawings – we checked out the scuzzy new single from Scottish band The Van T‘s.
‘Control’ is out now via Big Indie Records. Have a listen below:
Sally-Anne Hickman
@sallyshinystars
Following a host of amazing bands playing for us lately, including Mammoth Penguins, ARXX, Wolf Girl, Sit Down and Fightmilk, we were back at The Finsbury on Friday with another dream of a line-up, for a jam-packed night of the best new music from awesome womxn.
Kicking things off is Birmingham born, London-based artist Rookes. Oozing a sparkling, magnetising charisma, she takes full command of the stage, delivering her electro-infused anthemic pop, as the subtle power of her shimmering vocals flows into our ears.
Next up, London duo Sophie Peacock and Natalie Healey – aka Panic Pocket – treat our ears to their twinkling indie-pop. Interspersing each uplifting ditty with charming cat-filled tales, it’s impossible not to be instantly cheered whilst singing along to their infectious, synth-filled melodies and refreshing, tongue-in-cheek wit.
Having not seen third band of the night live before, I was not prepared for just how intoxicatingly powerful Charismatic Megafauna‘s performance would be. Delivering their unique, percussion-filled electro-punk, all-the-while swapping instruments, they blast out empowering, patriarchy-smashing anthems, covering topics from sexual abuse, to diet foods and female ejaculation. Completely breathtaking.
Headliners Crumbs continue to wow the packed-out venue with their fiery post-punk. With funk-fused basslines, scuzzy hooks and impassioned vocals, they ooze a gritty, buoyant power which has the whole crowd buzzing and bouncing with enthused energy.
Massive thanks to the four bands and artists who played for us on Friday; you were all absolutely incredible. It was such a great night filled with amazing live music and the best of vibes! And make sure you don’t miss our next night at The Finsbury on 14th June with headliners CLT DRP.
Mari Lane
@marimindles
Manchester band Mealtime have shared their debut single ‘Denim’ and it’s a sultry synth-pop gem. Released via Someone Great Records/PIAS, the six-piece have a refreshingly melodic approach to songwriting, culminating in an upbeat and well produced new track.
‘Denim’ is about the relationship between distorted body image and modern beauty standards, but this heavy context is hidden behind buoyant riffs, catchy beats and smooth vocals. Speaking about the track, the band explain: “’Denim’ is a polite introduction to the six of us, and it’s only going to get weirder. With our sound, we’re interested in making something that’s equally as melodic and sweet as it is chaotic, abrasive and challenging.”
Following their sold out debut headline show at Manchester’s YES in March, the band played a free single release live show on 3rd May at Manchester’s Fairfield Social Club alongside Dream Wife and The Ninth Wave. Keep your eyes peeled for more of Mealtime’s live dates, and listen to ‘Denim’ below.
Follow Mealtime on Facebook for more updates.
Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut
Having previously wowed us live at The Finsbury, and with a special acoustic set on our radio show last year, The Motion – a musical project curated by songwriter, engineer and producer Penny Churchill – draws on raw and emotionally-driven lyrics to reflect on their own personal experiences. New single ‘Sleep Talk’ is a slow indie record, using synthetic instrumentals behind soft vocals to add an air of vulnerability that couples with the lyrics perfectly.
Themes of isolation, insomnia and emotional instability expose Churchill’s own raw emotions, which makes it easy for the audience to connect with what they’re saying. The light/dark of the verses and brighter choruses reflect the real-life contrast between happiness and sadness, which are effectively fused together in ‘Sleep Talk’, creating a truly immersive offering.
Of the track, The Motion explains:
“The track captures the mood of being stuck in a cyclical rut of routine. The verses are slow and sonically dark, whereas the chorus is directly contrasting with a warm, surreal feeling. This makes me feel as though, for a moment, I am elsewhere, somewhere with a more free and organic atmosphere in momentary bliss.”
‘Sleep Talk’ is out now, listen on Soundcloud. And you can catch The Motion live on 5th June at The Underbelly in Hoxton Square, London.
Bekky Smart
@bekkymays
Get In Her Ears 