Track Of The Day: Peaness – ‘Kaizen’

Following last year’s ‘Breakfast’, and support from the likes of Huw Stephens, John Kennedy and BBC 6Music’s Marc Riley, Manchester/Chester based trio Peaness have now returned to our ears with their new single ‘Kaizen’.

An instantly catchy blast of hope, it’s propelled by jangly hooks and an uptempo energy, as sugar sweet vocals and twinkling harmonies flow. A reflective and honest dose of ‘Pea-Positivity’, ‘Kaizen’ is the perfect antidote to these grim January days. Of the track, the band explain:

“It’s a song to remind myself that with every act of kindness and every crime, we affect the future, and that those choices go on to shape others, and our beautiful planet, long after we’re gone. The word ‘Kaizen’ is a Japanese word that literally translates to ‘change for the good’, and that’s what we’re hoping for.”

Watch the Japanese pop culture-inspired new video for ‘Kaizen’ here:

Peaness are about to embark on their biggest UK tour to date. Catch them live:

27th January – Leicester, Firebug
28th January – Birmingham, The Hare and Hounds
29th January – Guildford, The Boileroom
30th January – Brighton, The Prince Albert
31st January – Southampton, Heartbreakers
1st February – Oxford, The Wheatsheaf
7th February – Manchester, Soup Kitchen
8th February – Leeds, The Lending Room
28th February – Bristol, Ritual Union (w/ Marika Hackman + more)
6th May – London, The Lexington

 

Mari Lane
@marimindles

 

 

 

 

 

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Track Of The Day: Riotmiloo – ‘Want: I don’t want it’ (Riotmiloo & Eva|3 remix)

Blending Riot Grrrl ethics with dense industrial sounds, London-based Riotmiloo has shared ‘Want: I don’t want it’, a remix of New Zealand trip-hop artist Scalper’s track ‘Want’. Working alongside her musical collaborator Eva|3, Riotmiloo has deconstructed the original song and altered its context to reflect her feelings about consent and the #MeToo movement.

“When Scalper asked me to remix one of his tracks, I chose ‘Want’. It had to be this one,” Riotmiloo explains. “What if I approached it with the “Don’t want” idea? News, various articles and experiences around me lit up my feminist flame. I had never tackled the subject of consent in a song and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. I asked Eva|3 if he would agree and then our remix was born.”

A cathartic, raw experience, the dual vocals on ‘Want: I don’t want it’ relay a menacing encounter centered around consent. The role reversal by the end of the track reflects Riotmiloo’s belief that the issues surrounding consent can be dealt with. She extrapolates on this: “Consent is more than ever a subject that ought to be discussed. Social movements like #MeToo and Balance ton Porc (Report your Pig) in France have been decried. Questions like: ‘What was she wearing then?’ or ‘Wasn’t she looking for it to advance her career?’ have been said. There’s no need to say them – ‘no’ means ‘no.'”

Riotmiloo released her debut album La Pierre Soudée, on German label Ant-zen in 2015. Each track is inspired by a real life story which highlights the suffering of women. Listen to ‘Want: I don’t want it’ below and follow Riotlmiloo on Facebook for more updates.

You can listen to/download Scalper’s Want More EP on bandcamp.

Photo Credit: Stefan Alt

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Get In Her Ears Live @ The Finsbury w/ Personal Best, 10.01.20

Following a host of amazing bands playing for us throughout 2019, including Screaming Toenail, Salad, GENN, Chorusgirl, Witching Waves and CLT DRP, we were back at The Finsbury on Friday for our first gig of the year, with another dream of a line-up, for a jam-packed night of the best live music.

Kicking things off is the dreamily delightful ‘heartland rock’ of newly formed Athabaska. Alternating between the impassioned, crystalline vocals of Faith Taylor (Suggested Friends) and the delicate emotion of those of bassist Roxy, they treat us to a heart-warming shimmering folk-strewn musicality and luscious sweeping harmonies.

Next up Nun Habit deliver their fuzzy, infectious garage pop with a unique, quirky energy. With shades of the jangly synth-driven soul of the likes of Young Fathers, whether guitarist Gregory or bassist Kate is leading the vocals, they ooze a vibrant spirit and immersive, sparkling charisma.

One of my ‘Ones To Watch’ for 2020, London trio Hurtling are third band of the night. With their sun-drenched whirring hooks and the swirling subtle power of Jen Macro’s (My Bloody Valentine) distinctive effervescent vocals, they deliver their fuzz-filled noise-pop anthems with a captivating, psychedelic haze.

I’ve been keen to see headliners Personal Best for a while now, and they definitely don’t disappoint. With a joyous punk-rock energy, their “classic rock for tragic lesbians” fills the venue with adoring fans as immense, frenetic riffs are blasted out alongside pure pop harmonies and a sparkling energy. Drawing the night to a memorable close, front person Katie Gatt dedicates their set closer to the queer community. As a sea of buoyant voices joins in with “I wanna kiss you in the street, where everyone can see… ’cause this is what we look like”, the poignancy of the lyrics in these uncertain times is overwhelming, and an empowering sense of unity takes hold as the crowd heaves with bodies dancing and singing in solidarity. A really special end to what’s been a night filled with the most life-affirming vibes.

Massive thanks to the four incredible bands who played for us on Friday, and to all who came down and completely packed out the venue! Be sure to join us next month on 14th February, with Piney Gir, Grawl!x, Captain Handsome and I Am Her.

 

Words: Mari Lane / @marimindles
Photos: Jon Mo / @jonmophoto

 

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Track Of The Day: Gold Baby – ‘Dogbone’

Following the success of latest single ‘Philadelphia’, and having recently charmed us once again with their spellbinding live set at The Finsbury, London based Gold Baby – now consisting of Siân, Scott and Sara – are back with their first offering of 2020.

A heartfelt meditation on what it means to care, ‘Dogbone’ oozes a shimmering musicality and quirky charisma as Siân’s raw, confessional lyricism flows, showcasing the impressive range of her luscious, crystalline vocals. Building to an emotion strewn grunge-pop anthem, it’s a dreamy, yet refreshingly gritty, lamentation on life’s anxieties.

Watch the live video for ‘Dogbone’ here:

Or listen on Spotify now.

‘Dogbone’ is out now. Catch Gold Baby live at the single launch at The Waiting Room on 17th February.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Keira-Anee Photography

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