Our July playlist is filled with some dream-pop gems, alternative electronic sounds and the usual dose of indie & rock guitar tunes. Take some time to scroll through our track choices below, and make sure you hit play on the Spotify playlist at the end of the page.
Bitch Falcon – ‘Gaslight’
Dublin trio Bitch Falcon are probably going to block me if I keep tagging them on social media talking about how much I love this latest single. ‘Gaslight’ is a stirring reflection on the way we perceive other people’s truths, full of seething bass lines, savage guitar licks, crashing percussion and Fitzpatrick’s powerful yet melodic vocals. (Kate Crudgington)
LibraLibra – ‘Lonely Girl’
Following their immense last single ‘Juicy Lucy’, GIHE faves LibraLibra have now shared the next single taken from their upcoming new EP. Propelled by a gritty, swirling energy ‘Lonely Girl’ combines a whirring ‘80s-infused electro groove with the band’s trademark thunderous beats and frenzied hooks, as front woman Beth Cannon’s vocals soar with a magnetising power. With a tongue-in-cheek wit and seething, riotous drive, it’s another genre-defying anthem from the Brighton band. Hail Mary, the upcoming debut EP from LibraLibra, is set for release on 14th August. (Mari Lane)
The C33s – ‘Harpurhey Hostility’
The latest single from Manchester trio The C33s, ‘Harpurhey Hostility’ is a reflection on an area of the band’s hometown named “the worst place in England” by Manchester Evening News back in 2007. Propelled by a frenzied punk-infused drive, the track is filled with gritty surf-rock riffs and the raw impassioned power of drummer Judy Jones’ vocals, as it builds to with an instantly infectious raucous energy. (ML)
Wife Patrol – ‘Let’s Hang Out’
Set to release their debut album Too Prickly For This World on 4th September, Indiana-based Wife Patrol explore everything from power structures, toxic culture, friendship and bad weather in their music. ‘Let’s Hang Out’ is their debut single, and it’s filled with punchy beats and catchy riffs. (KC)
Abbie Ozard – TV Kween
“Hopefully this song will make people feel a little less alone when they’re feeling super insecure” says Manchester-based songwriter Abbie Ozard. ‘TV Kween’ is full of dream-pop tinged guitars and feel-good vibes, despite the track being based around feelings of insecurity. (KC)
Highnoon – ‘Lens’
Philadelphia indie-rock outfit Highnoon – fronted by Kennedy Freeman – create dream-pop, alt-rock inspired sounds. The band will be releasing their 2019 record Semi Sweet on cassette for the first time on 31st July via Oof Records, and 10% of all tape purchases will go towards Vamos Juntos — a community-led, Latinx immigrant organization in South Philadelphia fighting for human rights as workers, parents, youth, and immigrants. You can pre-order the tape here. (KC)
All Things Blue – ‘Dicking Around’
The latest single from L.A’s All Things Blue, ‘Dicking Around’ offers a swirling, dreamy soundscape, oozing a twinkling sense of calm. Soaked in immersive layers of psychedelic hooks and whirring electronics, providing the backdrop for India Coombs’ luscious majestic vocals, it’s the perfect accompaniment for a socially distanced sunbathe on a summer’s day. Get Bit, the debut album from All Things Blue, is out 23rd October. (ML)
Show Boy – ‘Turn It On’
Inspired by the spark of excitement that comes with meeting a new friend or starting a new relationship, ‘Turn It On’ is propelled by a jangly groove and vibrant sunny energy. With shimmering keys and Jovis’ distinctive impassioned vocals, this latest offering showcases his knack for creating perfectly catchy slices of colourful pop. Following his debut release last year, and with acclaim from the likes of Tom Robinson, ‘Turn It On’ is taken from Show Boy’s upcoming EP, Ishtar Lion. (ML)
Gymnast – ‘Ghost’
Based between Manchester and Rotherdam, Cathy Wilcock and Chris Lyon – aka Gymnast – create super dreamy slices of dark electro pop. With glitchy synth hooks and and a soaring majestic energy, ‘Ghost’ reflects on feelings of transition and the concept of liminality. I just can’t get enough of its swirling, captivating splendour. ‘Ghost’ is taken from Gymnast’s latest album Experiments In The Revival Of Organisms, which is out now. (ML)
Notelle – ‘Bugs’
Nashville-based “nightmare-pop” artist Notelle has shared her latest single ‘Bugs’, and I love its industrial-tinged production and her wispy vocals. Notelle wrote this song after a break-up when she felt like part of her ex was still invading her body in some way. She will be donating all proceeds from streaming revenues from the first two months of the single to support the Black Live Matters x Police Defund Movement. (KC)
Amaroun – ‘Scarlet’
Following the poignant power of last single ‘Rise’, GIHE fave Amaroun has now shared the latest in a string of singles that she’s releasing each month of 2020. With each single so far touching on a different theme surrounding life as a queer woman, ‘Scarlet’ is a love song, reflecting on Jay’s “obsession” with red-heads and the story of how her and her partner met. With a sunny, danceable groove and glistening energy, ‘Scarlet’ is an instantly uplifting slice of alt-pop. Amaroun will be ‘taking over’ our Instagram next Wednesday 29th July at 7pm – make sure you tune in! (ML)
grouptherapy – ‘Raise It Up!’
LA-based grouptherapy’s latest single is so, so catchy! Vocalist Jadagrace explains: “’Raise It Up!’ is a not so subtle reminder to know your worth and require your coin! We’re leaving undervaluing yourself in the last decade. You’re that bitch and you deserve more.” We back that statement 100%. (KC)
Tokky Horror – ‘Girlracer’
The new project from ex-Queen Zee vocalist Zee Davine, Tokky Horror’s debut single is a wild blend of drum & bass beats, dance music rhythms and punk-infused energy. Of the track, the band explain: “Girlracer’s unashamed appreciation of fast cars and loud music is a tongue-in-cheek to every boy who thinks they’re better than us.” (KC)
REWS – ‘Today We’re Warriors’
A defiant guitar tune designed to empower and motivate listeners into action, REWS latest single mixes heavy riffs and catchy melodies to help spark the fires of personal revolution. Lifted from the band’s upcoming second album Warriors, which is set for release on 7th August via Marshall Records, the track is accompanied by two music videos, an official video that shows front-woman Shauna running through the wilderness, and a fan video directed by GIHE photographer Jon Mo. The fan video also features one of the GIHE grrrls (spoiler: it’s me/Kate). You can watch both here. (KC)
Gender Chores – ‘Territory’
A reflection on the predatory nature of men in the music industry, ‘Territory’ is the latest single from Belfast’s Gender Chores. Driven by jangly punk-infused energy, and with a seething rage coated in sugar-sweet vocals (“Fuck you and your second chance!”), it’s one of four immense anthems taken from The Fight Is Not Over, a collaborative record with songs from Problem Patterns, Strange New Places and Sister Ghost. In addition to Gender Chores, it’s an impassioned collection of live songs from each of the bands, encapsulating an empowering and uplifting energy, addressing the need to continue pushing for more inclusive and diverse spaces. The Fight Is Not Over was recorded by Rocky O’Reilly and is raising money for The 343, an Artist-Focused, Feminist-led, Queer Arts Space in East Belfast. Read our interview with the four bands and find out more about the project here. (ML)
Cat SFX -‘Doom Generation’
Buzzing bass lines and direct lyrics dominate Cat SFX’s debut single. Of the track, Cat explains: “‘Doom Generation’ is a commentary on my personal experiences of mental health issues, big pharmaceutical companies and their ‘cures’, the massive pressure that’s put on my generation by social media and a reality TV culture that dislocates us from our feelings.” (KC)
Ganser – ‘Emergency Equipment & Exits’
Chicago-based Ganser are set to release their new album, Just Look at That Sky, via Felte Records on 31st July and this single features on the record. Alicia from the band explains: “The song and video are both about feeling estranged from reality and choosing nothing over too much – the floor drops out, and you only have yourself to deal with.” Watch the accompanying video here. (KC)
Mieko Shimizu – ‘Lazy Light’
The latest single from Japanese, London-based artist Mieko Shimizu, ‘Lazy Light’ flows with luscious chilled vibes and the distinctive honey sweet vocals of Shimizu. As an other-worldly effervescent soundscape is created, it oozes a comforting warm glow, reminiscent of something that could be found on the Twin Peaks soundtrack. The perfect accompaniment for hazy summer days. I Bloom, the latest album from Mieko Shimizu, is out now. (ML)
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