WATCH: Piney Gir – ‘Witches & Covens’

Twenty years since her debut album, Peakahokahoo, Kansas-born London-based Piney Gir has returned to grace our ears with her new EP Cosmic Upside Down, completing a mystical-themed trilogy which follows Alchemy Hand in 2022 and Astral Spectra in 2021.

To celebrate the release, Piney has shared a beautiful new video for EP track ‘Witches & Covens’. With a laid-back pacing and almost jazzy feel, the track is complemented by warmly delivered, resonant vocals with an exquisite timeless grace. Bringing to mind artists like Weyes Blood, Lana Del Rey, and Suzanne Vega, the shimmering and swirling sound effects in the background give it an ethereal quality. As saxophones harmonise beautifully at either end of the track, a further warmth and richness exudes, as the catchy riffs stay with you long after the song finishes.

Accompanying the lush soundscape is a delightfully charming video, created using nostalgic and sophisticated stop-motion animation. Featuring a moving scene with the created animals in a seemingly cosy home environment, but clearly experiencing some conflict with each other, it was created and directed by Rhys Williams (of Williams Brothers Creative) and based around his doodles, forming part of its own animated world that you’ll want to immerse yourself in fully after watching.

Despite the track’s lilting, upbeat vibes, it actually offers a reflection on unresolved pain and betrayal. Piney explains “‘Witches & Covens’ is quite a vibe-shift from the other tracks on the EP – the other tracks are more strident and assertive, uplifting and bittersweet, or magical and mystical, but this is my ‘embracing the darkness’ track, because sometimes you just gotta go dark for a bit.”

For those, like me, curious and excited to hear what the rest of the EP has to offer, Cosmic Upside Down is available to listen to on all streaming platforms. Released on No Distance Records, the EP was produced and mixed by Tomas Greenhalf at Direktorenhaus and mastered by Kevin Tuffy at Manmade Mastering. Check out the video for ‘Witches & Covens’ below! 

Catch Piney Gir celebrating twenty years since her debut album, live at The Lexington on 13th October, with a superstar line-up featuring Anat Ben-David (Chicks On Speed), Psycho Delia and a DJ set from Chewy She. Nab tickets now!

Ella Patenall
@ellapatenall

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WATCH: Roller Derby – ‘Dreams’

‘Dreams’, the latest single from Hamburg-based Roller Derby, is a sparkling, ethereal song about the intensity of relationships. The track is a captivating blend of synth-pop, drawing inspiration from the genre’s early origins, while infusing splashes of a contemporary indie sound.

The track opens sparsely with a vocal line accompanied by a washy synth, until a stirring drum beat and warm synth bass line enters, giving the track a blissful foundation. The highlight musically comes as the swirling guitar licks ooze a captivating New Wave energy, bringing to mind Depeche Mode and The Cure, and giving the track a darker edge. 

Lush harmonies enter, accompanying the well-delivered vocals and melancholic melody as the song grows into something much larger, taking you on its journey, gradually introducing new elements and sounds in the textured and layered soundscape. A real pleasure for the ears; a testament to the slick production style of Moses Schneider. Building from melancholic to euphoric, the lush musicality mirrors the emotive theme of the reflective lyricism.

Since forming in 2020, Roller Derby have swiftly been making waves – having performed at festivals and prominent showcases such as SXSW and Reeperbahn Festival, as well as recently selling out a headline show for us at The Shacklewell Arms; continuing to captivate audiences with their unique blend of synth-pop and indie influences.

The accompanying music video, directed by Stephanie von Beauvais, perfectly visualises the ethereal atmosphere of the track with a trippy, psychedelic allure, vibrant colours and rippling imagery. Roller Derby are clearly a band who have a truly well thought-out vision and know what they want to achieve, and I look forward to hearing more from them throughout 2024.

Ella Patenall
@ella_patenall

Photo Credit: Johann Kressin

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New Track: Ski Lift – ‘Double Yellow’

‘Double Yellow‘ is the latest single by Ski Lift, the project of Welsh born/Croydon-based songwriter Benji Tranter with Elizabeth Walsh on bass and vocals and Adam Fletcher on drums. With its nostalgic sound, enchanting melody, and evocative lyrics, it captivated me on first listen.

The music kicks off with a gritty, grunge-infused strumming of rhythm guitars accompanied by a cool drum groove. The soft vocals gracefully float atop the guitar, while a subtle low harmony accentuates the main vocal line with a touch of melancholy. Eventually, the track drops, with the drums adopting a richer and warmer tone and the track builds for a big chorus marked by a fuzz-laden guitar chop followed by the lyric hook “my little universe” – underscoring the theme of our shrinking world during lockdown – a line you just have to sing along with. As a call-and-response melody follows, the guitars step back to give the vocals a central spotlight.

With shades of ’90s bands like Weezer, whose influence is easy to hear, the track also brings to mind more contemporary artists like Soccer Mommy and Palehound. 

A song written over lockdown, it captures the newfound fascination in the mundane and ordinary that we felt over that time, confined indoors with little to do but embark on our daily walks. The song paints vivid images of common-place things that often escape our notice in ‘normal’ daily life. Of the lyrics, Tranter explains:

“During the lockdown of 2021, I explored my local area on foot most days – Broad Green, Waddon Marsh (overshadowed by the giant gasworks which have since been torn down) and Wandle Park. I became familiar with, and fond of, many little details and aspects I hadn’t noticed in busier times. I felt strange knowing that when life sped back up, I might not see those places again in the same way.”

Having shared a stage with bands such as Holiday Ghosts, ARXX and Mary in the Junkyard, Ski Lift have already received radio play and support from the likes of BBC 6Music’s Tom Robinson and Radio X’s John Kennedy, demonstrating they are a band not to be ignored.

Watch a beautiful live session of ‘Double Yellow’ that the band recorded for Sub Cat Records; really highlighting their tight musicianship and the intricate harmonies they’re able to create.


Catch Ski Lift live on 29th March at The Cavendish Arms’ London Indie Pop Weekender – get tickets here.

Ella Patenall
@ellapatenall

Photo Credit: Jas Kisbee

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LISTEN: tall child – ‘Damaged’

tall child, formerly known as ZHA Gandhi and previously associated with projects like Buggs and Luce Rushton (fka TV Room), has now released their debut single ‘Damaged‘. With a full band now in tow, tall child is making a name for themselves in London, having played headline shows at iconic grassroots venues like The George Tavern and supporting artists like Bel Cobain at Matchstick Piehouse.

Their soulful vocals enter straight away and are then accompanied by dreamy ripples of clean electric guitar, whilst the haunting and captivating melody immerses your ears straight away. Bringing to mind artists such as Orla Gartland and Lucy Dacus, with the ethereal shades of Mitski, their vocals shine through with a subtle soulfulness.

Soon, a lush harmony enters with a folk-strewn depth and gentle jazzy drum beat, adding a pleasing rhythmic layer and progressing the song. With melancholic undertones, the vocals shimmer with emotion complemented by delicately plucked guitar – “maybe I should count my blessings ‘cos I’m not like you, I’m nothing like you”. The song is an “introspective exploration of a turbulent parent-child relationship”, reflecting on the idea that they are glad to have not inherited the toxic traits from their absent parent. A beautifully cathartic ballad, flowing with stirring emotion.

Of their songwriting, Zha notes:

“For me, this project is about pushing the boundaries of songwriting through the analysis of personal trauma and reflection. I wanted to create a space that merges all my musical influences into one to form a truly unique sound. I’m hoping that someone with a troubled relationship with a family member can relate to this song and that it reminds them of their autonomy...”

The song builds up in energy before being brought down for the bridge, offering a slower breakdown and some time for reflection. Awash with glistening harmonies, delicate cymbals and layered voices, it’s emotive but uplifting; an acceptance. It builds gradually but brilliantly before reaching a climax and ending back on a gentle chord. ‘Damaged’ really takes you on a journey and at a lengthy five minutes, it manages to hold your attention throughout its subtle twists and turns, with a heartfelt honesty.

As for what’s next, tall child will be playing more gigs – “taking up space as a queer black artist” – and further developing and carving out their original style. A single release listening party show followed by an upcoming EP is soon to be announced, so keep your eyes peeled! 

Ella Patenall
@ella_patenall

Photo Credit: Jody Evans

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