Track Of The Day: Chromatics – ‘Time Rider’

Chromatics are a band with a lot of history and, as such, their music has gone through a series of incarnations, ranging from noisy and chaotic sonic experimentations in 2001 to the slick, hypnotic electro-chill-dreamscape we have here.

‘Time Rider’ starts with the click-y minimalism of electro drums before slowly building towards full blown electro-pop, accompanied by beguiling vocals. It is a grower in that it might, on the first listen, appear to be a slight piece of work, but listen again and the track’s sonic complexities and cleverness become more apparent. A slightly mystical seeming slice of dreamy Utopian post disco, its lyrics make use of a motorcycle metaphor as an “Inter dimensional bridge between the future and the past”.

With all this in mind, it comes as no surprise that Chromatics have featured in the most recent incarnation of Twin Peaks. Their music is similarly unsettling, slightly eerie and beautifully subtle.

‘Time Rider’ is out now, and Chromatics are about to embark on a North American tour.

Cazz Blase
@CazzBlase

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Track Of The Day: Blóm – ‘Toxic Dependency’

Comprised of former members of Tough Tits and Yume Hayashi, Newcastle Upon Tyne’s Blóm fuse together genres to create their unique DIY Queer Feminist anthems. And, having recently released a split EP with Leeds band Thank, they’ve shared an emotionally charged, rip-roaring track from the EP with us.

A raging cacophony reflecting on toxic relationships, ‘Toxic Dependency’ blasts out a furious, seething energy and angst-driven power, as the genuine fiery passion of the band bursts out of every screamed note. Of the track, the band explain:

“Part of the lyrics are about toxic relationships and being co dependent on people who are damaging. When you are trapped in these relationships you feel like you are submerged and it is hard to find people to support you to leave…  Other lyrics are pulled straight from passing comments toxic people have said to me, and regularly say to people presenting as female. The tone and delivery of these comments can shift the sincerity, knock your confidence and breed insecurities.”

 

Listen to Blóm’s split EP with Thank on Bandcamp now. And catch them live supporting Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs on the following dates:

5th April – The Haunt, Brighton
6th April – Esquires, Bedford

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Track Of The Day: Swimsuit Competition – ‘Wasted’

Having only formed in the summer of last year and comprised of vocalist Amber Scott, Michael Illingworth (previously of Drive), Toby Scott and Gaz Burney (Dingus Khan), Essex band Swimsuit Competition have already made their mark on our ears.

An energy-fuelled indie-rock anthem, new single ‘Wasted’ laments the passing of time as Amber’s gritty vocals blast out alongside infectious hooks. With its riotous passion reminiscent of early noughties classics such as The Subways or Blood Red Shoes, it’s impossible not to fall for Swimsuit Competition’s raging energy on first listen. And we cannot wait to hear what they have in store for us throughout 2019.

Listen to ‘Wasted’ on Spotify now:

 

Mari Lane
@marimindles

 

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ALBUM: Witching Waves – ‘Persistence’

Founded just over five years ago by Emma Wigham and Mark Jasper, Witching Waves are a DIY post-punk trio hailing from London. Sharing the name of an amusement ride from Coney Island, New York (and later Blackpool, England) Witching Waves is as raw as its namesake; a juxtaposition of metallic melodies and propulsive rhythm.

Having released their debut LP, 2014’s Fear of Falling Down, and 2016’s Crystal Cafe, on the now-defunct Soft Power Records, Witching Waves are now set to release their third album. Joining Wigham’s infectious drumming and Jasper’s angular riffing is Estella Adeyeri on bass guitar. Adeyeri’s addition to the band in 2016, in addition to a relentless touring schedule, sparked the creative energy that culminated into their most confident record, Persistence.

Writing for Persistence started in 2016, with the music recorded over two days in 2017, and mixing done in 2018; hence the name of the album. With their debut, Witching Waves were simply experimenting; Wigham was learning how to play the drums at the time, in the studio, and in front of a live audience. Songs were often recorded not long after they were written. But on Persistence, Witching Waves have taken their time – preforming new songs live, laying the foundations for the LP – resulting in a much more focused release.

This is not to say that Persistence is a more polished record. Recorded live directly to tape within Jasper’s Hackney warehouse studio, Sound Savers, Witching Waves have lost none of their DIY ethics; as is evident from the opening track, ‘Disintegration’. The band recorded the album on their own – with minimal help with the mixes – resulting in much welcome distortion. Without being able to monitor the levels on the tapes, Jasper’s guitar frequently went into the red and Persistence is all the better for it! ‘Disintegration’ is a great example of how these live takes make the record sound so authentic.

Next, Wigham goes full throttle on ‘Best of Me’ – the latest single to be released. Crashing against the drums with ferocity, Wigham displays a sense of discomfort with lyrics that touch upon self-worth and identity. “I can’t move on / I can’t go back / You’ve got the best of me.” The tension throughout is inescapable, but it is the frantic raw energy of ‘Eye 2 Eye’ – a self-described “ode to conflict” – that displays the maturity of a band pissed off. Wigham and Jasper trade vocals that demand your attention amongst scratchy guitar riffing, pulsating bass lines, and clashing cymbals: “When did we decide to talk about it? / How do we begin to talk about it?”

 

Persistence continues to see Witching Waves channel their internal tensions regarding relationships and society into each unapologetic track. An obvious example would be ‘Money’, a song focused on the English capital that is becoming increasingly unaffordable for its many residents. The band’s honesty and emotion is admirable, with each member revealing themselves to the world; their frustrations and discomforts captured on this very personal record.

With Persistence, Witching Waves have produced a brash, complex, and dark post-punk record with pop sensibilities that documents an authentic, ongoing struggle worthy of repeat listening.

Persistence, the upcoming album from Witching Waves, is out 5th April via Specialist Subject Records.

Ken Wynne
@Ken_Wynne

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