Track Of The Day: Ghost Car – ‘Conch Pearl’

With a chaotically wonderful feminist energy, London-based international punk quartet Ghost Car debut their latest spunky single ‘Conch Pearl‘. Continuing on their garage-pop path, Ghost Car come out eager with an undeniably grungy, racing drive that is sure to have you head-banging on first listen.

Reminiscent of The Runaways as well as LA based social-pop band LavaLove, ‘Conch Pearl’ feels both old and new when it comes to the track’s disposition. Whimsical, swinging vocals give Ghost Car a vintage ’60s energy, draped over overdriven, explosive rock guitar that oozes a fierce, raw emotion. And what is baked out of these juxtaposing influences feels glamorous and cathartic.

‘Conch Pearl’ is captivating and quick-witted from its start with a riff-driven intro that sets the rest of the track off to the races. Rolling drums stop for nobody, fuelling the track with a frenzied urgency. Ghost Car ask “What do you see?” as a repetitive, punk refrain that feels intimidating in the best way possible. Of the track, the band explain:

“It’s a feminist commentary on women/queer community being ‘shrunk down’ to fit a mould. The idea of a conch shell closing up, closing yourself off to the world vs opening up. We wanted to use the obsession with the pearl to represent the possession that is sometimes manifested towards women, something all of us have experienced first-hand at some point in our lives”.

This latest offering from Ghost Car is tough, empowered and dainty all at once. As ‘Conch Pearl’ oscillates, the song’s build never loses motivation – adding in more guitar, increasingly energized drums and layers of niche vocal yelling sounds to bring the track to a roaring climax. It does not let go of you – and keeps you utterly immersed for its whole ride. A short, sweet blast of glistening post-punk energy.

Truly Trash, the debut album from Ghost Car, is set for release on 28th October via One Little Independent Records.

Jill Goyeau
@jillybean

Photo Credit: Patrick Smith

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Track Of The Day: Aiko – ‘Restless’ (ft. Boy Jr.)

Having previously received acclaim from the likes of Elle and Harper’s Bazaar, in an electrifying unravelling, Moscow born/Czech raised and London based Aiko brings honesty, energy and spunk in her latest single. Casted by the shadow of art-pop and electro-driven indie vibes, ‘Restless‘ serves as a track that is suited for both the dance-floor and a night-time solo drive.

With a dark, yet lively, disposition, the unique soundscape Aiko fosters is filled with motivation. ‘Restless’ spins its own wheels to the point of instability and – although things may get unbearable – the spirit of the track accepts this phenomenon with resilience: “I’m scared to bits, but won’t call it quits.”

The gentle vocals that float throughout the verses of ‘Restless’ are reminiscent of Canadian alt-poppers Dizzy while the track’s banging chorus calls on the spiritual fire of acts like MUNA and Maggie Rogers.

Pulsing electronic drums draped in cinematic synths and curious samples make for a sonically dense mix that creates its own breath. Each verse of ‘Restless’ feels like a reflection, while each chorus explodes in revelation. Aiko has created an emotional push and pull both lyrically and musically that is relatable and invigorating.

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

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Track Of The Day: Alaskalaska – ‘Still Life’

Fresh after announcing their upcoming album Still Life, South London band ALASKALASKA have released the record’s title track in an exploratory and curious single. Arriving this Autumn, Still Life will embrace a free-form electronica disposition filled with digital sounds, rich melodies, drum machines and the sparse involvement of acoustic instrumentation. 

With the latest single of the same name, Alaskalaska grasp at a knot tangled by existential dread and the simplicity of life’s simple pleasures, painting an enchanting teaser for the album. Paired with an abstract music video, ‘Still Life’ builds a world with melodic, arpeggiated synths and circular lyrics. With a lyrical refrain building the tension, ALASKALASKA’s story feels interpersonal – oozing a profound immersive soundscape, spinning thoughts of uncertainty. 

Building with intensity, layers of sound are interwoven, building to a climax of fuzz emulating irritation. This distinct arrangement later comes to a burst as the tension of ‘Still Life’ peaks. Eerie reverbs and modulations shift the tone of ALASKALASKA from left to right, delving into a sonic chaos that pays off as stirring, ethereal vocals echo in the background.  

As the track settles, ‘Still Life’ remains in the back of listeners’ minds; swirling and dancing around our thoughts; creating a sparkling moment for reflection. ALASKALASKA has set the scene for a captivating ‘Still Life’ – one that is multidimensional and full of character.

Of the track, the band explain:

“‘Still Life’ asks is what is supposed to connect us on a worldwide scale being used more for vanity/ego, distraction or even surveillance/control? ‘Look at it breed, modern greed…’. It’s a bit of a cautionary tale, much like 1984…if you get my drift. Still though, there are glimmers of hope – ‘I’ve got the seed in my pocket….’ as in I’ve got seeds to sow, seeds to grow. Small gestures can make big changes.”

Watch the stirring new video for ‘Still Life’ here:


Still Life, the upcoming new album from ALASKALASKA, is set for release on 14th October via Marathon Artists.

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

Photo Credit: Abi Sinclair

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Track Of The Day: BATTS (feat. Sharon Van Etten) – ‘Blue’

Soaked in nostalgia for a far away place, the new single from Melbourne artist Tanya Batt – aka BATTS – is a lusious treat for the ears. Having previously toured with Sharon Van Etten in 2019, the pair have a unique bond, so BATTS felt Van Etten to be the perfect musical partner when writing ‘Blue’ in her mother-in-law’s home. 

BATTS speaks of being drenched in grief while writing ‘Blue’, feeling her days heavily passing as she watched Antiques Roadshow on loop. In many ways, ‘Blue’ encapsulates both those feelings of reflection and sorrow with a stirring splendour: “I wish I could see the blue babe, but all I do is feel the blue”, BATTS sighs. It is with the weight of the world that she seems to muster up her strength to poignantly sing in a beautifully hushed disposition. 

The vulnerability of ‘Blue’ is tangible while its resonant lyrics hang in the air, gently floating along as the folk-inspired track progresses. Warm, honey-like guitar tones coat the track with a vintage sparkle while minimal percussion pulls BATTS’ melodies along with just enough speed. With delicate instrumentation and captivatingly satisfying harmonies between BATTS and Sharon Van Etten, it sounds as if it could have been produced decades ago with its retro folk-strewn musical authenticity.

The vintage feel of ‘Blue’ paired with a euphoric build in the final chorus feels like a refreshing brush of wind coasting across your cheeks. BATTS and Sharon Van Etten have created a warm, comforting space that feels like returning to your childhood home.

Watch the stirring new video for ‘Blue’ now:

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

Photo Credit: Lisa Businovski

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