Kindred Fawn – ‘Silver Blanket’

Inspired by the anxieties of insomnia and gloomy maritime weather, Kindred Fawn’s debut track ‘Silver Blanket‘ breathes a melancholic escape while introducing a brand new project. Ella Patenall, the voice behind Kindred Fawn is a multi-instrumentalist known for grunge-folk duo (and GIHE faves!), Naz & Ella. In search for a more genre-eclectic and experimental writing process that could focus on aural textures and pastoral musings, this serves as a project that makes space for Ella to nuance just that.

Soft sounds of waves pulling at the wind set the stage for ‘Silver Blanket’ which feels like a intermittent moment of comfort amidst a night storm. Dark acoustic guitar plucks as it sets the stage for an eerie, yet familiar, feeling that looms over the disposition of the track. Hovering over the anxious mix, Ella’s ethereal voice floats, shimmering above her hesitation while beaming a non-dimmable light that knows its resilience.

Radio samples from the British Shipping Forecast give the folk tune a charismatic, emo-acoustic twist as it calls to the heavier elements of ‘Silver Blanket’. As Kindred Fawn’s layered musicality slowly builds dynamically, it is clear that both delicate folk artists – as well as the sounds of mellow rock legends such as PJ Harvey – are influential to Kindred Fawn.

Of the track, Ella explains:

“When I started university and was living in halls, I found it hard to sleep, there was so much noise – other students, the train line nearby and the squawking of seagulls as well as some internal anxiety. I had a radio in my room and discovered the shipping forecast (which plays late at night and early in the morning). I thought it was so bizarre but also soothing, conjuring up images of sailors on the rough seas whilst I was in my comfortable bed, and it really helped...” 

Under “chalky moonlight”, ‘Silver Blanket’ brings eager anticipation for what is next from Kindred Fawn.

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

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Track Of The Day: Beauty Sleep – ‘I Love It Here I Hate It’

In an infectious, fantastic overhaul of alt-pop, Belfast duo Cheylene and Ryan – aka Beauty Sleep – capture our undivided attention with their most recent single ‘I Love It Here I Hate It‘. Fresh off of their SXSW debut, the excitable nature of Beauty Sleep is infectious throughout the track in such an earnest way. 

The band’s shimmering pop disposition paired with irresistible melodic grooves make for a sonic setting that immediately pulls us in, and never lets go. Delving into a discussion of duality, Beauty Sleep drench their art-pop nature with a fresh palette of enchanting string instrumentation that makes ‘I Love It Here I Hate It’ its own universe. Draped alongside deep synth beds, twinkling guitar leads and danceable bass lines, Beauty Sleep facilitates an energising mix oozing a rich orchestral splendour.

Personal voice samples layered into the track furthers the vastness of Beauty Sleep’s vision, creating an intimate touch on a song that otherwise feels universal. The humanity of duality throughout ‘I Love It Here I Hate It’ seeps from every note. As the illustrious, soaring vocals explain “I used to be the one who wanted to get out… Now I’m grown I just wanna be home”, we feel the band’s vulnerability become cathartic. What first feels like a guilty confession, the phrase “I Love It Here I Hate It” gains validation, and then ultimately celebration by the track’s end. 

Beauty Sleep have meticulously captured a journey of reflection, realisation and acceptance in ‘I Love It Here I Hate It’. Of the track, they explain:

“We are all so in-between, all our identities are uncertain. And I think that makes us so powerful and we should celebrate it, rather than letting it ruin our self-esteem. It’s about trying to claim our own identities and inspire others to do the same. There is power in that. There Is power in owning who you are, and connecting with others through your complicated identity.”

Jillian Goyeau
@jillybxxn

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Track Of The Day: Talk Like Tigers – ‘Sacred Feminine’

In anticipation of their debut double-EP release, Newcastle’s Talk Like Tigers reveal ‘Sacred Feminine’ – a feminist-indie-pop anthem. As identical twins and a two-piece indie band, the duo manifest a captivating presence the moment that their creative efforts join together.

Charlotte and Stephanie blend the melodies of indie-pop’s catchy merit with wisps of other outside influences like retro synth-pop and dreamy alternative pop. What remains steady in the vividness of Talk Like Tigers’ lyrical takes, which paint colourful images via the pair’s lush, velvety vocals. The vocal harmonies in ‘Sacred Feminine’ are a fierce, distinguishing element that adds a fizzing energy to the track. Many producers feel that this kind of oral chemistry is exclusive to siblings, so to hear the synchronisation of these gifted twins is quite the exhibition.

While switching between synths, guitars and snappy drum pads, the duo glitter ‘Sacred Feminine’ with quirky rhythms that are both abstract and infectious, symbolising the multi-faceted aspects of femininity. Celebration is a central sentiment as listeners are transported to a space where both the beautiful and the strong nature of femininity merge to reflect the goddess-like qualities of the phenomenon.

Talk Like Tigers summarise that their track “is a powerful, anthemic song about femininity and female worth.” ‘Sacred Feminine’ honours femininity, vulnerability and intuition as absolute strengths in this empowering anthem.

Watch the sparkling, uplifting video for ‘Sacred Feminine’ here:

Talk Like Tigers are set to release their debut double EP in May. Keep your eyes and ears peeled!

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

Photo Credit: Lee Scullion

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Track Of The Day: Aderyn – ‘Yearning’

Following their energetic pop anthem ‘Scotty’, Welsh artist Aderyn newly adds ‘Yearning‘ to their fresh catalogue with melancholic spirit. Showcasing the project’s diversity early on, the track takes an introspective leap – diving past their pop-hit into a romantic indie-acoustic ballad. 

With a loose feel that leaves ample space to breathe and immerse yourself in the emotion, ‘Yearning’ is an endearingly intimate offering. Slow, minimal drums and cello lay a blanket as Aderyn’s acoustic guitar plays earnestly at the front of the mix. With such rawness, we feel that she is playing the song right in front of us – on her childhood bed where she wrote it. Sprinkled across the track, electric guitar leads romanticise the tone of ‘Yearning’ as Aderyn sings from the heart. There is certainly no shortage of vulnerability here as she sweetly pines for her crush without hesitation. “You’re pretty and it hurts right now”, she confesses as the track spins with a swirling emotional freedom. 

Of the track, Aderyn explains:

“...It is a song that encapsulates the feeling of pining for someone. That exquisite, aching pain. It was the first time I’d felt that way about a girl, and this is without a doubt the most vulnerable I’ve ever been in a song. All those feelings were so new, so raw”

‘Yearning’ is stirring in its simplicity, encapsulating the reality of the experience of wishing for someone with perhaps no resolution, nor closure. It’s sharply realistic, yet warming – a comfort song for romantics.

‘Yearning’ is out now. You can listen/download via bandcamp, along with an exclusive b-side demo track, ‘That Summer’.

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

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