Track Of The Day: Brimheim – ‘poison fizzing on a tongue’

Crawling through an eerie landscape, Danish alt-pop artist Brimheim embodies regret and resilience in the climatic new track ‘poison fizzing on a tongue‘.  

Encapsulated in stuttering synths and minimalistic percussion, Brimheim’s track embodies a sonic slate that tastefully combines influences ranging from grunge to electronic aesthetics. Drawing from legendary artists such as PJ Harvey, Brimheim’s vocals flow over a track that feels older than its time in disposition. Well-crafted instrumentals ideally complement the classic warm tone of Brimheim’s voice, nestling her words perfectly into the track’s mix. 

Brimheim’s emotive melodies release an intense catharsis, comparable contemporarily to US electronic artist, Half Waif. Feelings of what Brimheim classifies as “mundane aches” grip the track as lyrics unravel a large realisation of toxicity. As she grapples with this complex interpersonal uprising, she is overcome with the reassuring feeling of knowing that she will indeed make it out alive.

Optimism resonates parallel with devastation in each layer of Brimheim’s poignant landscape. ‘poison fizzing on a tongue’ is the experience of a new, epiphanic lens, with the comfort and encouragement of the power of nostalgia.

Can’t Help Myself Into A Different Shape, the debut album from Brimheim, is out 28th January 2022 via W.A.S Entertainment.

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

Photo Credit: Hey Jack

Track Of The Day: Me and The Moon – ‘Strangers’

Having supporting the likes of Marika Hackman and Flyte on tour, and with acclaim from the likes of Radio X’s John Kennedy, indie-alt connoisseurs Me and The Moon return with a sparkling sing-along tune with their latest release. In a free-flowing melodic affair, ‘Strangers‘ drapes a veil of hazey guitar tones over the song and steers Me and The Moon to a dynamic, multi-faceted platform that doesn’t neglect the band’s original folk undertones. With its ear-worm melodies and luscious sparkling vocals, the track flows with a dreamy, optimistic tone, despite its melancholic lyrics.

While reflecting upon the turmoil of bad timing, ‘Stranger’ exudes the acceptance of time as a challenging and complicated element in our lives; although it may be painful to witness someone enter and exit our path, there is a beauty to be found in the temporary which Me and The Moon does a captivating job of encapsulating. ‘Stranger” never remains stagnant.

Me and The Moon is both exploratory and humble in ‘Stranger’ as they coast off of a new, refreshed sound. With a poppy catchiness in an indie casing, it exudes the energy of the likes of Middle Kids or TOPS. ‘Stranger’ is an anthem for stepping outside of comfort zones whilst always remembering the way home.

Mastered by Pete Maher (The Rolling Stones, Patti Smith, U2), ‘Strangers’ is out now.

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

WATCH: Beach Riot – ‘Wraith’

Following acclaim for previous singles ‘Wrong Impression’ and ‘Sofa Surfer’ from the likes of BBC 6Music’s Tom Robinson and BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunders, Brighton’s Beach Riot have announced the release of their upcoming debut album, Subatomic Party Cool, due out later this month. And now the fuzz-pop quartet have shared a new video for album track ‘Wraith’.

On an energized excursion, it casts an invigorating spell as it coasts through the best sounds of pop-rock, indie and fuzz. It feels like pure adrenaline, a roller coaster taxi taking you on your way to something awaited for, serving as a fantastic anticipatory track for the band’s upcoming LP. Gothic, echoing guitars open the track with an eeriness as Jonny Ross’ high hat leads the way. It is with urgency that the track takes off at the speed of light and throws itself into the wind. 

Anchoring the sonic storm is Cami Menditeguy’s vocal melody that is striking in its swirling power from its start. A melodic catchiness comes effortlessly, but the real power emerges from the lyrics, as the band’s distinctive harmonies burst with intention and purpose. With dark thematic undertones, Beach Riot’s disposition seeks nostalgia from acts like PJ Harvey, but meets that yearning with a pop-rock energy with shades of Arctic Monkeys’ AM.  

Beach Riot have a knack for building infectious tunes as their skeleton – so, anything they choose to dress it with is never anything short of complimentary. ‘Wraith’ is a wrath of fuzzy determination; a push against gravity and a motivation for change.

Of the track the band comment:

“… it’s a song about your life force being slowly drained away in a fading relationship and there’s nothing you can do about it but watch and brace yourself.”

Watch the new video for ‘Wraith’ here:

Subatomic Party Cool, the upcoming debut album from Beach Riot, is set for release 17th September via Alcopop! Records. Pre-order here. And you can Beach Riot live on their rescheduled headline tour throughout November and December, tickets here.

Jillian Goyeau
@jillybxxn

Track Of The Day: Karima Francis – ‘Say’

In what feels like a gentle stroll down a dim, busy street, LA based Karima Francis releases her stripped-back single ‘Say‘. With a steady, comforting mix that is folk-inspired in its narrative, and indie in its disposition, it sparkles in its simplicity, allowing Karima’s songwriting to shine through without obstacles. 

With ample time to dabble, reflection advances Karima to a moment of realisation where she becomes aware of her self-made walls. In times of isolation, sometimes our relationships may feel like they are under a microscope, even the relationship with one’s self may become that way. This poignant offering is self-aware in its apprehensive footsteps, offering to become smaller to make space from a place of anxiety. With both its beautiful musicality and stirring lyricism, ‘Say’s universe builds up boundaries whilst tearing others down. 

Warm, widespread bass and laid back drums spread a blanket out for Karima’s ideas to nestle in balance. There is a subtle energy to ‘Say’ that feels like a summer breeze, whilst lush guitar hooks stay humble and satisfying, passing through naturally without invasion. Oozing an immersive intimacy, Karima whispers her worries in a delicately rousing close vocal, with shades of the emotion-strewn splendour of Phoebe Bridgers. 

Of the track, Karima explains:

Say’ is about the isolation caused by Covid -19 and how that can impact relationships closest to you.The song lyrics came to me whilst I was on my daily run, the whole cycle of Covid repetition was becoming overwhelming. My ongoing battles with CPTSD (complex post-traumatic stress disorder) became more outward and started to impact those around me.” 

‘Say’ is a ticket for a walk in Karima’s shoes, a saunter down awakening realisation; a necessary catharsis.

Jillian Goyeau
@jillybxxn