EP: Something Leather – ‘Midnight Reverie’

Like stumbling through a distorted, pleasant daydream; Brighton trio Something Leather‘s debut EP, Midnight Reverie, is a cinematic blend of old and new sounds. Released via We Can Do It Records on 17th April, the band have created four tracks showcasing their talent for crafting psych-infused music, that explores the dark and the light within us all.

Formed of Phillie Etta Jane (vocals/organ), Greg Pass (guitar) and Mike Nussbaum (drums), Something Leather have been cutting their teeth on the London & Brighton live circuits for a few years now. The vintage 70’s Philips organ that Phillie plays is fixed up with old parts of her grandmother’s first colour TV, and combines perfectly with Greg’s distorted guitar, and Mike’s rhythmic drum beats. Engineered, mixed and produced by guitarist Greg, and mastered by Tim Rowkins at Hell Yeah! Mastering; Midnight Reverie is the product of the band’s hard work so far.

A smouldering, existential exploration of where we are, vs where we want to be; opener ‘Trip To The Sun’ is loosely inspired by the character of Icarus from Greek mythology. The band articulately describe the context of the track as “a sarcastic take on the ‘Fall of Icarus'”. It deals with our constant desire to escape from a deadly routine, and the fear that pushing too far might consume you. It has a frenetic pace, western B-movie shootout feel and layers of post-punk and Psychedelia on top.”

A dark, swirling mix of distorted guitar riffs and eerie organ noises, ‘Farewell Fareworse’ was born from the anxious thoughts surrounding co-dependent relationships, and the need for self autonomy. “It’s a bitter ode to personal traps and never-ending dilemmas” explains Phillie. The trio navigate this bitterness with impressive energy, over crashing beats and hypnotic vocals.

The solitary, strung out sounds of ‘Midnight Dive’ bring a change in pace, as Phillie muses about “going to the beach without my baby”. It’s a cinematic, moody lullaby; reminiscent of early Wolf Alice tracks like ’90 Mile Beach’. The dysfunctional, disorientating ‘Down Another One’ closes the EP with a blur of whispers, startling organ noises, and whirling guitar riffs.

Midnight Reverie is an impressive, polished debut from this exciting Brighton band. Drawing from the past, but rooted in the present; Something Leather’s EP is a frantic carousel of noise that will have you circling back for multiple listens.

Follow Something Leather on Spotify and Facebook for more updates.

Photo Credit: Jessie Morgan

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Forever Honey – ‘Twenty-Five’

A buoyant, reflective guitar tune that contemplates growing older; Brooklyn band Forever Honey have shared their latest single, ‘Twenty-Five’. Lifted from their debut EP, Pre-Mortem High, set for release on 24th April, the uplifting track is accompanied by a set of visuals directed by Shayan Farooq & Tristan Oliveira.

Formed of Liv Price (lead vocals, guitar), Aida Mekonnen (lead guitar, vocals), Steve Vannelli (drums), and Jack McLoughlin (bass); Forever Honey blend elements of 80s pop music and 60s rock, together with personal experiences to create their shimmering indie tunes. ‘Twenty-Five’ is a shining example of this, with its jangly guitars and cool vocals.

The track’s context is rooted in gently helping women to accept that the ageing process is not something to be feared, it should be embraced, celebrated and spoken about; as it’s an inevitable part of life. The band’s video for ‘Twenty-Five’ reflects just that. Watch it below, and follow Forever Honey on Spotify and Facebook for more updates.

Pre-order your copy of Forever Honey’s debut EP, Pre-Mortem High, here.

Photo Credit: Kit Castagne

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: CIEL – ‘Same Old Times With U’

Full of lush guitars, soft vocals, and dreamy synths; Brighton-based CIEL‘s new offering ‘Same Old Times With U’ is tinged with romantic melancholy. The track is lifted from the band’s debut EP, Movement, released today (April 10th) on all digital platforms.

Formed of Dutch musician Michelle Hindriks, Jorge Bela Jimenez (guitar, synths), Kieran Mansfield (bass) & Lawrie Miller (drums), CIEL enlisted the help of Producer Jack Wolter (Penelope Isles) to create the atmospheric sounds on their new EP. ‘Same Old Times With U’ is an emotive track that tentatively explores personal struggle over hazy guitars, Hindriks’ pensive lyrics, and swelling percussion.

Speaking about the band’s debut EP, Hindriks explains: “It’s about moving away from a more introspective period in which I felt quite distant from other people and moving into a new phase of my life in which I was able to open up. We’re now releasing [it] in a time in which we are forced to distance ourselves from one another; but I feel more connected to the people around me now that I did before”.

CIEL have supported the likes of Hatchie, Sasami and Penelope Isles, and are set to play more of their exhilarating live shows once we’re all out of lockdown. Listen to ‘Same Old Times With U’ below, and follow the band on Facebook and Spotify for more updates.

Photo Credit: Jantina Talsma

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: Daily Thompson – ‘Seafoam’

Fuelled by the spirit of grunge and raw 90s guitar noises; German three-piece Daily Thompson have shared their latest single, ‘Seafoam’. The track was written by bassist Mercedes Lalakakis, and marks the first time she’s stepped into the song-writing limelight.

‘Seafoam’ is an enjoyably unpolished offering, reminiscent of the sounds of 90s bands like Sonic Youth and Dinosaur Jr. Lalakakis’ assertive vocals float confidently over the band’s gritty riffs and crashing percussion, providing a strung-out few minutes of alternative noise.

Daily Thompson have been busy cutting their teeth on the live scene over the last few years, playing at Reeperbahn Festival, Orange Blossom Special Festival, and sharing stages with the likes of Dinosaur Jr., Liam Gallagher, Maximo Park, Portugal The Man, and many more.

Listen to ‘Seafoam’ below, and follow Daily Thompson on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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