LISTEN: Hilary Woods – ‘The Mouth’

A fleshy, twisted lullaby about personal hesitation; Hilary Woods has shared her latest single, ‘The Mouth’. Taken from her second album Birthmarks, which is set for release on 13th March via Sacred Bones, the track is a somber yet powerful listen; laced with strings, saxophone, and distorted drone noises.

Speaking about the track, Woods explains: “The impulse to write ‘The Mouth’ came from a longing to articulate feelings aloud that I failed to express til the moment had passed.” Though fueled by uncertainty and doubt, ‘The Mouth’ is one of Woods’ boldest, most confident tracks. It’s a dense, layered, carefully constructed soundscape that provides space for healing and acceptance.

Written & recorded over the course of two years between Galway and Oslo whilst Woods was heavily pregnant, Birthmarks looks set to be her most personal and powerful record to date. Inspired by the works of Norwegian experimental noise producer & filmmaker Lasse Marhaug, the images from post-war Japanese and wet-plate photography, to the secret life of trees; Woods’ far-reaching influences are what make her art so mesmerising and transcendent.

Listen to ‘The Mouth’ below, and follow Hilary Woods on Facebook & Spotify for more updates. Catch her live at Cafe Oto, London, on 18th May

Photo credit: Joshua Wright

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: Something Leather – ‘Farewell Fareworse’

A dark, swirling mix of psych-tinged guitar and eerie organ noises; Brighton trio Something Leather have shared their latest single, ‘Farewell Fareworse’. Released via We Can Do It Records, it’s the first track to be lifted from their debut EP Midnight Reverie, which is set for release on 17th April.

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. Their dark creations are a captivating blend of old and new sounds; the vintage organ that Phillie plays combines perfectly with Greg’s distorted guitar, and Mike’s rhythmic drum beats.

Single ‘Farewell Fareworse’ is a stirring example of this, and was born from the anxious thoughts surrounding co-dependent relationships, and the need for self autonomy. Phillie explains further: “[The track] is about desire and fear of change at the same time. It’s a bitter ode to personal traps and never-ending dilemmas”. The only dilemma we’re facing is whether or not we can wait until April to hear Something Leather’s debut EP.

Listen to ‘Farewell Fareworse’ below, and follow the band on Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Something Leather UK Tour Dates 2020
18/4 – Hot Box – Chelmsford
20/4 – Hug and Pint – Glasgow
22/4 – Jacaranda – Liverpool
23/4 – Dead Wax Digbeth – Birmingham
24/4 – Shacklewell Arms – London
25/4 – The Lanes – Bristol
2/5 – Portsmouth Psych Fest
7/5 – 60 Million Postcards – Bournemouth
16/5 – The Peer Hat – Manchester

Photo credit: Jessie Morgan

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: Deaf Surf – ‘SOFA’

Exasperation and frustration fuel ‘SOFA’, the debut single from Brighton-based band Deaf Surf. Released via Slingshot Records, the strung-out, angst-ridden track is an apathetic yawn in the face of those who repeat, or preach their travelling stories to clearly uninterested listeners.

Recorded & produced by Boe Weaver at Studio Humbug on the Isle of Wight, ‘SOFA’ marks the one year anniversary of Deaf Surf’s formation, coming together in 2019 after breaking away from other bands on the Brighton scene. French front woman Manon’s raw vocals glide over the band’s post-punk infused riffs, providing a much needed disruption to the narrative she laments about.

‘SOFA’ is a necessary listen for those who need to drown out unwanted background noise and focus on starting an adventure of their own. Listen to the track below, and follow Deaf Surf on Facebook & Bandcamp for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Mentrix – ‘Nature’

A commanding, cinematic, altruistic sound; Iranian singer & composer Mentrix has shared her latest single, ‘Nature’. The track is lifted from her debut album, My Enemy, My Love, which is set for release via her own (female-led) record label, House of Strength, on 3rd April.

Born in Iran but now based in Berlin, Mentrix (aka Samar Rad) blends her experiences of eastern and western culture, along with traditional Sufi instrumentation to create her beguiling, bold soundscapes. Her extensive travels and multiple influences – from Latin and French Literature, to The Qu’ran and traditional Persian poetry – give her music a diverse and fascinating edge.

‘Nature’ is accompanied by a stunning music video, directed by Gilles Estéve and set in the Iranian desert of Kavir-e-Lut. The visuals are as captivating as the sounds they’re paired with, including the beats of the hand-played daf drums – an ancient traditional frame drum native to Iran.

Mentrix explains the meanings associated with this particular instrument: “In Sufism, the daf is a calling for the soul to awaken. It makes that big sound because it’s empty, and its emptiness means two things: on the lower level someone who is empty and has nothing to offer makes a lot of noise. On a higher level, when you are truly empty of the world the entire universe can resonate within you. It’s the dark side and the bright side of the moon in one instrument.”

The duality in Mentrix’s music is what makes her art so compelling. Watch the video for ‘Nature’ below, and follow Mentrix on Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment