Track Of The Day: Montauk Hotel – ‘White Billboards’

A luscious shimmering soundscape with a poignant context; Montauk Hotel have shared their new single ‘White Billboards’. Released via Reckless Records, the Dublin-based band say their new track is a “reflection on the power of advertising in our society and how models and [industry] standards influence our choices, happiness, and feelings of adequacy”.

Montauk Hotel’s music is influenced by the glimmer of early 80s indie-pop, full of glistening guitar sounds and shining melodies. The band released their self titled EP in March 2017, and have shared stages with the likes of Goat Girl, PINS and Beauty Sleep. Across Ireland, they’ve played venues such as Whelans, The Workman’s Club and Roisin Dubh, and they’ve performed at Electric Picnic too.

Their new single ‘White Billboards’ is sure to take them back to these stages. Speaking more about the track, the band explain: “The song pictures an imaginary future where as an result of over-saturation, people have become indifferent to commercial models. Advertisers and brands have run out of slogans and have lost their impact on people and society. There is a question left open, which whether a society with empty billboards would indeed set us free to be happy or whether it would leave us lost and unable to regain a personal identity”.

Listen to ‘White Billboards’ below and follow Montauk Hotel on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

LISTEN: Mealtime – ‘Denim’

Manchester band Mealtime have shared their debut single ‘Denim’ and it’s a sultry synth-pop gem. Released via Someone Great Records/PIAS, the six-piece have a refreshingly melodic approach to songwriting, culminating in an upbeat and well produced new track.

‘Denim’ is about the relationship between distorted body image and modern beauty standards, but this heavy context is hidden behind buoyant riffs, catchy beats and smooth vocals. Speaking about the track, the band explain: “’Denim’ is a polite introduction to the six of us, and it’s only going to get weirder. With our sound, we’re interested in making something that’s equally as melodic and sweet as it is chaotic, abrasive and challenging.”

Following their sold out debut headline show at Manchester’s YES in March, the band played a free single release live show on 3rd May at Manchester’s Fairfield Social Club alongside Dream Wife and The Ninth Wave. Keep your eyes peeled for more of Mealtime’s live dates, and listen to ‘Denim’ below.

Follow Mealtime on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

LISTEN: Julia Shapiro – ‘A Couple Highs’

“When the rest of my life felt out of control, I felt like this was my chance to be in control of everything” explains Julia Shapiro about her upcoming debut solo album Perfect Version, which is set for release on June 14th via Hardly Art. Having taken a step back from life as Chastity Belt’s vocalist & guitarist after a difficult year, Shapiro has returned with the second single from her new record titled ‘A Couple Highs’; and it’s a breezy, soothing drop of aural medicine.

The track is accompanied by a set of visuals directed by Claire Buss, and is a subtle homage to Kelly Reichardt’s 2008 film Wendy and Lucy, showing Shapiro and her canine doppelganger explore the quiet beauty of suburban Seattle. Shimmering guitars and Shapiro’s gentle voice make the track a real tonic for the ears, and the knowledge that Shapiro played all the instruments herself makes for extra listening satisfaction.

Over the course of a tumultuous year of trying to find stability amidst depression and surgery, Shapiro ultimately rediscovered the parts of music that she loved through the process, and it shines through on her latest single. Watch the video for ‘A Couple Highs’ below and follow Julia on Twitter for more updates.

Pre-order your copy of Julia Shapiro’s Perfect Vision here.

Photo Credit: Eleanor Petry

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

Track Of The Day: La Lune – ‘Grape Soda’

Brighton based dream-pop artist La Lune has shared her sugary new single ‘Grape Soda’ and its a bitter sweet exploration of “love, lustful addiction, and self-destruction”. She’s also shared a hand-illustrated music video to accompany the track, made by graphic designer and fashion student Eva Kubacka.

La Lune has been writing, producing and releasing music with a DIY ethos since she was 18. Now at 20 years old, she’s beginning to capture the attention of BBC Introducing, BBC Radio 6, NME, and Spotify, landing a spot on New Music Friday UK with her recent collaborative release, ‘Heartstop’.

Her refreshing and ambient sounds are reflected in her approach to promoting and sharing her own music too. Masked beneath her pseudonym and with a subtle social media presence, La Lune is using obscurity to protest against the over-sexualisation of women in music, stating that her music should be listened to and judged at “face value”.

With songs as catchy as ‘Grape Soda’ and mesmerising visuals to match, we’re sure La Lune’s approach to music will be respected for what it is: pure and well produced. Watch the video for her new single below and follow La Lune on Facebook for more updates.

La Lune UK Live Dates 2019
June 10th – Komedia, Brighton
August 11th – Boardmasters Festival
August 18th – Twisted Village Festival
(More to be announced soon)

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment