PLAYLIST: November 2018

The dark winter nights are creeping in, but our brand new November playlist is filled with bright, vibrant new sounds from a range of unusual and inspiring new artists. Take some time to scroll through our words and hit play on the Spotify link at the bottom of the page…

Temples Of Youth – ‘Darker Places’
Temples Of Youth have long been a favourite of ours here at Get In Her Ears, so we were thrilled to have them as guests on our Hoxton radio show last week (listen back here). ‘Darker Places’ is the title track of their latest EP, and I love Paul’s sweeping guitar sounds and Jo’s melancholy, but powerful vocals. We can’t wait to have them play for us at Notting Hill Arts Club on December 1st alongside Alyss, Elsa Hewitt & Varley (tickets are available on DICE. RSVP here). (Kate Crudgington)

Montauk Hotel – ‘Stains’
I poached these Dublin indie girls from Tash after she played ‘Stains’ on our Hoxton Radio show last week. I love their gentle, melodic, shimmering sound. They’re definitely ones to watch… (KC)

Scrounge – ‘Etch’
Both edgy and itchy, the appropriately named ‘Etch’ is a short, but very sweet blast of perfect scuzz-filled post-punk. A track that will indeed remain etched on your ears, demanding multiple listens, it’s propelled by Luke’s thrashing beats as Lucy’s colossal vocals rage alongside whirring hooks with a gritty sense of urgency. Oozing the duo’s epic, swirling wall of sound, with ‘Etch’ Scrounge have blown me away once again, marking themselves out as definite ones to watch. (Mari Lane)

Vulpynes – ‘2 Cents’
A song about freeing yourself from expectations, Vulpynes’ ‘2 Cents’ is propelled by the gritty, impassioned vocals of guitarist Maeve, raging with a seething energy and sublime raw power as punk-fuelled riffs are blasted out alongside intense pummelling beats. Reminiscent of the riotous force of the likes of L7 or The Distillers, it’s another storming, empowering offering from the Dublin duo, showcasing all there is to love about them. (ML)

Chorusgirl – ‘Demon Baby’
Following 2015’s wonderful self-titled debut, GIHE faves Chorusgirl have now announced their long-awaited new album Shimmer And Spin, and we couldn’t be happier for them. Taken from the album, ‘Demon Baby’ is the first song of the band’s to be released that’s written and sung by Faith Taylor (also of faves Suggested Friends). A slight change in tone from the usually guitar-driven jangly indie of Chorusgirl, ‘Demon Baby’ combines those welcome fuzz-filled hooks with a backdrop of a glitchy, electronic soundscape, filled with sparkling effects and luscious cascading harmonies. Shimmer And Spin is out 16th November via Reckless Yes. (ML)

Worst Place – ‘Square Eyes’ 
Oozing all the totally dreamy vibes we’ve come to expect from the East London band and GIHE faves Worst Place, ‘Square Eyes’ is an ode to Netflix lovers (me!) everywhere. Flowing with the scuzzy whirr of guitars alongside bassist Amy’s luscious honey-sweet vocals, it’s a simply perfect slice of sparkling, woozy indie-pop. ‘Square Eyes’ is out now on limited edition green glitter cassette, along with its double A Side ‘Soak’. (ML)

Bryde – ‘On the Subject of Breathing’
Following a nomination for the Welsh Music Prize for her debut album Like An Island, London-based Welsh songwriter Bryde has share this new single ahead of her UK tour. It’s strummy, it’s seething, it’s sullen. (Tash Walker)

The Orielles – ‘Bobbi’s Second World’ 
The story of a cat named Bobbi, this new track from faves The Orielles flows with an onslaught of scuzzy, funk-fuelled hooks and groove-laden, disco-reminiscent vibes. With the noticeable addition of keys courtesy of new member Alex, ‘Bobbi’s Second World’ initially sounds a lot less ‘indie’ than previous releases – focusing on creating a poppy danceability -, but it is certainly no less innovative. It remains distinctly The Orielles; an instantly infectious anthem filled with a buoyant energy and oozing a colourful spirit. ‘Bobbi’s Second World’, along with accompanying track ‘Makes You Forget (Itgehane)’, is out now via Heavenly Recordings. (ML)

Planningtorock – ‘Much Too Touch’
I have loved Planningtorock for many a year now, having seen them for the first time in 2011.  Oh how the years fly by and the music just gets better and better. ‘Much Too Touch’ is the second track Planningtorock has shared in the run up to their very recently released album Powerhouse and the only track from the album to feature a co-producer, who is long time friend and collaborator Olof Dreijer of The Knife. Powerhouse was released last week on the 9th November via DFA records and is EXCELLENT. Go listen. (TW)

Queen Zee – ‘Hunger Pains’
Will there ever be a day when Liverpool rockers Queen Zee release something we don’t immediately love? (errr, no). ‘Hunger Pains’ is the band’s latest knockout single, and it’s accompanied by the news that they’ll be releasing their debut album in February 2019. We. Can’t. Wait. (KC)

Nasty Little Lonely – ‘Excuses Excuses’
Bristol’s Nasty Little Lonely are taking a step back from band life for the foreseeable future, but they’ve released the powerful ‘Excuses Excuses’ in to the world just before they do. Of the track, vocalist & bassist Charlie explains: “The song is about how fucked the planet is and how we all know we need to do something about it, but things need to get serious right now or it’ll be too late”. We’re definitely aware of the climate change epidemic, and we’re glad we have the riotous sounds of NLL to motivate us in to action. (KC)

Zilla With Her Eyes Shut – ‘Cut Me Boy’
‘Cut Me Boy’ is the latest single from Zilla, who now goes by the name Zilla With Her Eyes Shut. This track was created using samples of unconventional objects such as a Stanley knife, liquid iron, rocks, elastic bands and an eye mask. The results are a thick mixture of unusual beats and warped vocals. I love it. (TW)

Elsa Hewitt – ‘Invisible Threads’
I saw Elsa Hewitt at The Great Escape Festival in May and her ambient, altruistic electronics have been floating around my head ever since. This is her latest stand-alone single, and it’s full of intricate loops and hushed vocals. She’ll be playing for us alongside Alyss at our next Notting Hill Arts Club on December 1st, so grab a ticket on DICE now and come along to appreciate her talent in all its live glory (RSVP here). (KC)

CHINAH – ‘Real Thing?’
Oh-so-many sultry beats which carry the promise of more to come. ‘Real Thing?’ comes from Copenhagen’s CHINAH, and their debut LP Anyone is out now. You can read more about them in our GIHEs interview with them here. (TW)

 

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VIDEO PREMIERE: Medicine Boy – ‘Bottom Of The Blue’

Berlin-based duo Medicine Boy have shared new visuals for their single ‘Bottom Of The Blue’ and were delighted to be premiering it here on GIHEs. Formed of André Leo and Lucy Kruger, the pair released their latest album Lower via Fuzz Club at the beginning of October, and are currently touring the UK before moving on to play a host of EU shows.

We caught up with Lucy to talk about her ‘Five Favourites’ – five artists or albums that have influenced her songwriting technique. Check out her responses below, and make sure you watch the brand new video for ‘Bottom Of The Blue’ too!

I have never been someone who has been able to approach music/writing with a particular style or reference in mind. Things sort of fall out of me or they don’t. I like the idea that listening to something obsessively means somehow embodying it. There is a small (or not so small) shift in the way you think/feel/listen that will inevitably come through in the things you create. These are five albums that found me at certain pivotal points in my life – both musically and personally.

1. Joni Mitchell – Blue
I was sixteen the first time I heard Joni Mitchell. Or at least the first time I really listened to her. It was evening and I was lying on my bed and it felt like she was in my room with me. I was overwhelmed by the intimacy, the feeling of companionship. The kind of music that hurts you and holds you. And heals you. This record has scored most of my adult life and so every listen gets a little fuller. It is home and a constant reminder to remain honest.

2. Kate Bush – Hounds of Love
I fell in love with Kate Bush when I was very little. Her music excited me. I found her strange and intriguing. She seemed to be full of magic. As if she was an angel or a fairy or
something. She remains that presence in my life. So wild and full of feeling. She makes me want to dance and weep. She makes me feel braver about experimenting with expression.

3. Nirvana – In Utero
I suppose this was the first time music served a truly cathartic purpose for me. A vessel for deeply uncomfortable fifteen year old feelings. To be able to find and create beauty in the disconcerting and disturbing. This has always stuck with me. Music that allows you to feel seen, in all of your states. Particularly those that you are expected to keep more private.

4. Lark – Razbliuto
Lark is a South African alternative electronic band fronted by Inge Beckmann. I discovered them when I was in University and became a little obsessed. I would have done so had they not been South African but it was extremely meaningful to have something so inspiring so close to home. Their music is dark and driving and full of beauty. Melancholic, glitchy and gothic. I fell in love before seeing them live. And then I saw them live and was completely bewitched. Inge has an incredible presence. There is a force and freedom that is intoxicating. She is a punk and a poet.

5. Gillian Welch – Time (The Revelator)
This is an anchor of mine. There is a weight and a warmth in it that makes me feel safe and open and alive. It is stripped and essential and so very steady. The songs seem to fall out of Gillian and Dave and into each other. The last track is 14 minutes long and I am so grateful for all those seconds.

Medicine Boys UK Tour Dates 2018
23/11 – London (UK) – The Waiting Room
24/11 – Cardiff (UK) – The Moon
25/11 – Bristol (UK) – The Lanes

Order your copy of Lower here.
Follow Medicine Boys on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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EP: Projector – ‘How Does It Feel?’

A visceral, grunge-infused exploration of love, loss and anxiety; How Does It Feel? is the knockout debut from Brighton trio Projector. Released via Roadkill Records on 9th November, the four track EP showcases the band’s ability to fuse nostalgic 90s noise with crushingly relatable modern sensibilities.

Recent single ‘Full Circle’ is an impressive opening track, and Bassist Lucy’s vocal range is beautifully showcased here. Switching between coarse, gravelly screams and clear, magnetic harmonies; her voice is enviably distinctive. Drummer Demelza’s beats drive the song to its conclusion, alongside Edward’s spiraling guitar sounds. It bleeds in to ‘I Am Shamed’, which is a raging onslaught of furious, fx-soaked riffs. Edward’s vocals take center stage here, giving the track an urgent, manic dimension.

The band’s earlier single ‘Break Your Own Heart’ is just as infectious after multiple listens. It’s a thundering, three and a half minute blur of aggressive, melodic sound. Closing track ‘Let Me’ is an ode to mutual self-destruction. “Let me ruin you, I’ll let you ruin me too” sings Lucy, an invitation that’s underscored by brooding bass lines and more of Demelza’s perfect percussion. It bookends a brief but blistering record that’s been crafted with aggressive intricacy.

So, ‘How Does It Feel’ listening to Projector’s debut EP? It feels pretty fucking good. We recommend you invest your listening time in the Brighton trio, and that you catch them live at Moth Club on 10th November. Tickets are available on DICE now.

Order your copy of ‘How Does It Feel?’ here. Follow Projector on Facebook for more updates.

Photo Credit: Jessie Morgan

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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ALBUM: Emma Lohan – ‘Black Atlantic’

Galway songwriter Emma Lohan crafts intricate, gentle melodies based around her travels on debut album Black Atlantic. After exploring the Atlantic coast from her homeland in Ireland to West Africa and South America, Lohan has created eight tracks that explore her reactions to the landscapes, to the people, and to her own emotions along the way. She’s set to self-release the record (in association with CITOG RECORDS) on October 25th in digital format, as well as on recycled CD (with a download code included).

On opening track ‘Wander Free’, Lohan extrapolates about places she’s never been. Accompanied by gentle guitar, steady percussion and twinkling strings, her lamentations have a captivating day-dream-like quality. Following track ‘1957’ flows in the same vein, as she explores the universe through calm chords and tender vocals. Her journey continues with ‘Snails Trail’, on which she states “I’m not lost, nor am I found” – which feels like an apt explanatory lyric for each of her songs on the record. Her careful story-telling makes the image in the song’s title glisten with gentle intensity.

‘Three Sparrows’ is a nod to her “lyrical hero” Shane MacGowan of the Pogues, and is accompanied by a beautiful stop-motion video directed by Marta Barcikowska. Filled with double entendre, it’s “an escape encapsulating a dangerous love affair” along the stormy Salthill Promenade of Lohan’s hometown in Galway. Her fusion of folk and romance combine beautifully here, making ‘Three Sparrows’ a charming listen. ‘Gut’ follows with its disarming string arrangements and more of Emma’s instinctive lyrics: “there’s beauty in flaws” – and the upbeat, atmospheric sounds of ‘Serekunda’ break through shortly after.

On the penultimate ‘Wild Days’ Lohan yearns for times gone by; times of freedom and reckless abandon, before title track ‘Black Atlantic’ closes the record. Lohan paints images of childhood isolation and loneliness with her lyrics, but the song feels anything but sad – it has a transient quality that makes these painful moments feel less melancholy. Her upbeat rhythms and casual delivery make this a triumphant closing song.

Black Atlantic is clearly a personal album for Emma Lohan, but with her smooth delivery and the record’s buoyant undercurrent of joyful exploration – its a personal experience that can be shared and enjoyed by others too.

Order your copy of Black Atlantic here. Follow Emma Lohan on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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