WATCH: SOFT LAD – ‘Singapore’

An upbeat, cathartic reflection on the tender and important time between a break-up and moving on to something new, SOFT LAD has shared her debut single ‘Singapore’. Full of relatable lyrics, shimmering melodies and soft vocals, the track is a comforting exhale providing listeners with an optimistic moment of clarity.

SOFT LAD aka Sophie Galpin has spent the past fourteen years as a multi-instrumentalist playing alongside the likes of Tom Greennan, The Breeders, James Vincent McMorrow, Jessie Ware and most recently SOAK and SELF ESTEEM. Now, she’s stepping into the spotlight to share her brand of honest pop, with her debut single focusing in on the multi-faceted nature of queer relationships. “Now I don’t have to wait for your updates, honey / well I can heave a sigh for the last time, and leave you behind” she muses, her vocals floating over buoyant riffs and driving beats.

“This song describes a break-up and that bit initially after where you look back for one last time, then take that first step forward as a person on your own in the world,” Gaplin explains about ‘Singapore’. “You feel like shit, and your friends tell you that you’re going to be fine and although intellectually you can rationalise it, you can’t truly feel it for a while until you get the perspective. And intertwined with that feeling of loss, you also have this feeling of relief of at least knowing where you stand and breathing it all out. You suddenly have time and re-realise you can do whatever you want at any given time.”

Accompanied by a video directed by Olivier Richomme and Sarah Jenny Johnson, ‘Singapore’ is SOFT LAD’s optimistic statement about life after love, and it’s gentle euphoria is infectious.

Watch the video for ‘Singapore’ below.

Follow SOFT LAD on Twitter & Instagram

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: BLAB – ‘Gemini’

A guarded, but playful reflection on the pain of unrequited love filtered through an astrological lens, Southend-based multi-instrumentalist BLAB has shared her latest single ‘Gemini’. Released via Cool Thing Records, BLAB combines catchy guitar riffs with her bittersweet lyrics to work through her mixed emotions.

“’Gemini’ is my sad girl-astrology-emo-garage-anthem,” BLAB aka Frances Murray explains. “It’s about unrequited love but I didn’t want it to feel super sad. I kinda love how it’s super garage-y and ravey, but the lyrics are really heart-breaking, a bit like ‘Mr Brightside’. When I start dating someone, I always find out their star sign and try to suss them out a bit, see what I’m working with personality-wise. I always end up looking past the bad aspects of someone and this song is the realisation “oh, you’re such a Gemini” like, I now see you for who you actually are. I hope people can two-step and cry to this tune at the same time because that’s what I’ll be doing.”

Through her catchy beats and direct lyricism, BLAB cuts through barbed emotional moments on ‘Gemini’, softening unsettling realisations like “she looks like me and I look like her / a trait that I despise.” With her previous singles ‘Eton Mess’, ‘Casual Sex’, ‘RIP’ and ‘Insurance’, BLAB firmly communicated her anti-establishment, anti-ego message. With ‘Gemini’, she reaffirms her narrative of independence and individuality, but showcases a slightly softer side, tinged with a relatable melancholy.

BLAB is currently working on her debut album with Sam Duckworth (Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly) and Rees Broomfield at SS2 Recording in Southend, channelling her riot grrrl attitude into a collection of witty, infectious anthems.

Listen to ‘Gemini’ below.

Follow BLAB on Spotify, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: PETSEMATARY – ‘Cautious Kind’

A tentative musing on balancing your patience for other people’s emotions alongside your own emotional resilience, PETSEMATARY has shared her latest single ‘Cautious Kind‘. Released via Beth Shalom Records, the track is a hazy, emotive offering that sees the songwriter dissect her own feelings about venturing into a relationship on an uneven emotional level, but trying to remain optimistic in what can often be lonely territory.

“‘Cautious Kind’ is about being in a relationship with someone who is emotionally unavailable because of whatever history, trauma or emotional baggage,” PETSEMATARY aka Gaby-Elise Monaghan explains. “It’s like ripping your chest open and spilling your guts on the floor, only to have someone step all over it. It’s screaming for the validation you need in a relationship from someone who just isn’t entirely emotionally available, but also recognising that not everyone has the capacity for that.”

PETSEMATARY explores these needs through her yearning vocals and hazy, atmospheric guitar sounds on the track. “I feel like I come across as quite an intense person and I expect others to be just as open and honest, but in reality everyone has their own shit that affects how they interact in a relationship,” she continues. “It’s being in love and knowing deep down that this person will never be able to give you what you need emotionally, but still having hope and begging them to open up to you in the same way that you do for them. That kind of experience is really jarring – the song is about being cautious when opening yourself up but ultimately not letting your trauma make you push someone else away. Be cautious but also be kind and take the risk.”

PETSEMATARY will play a free show at Blondies in East London tonight (11th Nov) to celebrate the single’s release.

Listen to ‘Cautious Kind’ below.

Follow PETSEMATARY on bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: Beach House – ‘Once Twice Melody: Chapter 1’

A cinematic introduction to their new record, dream pop outfit Beach House have shared the first four tracks from their upcoming album, Once Twice Melody. Set for release via Bella Union on 18th February, the record features 18 tracks which the band have chosen to share in four ‘Chapters’ in the lead up to the release, with ‘Chapter 1’ being available to listen to now.

Featuring eponymous track ‘Once Twice Melody’, ‘Chapter 1’ is a lilting, majestic showcase of the band’s new material. Produced entirely by Beach House and using a live string ensemble for the first time, ‘Superstar’, ‘Pink Funeral’ and ‘Through Me’ shimmer with the duo’s trademark lullaby-esque vocals, dramatic riffs and atmospheric beats. Bittersweet lyrics and heady synths combine to make this first instalment a captivating, tranquil listen.

Beach House will be releasing a new ‘Chapter’ of music each month until the full album is released in February 2022. The band will be touring the UK and Europe in Spring, which will include a night at London’s Brixton Academy on 26th May. Tickets for each date are on sale from Friday 19th November (more info here)

Listen to ‘Chapter 1’ of Once Twice Melody below.

Follow Beach House on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Photo Credit: David Belisle

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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