Track Of The Day: Queen Cult – ‘Calm’

Following acclaim from the likes of BBC Introducing for their debut single ‘Shindigger‘, and support for their resonant latest single ‘A Song About Consent’, Cheshire band Queen Cult have been fast making a name for themselves. Consisting of front person Maisie Johnson and bassist Leila Jacklin, as well as Brodie Carson on drums and Piers Jarvis on guitar, the band pride themselves on their LGBTQ+ identity and sharing their queer, politically-charged messages with the masses. Having now announced their debut EP, set for release at the end of this month, the band have now shared a brand new single.

Starting off perhaps more melodic than what we’ve come to expect from the band, ‘Calm‘ flows with luscious, heartfelt vocals before building to a sweeping, fiercely impassioned proclamation to stand up to the patriarchy. Oozing an emotion strewn, seething energy, it’s propelled by an immense angst-fuelled drive as fizzing riffs ripple with a swirling sense of urgency. Once again showcasing the Cheshire band’s knack for creating epic pop-rock anthems with a poignant sense of intent, ‘Calm’ cements Queen Cult’s place as definite ones to watch in 2022.

Focusing on women who so often seem to conform to patriarchal norms, the band explain the meaning behind the the track:

“We wanted to know why excuses are always made, why they give in and let go. This is our reminder, you have your own voice. You have your own rights. Don’t let someone shine brighter when you are the sun. Pick you.”

The debut EP from Queen Cult is set for release on 28th January. Catch them live throughout January and February, including dates supporting GIHE faves LibraLibra and ARXX! All info here and here.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Debbie Ellis / A Supreme Shot

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Track Of The Day: Carmel Smickergill – ‘Questioning’

Having performed with the likes of New Order, and with acclaim from BBC 6Music’s Maryanne Hobbs, Manchester based musician Carmel Smickersgill has been mentored by the acclaimed Anna Meredith and prides herself on creating unique ‘outsider pop’.

Taken from her upcoming debut EP, Smickersgill today has shared an utterly spellbinding new track. A quirky reflection on identity, ‘Questioning‘ immerses the listener with its captivating whirring grace and celestial energy, creating an exquisitely ethereal soundscape reminiscent of GIHE fave Jenny Hval. A perfect introduction to the intriguing, multi-faceted offerings that are yet to come from this innovative new artist. Of the track, Smickersgill explains:

“I think how you react to something, how you pronounce your vowels etc when you’re caught off-guard, really says a lot about who you are and where you’ve come from… ‘Questioning’ is a celebration of identity, but one to be taken lightly. Revel in the bold changes and big shapes.“

We Get What We And We Don’t Get Upset, the debut EP from Carmel Smickersgill, is set for release on 15th April via Prah Recordings. And I cannot wait to hear more of her intriguing soundscapes!

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Elspeth Moore

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Track Of The Day: Gemma Cullingford – ‘Walking In The Air’

Following acclaim for her debut solo album Let Me Speak from the likes of John Kennedy, Jamz Supernova and Amy Lame earlier this year, Gemma Cullingford (who you may know as one half of epic electro-punk duo Sink Ya Teeth) has now shared her own festive offering.

A unique rendition of The Snowman’s ‘Walking In The Air’, it’s propelled by immersive glitchy beats and a haunting, captivating energy. As soaring vocals flow alongside the pulsating, effervescent soundscape, Cullingford has transformed this emotive classic into a swirling, strangely dark – yet instantly uplifting – slice of fizzing alt disco.

With The Snowman apparently being the only Christmas film that Gemma can bear to watch, she explains of the track:

“I remember as a child watching The Snowman and owning the picture book, both of which were just magical and strangely soothing… I’d been toying with the idea of covering it for the last few years. This is the song that represents the film and I decided to ‘Gemma it up’ a bit...”


Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Track Of The Day: TV Room – ‘Balcony’

You may know her as the drummer of deep tan or Buggs, but London-based multi-talented artist Lucy Rushton – aka TV Room – has now shared her shimmering debut solo single.

Showcasing Rushton’s rich cascading vocals, ‘Balcony‘ ripples with a smooth, soulful splendour and lilting energy, with shades of early Marika Hackman. Propelled by pattering beats and twinkling hooks, alongside an immersive, confessional lyrical storytelling, a sparkling winter ballad is created, oozing a captivating, effervescent allure. With its cinematic musicality and heartfelt raw emotion, it offers a perfectly comforting accompaniment to a cosy festive evening.

A self professed “soft-boy queer anthem”, ‘Balcony’ offers an honest reflection on the feelings that accompany a break-up. Of the track, Rushton explains:

“It’s important to think about whether it’s self-fulfilling to just say everything you’re feeling to someone who you’ve broken up with, or whether sometimes it’s best to understand that they might not need that just because you do, and let them move on. It doesn’t stop you from wanting to get it out somehow though, so I’d recommend writing a sad song about it instead.”

Watch the new video for ‘Balcony’ here:

‘Balcony’ is out now via Sad Club Records.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Syd Parsons

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