Track Of The Day: Maria Uzor – ‘Innocence’

Having been massive fans of Norwich duo Sink Ya Teeth for a number of years now, we were excited to hear that vocalist and songwriter Maria Uzor has now announced her debut solo EP. Written in a corner of her living room during the winter lockdown last year, it is set for release next month and fuses together an eclectic range of influences, aiming to ooze only the most positive of vibes.

Taken from the EP, new single ‘Innocence’ offers a sweeping, other-worldly soundscape propelled by glitchy electronic hooks and drum ‘n’ bass reminiscent beats. Interweaving a whirring ethereal splendour with shades of the likes of Grimes with a unique soul-fused drive, this poignant sonic fusion is held together by the soaring majesty of Uzor’s distinctive vocals. Oozing a blissful, euphoric energy, a stirring soundscape is created that glides into the ears with an exquisite, bewitching allure.

Of the writing process of the EP, Uzor explains: “Lockdown afforded me the space to step back, and I realised how suffocated I’d become in a world that I felt didn’t see me, to the point where I couldn’t breathe. So I took loads of time out to be gentle with myself. I wrote nothing for most of the year until about December when I started writing the EP. Innocence And Worldliness is about the tail end of a journey, coming out of the dark and into the light. A gradual return to self and to joy.“

‘Innocence’ is accompanied by an immersive new video, animated by Ben Dawson. Reflecting the themes running throughout the EP, it’s a stirring ode to change and transformation, oozing a glistening sense of hope. Watch the new video below:

Innocence And Worldliness, the upcoming EP from Maria Uzor, is set for release on 20th August via Hey Buffalo Records.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Track Of The Day: Joon – ‘Orqod’

Having survived a life-changing car accident, Maltese musician and producer Joon decided that making music was a necessary part of recovery. Now, over ten years later, she has announced her debut album, which is set for release next week.

Taken from the album, latest single ‘Orqod‘ is her first and only song written in Maltese, and is a heartfelt ode to letting go; telling the tale of star-crossed lovers who come together in their dreams. With a captivating energy, it oozes a shimmering, majestic splendour as lilting uplifting melodies flow alongside the celestial grace of Joon’s twinkling vocals. With the title meaning ‘sleep’, it’s a perfectly soothing lullaby glistening with an immersive, euphoric grandeur. A truly exquisite and instantly spellbinding soundscape.

On her upcoming album, Joon comments: “There are always running themes of love, hope, and positivity in my songs… Even if I’m sad or heartbroken, I remain optimistic. I want to grow old with no regrets.”

Dream Again, the upcoming debut album from Joon, is set for release 9th July via Italians Do It Better.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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PREMIERE: Bellatrix – ‘Bad Love’

With previous support from the likes of Clash and Wonderland magazine, former beat-box world champion (what a feat!) and proudly queer artist Bellatrix has now announced the release of a new EP. Taken from the EP, today they have shared a brand new single.

Propelled by glitchy hooks and a gritty, sensuous energy, ‘Bad Love’ showcases Bellatrix’s sweeping, impassioned vocals whilst oozing shimmering, blissful vibes with shades of pop legend SOPHIE. A scuzzed-out slice of infectious electro-pop reflecting on self-discovery and emotional growth, it sparkles with a fierce empowering drive, instantly demanding multiple listens. Of the inspiration behind the track, Bellatrix explains:

“‘Bad Love’ is a realisation, and really I think it does what it says on the tin. I remember being sat in circle with my women’s group – a candle lit circle of 15 witches – and saying ‘I’ve realised that I’m in an abusive relationship, and at the moment I can’t see the way out…’ There was a calmness in finally being able to be completely honest with myself about my situation. I knew that the storm would have to come, but for the minute I could just look at things as they were, and see them. Wow what a mess I had found myself in.“

Listen to ‘Bad Love’, for the first time, here:


‘Bad Love’ is out tomorrow 1st July, And I Was An Aphid, the upcoming new EP from Bellatrix, is set for release later this year.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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LISTEN: Low – ‘Days Like These’

Following the release of 2018’s critically acclaimed Double Negative, long-standing duo Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker – aka Low – have now announced their upcoming new album, their thirteenth in twenty seven years as a band. Taken from the album, they have now shared a stirring new single.

Flowing with the duo’s trademark sweeping harmonies and a heartfelt glistening emotion, ‘Days Like These‘ interweaves choral celestial tones with twinkling guitar melodies. Building with an anthemic splendour and impassioned majestic grace, it’s a beautifully bittersweet ode to hope and self-realisation.

Watch the poignant new video for ‘Days Like These’ here:

Hey What, the upcoming new album from Low, is set for release on 10th September via Sub Pop Records. Pre-order here.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Nathan Keay

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