Track Of The Day: ARXX – ‘deep’

Following last year’s emotion-driven ‘Call Me Crazy’, and with acclaim from the likes of BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, John Kennedy on Radio X and BBC 6Music’s Steve LaMacq, GIHE faves ARXX are back with a swooning new single.

An empowering ode to leaving behind all your anxieties and getting what you want, ‘DEEP‘ is propelled by a sweeping, impassioned energy. Interweaving a more electro-infused, glitchy sound than previous releases with their signature ferocious grunge-fuelled drive, it instantly hits you with its raw, anthemic rush and gritty, sensual prowess. Showcasing the fierce power of Hanni’s vocals alongside Clara’s distinctive thrashing beats and scuzzy riffs, it oozes an immense, stirring splendour reminiscent of alt-pop heroes HAIM. A swirling slice of rousing power-pop that leaves me longing to see the Brighton duo in all their live glory once more.

Consistently honing their sound with each offering, impossible to pigeonhole into one genre, ARXX continue to impress us with everything they do and remain one of the most exciting bands I’ve ever come across. I can’t wait to hear where they take our ears next!

‘Deep’ is produced by Steven Ansell and mastered by Katie Tavini (Pillow Queens, Arlo Parks). And, to coincide with the release of ‘DEEP’, ARXX will be sharing a special remix EP, featuring the likes of Dream Wife’s Alice Go, Anna from Brighton’s LIME and Linda Buratto.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Jessie Morgan

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Video Premiere: Hazel Iris – ‘Needles’

With acclaim from the likes of Lauren Laverne on BBC 6Music, and having worked with Grammy award winning Tom Biller on her album Nine Sisters, classically trained, Berlin-based, musician and songwriter Hazel Iris is known for her intricate sonic tapestries and rich lyrical storytelling. Fusing together elements of folk, indie, classical and traditional songwriting, her creations consistently remain truly unique and emotionally poignant.

Collaborating with London-based filmmaker Mona Najma, Iris has now shared a new video for her track ‘Needles’. Reflecting on the power of womanhood, and the anthropomorphic relationship between woman and nature, it’s propelled by a twinkling majesty, flowing with a sparkling uplifting splendour as the ethereal grace of Iris’ vocals captivate the ears. Accompanying the sweeping, effervescent musicality, the video features beautiful pastoral imagery as a woman makes her way through the forest. An utterly enchanting tranquil soundscape bringing a subtle message of hope, now that spring has arrived, with an equally stunning cinematic visual to match.

Of the significance of the video’s imagery, Iris explains:

“Historically forests have often represented a space where “women” can roam free in folklore, which is why it stylistically takes inspiration from films such as Daughters of the Dust, The Company of Wolves, and Valerie and her Week of Wonders.“

Filmed in the Berlin forest Grunewald, with archival footage of the Californian Yosemite Valley, watch the exquisite new video for ‘Needles’ here: 

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Video Premiere: MALMØ – ‘No Words’

Following 2018’s critically acclaimed debut album We Come From The Stars, and with acclaim from the likes of BBC 6Music and KEXP, Danish artist Maria Malmoe, aka MALMØ, has now shared her new single, ahead of her upcoming second album this summer.

Propelled by glitchy beats and Maria’s (and her her sister Frida’s) sweeping ethereal vocals, ‘No Words’ reflects on the damage we do to the environment on a daily basis – how we’re too reliant on the artificial, at a great cost to the natural world, and to ourselves. With an exquisite, captivating majesty, a shimmering, spellbinding soundscape is created. A beautifully poignant, and delicately cathartic, rumination on the world today and how we all need to take action to save it.

‘No Words’ is accompanied by a sparkling, artfully created new video. Watch it for the first time here:

The Inevitable End, the upcoming new album from MALMØ, is out on 11th June (vinyl & digital) via Integrity Records.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Track Of The Day: Slagheap – ‘Caffeine’

Following recent single ‘Peckish’ and 2019’s eponymous debut album, Slagheap have announced an upcoming new full-length album. Having been invited to support the likes of Billy Nomates, Beak and GIHE faves Big Joanie, the Bristol DIY band have now shared a brand new single.

Propelled by a whacky, racing energy, ‘Caffeine‘ does exactly what it says on the tin: giving a sonic depiction of the frenzied nerves incited by too much coffee, or the similarly fraught feelings induced by a first crush. As deep grunge-fuelled bass hooks are accompanied by jangling beats and raw, playful punk-inspired vocals, a shimmering cacophony is created, harking back to Riot Grrrl bands such as Bratmobile. Oozing an infectious, uplifting power, its sunny, scuzzy zest and vibrant, tongue-in-cheek lyricism is riotously refreshing; a quirky blast of energy leaving you ready to face the world, whether or not you’ve had your daily coffee-fix.

‘Caffeine’ is accompanied by homemade, zine-inspired (and super cute) new video. Watch here:

Mari Lane
@marimindles

 

 

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