Track Of The Day: ARXX – ‘Call Me Crazy’

Following the release of last year’s EP Wrong Girl Honey, and 2018’s debut Daughters Of Daughters, total faves ARXX are back with a poignant new offering. 

Whilst ‘Call Me Crazy’ may be a bit of a change in tone for the Brighton duo, it loses none of the emotion-strewn power we’ve come to know and love. Showcasing Hanni and Clara’s more reflective side, it offers a heartfelt offering reflecting on mental health struggles, at a time when this topic is more resonant than ever before. 

Whilst dealing with an affecting subject, however, ARXX manage to create a truly uplifting and instantly catchy empowering anthem. Propelled by the gritty, soulful drive of Hanni’s vocals, sweeping, twinkling hooks shine through, as it builds in emotive splendour to an epic, pop-strewn ballad. Of the track, Hanni explains:

“It’s a happy pop song about the trials and tribulations of living with depression. The chorus is an internal dialogue about getting stuck in your head and forgetting to enjoy life. It’s a very personal insight into my experiences with mental health.”

Showcasing their refusal to be pigeon-holed into one genre, here ARXX prove that they’re just as skilled at creating exquisite, heart-string-tugging alt-pop as they are ferocious grunge-fuelled bangers. ‘Call Me Crazy’ is testament to a band forever evolving, honing their craft to develop a rich and eclectic back-catalogue; continuously refining their sound and, in the process, consistently continuing to win my heart, retaining their position as the most impressive power duo around.

 

‘Call Me Crazy’ is out now.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Kaleido Shoots

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Track Of The Day: deep tan – ‘deepfake’

With acclaim from the likes of The Quietus, Wonderland and BBC 6Music already under their belts, Hackney based trio deep tan have previously lured us in with last year’s immersive debut ‘Air’. Now, with new single ‘Deep Fake’, they’re set to get our hearts racing once again.

With sonic inspiration from the cold-wave side of post-punk, ‘deepfake’ reflects on the strange internet phenomenon, and the worryingly sexist ways it is used in society. Oozing an eerily captivating splendour, pounding bass-lines underscore the twinkling twang of hypnotic hooks as the illustrious, swooning vocals flow. A swirling, alluring soundscape exuding a unique, dark majesty that’ll bewitch the ears on first listen. Of the track, the band explain:

“The song is a comment on consent. When deepfakes first emerged, they were considered a real political threat. However, they’re mainly used to degrade women. A report by Deeptrace Labs found that 96% of deepfakes online involve simulating porn of female celebrities (without their consent). This song is a comment on this strange internet subculture.”

Listen to ‘deepfake’ now:

 

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Mélia Beaudoin

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Track Of The Day: Fightmilk – ‘If You Had A Sister’

With their upcoming new album set for release early next year, and following last single ‘I’m Starting To Think You Don’t Even Want To Go To Space’, GIHE faves and previous headliners for us at The Finsbury Fightmilk have now shared a brand new offering.

Perhaps more sombre in tone than previous releases, ‘If You Had A Sister’ oozes a twinkling, swirling melancholy and heartfelt lyricism whilst losing none of the band’s trademark catchy, emo-tinged indie-pop goodness. Propelled by the gritty, raw emotion of front person Lily’s yearning vocals alongside scuzzy hooks and perfectly interwoven musical layers, it offers a shimmering reflection on life and loss; showcasing a band that are continuously refining their sound and, in the process, consistently continuing to win my heart.

Of the track, the band explain:

“It’s a bit slower and quieter than the fast guitar pop of the last album, and it’s about all kinds of dark things – but if there was ever a time for songs you can do ominous slow dancing to, it’s 2020.”

 

‘If You Had A Sister’ is out now via Reckless Yes.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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LISTEN: Husk – ‘Heal With Time’

Having caught our attention with their last uptempo pop gem ‘Below The Neck’, trans non-binary artist HUSK has now shared their new single ‘Heal With Time’.

Following Pride month, and the need to celebrate/protest in different, more distanced ways from usual, ”Heal With Time’ oozes a celebratory sound juxtaposed with a poignant, reflective lyricism: “Some things never heal with time” referencing the heartbreak of a damaged love affair.

Propelled by ’80s-inspired glistening hooks and synth-soaked uplifting summer vibes, it’s a vibrant, danceable anthem, shimmering with a sparkling empowering energy. Despite its melancholy reflection, ‘Heal With Time’ seems to be the perfect antidote to all that’s happening at the moment; we can get through this and come out stronger!

 

‘Heal With Time’ will be released tomorrow, 3rd July.

 

Mari Lane 
@marimindles

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