Track Of The Day: All Cats Are Beautiful – ‘Lucky Cloud’

all cats are beautiful. A perfectly true statement, and also the name of a rather lovely musical duo creating exquisite tunes to calm the ears. Following the whimsical allure of last year’s  ‘wishing i cld fit in ur backpack’, Elena and Kyle are back with another beautiful offering.

Paying homage to songwriter, cellist and queer icon Arthur Russell, ‘Lucky Cloud’ flows with dreamy, twinkling hooks and serene harmonies, creating a perfect, soothing respite from everything going on at the moment. Maintaining all the psychedelic grace of the original, the duo have added their own unique uplifting charm and shimmering musicality, creating a ray of glistening sunshine (or indeed a ‘lucky cloud) at a time when the rest of the horizon may be looking a little grey. So, take a deep breath, and bask in its swirling, resplendent splendour whilst remembering the wonder of Russell’s immersive songwriting.

Of the track, all cats are beautiful explain:
“… we took influence from the several different versions of the piece he created during his life to inform our own take on this sensitive, perfect little song.”

 

‘Lucky Cloud’ is available on bandcamp, with all proceeds split equally between Act Up New York, and the Terrence Higgins Trust – supporting people living with HIV/AIDS (to honour Russell who passed away in 1992 of an AIDS-related illness). all cats are beautiful’s full discography will be donating proceeds to these two charities until the end of the month.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Track Of The Day: Kermes – ‘Peeling Off The Rind’

Their first release since 2018’s album We Choose Pretty Names, Leicester queercore outfit Kermes has now shared a brand new double A-side to offer some much needed musical comfort in these trying times.

Propelled by scuzzy, swirling hooks and a shimmering, angst-driven energy, ‘Peeling Off The Rind’ reflects on feelings of unity and togetherness, and their importance in resistance. With front person Emily’s raw, seething vocals driving the track’s poignant, impassioned power, it’s a much needed slice of uplifting catharsis, with musical shades of the likes of ’90s emo-indie like My Vitriol. A totally necessary, inspiring, listen to start 2021, at a time when we must use our collective rage to come together to overcome the confines of capitalist society.

Having been due to play for us at The Finsbury in August last year, Kermes are fast becoming one of our most favourite bands, and we dream of the day when we can finally witness their live set, and dance together in a sweaty safe space, in joyous solidarity.

 

‘Peeling Off The Rind’ is out now, along with equally powerful double A-side track ‘Terms’, released exclusively on bandcamp as a digital release and limited edition cassette via Amateur Pop Incorporated.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Track Of The Day: Table Scraps – ‘Doom Generation’

Having received acclaim from the likes of Idles and BBC 6Music, and having wowed crowds at SXSW last year, Birmingham trio Table Scraps are back with a savage new single, ahead of their upcoming album, set for release next year.

Despite being recorded before the extremities of Covid hit, ‘Doom Generation’s  post-apocalyptic theme couldn’t be more resonant than right now. Immediately hitting the ears with a disconcerting sound of an air-raid siren, the track then builds with immense thrashing riffs and a searing sense of urgency. As the seething, angst-driven power of the vocals rages, ‘Doom Generation’ provides a fierce, riotous commentary on the state of society at the moment. Propelled by an impressive, ferocious musical force, it’s a perfectly poignant, raging catharsis for these seemingly doomed times.

‘Doom Generation’ is accompanied by a homemade animated video, depicting the band standing still, drinking beer, whilst the world collapses around them. A pretty spot-on summation of this year. The video also features cute cameos from other bands on the Birmingham garage rock circuit: Cherry Pickles, The Cosmics and Black Mekon.

Watch the new video for ‘Doom Generation’ here:

 

‘Doom Generation’ is out now, listen on Spotify. Coffin Face, the upcoming new album from Table Scraps, is set for release early next year.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Sarah KC

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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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