Track Of The Day: Claire Pitt Wigmore – ‘Words’

Having received acclaim from the likes of BBC Introducing for previous singles, ‘Dreaming (Where Did You Go?)’ and ‘My Nostalgia’, Margate-based multi-instrumentalist Claire Pitt Wigmore has returned to charm our ears with a brand new single.

Oozing a soulful, impassioned energy, ‘Words‘ is an open letter to Claire’s younger self – reflecting on times when she was bullied and sadly experienced LGBTQ+ hate-crime. As twinkling guitar hooks shimmer alongside her rich, emotion-strewn vocals, it oozes a mellow grace; interweaving a jazz-infused musicality with elements of trip-hop and pop, it’s a beautifully heartfelt ode to carrying on in the face of adversity. Exuding a sparkling allure, with ‘Words’ Claire has showcased her ability to create truly stirring ballads, resonating with a poignant sentiment that so many of us can relate to.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

mariangelicalaneLeave a comment

Track Of The Day: Queen Cult – ‘Show & Tell’

Following acclaim from the likes of BBC Introducing for their debut single ‘Shindigger‘, Cheshire band Queen Cult have now shared a raging new single. 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 through their riotous pop-rock anthems.

Propelled by the soaring, impassioned power of Johnson’s soulful vocals, ‘Show & Tell‘ builds with a gritty, swirling energy and raw riffs to an empowered call to arms; imploring us not to turn a blind eye to the injustices rife at the hands of our government. With shades of the fierce spirit of Bang Bang Romeo, it races with a relentless, searing force, resulting in a compelling plea to come together against the forces seeking to oppress us.

Of the track, the band explain:

“’Show & Tell’ was written in such unprecedented times during the pandemic, when we were feeling the most physically and mentally tested by the world – not only from our own point of view, but everyone around us too. The song details our struggles and our perspective on the government’s response to the pandemic. Living in a small town, we watched nothing get done by the floppy haired twit. As Mary Antoinette once fed brioche to the poor…we sat hopelessly watching the news and thought, “why don’t we just eat some cake?”

‘Show & Tell’ is out now. Catch Queen Cult live at London’s Queer Off on 29th October, tickets here.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Debbie Ellis / A Supreme Shot

mariangelicalaneLeave a comment

WATCH: Grace Petrie – ‘The Last Man On Earth’

Having been a big fan of Grace Petrie and her politically-charged, but beautifully catchy, folk-strewn anthems since first hearing 2018’s Queer As Folk, I was excited to hear that she will be releasing her new album, Connectivity, next month (read all about this and more in our in-depth interview with her). Following the release of her euphoric last single ‘Storm To Weather’, she has now shared ‘The Last Man On Earth’ and its accompanying brand new video.

Showcasing Petrie’s exquisite smooth vocals at their most angelic, ‘The Last Man On Earth‘ fuses together a heartwarming ode to friendship with a moving reflection on the confused headspace that can come from mixed messages and unrequited feelings… Flowing with lilting, folk-strewn melodies – complete with jangling banjo refrains and sweeping strings – it’s a perfect example of the Leicester songwriter’s knack for combining beautifully harmonious sounds with a gritty, stirring lyricism, and often a touch of playful wit. Shimmering with Petrie’s crystalline charm, it poignantly juxtaposes the raw emotion of its heartfelt sentiment with a refreshingly joyous musicality and instantly catchy energy. Of the track, she explains:

“… it’s a country-inspired bop that we couldn’t stop singing during the recording sessions. It’s about the age-old experience of being a butch lesbian in a slightly confusing friendship with a straight woman where you both know the lines are a bit blurred but ultimately it will never come to anything. It seemed like country was the best medium for that message, sort of a slightly satirical take on the classic “sad country music” cliche.”

‘The Last Man On Earth’ is accompanied by a fun-filled video of people young and old line-dancing along to Grace and her band; a perfect reflection of the feeling of solidarity and joy of coming together with like-minded folk that runs throughout the upcoming album. So, fling on those daisy dukes, nab the cowboy hat that’s been hanging in the wardrobe since that fancy dress party in Fresher’s week 2005, and immerse yourself in the uptempo twinkling spirit of this spirited new offering.

Connectivity, the upcoming new album from Grace Petrie, is set for release 4th October. Pre-order here.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

mariangelicalaneLeave a comment

Track Of The Day: Coco – ‘Come Along’

Formed in 2019, LA trio Coco consists of Maia Friedman (of Dirty Projectors, Uni Ika Ai), Dan Molad (of Lucius, Chimney), and Oliver Hill (of Pavo Pavo, Dustrider). Now, following acclaim for their beautifully wistful last offering, ‘Knots‘, they have shared a stirring brand new single ahead of the release of their debut album next month.

Oozing a twinkling, ethereal haze, ‘Come Along‘ flows with a lilting energy, creating a dreamy, shimmering soundscape. As gentle strummed melodies provide the backdrop for the blissful allure of harmonious vocals coming together, the track bathes the listener in its sweeping euphoric splendour. With shades of the sparkling energy of the likes of Real Estate, ‘Come Along’ invites you to immerse yourself in its captivating grace; soothe yourself with its rippling sonic waves.

The track is accompanied by a new video, perfectly reflecting its breezy, uplifting vibes. The band explain:

“The skeleton of ‘Come Along’ was recorded live, all together, with Oliver on guitar, Maia on drums, and Danny on bass. The underlying chord loop plays throughout as other instruments are weaved in one by one, picking up momentum and rolling forward as everything joins in harmony. The video mimics the song in this way, portraying our individual days-in-the-life with each of us filming one another on handheld camcorders. The day culminates in our first performance together as Coco, at a houseshow in Oliver’s garage with our friends as backing band. When it all came together we were pleased with the juxtaposition of the comically low fidelity and fast-paced editing, like a homemade action movie.“

Watch the video for ‘Come Along’ here:

Coco’s eponymous debut album is set for release on 29th October.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Stella Hartmann

mariangelicalaneLeave a comment