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

 

 

Track Of The Day: Feral Five – ‘Roll It With Me’

Following the enticing sounds of last year’s ‘Get A Grip’, Kent-based duo and GIHE faves Feral Five have returned with a new beguiling single. Taken from the charity compilation album And In The The End – curated by Simon Tucker to raise money for Help Musicians UK – ‘Roll It With Me’ is out now.

Propelled by tribal, clashing beats and a driving, glitchy energy ‘Roll It With Me’ reflects on the damage that ‘doom-scrolling’ the internet can do, and the importance of uniting in hope at difficult times. Oozing the sweeping power of Kat’s deep, rich vocals, it’s a synth-powered vibrant electro-soundscape that will enchant the ears with its exquisite, empowering majesty and subtle, funk-fuelled energy. Reminiscent of the likes of Róisín Murphy and with nostalgic ’80s-inspired tinges, it’s a hypnotically soothing sonic delight.

 

‘Roll It With Me’ is out now and was written, performed and produced by Feral Five, and mastered by Katie Tavini. It’s featured on And In The End – a compilation album including tracks from artists such as Gazelle Twin and Helen McCookerybook. Order now from Bandcamp

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Track Of The Day: The Paranoyds – ‘Egg Salad’

Following the release of 2019’s album Carnage Bargain and tracks such as ‘Pet Cemetery’ and ‘Hotel Celebrity’, LA four-piece, Staz, Laila, Lexi and David – aka The Paranoyds – have now shared a new video for album track ‘Egg Salad’.

Oozing a jangling post-punk scuzz fused together with a sunny surf-rock energy, ‘Egg Salad’ is filled with fuzzed-out hooks alongside the band’s trademark languid insouciant vocals. Propelled by a seething angst-fuelled drive, it juxtaposes poignant lyrical observations and a scathing wit with a compelling, playful musicality. Building in tempo throughout, a striking grunge-fuelled anthem is created, with shades of the raw grit of the likes of Courtney Barnett.

Of the band’s name, The Paranoyds explain:

We’re living in the dystopian future. Our lives are completely tracked and programmed, our extension of ourselves is a handheld computer with a microphone and camera that stays on while were unaware, and, on top of everything, the extreme right is gaining continuous world power… What isn’t there to be paranoyd about?”

‘Egg Salad’ is accompanied by a brand new video depicting “the glitzy & glamorous world of a teenage girl who, after accidentally catching a beauty pageant on TV, dreams of her rise to stardom & subsequent downfall…” (director Nicole Stunwyck). Watch here:

 Carnage Bargain, The Paranoyds’ latest album, is out now via Suicide Squeeze. Listen here.

Mari Lane 
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Little Ghost