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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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

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