Track Of The Day: Softcult – ‘Gaslight’

An urgent, shadowy guitar tune exploring the “sinking feeling” of self doubt in an unbalanced relationship, Canadian duo Softcult have shared their latest single ‘Gaslight’. Taken from their forthcoming EP Year of the Snake, which is set for release on 4th February via Easy Life Records, the track is a melodic caution to listeners, gently encouraging them to recognise the unacceptable patterns of behaviour described as “gaslighting.”

Formed of Ontario-based twins Phoenix and Mercedes Arn Horn, Softcult cut their teeth playing live shows in their local town of Kitchener, before moving on to bigger audiences on the North American tour circuit. Their experiences of playing and working within a male-dominated industry formed the foundation for their current sound, which is born from the desire to reject toxic standards of femininity, challenge misogynistic behaviour and embrace a more equal world. Latest single ‘Gaslight’ continues this narrative, with its poignant lyrics, yearning dual vocals and swirling guitar riffs.

“We wrote this song about gaslighting and how it really messes with your head and your perception of reality,” guitarist & vocalist Mercedes explains. “Being in a relationship that constantly makes you question your decisions and actions, your feelings and emotions, even your soundness of mind. It’s a tactic that many abusers and groomers will use to tear down your defences and make you easier to manipulate. We wanted to raise awareness of this manipulation technique, so that whoever hears the song will be able to recognize those red flags if they encounter that kind of behaviour.”

Watch the video for ‘Gaslight’ below.

Follow Softcult on Spotify, Instagram, Facebook & Twitter

Softcult UK Tour Dates 2022
Thursday, February 17th – Crofters – Bristol
Friday, February 18th – The Victoria – Birmingham
Saturday, February 19th – Heartbreakers – Southampton
Sunday, February 20th – The Key Club – Leeds
Tuesday, February 22nd – The Garage (Attic Bar) – Glasgow
Wednesday, February 23rd – The Deaf Institute – Manchester
Thursday, February 24th – Camden Assembly – London

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

Track Of The Day: Sea Lemon – ‘Fortune Teller’

A dreamy reflection on the fast-blooming nature of feelings in the early stages of love, Seattle-based artist Natalie Lew aka Sea Lemon has shared her latest single ‘Fortune Teller’. Taken from her upcoming EP which is set for release in early 2022, the track is a gentle, melodic ode to embracing your vulnerability and pushing through fears of telling people how you feel.

Written and recorded by Sea Lemon and produced, mixed & mastered by Stefan Mac, ‘Fortune Teller’ was created remotely, and sonically inspired by an eclectic range of influences, including Sea Lemon’s favourites Alvvays, Chromatics, The Beach Boys and Rilo Kiley. The track is a buoyant exploration of how it feels to fall head-over-heels in love with someone so quickly, full of soft vocals and jangly guitar sounds.

“I’m not a fortune teller / I never predict the weather right / but the sun comes at last / I say I love you fast” Sea Lemon muses, over steady beats and shimmering synths, giving listeners the chance to share in the rush of emotions that precede time spent with a new romantic partner.

Listen to ‘Fortune Teller’ below.

Follow Sea Lemon on Spotify & Instagram for more updates

Photo Credit: Raphael Gaultier

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

FIVE FAVOURITES: LALA LALA

Following the release of her latest album, I Want The Door To Open via Hardly Art earlier this year, Chicago-based musician Lillie West aka LALA LALA is preparing to take her altruistic electronic sounds on tour across Europe and the UK in February 2022. Choosing to look beyond herself for themes and inspirations when creating this record, West co-produced the album with Yoni Wolf of WHY?, and had contributions from poet Kara Jackson, OHMME, Gia Margaret and her former tour mate Ben Gibbard.

We think one of the best ways to get to know an artist is by asking what music inspired them to write in the first place. We caught up with LALA LALA to ask her about her “Five Favourites” – five songs that have inspired her song-writing techniques. Check out her choices below and scroll down to watch her video for her ‘DIVER’ at the end of this post.

 

1. Hildegaard – ‘Jour 8’
Hildegaard was introduced to me by my friend Pascal (Fashion Club) when I asked her what I should listen to on a bike ride. This whole album is a masterpiece. I think the production is perfect, it’s sparse but very intentional. This song in particular I’m truly obsessed with – the vocal loop, the bass line, the intertwining voices, the lyrics, the beat coming in half way through. I’m very inspired by Hildegaard, their music is restrained but super impactful. Enchanting.

2. John Carroll Kilby – ‘Walking Through A House Where A Family Has Lived’
I’ve been really into piano music lately and John Carrol Kilby is a beautiful contemporary pianist. I find this record to be very emotional. I don’t know how to play piano really at all, but I aspire to make a piano record and I listen to this all the time for inspiration. It makes me think of… wind? Wind moving leaves. Looking out a window peeling an orange.

3. FPA – ‘Baby’
I listened to this song for the first time walking down the street in the morning in Chinatown in NYC. My friend Andrew sent me the record because he worked on it some. I think it’s so incredible. I love this song. “My body pure, have I not paid it forward? My heart, she beats, did I not lay her on you?” The record is a story she wrote about Princess Wiko. I really want to collaborate with her.

4. Alabaster DePlume – ‘Whisky Story Time’
Wonderful saxophone player, very reminiscent of Mulatu Astatke. Introduced to me by my partner via the label he is a part of – International Anthem, which I highly recommend, everything they release is special. I love this style of saxophone playing, very loose, fluid? Sam Gendel is another sax player I love. Lately I’ve been mostly drawn to instrumental music, maybe because I’ve been stressed… Sometimes it’s just too much to hear other people’s words all the time. Anyway I love this record and Gus is also British, like me…

5. Dua Saleh, Amaarae – ‘fitt’
Two artists I love collaborating. Amaarae was introduced to me by my bandmate Yasmine who is a longtime super fan of her. I listened on our flight together to California. I love the panning on the distorted blown out beat. I love dancing to this song. It just moves around in a really satisfying way. I also love a pitched down vocal. Produced by Dua and Psymum.

Thanks to LALA LALA for sharing her favourite songs with us.
Watch her video for ‘DIVER’ below.

LALA LALA UK Tour Dates 2022
Feb 20 – The Green Door Store – Brighton, United Kingdom
Feb 21 – Moth Club – London, United Kingdom
Feb 23 – Hyde Park Book Club – Leeds, United Kingdom
Feb 24 – Nice N Sleazy – Glasgow, United Kingdom
Feb 25 – YES – Manchester, United Kingdom
Feb 26 – Strange Brew – Bristol, United Kingdom

Follow LALA LALA on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Photo Credit: Miwah Lee

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

Track Of The Day: Gemma Cullingford – ‘Walking In The Air’

Following acclaim for her debut solo album Let Me Speak from the likes of John Kennedy, Jamz Supernova and Amy Lame earlier this year, Gemma Cullingford (who you may know as one half of epic electro-punk duo Sink Ya Teeth) has now shared her own festive offering.

A unique rendition of The Snowman’s ‘Walking In The Air’, it’s propelled by immersive glitchy beats and a haunting, captivating energy. As soaring vocals flow alongside the pulsating, effervescent soundscape, Cullingford has transformed this emotive classic into a swirling, strangely dark – yet instantly uplifting – slice of fizzing alt disco.

With The Snowman apparently being the only Christmas film that Gemma can bear to watch, she explains of the track:

“I remember as a child watching The Snowman and owning the picture book, both of which were just magical and strangely soothing… I’d been toying with the idea of covering it for the last few years. This is the song that represents the film and I decided to ‘Gemma it up’ a bit...”


Mari Lane
@marimindles

mariangelicalaneLeave a comment