Track Of The Day: Joon – ‘Orqod’

Having survived a life-changing car accident, Maltese musician and producer Joon decided that making music was a necessary part of recovery. Now, over ten years later, she has announced her debut album, which is set for release next week.

Taken from the album, latest single ‘Orqod‘ is her first and only song written in Maltese, and is a heartfelt ode to letting go; telling the tale of star-crossed lovers who come together in their dreams. With a captivating energy, it oozes a shimmering, majestic splendour as lilting uplifting melodies flow alongside the celestial grace of Joon’s twinkling vocals. With the title meaning ‘sleep’, it’s a perfectly soothing lullaby glistening with an immersive, euphoric grandeur. A truly exquisite and instantly spellbinding soundscape.

On her upcoming album, Joon comments: “There are always running themes of love, hope, and positivity in my songs… Even if I’m sad or heartbroken, I remain optimistic. I want to grow old with no regrets.”

Dream Again, the upcoming debut album from Joon, is set for release 9th July via Italians Do It Better.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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PREMIERE: Bellatrix – ‘Bad Love’

With previous support from the likes of Clash and Wonderland magazine, former beat-box world champion (what a feat!) and proudly queer artist Bellatrix has now announced the release of a new EP. Taken from the EP, today they have shared a brand new single.

Propelled by glitchy hooks and a gritty, sensuous energy, ‘Bad Love’ showcases Bellatrix’s sweeping, impassioned vocals whilst oozing shimmering, blissful vibes with shades of pop legend SOPHIE. A scuzzed-out slice of infectious electro-pop reflecting on self-discovery and emotional growth, it sparkles with a fierce empowering drive, instantly demanding multiple listens. Of the inspiration behind the track, Bellatrix explains:

“‘Bad Love’ is a realisation, and really I think it does what it says on the tin. I remember being sat in circle with my women’s group – a candle lit circle of 15 witches – and saying ‘I’ve realised that I’m in an abusive relationship, and at the moment I can’t see the way out…’ There was a calmness in finally being able to be completely honest with myself about my situation. I knew that the storm would have to come, but for the minute I could just look at things as they were, and see them. Wow what a mess I had found myself in.“

Listen to ‘Bad Love’, for the first time, here:


‘Bad Love’ is out tomorrow 1st July, And I Was An Aphid, the upcoming new EP from Bellatrix, is set for release later this year.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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LISTEN: Low – ‘Days Like These’

Following the release of 2018’s critically acclaimed Double Negative, long-standing duo Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker – aka Low – have now announced their upcoming new album, their thirteenth in twenty seven years as a band. Taken from the album, they have now shared a stirring new single.

Flowing with the duo’s trademark sweeping harmonies and a heartfelt glistening emotion, ‘Days Like These‘ interweaves choral celestial tones with twinkling guitar melodies. Building with an anthemic splendour and impassioned majestic grace, it’s a beautifully bittersweet ode to hope and self-realisation.

Watch the poignant new video for ‘Days Like These’ here:

Hey What, the upcoming new album from Low, is set for release on 10th September via Sub Pop Records. Pre-order here.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Nathan Keay

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EP: Deap Vally – ‘American Cockroach’

Self-described as “songs for the underdog”, Deap Vally’s latest EP American Cockroach is a musical metamorphosis for the LA rock duo. With songs that shed their garage rock shell, Deap Vally have grown wings that weave through bluesy ballads, satire and sincerity on this four-track phenomenon, which is sonically kissed by the soft lips of collaboration, featuring the likes of bassist Jennie Vee (Eagles of Death Metal) and Ayse Hassan (ESYA/Savages).

Imagine a trashy bar with a single spotlight shining down on a beautiful, bluesy singer in a thigh-split dress. You’re downing a beer and watching her half-sprawled across a grand piano, serenading a crowd with songs saturated with sadness. That’s what listening to the opening track ‘Give Me A Sign’ feels like. With slow staccato beats, vocals that emulate the same sultriness of Lana Del Rey and Mazzy Star, ‘Give Me A Sign’ is a truly tender ballad. As vocalist Lindsey Troy says of the track, “[This] is a deeply personal song. It will always mark a very specific time in my life.”

‘I Like Crime’ is (as one YouTube commenter perfectly puts) a “cunnilingus bop,” with Jennie Vee shredding on the bass, Troy’s rasping vocals and Julie Edwards’ unwavering drumbeat giving the serial killer storyline of the lyrics some serious swagger. The titular ‘American Cockroach’ is a return to Deap Vally’s garage rock roots. It’s a sexy invitation for class war that would make even Karl Marx wet. Finishing strongly with ‘Better Off With Nothing’, Deep Vally’s collaboration with the talented Ayse Hassan is haunting yet radiant; the post-punk track is a perfect end to this brilliant EP.

Photo Credit: Ericka Clevenger

Jay Mitra
@punkofcolour

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