ALBUM: Hot Milk – ‘A Call To The Void’

The fragility of existence is nowhere more apparent than “l’appel du vide” – A Call To The Void – the brain’s impulse to throw yourself into the darkness. For Hot Milk, particularly co-vocalist/guitarist Han Mee, the pressure to deliver their debut record left them feeling incredibly lost. From extended plays Are you Feeling Alive? (2019) to I Just Wanna Know What Happens When I’m Dead (2021), to The King and Queen of Gasoline (2022), the Mancunians could always rely on their do-it-yourself ethos and work ethic, but now… nothing. Just anxiety, doubt, desperation and overwhelming sadness…

Fuck it! Hot Milk just needed to be their authentic and unapologetic selves – even in their darkest headspace – and so they embraced the void. Do or Die! “Am I the darkness?” Mee sings during the synth-heavy introduction to their debut; eleven tracks written from the heart, welcoming you to their ‘Horror Show’. From the moment their industrial lead single rumbles obnoxious feedback (“Am I a human earthquake?”), to its infectious “fuck you” chorus, the tone has been set for the rest of the record; anthemic mosh-inducing catharsis.

Flirting with synth-pop, ‘Bloodstream’ flows with emotion; an ode to unhealthy adoration, injected with the dynamic dual storytelling of Mee and co-vocalist/guitarist Jim Shaw: “Now you’re living in my bloodstream!” Ladies and gentlemen, ‘Party On My Deathbed’ is cold-blooded, pre-meditated murder on the dancefloor; an electric fusion of dirty guitar riffs, and even dirtier screams. And none of Hot Milk’s trademark wit is lost on ‘Alice Cooper’s Pool House’, featuring the shock rock legend himself!

Following the overwhelming catchiness of ‘Zoned Out’, the duo stage-dive headfirst into the abyss with thunderous basslines and theatrical anger on ‘Over Your Dead Body’: “Unholy, you’re problematic / All this shit, so operatic / I know, this might be overdramatic / But I think that I’ve had it / So it’s time to go manic!” ‘Migraine’ is another standout track, exploring various soundscapes, and showcasing Hot Milk’s genre-defying sound as it ebbs and flows like a Bring Me the Horizon headache.

If any track defines A Call to the Void, it’s ‘Breathing Underwater’; an emotional heart breaker embodying Mee’s darkness. “We needed to write this song as a cry to the outside world”; an introspection of the suffocating anxiety and depression below the surface. Julian Comeau of Loveless introduces a new voice to the dynamic duo for ‘Amphetamine’, whilst crushing closer, ‘Forget Me Not’ – the last song written for the record – explores life’s fragility through synth-driven melodies: “So into the void I go / I surrender to all my beliefs / Where you go I can’t follow / Got to let you rest in peace.”

By staying unapologetically true to themselves, thriving in the musical chaos they have created, Hot Milk have delivered a debut that excels in abnormality. Genre is a lie. This is not a pop-punk/alt- pop/emo record. It’s a fucking Hot Milk record!

Ken Wynne
@Ken_Wynne

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NEW TRACK: Ideal Host – ‘The Resolution’

A tender, synth-led rumination that showcases the evolving nature of their sound, Ideal Host have shared their latest single ‘The Resolution’. Recorded and mixed by Robin Newman at SNUG/JT Soar in Nottingham, the track acts as a bookend to the band’s previous single ‘The Conflict‘, exploring the softer side of their brooding, intuitive songwriting.

Led by Heather Perkins and Sean Hughes – who are both former members of the band Slowcoaches – Ideal Host are dedicated to making music on their own terms. Now joined by multi-instrumentalist Dan Wheeler (Cheap Jazz) and synth and keyboard player Tom Goodwin, the band made their live debut on Marc Riley’s BBC 6 music show back in September 2022, where they also performed ‘The Resolution’ for the first time.

Whilst ‘The Conflict’ had a starker post-punk sound, on ‘The Resolution’ Ideal Host opt for gentler beats and melodies which spotlight Heather’s vocal range in a different way. “I’m not asking you to return / I just hope that you feel better” she repeats, over lilting keys and evocative riffs, a quiet sense of urgency spilling over right up until the music ceases to play. “I really liked the idea of taking one song and presenting it in a completely different way,” Heather explains about the track. ‘The Resolution’ takes the exact same root notes and structure as our previous release ‘The Conflict’ and creates a response to that piece that is entirely different.”

Ideal Host are currently writing and recording their full length album, which they plan to release and tour next year. “We are intent on continuing to play with our approach writing, so that this project always feels new and alive,” Heather continues. “I want to feel that we can pivot in any direction we want to. That the musical landscape is completely wide open to us.”

Listen to ‘The Resolution’ below.

Follow Ideal Host on Spotify, bandcamp, Twitter (X) and Instagram

Photo Credit: Dan Wheeler

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LIVE (Photos): Folk In The Park, 19.08.2023

When you think of folk festivals, the Surrey town of Sutton isn’t necessarily what initially springs to mind… But Folk In The Park is looking to change that. Organised by local grassroots music venue The Sound Lounge (lead by musicians Hannah White and her partner Kieron Marshall), it’s a day of beautiful live music ranging from folk and blues – with tinges of jazz, rock and indie – with a family friendly focus and admirable sustainable ethos.

Arriving at the somewhat unlikely location of Manor Park in Sutton on Saturday morning, bright and early at 11am, I feel instantly at ease – greeted by sunshine, friendly faces and the twinkling tones of first artist of the day, Holly Henderson. With songs ranging from the gently empowering ‘Sunflower’ (“for all my ladies out there!”), to the lilting energy of ‘Wendy’ (a “dog love song”), Henderson’s rich, luscious vocals flow throughout with a sparkling uplifting charm. 

Following the dark humour and gravelly blues-strewn folk of Irish raconteur David Hope, local artist (“the last festival I played took me 4 hours to get to, but I walked here in 5 minutes!”) Hannah Scott takes to the stage. Having received acclaim from the likes of Dermot O’Leary on BBC Radio 2 and the likes of MOJO, as well as having her songs featured on medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, she delivers a stirring, emotion-rich set. Reflecting on themes ranging from the complications that come with ending a relationship (‘Untangling’), to the artistic need for pain and hardship in order to feel inspired (‘Hurricanes’), each song showcases the heartfelt grace of her crystalline vocals and accompanying resplendent melodies. 

After enjoying a little bop in the sunshine to Matt Owens & The Delusional Vanity Project, it’s time for Scottish artist Roseanne Reid. Despite being confined to a chair throughout the performance due to a mysterious toe-breaking incident, she succeeds in captivating me completely. With her blues-tinged Americana and a heartfelt raw emotion, she reflects on life’s complexities, singing of love for her child and wife, whilst oozing a blissful, stirring allure. Having recently released her gorgeous second album Lawside, and counting the legendary Steve Earle amongst her fans, Roseanne Reid is a new favourite for sure; a gifted songwriter capable of crafting truly exquisite creations with a relatable tenderness and honesty. 

With a slight shift in tempo, Sheffield’s Lauren Housley takes to the stage with her band The Northern Cowboys to treat us to a joyous blast of energy. Propelled by Housley’s rich, soulful vocals and an infectious funk-fuelled groove, they have the all-ages crowd dancing along in jubilant array to their spritely country-inspired anthems. 

As we continue to revel in the sunshine, enjoying the Lo-Cal pale ale and vegan hotdogs, it would seem that Hannah White is not only a fantastic festival organiser, but a wonderful musician too. Accompanied by her own ‘super group’, including husband Kieron Marshall and Geraint Watkins, she delivers each emotion-strewn offering with a soaring, glistening energy, as her beautifully honey-sweet vocals flow with a celestial splendour throughout.

Throughout the rest of the evening, the great music and lovely vibes continue; we shimmy along to the gritty blues-rock of Dana Gillespie as she regales awe-inspiring stories of her time in the music industry (“David (Bowie) wrote this one for me”) before feeling waves of comforting ‘90s nostalgia for Del Amitri’s uplifting set closing the festival.

A truly glorious day filled not only with the loveliest of music, but a wonderful sense of community. As people of all ages come together to enjoy a day in the sunshine in a local green space, it’s hard not to feel united both in our love of folk-inspired ditties and our common desire for positive change in the world. With its sustainable ethos and friendly, inclusive atmosphere adding to the brilliant line-up of musicians, Folk In the Park is just what we need right now; a blissful escape from the everyday worries of life. A little glistening beacon of hope at a time when things might seem rather bleak. 

So, thank you Folk In The Park – we’re looking forward to next year already!

Words: Mari Lane / @marimindles
Photos: Paul Dawes / @pauldawesart

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GUIDE & PLAYLIST: Supersonic Festival 2023

Event: Supersonic Festival

Where: Digbeth, Birmingham, UK

When: 1st – 3rd September 2023

Ticket Info:
Weekend ticket: £160.00 / Day tickets: £40.00

Full info about other ticket options available here

General Info:
To mark 20 years since its inception, Supersonic Festival have put together another exciting programme of alternative music and events for their 2023 line-up. Described as “championing experimental and adventurous music and creating an inclusive and joyful space where all are welcome,” the team have organised three days of art and events for festival-goers to immerse themselves in.

Alongside the music line-up (which you can read more about below), Supersonic have a vast selection of extracurricular activities to get involved in. There will be workshops, guest DJs and Do.om Yoga, as well as a roof-top takeover by Decolonise Fest (a DIY collective organised by and for punx of colour). BBC Radio 6 Music’s flagship experimental show Stuart Maconie’s Freak Zone will be in attendance, with a pub quiz hosted by Stuart, plus there will be film screenings from labels including Ipecac, The Flenser, Thrill Jockey and Constellation Records.

There will also be ‘In Conversation’ events with Eugene S. Robinson of Oxbow on his book A Walk Across Dirty Water and Straight Into Murderer’s Row: A Memoir, and with John Robb on his book The Art Of Darkness: The History of Goth. Finally, Supersonic will be hosting exhibitions of artwork by Black Lodge Press in collaboration with Dog Section Press, and by skateboarder and artist Richard “French” Sayer celebrating the Home of Metal, and a special celebratory display in response to the festival’s archive by artist and designer David Hand and friends.

 

Who’s Playing: Check out the full line-up here

There are so many excellent bands playing Supersonic this year, it’s hard to pick favourites! At Get In Her Ears, we focus on female, non-binary and LGBTQ+ talent, so beneath the official line-up poster below, there are some in depth recommendations about artists who we think you should check out.

You can get to know them all better by listening to our accompanying Spotify Playlist at the end of this feature too.

 

DIVIDE AND DISSOLVE

The gargantuan-yet-graceful sounds of this heavy duo will definitely be a festival highlight on Saturday night. Their doom-ridden instrumentals are designed to erode the foundations of colonialism and liberate the land for indigenous communities. Saxophonist and guitarist Takiaya Reed and percussionist Sylvie Nehill have been honing their unique form of noise in order to help cauterize the wounds of colonialism since the release of their debut album BASIC, back in 2017. The patience and empathy that underscores their creativity inspires a deep sense of awe and respect. Read our interview with Takiaya here, and check out our review of the band’s latest album Systemic here.

BACKXWASH

Supersonic will be hosting genre-blending rapper & producer Ashanti Mutinta aka BACKXWASH’s first and only UK show this year – making this performance totally exclusive. The Zambian-Canadian, Polaris Music Prize-winning artist will unleash her hip-hop, horrorcore and industrial sounds on festival-goers on Saturday night. The poetic and cathartic qualities of her seething lyricism are enhanced by the visceral, corrosive soundscapes she has built around them. Her latest album, HIS HAPPINESS SHALL COME FIRST EVEN THOUGH WE ARE SUFFERING, is well worth your attention.

TOTAL LUCK

Birmingham-based post punk trio Total Luck will be performing on Friday night. Switching between spoken word and loud, punk vocals, the band create noisy, brooding cacophonies that are are sure to linger in your ears long after they’ve finished playing. Listen to more of their sounds via their bandcamp page here.

ELVIN BRANDHI

If festival-goers want to witness some truly chaotic, intense, experimental noise, then Elvin Brandhi’s set on Saturday is a must see. Described as “an improvising lyricist, producer and sound artist who builds aberrant beats from field recordings, tape, vinyl, instrument and voice,” the Welsh artist will provide her listeners with an unusual, visceral performance. Check out her latest album Drunken Love, here.

TAQBIR

Blending activism and abrasive music together to encourage and empower North African women to express themselves freely, Moroccan punks Taqbir will be a live force to be reckoned with when they play on Saturday night. The five-piece pay homage to the female pioneers of the UK punk scene such as X-Ray Spex, Bona Rays or The Slits, and use their own music as a vessel to unleash their anger and frustration at the systems that oppress them. Check out their bandcamp page here.

SILVERMOTH

On Sunday, Supersonic will be hosting the debut live performance of atmospheric noise-rock collective Silver Moth. Comprised of Stuart Braithwaite (Mogwai), Elisabeth Elektra, Steven Hill and members of Abrasive Trees, Burning House and Prosthetic Head, together they create genre-blending, evocative aural ruminations. Listen to their latest album Black Bay, here.

LANKUM

Admired for their captivating live performances, acclaimed Irish contemporary folk quartet Lankum will be playing Supersonic on Sunday night. They were first recommended to us by Dublin-based trio Bitch Falcon, and we’ve been assured that the atmosphere at their shows is completely magnetic. Listen to their latest record, False Lankum, here.

DEERHOOF

Festival-goers will be able to enjoy the idiosyncratic sounds of acclaimed alt-indie band Deerhoof on Friday night. Their melodic-yet-noisy infusions are not to be missed. Check out their latest record, Miracle-Level, here.

MORE TALENT

These artists are completely new to us, but we recommend you check them out too: un.procedure, BIG|BRAVE, Jessica Moss, MC Yallah & Debmaster, Ashenspire, Blue Ruth, Agathe Max, Matana Roberts, The Seer, Ondata Rossa, Ragana, Josephine Foster, Sirom

 

For more information visit Supersonic Festival’s official website

Check out our Supersonic Playlist below, featuring some of the female & LGBTQ+ talent playing the festival this year!

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