Track Of The Day: Flamango Bay – ‘LA’

Deciding to play music together whilst at high school in San Francisco, Ikaika Gunderson, Dash Goss Post, and Georgia Manou – aka Flamango Bay – have now announced their debut EP, set for release this May.

Taken from the EP, new single ‘LA’ is propelled by sunny, jangling melodies as it oozes a shimmering allure that ripples alongside smooth, crystalline vocals. Offering a twinkling sense of optimism tinged with the realisation that romantic ideals don’t always live up to one’s expectations, it’s a dreamy slice of indie-pop that glistens with an irresistible, effervescent charm. An instant ear-worm that leaves me longing to hear more of Flamango Bay’s radiant energy and lilting musicality.

Of the track, the band explain:

“Because of life circumstances and the pandemic, we really romanticized moving to LA… We put a lot of expectations on the city to fix our internal problems. However, when we actually moved there, we were still the same people with the same problems.”

Directed by Desmond O’shea and made over 2 days and over 14 hours of driving, ‘LA’ is accompanied by a new video. Watch now:

The Fool, the upcoming debut EP from Flamango Bay, is set for release on 13th May via 0800-Moshi-Moshi.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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LISTEN: Floor 4 – ‘Tooth Infection’

A heavy, thundering rejection of dismissive and unfair comments made by a former manager, Manchester-based non-binary punks Floor 4 have shared their latest single ‘Tooth Infection’. Fueled by feelings of rage and distrust, the track is a cathartic middle finger in the face of anyone who thinks they can get away with humiliating someone in their day-to-day environment.

Inspired by the likes of Periphery, Slaughter to Prevail, Pretty Vicious and Bikini Kill, Floor 4 work together to create energetic, punk-infused anthems that smash down the patriarchal structures they feel restricted by. Through crashing percussion, defiant vocals and raging guitar riffs, the trio vent their frustrations about everyday discrimination with palpable fury. Full of righteous attitude and anarchic energy, their latest single ‘Tooth Infection’ is a defiant anthem that urges listeners to shout back at those who attempt to belittle or intimidate them.

“The track is inspired by one of our managers at an old, pretentious hospitality job,” the band explain about their new single. “We wanted to capture the hate that everyone at our work had for him and his shitty attitude, but also make the song applicable to any situation where someone has had inappropriate comments made towards them. Both metaphorical and bluntly in your face, the song addresses an issue that people face on a daily basis by returning the favour of a cross examination to the ones that need to hear it the most. ‘Tooth Infection’ has had a place in our hearts since the second we wrote it, we hope you feel the same way.”

Listen to ‘Tooth Infection’ below.

 

Follow Floor 4 on Spotify, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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ALBUM: Helen Love – ‘This Is My World’

After spending thirty years hidden behind a pair of shades, Welsh indie-pop legends Helen Love have released their most personal album to date. The band’s tenth LP, This Is My World is a reflective, intimate record that explores ageing, loss and front-person Helen Love’s childhood – a departure from their typically joyous odes to punkers and disco dollies.

Full disclosure: I’ve been obsessed with Helen Love for over half my life, so it feels pretty revelatory to hear such personal lyrics. ‘Seaside Town’ is a wistful take on life in a small town, while ‘Clearing Out Mum’s House’ deals with grief and the memories wrapped up in a place. 

This isn’t just Helen Love’s most open album, but it’s their most accessible too. The dizzying, “happy hardcore” beats they’re known for are turned down in favour of a punkier, more melodic and guitar-led sound. Songs like ‘Go-Kart’ are simple and stripped right down, so you can really focus on the vocal and lyrics. That said, the band prove they can still get the party started with the closing title track ‘This Is My World’ – a Pet Shop Boys-esque banger that really shines, combining an infectious ’80s-inspired groove with a poignant, introspective lyricism.

As Helen explains, “Getting older, life changes. Children grow up and leave home, loved ones pass away, friends move on. It’s easier to look back and harder to push forward…it’s not all bubblegum punk rock disco around my house anymore, but in truth, of course, it never was…”

By inviting the listener into their world with this punk-driven, powerful record, Helen Love are at their most relevant and relatable here. A fitting album for the post-lockdown era, it’s reassuring to know that even Ms Love’s life isn’t all Casio keyboards and confetti canons.


This Is My World, the upcoming album from Helen Love, is set for release on 28th January via Alcopop! Records.

Vic Conway
@thepicsofvic

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Track Of The Day: PRISMA – ‘I Never Wanted To Meet You’

A defiant slice of goth-tinged scandi-pop that champions the idea of forging your own path, Danish duo PRISMA have shared their latest single ‘I Never Wanted To Meet You’. Released via Luna Sky Recordings, the track is a stirring, defiant reaction to the criticism of others, full of motorik beats, mantra-like lyrics and an infectious rhythm.

Formed of sisters Frida and Sirid Møl Kristensen, PRISMA create sounds that are influenced by the likes of The Raveonettes, Vivian Girls, Trentemøller, The Cure and Susanne Sundfør. Together, they write songs about their own experiences, staying true to their sisterhood as they attempt to understand life’s bigger questions. New single ‘I Never Wanted To Meet You’ is a shining example of both, full of their tender harmonies and energetic beats, propelling the track forwards as the duo champion breaking free from the restraints of others and focusing on your own vision.

“I realized that having this person in my life wasn’t doing me any good,” says Sirid, explaining the context of the new single. “I needed to make a choice, focusing on what was best for me. I can’t have people around me that no longer contribute to my life.” The duo elaborate further on their new sounds: “There’s this new drive in us, we have this energy inside, and we need to get it out. It doesn’t have to be pretty, and we don’t have to make perfect takes. The important thing is to emphasize the nerve of the music – this specific energy.”

Listen to ‘I Never Wanted To Meet You’ below.

Follow PRISMA on Spotify, Instagram & Facebook

Photo Credit: Bobby Mandrup

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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