Track Of The Day: Carmel Smickergill – ‘Questioning’

Having performed with the likes of New Order, and with acclaim from BBC 6Music’s Maryanne Hobbs, Manchester based musician Carmel Smickersgill has been mentored by the acclaimed Anna Meredith and prides herself on creating unique ‘outsider pop’.

Taken from her upcoming debut EP, Smickersgill today has shared an utterly spellbinding new track. A quirky reflection on identity, ‘Questioning‘ immerses the listener with its captivating whirring grace and celestial energy, creating an exquisitely ethereal soundscape reminiscent of GIHE fave Jenny Hval. A perfect introduction to the intriguing, multi-faceted offerings that are yet to come from this innovative new artist. Of the track, Smickersgill explains:

“I think how you react to something, how you pronounce your vowels etc when you’re caught off-guard, really says a lot about who you are and where you’ve come from… ‘Questioning’ is a celebration of identity, but one to be taken lightly. Revel in the bold changes and big shapes.“

We Get What We And We Don’t Get Upset, the debut EP from Carmel Smickersgill, is set for release on 15th April via Prah Recordings. And I cannot wait to hear more of her intriguing soundscapes!

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Elspeth Moore

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Track Of The Day: Catherine Moan – ‘Soda Pop’

A buoyant synth-pop tune that bubbles with romantic frustration, Philadelphia-based electronic musician Catherine Moan has shared her latest single ‘Soda Pop’. Taken from her debut album Chain Reaction, which she released last year via Born Losers Records, the track is a sugary sweet, 80s tinged exploration of joy, love and loneliness.

Inspired by the likes of Depeche Mode, CHVRCHES and The Chromatics, Catherine Moan blends dancing beats, yearning vocals and cinematic synths to create her shimmering electronic sounds. Like many artists in the past two years, Catherine used the mandatory solitude that Covid-19 brought to her advantage, writing and recording her debut album Chain Reaction, which new single ‘Soda Pop’ has now been added to as part of an extended release.

“Chain Reaction is a product of a year spent habitually online in my bedroom,” Catherine explains about her record. “The songs tell a story of digital love and coping with excessive solitude with your own body in isolation.” It’s in this solo universe that ‘Soda Pop’ was born, fizzing with its playful energy and gently relieving the vexations of physical and romantic loneliness via bouncing beats and shimmering synths.

Listen to Soda Pop below.

Order the extended edition of Chain Reaction on cassette here

Follow Catherine Moan on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Photo Credit: Nuna Morales

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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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

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Track Of The Day: Aderyn – ‘Scotty’

Following the lo-fi fuzz of ‘Silver Screen’, Welsh artist Aderyn returns with a chipper pop anthem, ‘Scotty‘, released on Phwoar & Peace Records. After playing drums for years in other grunge rock and indie pop projects, Aderyn was introduced to music from a “backseat perspective”, until she was inspired by the fun of what being a front person may bring…

Filled with jangly guitars and a sweet curiosity in her disposition, ‘Scotty’ offers a quirky sing-along that suggests plenty of potential in Aderyn’s songwriting. Minimal, charming guitar delivers a warmth, setting the scene whilst her vocals sweeten the insightful lyrics that ponder the disappointment and reflection that comes with heartbreak. Speaking on the power that people can hold, Aderyn alludes to different loves across the span of a life. Although melancholic, her awareness of the speed and healing of time is what propels ‘Scotty’ and weaves humility into the entirety of the track.

“And I’ll forget you…” – ‘Scotty’ feels like laying in your bed and missing someone, while serving as a track to help you shake it off. Thumping ’80s drums and dreamy indie guitars brew tastefully throughout as ‘Scotty’ thrives in its choruses to eventually come to a boil in the immersive, euphoric outro. A jaunty guitar solo and invigorating gang vocals chant ‘Scotty’ in what feels like a coming of age for Aderyn. Of the track, the songwriter reflects:

“The phrase ‘beam me up Scotty’ is one my Dad uses whenever something goes wrong, and I wanted to use it to represent that feeling of wanting to be taken totally out of a situation. This song was influenced by the alien-esque imagery of Bowie, and I had fun bringing in different musical influences”

Aderyn’s ‘Scotty’ is a manifestation of dynamic, feel-good pop – surely an intriguing invite for what is to come from the project’s future.

Watch the vibrant, extra-terrestrial inspired video for ‘Scotty’ here:

‘Scotty’ is out now via Phwoar and Peace Records.

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

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