Track Of The Day: Siv Disa – ‘Toxic’ (Britney Spears Cover)

Having previously charmed our ears with poignant singles such as last year’s ‘Fear’ and ‘Music In the Streets’, New York artist Siv Disa is currently based in Iceland and has now announced her upcoming debut album, Dreamhouse. Ahead of the album’s release, Disa has shared a wonderfully unique rendition of ‘Toxic‘ by the legendary Britney Spears.

Recorded with her long-term collaborator Sam and the Sea, Disa says of the decision to record this cover:

“I really liked the idea of doing a slowed-down, psychedelic/alternative rendition of ‘Toxic’ that paid tribute to the original without trying to recreate it. It’s not like we could make ‘Toxic’ a better pop song, it’s already the perfect pop song. We were just trying to play with it I think- there’s so much material in it...”

Propelled by a shimmering musicality and chiming beats, Disa’s rendition of the 2001 anthem oozes its own majestic ethereal haze as the bewitching, sweeping allure of her vocals flows throughout. Adding a unique, spellbinding splendour and haunting mysticism to the original, it’s a beautifully captivating ode to our favourite pop queen.

And it couldn’t come at a better a time; after years of abuse and control from the media, her own loved ones and patriarchal society as a whole, it looks like Britney Spears is finally on track to being granted the independence and freedom she deserves as both a woman and an artist. As Disa explains:

“Now that the abuse of Britney’s conservatorship has been exposed I hope we’re all taking a minute to think about how she was publicly judged ten years ago, and how that played into the nightmare she had to live in. I hope she gets back everything that was taken from her. We love you, Britney!!“

So, celebrate Britney by immersing yourself in this exquisite rendition of a timeless pop classic. #FreeBritney

Siv Disa will also be releasing a cover of The Shins’ ‘Those To Come’, which is out tomorrow, 26th August.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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WATCH: Taraka – ‘PSYCHOCASTLE’

Set to release her first solo album in October, former Prince Rama front-woman Taraka has now shared the advance single from her debut. ‘Psychocastle‘ was released last week and, if it’s any indication of things to come, the upcoming album – Welcome to Paradise Lost – promises a grunge laden, visceral departure from the psych-dance stylings of Prince Rama.

Welcome to Paradise Lost was conceived by Taraka whilst she was attempting a return to a pre-internet Eden by living in solitary confinement in a hot Texas gallery with a live serpent. ‘Psychocastle’ certainly sounds like someone struggling with their own company in an overheated space. Lyrics swing from love to hate in the same breath, moaning guitar hooks wail over a distorted vocal. The overall effect is deliciously uncomfortable, a sort of Courtney Love/Hole for the post-pandemic generation – those same grunge sensibilities, but with less earwig chorus hooks and more sprinkles of inertia, confusion, distress and stasis.

An accompanying music video (directed by Matthew Hoffman and Taraka and shot on 8mm) juxtaposes brutalist tumbledown city apartment blocks with salubrious, bucolic scenery. Taraka is pictured against both landscapes predominantly attached to a bed that she seems doomed to take everywhere with her. The aesthetics hark back to the old saying “you made your, bed you lie in it” (used memorably by Love as part of ‘Miss World’), and perhaps allude to feminist politics – in particular Emma Sulkowicz’ performance art piece ‘Mattress Performance (Carry That Weight)’. Taraka plays with ideas of reality and escape with a colourful, quirky charisma as she is filmed in a leotard depicting internal organs, muscles and skeletal structure whilst a bloodied tampon swings joyfully between her legs – a powerfully arresting image. 

To quote from the artist directly: “Ever try to consult your inner self, but inside your skin is merely a rotting corpse? Ever feel like every path you take is just another mobius strip leading you back to where you first began? Congratulations, welcome to the Psychocastle.”

‘Psychocastle’ is out now, and is taken from Taraka’s debut album Welcome to Paradise Lost – due out 8th October via her label Rage Peace.

Kate Sullivan
@katesullo

Photo Credit: Matthew Hoffman

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LISTEN: Jaz Beeson – ‘Coffee Machine Sounds’

A charming ode to breaking free from obscurity in order to become the person you want to be, Lincolnshire-based songwriter Jaz Beeson has shared her new single ‘Coffee Machine Sounds’. Defining her music as “sunflower pop”, Beeson’s gentle vocals and hazy guitars urge listeners to trust their instincts, take their own initiative and explore the world beyond their doorsteps on her latest track.

“I wrote ‘Coffee Machine Sounds’ at a time where I felt trapped in the monotony of small town life,” Beeson explains. “It really helped me to process that feeling and it’s one of my favourite songs I’ve released so far.” Through her observational lyrics and yearning vocals, Beeson softly communicates her desire to escape the status quo and experience the richness of a life somewhere else beyond the four walls of the office in her hometown.

Self-described as making music for “curtain-twitch ditchers, the designated drivers, coming-of-agers and cottagecore daydreamers,” Beeson’s single will resonate with those who know they need to move forward, holding their own hand as they embark on a new journey of self discovery.

Listen to ‘Coffee Machine Sounds’ below.

Follow Jaz Beeson on Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: BLAB – ‘Insurance’

A gritty reflection on how our definition of success changes as we grow older, Southend-based multi-instrumentalist BLAB has shared her latest single ‘Insurance’. Released via Cool Thing Records, BLAB combines direct lyrics and restless guitar lines in order to deliver her cutting observations on how we avoid being crushed by the pressures of conformity.

“I was really inspired by Gang Of Four when I was writing ‘Insurance’,” BLAB aka Frances Murray explains. “It’s about questioning whether your life actually makes you happy or whether you’re just following the crowd. Working in insurance or in a city job has become such a universal experience for 20-somethings. ‘Insurance’ peers behind the façade at the unfortunate truth that external markers of success don’t always equate to a life of fulfilment. It touches upon my own realisation of this fact, and how due to social media and societal expectation I had a very warped view of what a happy and successful life for myself would be like.”

With her previous singles ‘Eton Mess’, ‘Casual Sex’ and ‘RIP’, BLAB firmly communicated her anti-establishment message. Now with her latest single ‘Insurance’, she pushes these boundaries further and reaffirms her narrative of independence and individuality, completely on her own terms. She’s currently working on her debut album with Sam Duckworth (Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly) and Rees Broomfield at SS2 Recording in Southend, channelling her riot grrrl attitude into a collection of witty, infectious anthems.

Listen to ‘Insurance’ below.

Follow BLAB on Spotify, Instagram, Twitter &  Facebook and for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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