LISTEN: Grandmas House – ‘Golden’

A seething criticism of capitalist greed and the chronic misuse of power, Bristol queer punk trio Grandmas House have shared their latest single ‘Golden’. Taken from their upcoming self-titled debut EP, which is set for release on 15th October via Brace Yourself Records, the track is a gritty, thundering reflection on the apathetic outlook of the organisations that profit from the suffering of others.

Formed of Yasmin Berndt (vocals, guitar), Poppy Dodgson (vocals, drums) and Zoë Zinsmeister (bass), Grandmas House formed in late 2018 and were busy cutting their teeth on the UK gig circuit before Covid-19 put an abrupt stop to live music. The trio decided to use their time in the following lockdowns constructively, quickly writing and recording new material, including their latest single ‘Golden’.

“We wrote ‘Golden’ about the government and other big powerful organizations ruling the show and getting richer from each other, whilst literally destroying the world,” the band explain. Berndt’s distinctive, raspy vocals and noisy guitar riffs rage over Dodgson’s thudding beats and Zinsmeister’s rumbling bass lines, combining to create a raucous, commanding take down of the forces that continue to oppress us.

To accompany the new single, Grandmas House have announced a string of live dates across the UK, including a headline show at The Windmill in Brixton on 3rd November. Check out their socials for the rest of their upcoming tour dates.

Listen to ‘Golden’ below.

Follow Grandmas House on bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook

Photo Credit: Rosie Carne

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: MEI – ‘Let Dusk Welcome Me’

Following acclaim for previous singles ‘See Us’ and ‘Happy Man’ from the likes of The Independent and Gal-Dem, London-based artist MEI has just released her new EP, Hard Way Around The Sun. A poignant collection reflecting on the turmoil of the last year – from personal struggles such as recovering from Covid and the breakdown of a relationship, to more social issues like tackling racial injustices – it acknowledges the challenges we’ve been through whilst offering a cheering sense of hope and resilience.

Taken from the EP, latest single ‘Let Dusk Welcome Me‘ provides a welcome pool of tranquility. Interweaving a lilting jazz-infused groove and funk-fused beats, it ripples with the smooth allure of MEI’s lush, soulful vocals, oozing a swirling ethereal atmosphere with horn arrangements courtesy of Cassie Kinoshi. As the beautifully blissful soundscape flows, it calms the senses and uplifts the mood with its woozy, soothing energy and empowering spirit, building to a buoyant pop anthem; a ray of enriching sunlight at a time when many of us need it the most.

Of the track, MEI expands:

“‘Let Dusk Welcome Me’ is full of metaphors describing my experience surviving COVID 19 and specifically the first time I left home for a walk after believing that I might not survive. It was dusk, my favourite time of day and there was this incredible orange and pink light, the air was so fresh and raw in my lungs and it was a moment I’ll never forget.”

Watch the animated visuals for ‘Let Dusk Welcome Me’ here:

The Hard Way Around The Sun, the new EP from MEI, was created with an all-female team and is out now. Listen here.


Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Track Of The Day: Aisha Badru – ‘The Way Back Home’

Having previously charmed our ears with the soothing sounds of last year’s ‘Soil’s Daughter’ and 2018’s poignant debut album Pendulum, singer-songwriter Aisha Badru has now announced her upcoming new EP, set for release in December.

Ahead of the EP’s release, new single and title track ‘The Way Back Home’ offers an endearing reflection on relationships, and the age-old realisation of “if you love something, set it free”. Flowing with twinkling, folk-inspired hooks alongside Badru’s rich, soulful vocals, it oozes an immersive, heartfelt emotion. Propelled by a gentle, lilting energy and shimmering grace, a sweeping majestic splendour ripples throughout this beautifully stirring ballad as its poignant lyricism swirls throughout. A simply exquisite, evocative creation that’ll soothe the ears with its resplendent, uplifting allure.

Of the writing of her upcoming EP, Badru shares:

“I knew exactly what to say without thinking about it. It was as if I was writing exactly from my heart.“

‘The Way Back Home’ is accompanied by a beautifully hand-crafted lyric video, directed and animated with intricate illustrations by Tash Tully. Watch it here:

The Way Back Home, the upcoming EP from Aisha Badru, is set for release on 3rd December.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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WATCH: Fortitude Valley – ‘Baby, I’m Afraid’

‘Baby, I’m afraid’ might be the soundtrack to the rest of my summer. Following previous single ‘Cassini‘, it’s the latest offering from the wonderful Durham band Fortitude Valley and, once again, they’ve given us another perfect pop banger.

As far as break-up songs go, ‘Baby, I’m Afraid’ is anything but a weepie. It’s as bouncy as it is bittersweet, reminiscent of Weezer at their very best (and by that, I am, of course, talking Pinkerton). While the lyrics, about the last days of a relationship, are tinged with sadness, they’re lifted by the spiky guitar riffs and pure punk drums, which collide brilliantly with front-person Laura Kovic’s shoegaze-inspired, bubblegum vocals. The result is truly euphoric.

Of the track, Kovic explains:

“This is a break up song. It’s two people feeling that the vibe is off, but not communicating. It’s about feeling insecure, over analysing little things and assuming the worst rather than actually speaking to the other person.”

Like Fortitude Valley’s earlier singles, ‘Baby, I’m Afraid’ is a total earworm too. Just what is this witchcraft?! After only a few listens, it’s wedged itself firmly into my brain and into my heart, but, you know what? I’m fine with that.

Watch the new video for ‘Baby, I’m Afraid’ here:

The debut album from Fortitude Valley is set for release on 29th October via Fika Recordings. Pre-order here.

Vic Conway
@thepicsofvic

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