Track Of The Day: Anna Vincent – ‘Naxos’

Having previously charmed us fronting indie-pop outfit Heavy Heart (who headlined a dream of a gig for us at The Windmill a while back), and as a touring member of Happyness, after two decades making music London based Anna Vincent has now launched her first solo venture. With her debut album set for release in October on Max Bloom (Yuck)’s new label Ultimate Blends, she has now shared a dreamy new single.

Reminiscing about a sunny trip to Greece with Bloom in the early stages of their relationship, ‘Naxos’ flows with twinkling, folk-strewn hooks and glistening chiming chords alongside Vincent’s smooth, luscious vocals. Rippling with a captivating charm and lilting, sun-kissed energy, with shades of the likes of Angus & Julia Stone, it’s a beautifully shimmering ode to falling in love, oozing a euphoric sense of romanticism and hope. So, prepare to sit back and immerse yourself in ‘Naxos’ spellbinding majestic grace and blissful vibes; an exquisite, sparkling soundscape that perfectly captures the feelings of comfort and serenity that only come with spending time with your favourite person – “With you, I’m finally home”.

Of the track, Vincent expands:

“There was also something dreamlike and magical about travelling to the island by boat and being marooned there, but happily so.  I had this feeling of being home, even though it was the first time I’d been there, and I realised it was the feeling you get being with someone you love: anywhere could be home if we were together.”

Watch the blissed-out new video for ‘Naxos’ here:

Under The Glass, the upcoming debut solo album from Anna Vincent, is set for release on 29th October via Ulimate Blends. Pre-order here.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Max Bloom

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ALBUM: Nun Habit – ‘hedge fun’

There is nothing about Nun Habit’s debut album hedge fun that would suggest it was recorded in a single hasty weekend between lockdowns. The band describe it as “a rejection of the corporate and mundane and a celebration of everything there is to love about queer DIY music”. They have absolutely lived up to that description in every beat of this record.

The album opens with the smooth, relaxed ‘Slip N Slide’. Deep, gentle notes ease you into the track, with burbling synths and warm vocals dancing around a rich bass line. This sets the scene for the rest of the album, which is constructed expertly out of the band’s signature synth and string combo playing over that rumbling bass. ‘Slip N Slide’ builds into a powerful climax, launching effortlessly into the high energy of ‘Marigolds’.

hedge fun fluctuates in terms of pace and energy. The tracks fit together comfortably, creating a vibe that ebbs and flows with a natural rhythm. Some tracks slow right down so that they feel more like beat poetry, with a gentle pace and cool beats. Others match the fast pace and high energy of ‘Marigolds’, with that raw screaming sound that sweeps you up into a chaotically wonderful whirlwind of synths and drums.

The real magic of this album is how much emotion is packed into every note sang – every vocal note is heavy with expression, whether it’s one of the more nonchalant tracks or the roaring impactful ones.

‘TinderHingeHer’ in particular takes you on an emotional rollercoaster just through its energy. It begins cool and laid-back, as you swipe aimlessly through dating app profiles, at first casual. But it soon ramps up into a raw, emotional cry as you go through the motions getting increasingly desperate to find someone to connect with.

Lyrically, the album touches on so many aspects of contemporary life and the feelings they inspire, both the happy and difficult. hedge fun captures that rare place where emotions intersect – where they clash and where they reach a fleeting sense of harmony, before you’re plunged back into the overwhelming cacophony of reality.

Finally, the collection ends on one of the more relaxed-sounding tracks – the poignant, short-but-sweet ‘One More’ – reflecting on the ups and downs of relationships with the band’s trademark honesty and wit.

hedge fun showcases all there is to love about Nun Habit and their knack for fusing together an eclectic mix of both musical genres and lyrical subject matter in the most uplifting of ways. A cheering sonic exploration that demands multiple listens, and will leave you looking forward with uncertainty but optimism for what this band are going to do next.

Listen to, and buy, hedge fun on bandcamp here.

Kirstie Summers
@ActuallyKurt

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WATCH: Lunar Vacation – ‘Mold’

With a twinkling new excursion, Atlanta-based band Lunar Vacation share their new single ‘Mold’ in anticipation of their debut album Inside Every Fig Is A Dead Wasp, which is set for release in October.

Setting the scene with choral vocals and synth pads that hold the power to stretch for days, ‘Mold’ is captivating from its start, casting off into a dream sequence breathing honest lyrics on the art of balance. Catchy riffs nudge the track into its snappy rhythm and develop Lunar Vacation’s indie-rock disposition into irresistible, danceable dream-pop. Modest, detail oriented drums keep the track swirling, sustaining ‘Mold’s luscious yet driving guitars and honey-sweet vocals. However, it is the chemistry between players that seals the effortless breeze and nonchalant feel of Lunar Vacation. 

A sense of closeness seeps through every crack of ‘Mold’s mix. Its world remains “changing with the seasons” as the track unravels through warm sing-along choruses, and signs off with a sonic shift that hits like winter in slow motion. Reminiscent of the dreamy soundscapes of Snail Mail or Alvvays, Lunar Vacation elegantly share a melancholic experience packaged in a lush, sparkling soundscape.

‘Mold’ is accompanied by a quirkily psychedelic, Wes Anderson-inspired new video. Watch it here:


Inside Every Fig Is A Dead Wasp, the upcoming new album from Lunar Vacation, is set for release on 29th October via Keeled Scales.

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

Photo Credit: Violet Teegardin

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LISTEN: Bleach Lab – ‘Real Thing’

Fusing hope and hesitation with heart-wrenching ease, Bleach Lab’s latest single ‘Real Thing’ is a dream-pop delight. Following on from their debut EP A Calm Sense of Surrounding, the South-London based indie group’s latest track shows Bleach Lab at what they do best: endearing, emotional indie with a hint of electronica.

Like candy that can kill, there’s a sweet sadness to ‘Real Thing.’ “It’s about wanting to find a more meaningful and lasting connection with someone,” explains vocalist Jenna Kyle. “I had been processing a lot of issues over the last couple of years to do with previous relationships and personal development, and I had finally reached a place where I felt I was in the right state of mind to be open to looking for something new.”

Saturated with the shoegazy sounds like Slowdive and Mazzy Star, it’s no surprise that the single was produced by alt-rock genius Stephen Street, who has produced tracks from The Smiths, Blur and The Cranberries in the past. The song’s acoustic guitars, soft electronic drumbeats and reverb depict the rectifying promise of budding romances. Kyle envelops her lyrics with longing as delicately as silk sits on skin: “I really wanna see you again / I wanna be more than friends,” which seems more like a prayer than a refrain.

Tender, touching and tactful, the new track emulates the melancholy melodies of Heaven or Las Vegas. If you find the slightly soul-crushing sounds of the Cocteau Twins comforting, Bleach Lab is the band for you.

Listen to ‘Real Thing’ below.

Follow Bleach Lab on bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook

Jay Mitra
@punkofcolour

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