Track Of The Day: Blonde Maze x Attom – ‘I Think About’

Having fallen in love with everything that New York-based artist and previous guest on our GIHE radio show, Blonde Maze, has created, my ears were extremely happy to welcome her brand new single. Following 2019’s ‘To The Moon‘ and ‘Not All Flowers Bloom‘, and this year’s ‘Diamond Eyes‘ and a beautiful cover of ‘Fade Into You‘, ‘I Think About‘ is a collaboration with Attom and provides a perfect sparkling summer soundscape.

Flowing with a twinkling, ethereal splendour, ‘I Think About’ reflects on the intrigue of loving deeply, and the realisation that with these feelings come an endearing sense of vulnerability. Oozing an utterly captivating majesty that instantly soothes and uplifts, glistening hooks and glitchy beats float as a swirling undercurrent to the ripple of Amanda’s luscious, heartfelt vocals. As always, with everything Blonde Maze creates, it’s impossible not to become utterly immersed in the track’s blissful lilting grace and cathartic euphoric energy.

Thank you, Blonde Maze, for never failing to lift my spirits and calm my mind with your truly heavenly creations.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Track Of The Day: HAVVK – ‘Automatic’

Having been huge fans of HAVVK since they headlined our first gig at The Finsbury back in 2016, we’re super excited to hear that they will be releasing their greatly anticipated second album this Autumn. With support from the likes of Radio X, BBC 6Music and Wonderland Magazine under their belts, the Dublin-based trio have now shared a poignant new single to accompany the album announcement.

Propelled by a gritty, swirling energy, ‘Automatic’ looks back on memories of emotion-filled teenage years. Starting out by creating a gentle, sparkling atmosphere, the track builds with an angst-fuelled drive as the subtle, soaring power of Julie Hough’s distinctive celestial vocals flow. Rippling with frenzied, reverb-strewn hooks alongside a twinkling ethereal majesty reminiscent of The Smashing Pumpkins, the track showcases HAVVK’s utterly unique knack for creating beautifully captivating soundscapes interwoven with a raging, grunge-fuelled scuzz. An exquisitely cathartic sonic fusion.

Of the track, Julie explains:

“‘Automatic’ is about cherishing childhood friendships and the way that they evolve. It’s about snapshots that will always be imprinted in our minds – for me it’s hours talking on the landline, swapping clothes, burning CDs, mitching school or going to gigs for the first time. It’s about the fuzzy feeling of nostalgia when you slip back into a conversation with an old friend as if you saw each other yesterday. But it’s also about being afraid to lose that feeling; being anxious that those memories might burnaway and having to be open to growing together even as your paths change.”

Recorded at Belfast’s Start Together Studios with GIHE fave Rocky O’Reilly, Levelling – the upcoming album from HAVVK – is set for release on 17th September via Veta Records.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: James Byrne

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EP: Berries – ‘Live From Big Smith Studios’

Fuelled by the riff-driven melodies of Nirvana, the massive choruses of Biffy Clyro, and the punk rock attitude of Riot Grrrl pioneers Bikini Kill, London based trio Berries have spent the last five years releasing an incendiary blend of grunge and garage rock, culminating in two explosive extended plays; 2016’s Those Funny Things and 2019’s Lies.

The three-piece – consisting of Holly Carter on guitar/lead vocals, Lauren Cooper on bass/backing vocals, and Lucie Hartmann on drums/backing vocals – recently signed with London-based label Xtra Mile Recordings, dropped the single track ‘Copy’, and have now released their latest EP, Live Sessions from Big Smith Studios; a collection of four tracks recorded live in Antony Smith’s studio.

Opening Live Sessions from Big Smith Studios, Berries immediately launch into a live rendition of their latest single ‘Copy’, a high-energy performance that gives the riff-laden track even more of an edge. Lauren’s raucous bass-lines, Lucie’s pounding drums, Holly’s distinctive lead vocal delivery and scuzzy guitar hooks are so flawless that you would be forgiven for mistaking this for the original track; if not for the various nuances between the two (“Don’t copy it exactly / Rough around the edge”).

The remaining three performances – ‘Dangerous’, ‘Silent’ and ‘Lies’ – are live versions of their respective tracks taken from the EP, Lies. Recorded for John Kennedy’s Radio X show, along with ‘Copy’ and ‘Lies’, ‘Dangerous’ is the highlight of Live Sessions from Big Smith Studios; an infectious collision of drum strikes, pulsating bass guitar, and distorted riffs combining indie, grunge and punk to cause a euphoric shock to the senses. Holly creates a sense of danger with her haunting lyrics, inspired after travelling home late one night after a gig: “All of the thoughts and feelings of walking the streets alone at night and the different personalities you meet on the way.“

Recorded for the virtual single launch of ‘Copy’, the band let loose on ‘Silent’, channelling the spirit of punk rock, and evoking Black Sabbath at the same time, with a fast-paced rhythmic foundation that elevates the track’s off-kilter hook, leading into a metallic breakdown that will have you banging your head! ‘Lies’ concludes the EP with a seemingly effortless performance oozing razor-sharp guitar licks, duelling drum and bass grooves, sassy vocals, and intense shredding.

Raw, complex, and full of little flourishes, Live Sessions from Big Smith Studios showcases the band’s signature style and strength as a live power trio. And it won’t be long until Berries are able to replicate this noise in front of a live audience! Worthy of repeat listening, this four-track extended play will scratch that rock and roll itch until we can all get together, drink warm beer, dance, and sing along with Holly, Lauren, and Lucie.

Watch the live video for ‘Dangerous’ here:

Live Sessions From Big Smith Studios is out now, listen on Spotify and download/buy here.

Ken Wynne
@Ken_Wynne

Photo Credit: Cae Sato

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ALBUM: Lost Chimes – ‘Lost Chimes’

Lost Chimes is Gemma and Nicky Kirk, an indie-folk duo from north London. The husband and wife team have now joined musical forces after ten years of playing in separate DIY, folk, punk-rock and post-hardcore bands.

Their new captivating self-titled album blends traditional folk with a contemporary twist. The storytelling lyrics, delicate finger-picked guitar and memorable melodies keep your ears enticed from the first track to the last. 

Opening track, and first single, ‘Island’ is a soothing track about a mystery island. Gemma’s smooth, crystal clear vocals gently bob over lush and jangly guitar lines like a boat upon the waves, with the second verse painting a beautifully nostalgic picture: “You’ll do a lot of talking and I’ll do a lot of listening and one day the records will come out of their sleeves / the one that has my name on the back and the one that has the secret track, and everything between the backdoor and the sea wall…” The accompanying video of overlaid singing, sea, and birds perfectly complements the musical content, which evokes thoughts of nature and water.

My personal album highlight, ‘Voices’, offers a traditional folk-inspired melody, encompassing a fiddle which weaves around the vocal lines with a waltz-like rhythm. The sparse yet present drum beat gets your foot tapping and gives it a sea shanty feel. Gemma’s vocals may be delicate, yet they emit a strength bringing to mind Pentangle’s Jacqui McShee.

‘Stone Steps’ offers Nicky’s most interesting guitar riff on the album, a melancholic yet hopeful refrain. Gemma’s lullaby vocals in the verses erupt into something more powerful and reminiscent of Delores O’Riordan’s vocal in the chorus. Later on in the song, a spoken word section is introduced, giving your ears a new element to enjoy.

The duo’s cover of Joy Division’s iconic song ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ is both atmospheric and haunting. The finger-style of the guitar combined with the cinematic vocal arrangement does this tricky-to-cover song justice, retaining its sadness and depth whilst adding Lost Chimes’ own spin.

Ella Patenall
@nazandellamusic

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