Track Of The Day: CIEL – ‘Never Alone Again’

A snapshot of uncertainty filtered through hazy guitars and soft melancholic vocals, Brighton trio CIEL have shared their latest single ‘Never Alone Again’. Inspired by front-woman Michelle Hindriks’ own experiences of feeling isolated, the track is a gentle reflection on the darker moments of life and an honest attempt to make peace with the past.

“Sometimes I spend quite a long time crafting the lyrics for a certain song. This wasn’t the case for ‘Never Alone Again’,” Hindriks explains. “The lyrics were just there, like they appeared out of nowhere, but they were accurately reflecting my feelings at the time. It’s quite scary to me to release this song into the world as the lyrics are very personal and intimate. I never really speak much about these feelings from the past to people around me – even close friends. But it’s the reason why this song feels really close and honest to me. It’s a part of my life’s story. I think it’s important to actually be able to speak about these subjects more openly in our society.”

In these heightened times of isolation and separation, CIEL’s new track provides a tender moment of comfort and relief, acting as a gentle reminder that loneliness is only a temporary state.

Listen to ‘Never Alone Again’ below.

 

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

Photo Credit: Ryan Deag

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

LISTEN: Twin Pixie – ‘Firestarter’

Having formed in Montreal, Philadelphia-based hyper-pop duo TJ Cole and Aiv Rubino – aka Twin Pixie – are inspired by the likes of SOPHIE and Grimes and explore themes of queerness and the supernatural in their majestic, ethereal soundscapes. Having just announced their debut album, set for release next year, they have now shared an immense new single.

Propelled by glitchy beats, ‘Firestarter’ races with a sweeping cinematic allure as poignant spoken-word vocals soar, tearing into the sexist norms of society. A swirling, pulsating soundscape, it oozes a seething, haunting power that allows you to completely immerse yourself in its captivating cacophony and empowering drive.

Listen to ‘Firestarter’ here:

‘Firestarter’ is available to download from Twin Pixie’s bandcamp page. From now through June 24th, 30% of bandcamp proceeds will be donated to GLITS Inc. (Gays and Lesbians Living in a Transgender Society), a “grassroots organization dedicated to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community on a global scale.”

Mari Lane
@marimindles

mariangelicalaneLeave a comment

Track Of The Day: Girl Ray – ‘Give Me Your Love’

Following the success 2019’s album Girl, London trio (and GIHE faves), Poppy, Iris and Sophie – aka Girl Ray – have now shared a buoyant brand new offering.

Propelled by a jangly, playful energy, ‘Give Me Your Love’ is filled with funk-fuelled beats and swirling synths, alongside the distinctive soothing allure of Poppy’s vocals. Produced and mixed by Joe Goddard and Al Doyle from Hot Chip, the track offers a more electro-driven sound than previous releases, whilst maintaining the band’s knack for creating lilting sonic delights, fizzing with plenty of vibrant, uplifting vibes and even some twinkling steel pans. A perfectly colourful summer anthem oozing some much needed optimism, ‘Give Me Your Love’ will leave you longing for summer nights dancing in fields to the endearing, shimmering charm of Girl Ray live. Of the track, the band explain:

“With all the awfulness of 2020 in our heads – it was important to us that it sounded optimistic and hopeful; a song for future summers where people can dance and enjoy music together once again.”

Directed by Alex Cantouris, described by the band as “a queer Midsummar Night’s Dream”, and filled with a dreamy romanticism, watch the simply beautiful new video for ‘Give Me Your Love’ here:

‘Give Me Your Love’ is out now via Moshi Moshi. Catch Girl Ray live at End Of The Road Festival on 3rd September.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Alex Cantouris

mariangelicalane1 Comment

Track Of The Day: Alice Hubble – ‘Power Play’

In a shadowy universe of glitchy instrumentals, London-based synth-pop artist Alice Hubble has invited us into her euphoric unravelling in her cathartic track ‘Power Play’. Described as “the closest thing (she’s) written to a protest song”, Hubble shares her piece on the #MeToo movement in the form of emotive electronic music.

Through both Hubble’s revealing lyrics that detangle the disparities of sexism and gender-based violence, and her strategic sonic choices made throughout the track, ‘Power Play’ feels like an alleviating climb to a significant release. Hubble achieves this by not shying away from anger and draws from it accordingly. Channeling the relationship between grief and strength, leaving each their own corners.

In anticipation of a new album coming later this year, Hubble’s ‘Power Play’ provides a taste of the mellow, comforting vocals to come, as well as the captivating magnitude of the synth tones that will surround them. It is clear that Hubble’s songwriting stems partly through the voicing of her synths themselves, creating a melodic bath within her approach that is as intricate as it is natural. Interweaving this swirling musicality with the poignant sentiment of the lyrics, Hubble’s ‘Power Play’ stands on its own two feet as it immerses itself firmly in your ears with its empowering, ’80s inspired drive.

‘Power Play‘ is out now via Happy Robots.

Jillian Goyeau
@jillybxxn

jilliangoyeauLeave a comment