Track Of The Day: Slagheap – ‘Caffeine’

Following recent single ‘Peckish’ and 2019’s eponymous debut album, Slagheap have announced an upcoming new full-length album. Having been invited to support the likes of Billy Nomates, Beak and GIHE faves Big Joanie, the Bristol DIY band have now shared a brand new single.

Propelled by a whacky, racing energy, ‘Caffeine‘ does exactly what it says on the tin: giving a sonic depiction of the frenzied nerves incited by too much coffee, or the similarly fraught feelings induced by a first crush. As deep grunge-fuelled bass hooks are accompanied by jangling beats and raw, playful punk-inspired vocals, a shimmering cacophony is created, harking back to Riot Grrrl bands such as Bratmobile. Oozing an infectious, uplifting power, its sunny, scuzzy zest and vibrant, tongue-in-cheek lyricism is riotously refreshing; a quirky blast of energy leaving you ready to face the world, whether or not you’ve had your daily coffee-fix.

‘Caffeine’ is accompanied by homemade, zine-inspired (and super cute) new video. Watch here:

Mari Lane
@marimindles

 

 

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ALBUM: The Other Ones – ‘The Other Ones’

London based pop-punk four-piece The Other Ones join Reckless Yes for the release of their self-reflective and self-titled debut album, following their two self-released extended plays: 2017’s Perfect Girl, Normal Boy and 2019’s Picking Up the Pieces. The result is an evolution of the infectious sound they have cultivated over the past five years; a fusion of punk-rock riffs and melancholic pop influences, from Buzzcocks and My Chemical Romance to The Smiths and Kate Bush.

Introducing The Other Ones with opening track ‘Drown You’, bassist Vicky and guitarist Nick whet the appetite for the rest of the record with their unrelenting energy; the power (pop) couple’s distorted riffs offset against front-woman Steph’s and Nick’s spellbinding vocal harmonisation. Next, the cathartic ‘On Top of Me’ reflects on mental health and the struggle that we have all experienced at some point in our lives: “I wake up every day / I wish I could run away / You say it’s getting better / Why do I feel the same?”

‘Forever Young’ is another self-reflective track, this time nostalgic for younger, care-free days; oozing fuzz and swooning vocalisation. Shimmering pop-punk that is the perfect addition to your next mixtape! Relationships are explored next in ‘Money’ (“We never kiss / We never touch / We only talk about money!”), a track that drenches the listener in distorted sound. Originally recorded for their first EP, The Other Ones instinctively let loose on this reimagining; particularly drummer Francis with a thrashing percussive soundscape reminiscent of Jord Samolesky’s latter work in Propagandhi.

Slowing everything down for ‘Out of My Head’, scuzzy guitar riffs define the track’s soft-loud-soft dynamic, transitioning into the acoustic track ‘I Wish I Was Your Boyfriend’, where gender identity is left ambiguous. Raw emotion (and a spacey bridge) dominates ‘Better Off Alone Again’, whilst ‘Wasted Youth’ sees The Other Ones picking up the pace with Vicky’s throbbing bass-lines and a punchy drum assault from Francis.

‘Sad Case’ is yet another reimagining from Perfect Girl, Normal Boy, further showcasing Nick and Steph’s overlapping vocal abilities, but it is the title track, ‘The Other Ones’ that truly defines their impressive debut. Propelled by the scuzziest of riffs, ‘The Other Ones’ is a fitting anthem for the misfits of society – the freaks who won’t conform to societal norms – firing on all cylinders with a fierce, impassioned performance from Steph. Fuck all societal expectations to be a certain way… Strive for complete self-expression: “We are the other ones / We are the other ones / We are the other ones / We are not alone!”

Closing The Other Ones’ self-titled LP is the ethereal acoustic soundscape ‘I Think Too Much’; an unexpected, but welcomed, departure from the preceding ten tracks of energetic DIY punk rock.

With their debut, The Other Ones have delivered infectious hooks, emotionally-driven melodies, and enough feverish feedback to reinforce their underlying message: Fuck you to anyone who has ever told you that you’re not enough just by being yourself. “We’re the freaks and we don’t belong.”

 

‘The Other Ones‘ is out now via Reckless Yes. Buy on bandcamp.

Ken Wynne
@Ken_Wynne

Photo Credit: Keira Anee Photography

 

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Track Of The Day: Aderyn – ‘Silver Screen’

‘Silver Screen’, the second single from Welsh artist Aderyn, is an anthem for anyone who spent their youth messily falling in and out of love, and in and out of nightclubs.

Having drummed in grunge bands since she was sixteen, ‘Silver Screen’ sees Aderyn fuse her lo-fi roots with a real pop sensibility. The result is irresistible! A real nostalgia trip, it’s reminiscent of the kind of brilliant, alt ’90s pop tunes that blared from teen movie soundtracks and high school sleepovers. And the jangly, indie-pop guitars and catchy hooks make this feel just as playlist friendly.

Yet while ‘Silver Screen’ is unashamedly poppy, there’s real melancholy to Aderyn’s vocals and her lyrics that give it a rawness and a depth. I can’t wait to hear what more she can do.

Watch the new video for ‘Silver Screen’ here:

Listen to ‘Silver Screen’ on Spotify.

Vic Conway

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LISTEN: DijahSB ft. Chris Castello – ‘Overtime’

A vibrant, slickly produced R&B tune acknowledging the diligence that’s needed to make your dreams a reality, Toronto-based rapper DijahSB has shared their latest single ‘Overtime’. Taken from their upcoming album Head Above The Waters, which is set for release on 23rd April, the track is a summery collaboration with fellow Toronto songwriter Chris Castello, filled with catchy, candid lyrics and infectious beats.

Influenced by the likes of Kid Cudi, Pusha T and Lupe Fiasco, DijahSB writes music about their experiences as a black non-binary artist, navigating their way through life’s highs and lows with a quick wit and authentic charm. On new single ‘Overtime’, Dijah blends buoyant beats with their catchy rap verses and Castello’s smooth, lush vocals to create an uplifting, fresh slice of pop-infused R&B.

“’Overtime’ is the last single before the album,” Dijah explains. “I’m excited to introduce the world to Chris Castello who is an amazing songwriter and also does most of my artwork. He really made the song come together by telling the story of just always putting in over time to achieve our dreams.”

Watch the lyric video for ‘Overtime’ below.

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

Photo Credit: Marius Jadion

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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