LISTEN: About Bunny – ‘Special’

A fuzzy, racing guitar tune that smoulders with riotous attitude, London-based four piece About Bunny have shared their debut single ‘Special’. Self-released via Kartel music, the track is full of buzzing bass lines, grungy guitars and sardonic yet sweet vocals, inspired by the likes of Garbage and Blondie.

Formed of Jemma Mckenzie-Brown (vocals), Alex Malseed (bass), Karl Hopkins (guitar) and Luke Coare (drums), About Bunny met in London and bonded over a mutual love of Debbie Harry, dancing and pre-pandemic nights out. The group managed to play their first show earlier this year opening for VUKOVI at their Banquet Records gig, just before the Covid-19 pandemic put a stop to live music.

Undeterred by the current state of affairs, About Bunny have shared ‘Special’, providing listeners with all the beats and riffs they need to rock out in the safety of their own homes. It’s the first offering from the band’s upcoming EP which is set for release in 2021, and it’s an exciting glimpse into their punk-infused, intensely catchy sounds.

Listen to ‘Special’ below.

Follow About Bunny on Spotify, Twitter & Instagram for more updates.

About Bunny’s bassist Alex was also a guest on our Hoxton Radio show last year talking about her work with Girls Rock London. You can listen back to our chat with her here.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Track Of The Day: Tamara – ‘Slow’

In a delicate lullaby of warm and simple guitar paired with silky vocals, Oxford artist Tamara serves us nostalgia and comfort in her second single ‘Slow’. Touching on the lightest elements of indie-folk and the subtle memories its sound brings forth, Tamara shares her own story while leaving room for imagination and relatability. It is with the most gentle melodies that Tamara provides a moment of reflection and hopefulness. 

Compelling acoustic guitar riffs quickly come and go dancing around the intent of Tamara’s vocals, only sounding when just right. Images of the sky seem to float by graciously – “I feel safe when the moon guides me back and the clouds still softly moving…” – and leave her listeners soothed. As smooth as Tamara’s vocals are, she delivers them with a raspy quality that peaks through just enough to be reminiscent of Metric’s Emily Haines. 

The minimal instrumental appears to be the ideal range for Tamara’s vocal tone to shine in a natural way, with a sound that is so gorgeous it needs only a single guitar as an accompaniment. ‘Slow’ gives the impression that there is much more in store for her audience when it comes to elegant tunes mixed with emotive lyrics. 

 

Jillian Goyeau
@jillybxxn

PREMIERE: SUSU – ‘Slow Death’

Breathing new life into a rock and roll classic, New York outfit SUSU have shared their new single ‘Slow Death’, a cover of the Flamin’ Groovies 1986 original track. Taken from their debut EP Panther City, which is set for release on 13th November, SUSU have put their own spin on the single with their powerful vocals and interweaving harmonies.

Formed of vocalists and songwriters Liza Colby and Kia Warren, SUSU want to provide listeners with a soundtrack to everyday America. “Whether you are on the bus or not, SUSU will always be USUS,” Colby & Warren explain, and this message of unity is underscored by the sounds of fellow band members Joey Wunsch (guitar), Ronnie Bruno (drums) and Connor McClelland (bass).

On ‘Slow Death’, SUSU have maintained the swirling psych-tinged guitar sounds of the Flamin’ Groovies’ original, with Colby & Warren’s vocals freshening up the classic track. “We aren’t shy about being black women in Rock and Roll. There is an aliveness, an awareness, and a spirituality to SUSU that are both timely and timeless,” Colby explains. That’s exactly what they captured on their previous single ‘Work Song‘ and once again on this latest release.

Watch the video for ‘Slow Death’ below.

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

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Track Of The Day: Okay, Bye – ‘Bubble’

A relatable guitar tune about getting tangled in our own emotional safety nets, Exeter-based duo Okay, Bye have shared their latest single ‘Bubble’. Taken from their recent EP Personal Hell, which the band recorded, mixed and mastered in their home studio, the track is a buoyant slice of garage-punk designed to motivate listeners into pushing through their apathy and reconnecting with the world again.

“‘Bubble’ was ironically written before social bubbles or the pandemic came about,” vocalist Grace explains about the single. “It’s more fitting than ever in a time where we feel constant guilt for not checking the news and only feel worse when we do.” Okay, Bye have successfully channelled their confusions about switching off from the world into a cathartic few minutes of crystal clear vocals and fuzzy guitar sounds.

The song’s relatable opening line “When I read the news I just get upset / Or I feel confused and then I get depressed” epitomises the anxieties many of us are currently feeling, but there’s self awareness and reassurance once this ‘Bubble’ has burst. As Grace sings “I don’t want to let myself down / Don’t want to be a stupid girl / Don’t want to be patronised,” she holds herself accountable, with a vocal that’s reminiscent of No Doubt’s Gwen Stefani.

Okay, Bye’s desire to power through problematic times is reflected in their strong DIY ethos and their playful, thought-provoking tunes that provide a light distraction during these uncertain times.

Listen to ‘Bubble’ below.

Follow Okay, Bye on bandcamp, Spotify, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut