LISTEN: Bitch Falcon – ‘Martyr’

A savage blend of visceral vocals, grungy guitars and powerhouse percussion, Dublin trio Bitch Falcon have shared their latest single ‘Martyr’. The third single to be lifted from their debut album Staring At Clocks, which is set for release via Brighton label Small Pond on 6th November, the band effortlessly combine the racing energy of post-punk beats with the melodic elements of grunge on this new offering.

“Nigel’s drumming reminds me of Warpaint in this, it has such a bounce to it,” explains Bitch Falcon’s vocalist and guitarist Lizzie Fitzpatrick. “I tried to span my vocals from soft to cord-ripping, a bid to show the aggression in the song.” Fitzpatrick’s ability to deliver soft lines and ear-shredding screams at the flick of a switch is what makes ‘Martyr’ such a powerful tune. Underscored by Nigel Kenny’s heavy yet buoyant drumming and Barry O’Sullivan’s brooding bass lines, the single demands repeated listens to fully appreciate each of these formidable elements.

Listen to ‘Martyr’ below and follow Bitch Falcon on bandcamp, Spotify and Facebook for more updates.

 

Order Bitch Falcon’s debut album Staring At Clocks here.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Track Of The Day: People Club – ‘Lay Down Your Weapons’

A powerful combination of emotive vocals and commanding beats, Berlin-based indie soul group People Club have shared their latest single ‘Lay Down Your Weapons’. It’s a charged offering that tackles the issues people of colour continue to struggle with in the face of police brutality, demanding peace through vehement protest.

“”Lay Down Your Weapons’ is about issues that weigh heavy on our hearts,” the band explain. “It was originally written in 2017 about issues of police brutality and the police militarisation that black and brown folks have disproportionately faced, and unfortunately we are still fighting these issues today. We are so proud of all the people on the front lines fighting for justice, for institutional reform/dissolution, for legislation, and for the safety and liberty that our BIPOC and LGBTQIA communities have long since deserved. We were asking…but now we’re demanding. We deserve justice, we deserve freedom, we deserve that our lives are valued. Black lives matter and defund the mother fucking police.”

Formed of Sarah Martin (lead vocals), Ray Sonder (bass, backing vocals), Saxon Gable (guitar, backing vocals), Pete Costello (keyboards, backing vocals) & Drew Deal (drums), People Club formed in 2018 after they each moved to Berlin in late 2017 from their respective countries (Australia, USA, UK, New Zealand). Together, they create moving, bold sounds designed to dismantle the un-nerving behaviours they witness in their own societies and the wider world.

Listen to ‘Lay Down Your Weapons’ below and follow the band on bandcamp, Spotify, and Facebook for more updates.

 

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Track Of The Day: Potpourri – ‘Postcards’

Having first been charmed by Sheffield band Potpourri through GIHE faves Foundlings when they did a recent Instagram takeover for us, I was super excited to hear that they’ve just announced the release of their debut album. Following debut single ‘Eisenhower’ and acclaim from the likes of BBC 6Music’s Marc Riley, it couldn’t be more welcome.

Taken from the album, latest single ‘Postcards’ is propelled by uptempo saxophone melodies, oozing a sweeping, jazz-infused groove alongside catchy bass hooks and luscious shimmering vocals. Reflecting on the mixed feelings we often have towards our hometowns, delicate harmonies are interwoven with a twinkling emotion, creating a jangly, sun-strewn offering, flowing with a blissful energy that’ll uplift in an instant; leaving you desperate for more of Potpourri’s heavenly sounds.

Of the track, the band expand:

The song, which started off as a rough scribble of lyrics penned over a pint is a love letter to hometowns and the conflicting feelings we sometimes have towards them…”

 

First Dance, the upcoming debut album from Potpourri, is out 30th October via Bingo Records.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

LISTEN: Death Valley Girls – ‘Under the Spell of Joy’

Inspired by the text on a t-shirt that Death Valley Girls‘ vocalist & guitarist Bonnie Bloomgarden was gifted from the heavy psych rock band Joy, ‘Under the Spell of Joy’ is the eponymous new single from the band’s upcoming album. Set for release on 2nd October via Suicide Squeeze, the L.A. rockers have shared the title track with the instructions to sing along to their “space gospel” sounds.

“The world is crazy right now, and it feels like we should be doing more than just trying to perpetuate joy,” Bloomgarden explains. This awareness and positivity inspired the band’s new single and record, both of which are filled with psych-rock riffs and chant-worthy lyrics. “There is a lot to be really angry about…but joy is just as powerful if used correctly!” she continues, and that’s what Death Valley Girls’ have channelled their energy into. With its stomping beats and rallying vocals, their new track is a celebration of the universe and all it has to offer (even though that doesn’t feel like much at the moment.)

Listen to ‘Under the Spell of Joy’ below and follow Death Valley Girls on bandcampFacebook and Spotify for more updates.

Photo credit: David Fearn

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut