Track Of The Day: After London – ‘Operator’

In a high energy, hard-hitting banger, London based post-punks After London release their empowering new single ‘Operator’. Right from the track’s start, the undeniable chemistry between instruments is in the face of the band’s listeners in a loud and striking way. With a flawless glue between their experimental backdrop and Frank Ward’s powerful vocals, the scene is set as the track grabs your attention and refuses to let go until the song concludes.

Moments of tasteful guitar feedback throughout ‘Operator’ pay homage to After London’s punk roots and give their track a slice of edge that creates a hunger for listeners to see the band’s dynamic live. Layered synths cohesively incorporated into the rock instrumentation provide an ear catching, progressive element to After London’s sound. The fact that the track utilises such an array of different sounds drawn from various genres, but still maintains a minimalist mix, is a reflection of the band’s extensive creative harness.

With such a catchy chorus that celebrates individualism, After London bring out the self determined side in us all and encourage us to move to the beat of our own drum “with the outlaws.” After London’s ‘Operator’ is truly a call for being your own person and feeling liberated by that in the face of objection.

Watch the new video for ‘Operator’ now:

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

Photo Credit: Jessie Morgan

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Track Of The Day: HAAi – ‘Head Above The Parakeets’

An experimental, bright musing on pre-empting personal risk, HAAi has shared her latest single ‘Head Above The Parakeets’. Released via Mute, the track is paired with another song titled ‘Rotating In Unison’, and both are lifted from HAAi’s new EP, which is set for release on 11th September.

HAAi has been busy during the lockdown period, performing online shows alongside Mute label boss Daniel Miller for the Love Record Stores event, and a show from her flat in East London for Boiler Room’s Streaming from Isolation series. Now, she’s gearing up to release her new EP, and ‘Head Above The Parakeets’ is a hazy, slickly produced seven minute taste of what’s to come.

Of the track, HAAi explains: “‘Head Above The Parakeets’ is an obvious play on words. To signify the feeling of risk, apprehension and being exposed in what you create. The [accompanying] video was made from footage from some of my favourite festivals and shows over the past year, some of my own visuals and some that were made for my 2019 Sonar show by INSRT. It’s a nostalgic, psychedelic nod to the job and people I love so much, and a reaction to the whirlwind that was my life for the past couple of years.”

Watch the video for ‘Head Above The Parakeets’ below and follow HAAi on Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: PILLARS – ‘Blame’

PILLARS, the 25-year-old electronic musician, debuted her first EP, Circa last month. Describing the album, she says it is “a reflection of past mistakes, regrets and behaviours.” So, it’s fitting that she has now shared ‘Blame’.

Set against a minimalist soundscape, PILLARS’ voice punches through intimately and with clarity. The chorus rings out “I’m to blame”, an honest and vulnerable refrain of a lover apologetic for their mistakes. Church-like organs fade in and out, lending a solemn quality to her testimony, while slow and steady kicks pound like a tired heart. Pulsing synths and subdued snaps add subtle texture to the track, creating a suspenseful atmosphere, as each verse hangs in the air waiting for PILLARS to finally confess – “I’m to blame”. 

 

Circa by PILLARS is out now. Listen on Bandcamp or Spotify.

 

Aisha Kasmir
@aisha_vocal

Photo Credit: Marieke Macklon Photography

 

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Track Of The Day: REWS – ‘Today We’re Warriors’

A defiant guitar tune designed to empower and motivate listeners into action, REWS have shared their latest single ‘Today We’re Warriors’. Lifted from the band’s upcoming second album Warriors, which is set for release on 7th August via Marshall Records, the track mixes heavy riffs and catchy melodies to help spark the fires of personal revolution.

REWS front-woman and founder Shauna Tohill has been busy during the covid-19 lockdown period performing online gigs, and promoting her “Femme Focus” Sunday sessions where she speaks to other female musicians about their work (watch ep. 3 with Jen from False Advertising here). Now, she’s gearing up for the release of her second album, and ‘Today We’re Warriors’ is another shining example of her tenacity and passion as a songwriter.

Speaking about the track, she explains: “The song exclaims exactly what the name suggests! Every morning we wake up, we have a choice in what kind of journey we will lead. There are dark days where our path is unclear and blocked (some more than others) and that’s when I want to encourage everyone to keep fighting forward, to gather together in the spirit of music with those who are good in your life, to support and respect each other! Today, we got this, we will get through this and we will keep moving forward to see a better, positive, thriving and equal future for all women, men, children from all races and backgrounds. Today, we’re warriors!”

The track is accompanied by two music videos, an official video that shows Shauna running through the wilderness, and a fan video directed by GIHE photographer Jon Mo. The fan video also features one of the GIHE grrrls (spoiler: it’s Kate).

Watch both videos below and follow REWS on Facebook and Spotify for more updates.

You can pre-order REWS’ new album Warriors here.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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