NEW TRACK: Twin Rains – ‘Laws Of The Universe’

A sweeping, cinematic rumination on the impact our actions have after we’re gone, Toronto-based dream-pop band Twin Rains have shared their latest single, ‘Laws Of The Universe’. Following on from their previous release ‘You’re the Only One’, the track is a heady, swirling interpretation on personal legacy, inspired by a key episode of the hit TV show, Succession.

Formed of Jay Merrow, Christine Stoesser and live drummer Greg Smith, Twin Rains write, record and produce all of their own music. Signed to Rough Trade Publishing, the band create emotive, psych-tinged, synth-soaked sounds that have been licensed for use on TV shows and movies. Their potent blend of Christine’s soft vocals with noisy, distorted guitar sounds makes for immersive listening, and their latest track ‘Laws Of The Universe’ spotlights this songwriting skill. The single also marks the first time that Twin Rains have used strings on a track, performed by Toronto musician Jessica Deutsch.

“Inspiration can come from anywhere,” explains Christine about ‘Laws Of The Universe’. “The concept of this song was prompted by an episode of Succession, the one where Kendall speaks at his father’s funeral, saying basically: ‘Yeah we know he wasn’t a nice person—but look at what he accomplished.’ So one moment I’m watching TV and the next I’m in deep contemplation because I found this to be such a profound philosophical debate: what’s more important? Your life and how you treat the people and places in it, or your legacy?”

Contemplations like this have inspired many of the the tracks on Twin Rains’ new LP, which they have been busy working on. Look out for more details on the release in the near future.

Watch the video for ‘Laws Of The Universe’ below.

Follow Twin Rains on bandcamp, Spotify, Facebook, Twitter (X) & Instagram

Photo Credit: Shane Chiasson

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

NEW TRACK: Coolgirl – ‘Druid’s Hood’

A mesmerising blend of evocative beats and cell-tingling vocals inspired by the sounds on vintage video games, Dublin-based artist and producer Lizzie Fitzpatrick aka Coolgirl has shared her latest single, ‘Druid’s Hood’. Taken from her upcoming EP, Failed Reboot, which is set for release on 8th November via VETA Records, the track offers another intriguing insight into Coolgirl’s cinematic, synth-soaked universe.

GIHE fans will recognise Fitzpatrick as the front person of grunge trio Bitch Falcon, but under her solo moniker she uses electronics to create vivid, sometimes ambient, sometimes upbeat soundscapes. After releasing a handful of singles over the past few years – including recent tracks ‘Silverlight‘ and ‘High Altar‘ – Coolgirl is preparing to share her new EP, with ‘Druid’s Hood’ providing listeners with another captivating glimpse into the experimental world she inhabits.

“‘Druid’s Hood’ was written as a counterpart to the more poppy heavy tracks on the EP,” Fitzpatrick explains about the single. “I wrote it as it led me down a sci-fi path, almost like something out of a SEGA genesis game found deep in the bargain basket. Vocals appear only on this track on the EP and I wanted to mix the emotion of Kate Bush with the intensity of Karin Dreijer.” With her eclectic range of instruments – including a TR8, PRO-1, Tin Whistle and Korg DW6000 – and her Kate Bush/Fever Ray tinged vocals, Coolgirl evokes a potent feeling of nostalgia, whilst also retaining her fresh unconventional sonic perspective.

Coolgirl’s upcoming EP Failed Reboot will be released on digital platforms and on cassette tape. Described as “a warped and deep sound that delves deep in reverb while bouncing back to a steady dance beat,” the songs dissolve into each other in a way that is best appreciated when heard on tape. Pre-order your copy now.

Listen to ‘Druid’s Hood’ below.

Follow Coolgirl on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter & Instagram

Follow VETA Records on bandcamp, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

WATCH: Projector – ‘And Now The End’

Written as a response to a breakup scenario, but inspired by the general state of chaos that we currently live in, Brighton trio PROJECTOR continue to evolve their sound on their latest single, ‘And Now The End’. Accompanied by a beautifully shot video – the second in a trilogy of Cold War inspired films – the band question “Who do you think is winning now / and does it really matter anyhow?” via visceral riffs and cutting lyrics.

Ricocheting between spite and apathy at a disorientating pace, ‘And Now The End’ is permeated by brooding bass lines, sardonic vocals and gritty guitar FX. Together, these elements reflect the nihilistic attitudes that people often indulge in when they feel powerless in the face of overwhelming adversity. On the track’s writing process, bassist and vocalist Lucy Sheehan comments: “I was listening to Massive Attack’s Heligoland a lot, I wanted those bass lines that sounded like they could almost be a synth line, and guitars that could be noise samples.”

“Ed’s guitars are mostly noises created by dropping a Carl Martin Headroom on the floor,” Sheehan continues, “[and] as with all our stuff, Joy Division’s the major influence. That said, this wasn’t a cerebral process. We wrote ‘And Now The End’ in about half an hour, it came naturally. That’s why I think it’s probably the aesthetic signifier of the major piece of work we’re shortly about to announce…”

In the lead up to this news, Projector have announced their biggest UK tour to date, which kicks off in 2024. Fans can access tickets early in a pre-sale at 10am on Wednesday 4th October by signing up to PROJECTOR’s email list. The remaining tickets will be on general sale at 10am on Friday 6th October on the band’s website.

Watch the video for ‘And Now The End’ below.

Follow Projector on Spotify, Twitter (X), Facebook & Instagram

Projector UK Tour Dates 2024
22nd Fed – The Bodega, Nottingham
23rd Feb – The Green Door Store, Brighton
29th Feb – The Attic, Glasgow
1st March – The Castle, Manchester
2nd March – The Royal Oak, Leeds
22nd March – The Lanes, London
23rd March – Signature Brew, London

Photo Credit: Bridie Cummings

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

WATCH: Yay Maria – ‘L’Appel Du Vide’

Derby’s Yay Maria is back with ‘L’Appel Du Vide’ – a sunny bubblegum bop that fizzes with energy. While the song packs a proper electro pop punch, the lyrics are at odds with this lightness. Exploring themes of addiction and trauma, they are unafraid to discuss darker and more challenging issues. And, at a time when the trans and non-binary communities are subject to such hostility in the UK, it’s more important than ever to draw attention to these realities.  

While it doesn’t shy away from darkness, you’d be mistaken if you thought ‘L’Appel Du Vide’ was a sad song. Joyous and defiant, this is an anthem to empower and excite people. It’s accompanied by a fully animated music video, which brings together beautiful psychedelic colours, unexpected mythical guests, and a healthy dollop of northern deadpan humour! The effect is irresistible.

Along with the rest of her upcoming EP, Maria says that ‘L’Appel Du Vide’ is something of a love letter to the Queer community. She says: “I made this EP for Queer people in the sense that I feel there is a lot of negative coverage of the trans & queer community currently. So I wanted something that was just for us. Something that is audibly enjoyable whilst talking about real stuff.” 

The result is a real gift to anyone who might need it. It’s a song that’s going to mean the world to people. And this is a musician that’s going to mean the world to people too. In Yay Maria, we have a figurehead; a cheerleader who encourages the community and its allies to keep fighting and have fun. 

‘L’Appel Du Vide’ is taken from Yay Maria’s upcoming EP, Superbia, which will be released on 20th October via I’m Not From London records. Pre-order here.

Vic Conway
@thepicsofvic

killingfantasy6583Leave a comment