LISTEN: Hilary Woods – ‘Where The Bough Has Broken’

A hypnotic instrumental inspired by a deep love for the city she grew up in, Irish artist Hilary Woods has shared her latest single ‘Where The Bough Has Broken’. Lifted from her upcoming album, Acts Of Light, which is set for release on 3rd November via Sacred Bones, the track is an atmospheric ode to communal growth and memory, with an accompanying video that pays homage to the seemingly minor moments that play a role in creating these things.

Following on from her second full length record Birthmarks (2020), and her hypnotic EP Feral Hymns (2021), Woods has expanded and experimented with her sound even further on her upcoming album. Written, recorded, mixed and produced by Woods over the two years she spent between the west coast of Ireland and Dublin, Acts Of Light includes a myriad of idiosyncratic sounds.

The record features choristers of the Palestrina choir together with the voices of the Galway City Chamber Choir, that Woods captured in the Pro Cathedral Dublin. Strings by Oslo-based musician Jo Berger Myhre appear throughout, and all the tracks are interspersed with field recordings that Woods captured during her time spent travelling through the north west of Spain. These influences have culminated into the nine “hypnotic dirges” that make up Acts Of Light, with single ‘Where The Bough Has Broken’ being the first hint of what’s to come.

Shadowy and evocative, the track is a deep rumination inspired by Woods’ memories of living in Dublin, which she captures in the accompanying self-directed visuals, made with footage from RTE Archives. “Made from old newsreels of archive footage, this video muses on the beauty of community and resilience, made to a piece of music that celebrates connection and the specificity and transience of time, space, and human expression,” Woods comments. “This music video is a visual love letter to the Dublin City I grew up in, to the spirit of familial roots and the extraordinary moments in ordinary life that leave their lasting impression.”

Watch the visuals for ‘Where The Bough Has Broken’ below.

Hilary Woods Ireland & UK Tour Dates 2023
25/10/2023 IRL Dublin The Gallery space at The Complex
26/10/2023 IRL Dublin The Gallery space at The Complex
30/10/2023 UK Liverpool Kazimier Stockroom
31/10/2023 UK Brighton Rose Hill Arts
01/11/2023 UK London Cafe OTO
02/11/2023 UK Bristol Cube Cinema
03/11/2023 UK Newcastle Cobalt Studios
04/11/2023 UK Manchester The White Hotel
05/11/2023 UK Leeds Headrow House

Pre-order Acts Of Light here

Follow Hilary Woods on bandcamp, Spotify & Instagram

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: tall child – ‘Damaged’

tall child, formerly known as ZHA Gandhi and previously associated with projects like Buggs and Luce Rushton (fka TV Room), has now released their debut single ‘Damaged‘. With a full band now in tow, tall child is making a name for themselves in London, having played headline shows at iconic grassroots venues like The George Tavern and supporting artists like Bel Cobain at Matchstick Piehouse.

Their soulful vocals enter straight away and are then accompanied by dreamy ripples of clean electric guitar, whilst the haunting and captivating melody immerses your ears straight away. Bringing to mind artists such as Orla Gartland and Lucy Dacus, with the ethereal shades of Mitski, their vocals shine through with a subtle soulfulness.

Soon, a lush harmony enters with a folk-strewn depth and gentle jazzy drum beat, adding a pleasing rhythmic layer and progressing the song. With melancholic undertones, the vocals shimmer with emotion complemented by delicately plucked guitar – “maybe I should count my blessings ‘cos I’m not like you, I’m nothing like you”. The song is an “introspective exploration of a turbulent parent-child relationship”, reflecting on the idea that they are glad to have not inherited the toxic traits from their absent parent. A beautifully cathartic ballad, flowing with stirring emotion.

Of their songwriting, Zha notes:

“For me, this project is about pushing the boundaries of songwriting through the analysis of personal trauma and reflection. I wanted to create a space that merges all my musical influences into one to form a truly unique sound. I’m hoping that someone with a troubled relationship with a family member can relate to this song and that it reminds them of their autonomy...”

The song builds up in energy before being brought down for the bridge, offering a slower breakdown and some time for reflection. Awash with glistening harmonies, delicate cymbals and layered voices, it’s emotive but uplifting; an acceptance. It builds gradually but brilliantly before reaching a climax and ending back on a gentle chord. ‘Damaged’ really takes you on a journey and at a lengthy five minutes, it manages to hold your attention throughout its subtle twists and turns, with a heartfelt honesty.

As for what’s next, tall child will be playing more gigs – “taking up space as a queer black artist” – and further developing and carving out their original style. A single release listening party show followed by an upcoming EP is soon to be announced, so keep your eyes peeled! 

Ella Patenall
@ella_patenall

Photo Credit: Jody Evans

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NEW TRACK: BLAB – ‘Hate Love, Make Love’

Following on from her 2022 single ‘Age Gracefully’ – a lo-fi musing on toxic beauty standards – Southend based multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and producer Frances Murray, aka BLAB, has shared her new single ‘Hate Love, Make Love’. Released via Cool Thing Records and self-described as “Something silly and funny and not too serious,” the track explores the burnout that comes with trying to keep up with the requirements of modern day dating, romance and self-love.

After taking a year off from publicly sharing her music, BLAB has returned to reaffirm her staunchly DIY attitude and anti-establishment, anti-ego message. On ‘Hate Love, Make Love’, she playfully confronts the difficulties that come with seeking genuine romantic connections via her glitchy, punchy ’80s synth sounds and direct lyrics: “Being in love is really hard / loving myself is even harder”.

“This song was super fun and quick to write and record for me,” explains BLAB about the new track. “I think the whole thing only took about two days total. I have this Yamaha PS-20 from the ’80s that my friend sold to me, and it’s got so many wacky sounds on it. It has a built-in bass arp and as soon as I tried that out, I knew I was onto a finished song. I kind of wanted to write a song that felt like it could be on the Austin Powers soundtrack, a pastiche of the ’60s but with a Ramones-eque bite to it.”

BLAB has been busy writing and recording her debut album, which is set for release next year. She will be playing a show at The Old Blue Last in East London on Friday 10th November, as part of a Cool Thing Records label night supporting Asylums and A Cause In Distress. Grab a ticket on DICE.

Listen to ‘Hate Love, Make Love’ below.

Follow BLAB on Spotify, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter (X) & Facebook

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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WATCH: Bas Jan – ‘No More Swamp’

Following last year’s innovative Baby You Know, London collective – and personal favourites – Bas Jan have now announced a new album that’s set for release in November. Founded by Serafina Steer and featuring members of Jenny Moore’s Mystic Business and Jarv Is, the band have previously received acclaim from the likes of Marc Riley at BBC 6Music and Mojo Magazine, and will be playing a special live session for Riley and Coe tomorrow 20th September, ahead of their upcoming tour, which includes a few dates with Half Japanese.

Ahead of the album’s release, Bas Jan have shared an uplifting new single – title track ‘No More Swamp’. Reflecting on how the band’s lives have changed over the years, with shifting priorities and responsibilities, the track offers a jangly uplifting soundscape, showcasing the band’s trademark quirky energy and perceptive songwriting ability. Taking influence from the likes of Pet Shop Boys and Kate Bush, it ripples with a fizzing musicality, interweaving shimmering instrumentation to create a wonderfully danceable cacophony; a gently relatable and subtly empowering ode to getting older, oozing an immersive glistening allure.

‘No More Swamp’ is accompanied by a new fun-filled, B-movie-inspired, video, featuring costumes designed by Nat Sharp (aka Lone Taxidermist). Watch it here:

No More Swamp, the upcoming new album from Bas Jan, is set for release on 10th November.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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