LISTEN: Noise Noir – ‘Deep Blue Sea’

A a riff-heavy, grunge infused reflection on the destructive nature of depression and anxiety; Noise Noir have shared their latest single, ‘Deep Blue Sea’. Released via We Can Do It Records, the track’s gritty guitars, brooding bass lines and commanding vocals attempt to dismantle the stigma around mental health.

Formed of Kelly Chard (vocals), Anthony Hill (guitar), Elis Sarv (bass), and Luis Bezzi (drums), Noise Noir blend riotous riffs, crashing percussion and charged lyrics to create their unruly sounds, and new single ‘Deep Blue Sea’ is model example of this. The track was recorded by Matt Noades at Rubber Factory Studios and mixed by Tobias May (Sleeper, Yonaka, CLT DRP).

‘Deep Blue Sea’ is about “The feeling of depression, anxiety and how much it affects your everyday tasks.” explains vocalist Kelly Chard. “I feel like a lot of people don’t understand how easily and sometimes quite drastically it can change your emotions. It can feel like your own mind is against you and stops you from doing something as simple as getting ready or going to the shops.

There’s a lot of imagery in the song likening depression and anxiety to drowning and being drawn in by the devil. The chorus is a struggle with wanting to break free but being dragged back down again. I know a lot of people struggle with mental health issues and I want this song to be an anthem for them. Going through all this is extremely difficult and it makes you a stronger person; even if others might perceive it as weakness.”

Listen to Noise Noir’s single below and follow the band on Spotify and Facebook for more updates.

 

Photo by Keira-Anee
Edited graphics by Kelly Chard

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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EP: Sandunes – ‘Spare Some Time’

A calming, electronic mediation on the necessity of expressing emotion; Sandunes has shared her new EP, Spare Some Time. Released today (May 22nd) via !K7, the four track creation is an aural salve for overwhelmed ears, flowing with shimmering synth textures and soothing beats that remind listeners to take stock of the love in their lives.

Based in Mumbai, Sandunes (aka Sanaya Aredeshir) has focused less on musical technicality, and more on emotional catharsis on this collaborative offering. While for some this decision might compromise high production standards, that’s not the case here. Spare Some Time is equally as polished as Sandunes’ previous releases, which are predominantly created from her home studio in Bombay.

Ambient electronics and stretched out beats permeate opening track ‘Love It Less’. Featuring the smooth vocals of Jbabe, the track was crafted from an intimate jam session between the two producers. It blends seamlessly into the atmospheric ‘Burn Every Bridge’. “The only way out is through / Burn every bridge to you”, muses vocalist Landslands, cautiously urging listeners to let go of the past. Sandunes’ tentative beats and fluid synths help to relay this gentle message too.

“Bittersweet acceptance” sounds intoxicating on ‘Fifty Percent’, thanks to the soulful vocals of Mumbai songwriter Ramya Pothuri. The vulnerabilities expresses in the lyrics are softened by Sandunes’ use of bright electronics. Closing track ‘Simple Thing’ sees the producer subtly celebrating the restorative nature of love in all its forms, through uplifting synths and IAMI’s buoyant vocals.

“I feel like it’s very important for me to be prudent, but also celebratory about feminine freedom, as a working, performing, producing, musician from India”, Sandunes explains. Her ability to be clear about her her status, and the emotional response that sparks is what makes Spare Some Time such a cathartic, reassuring listen. “We’re deprived in our isolation of the tremendous benefit that togetherness and connection brings” she continues, but with records like this; that connection is ultimately strengthened.

Listen to Sandunes new EP on Spotify. Follow her on Facebook for more updates.

Photo credit: Viktor Sloth

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: All Cats Are Beautiful – ‘wishin i cld fit in ur backpack’

Ow, my heart! If, like most of us, you’re missing someone, All Cats Are Beautiful’s ‘Wishin I cld fit in ur bckpck’ could be the song you need right now. Written at the start of the pandemic about how the band were “already missing each other wildly” after quarantining separately, it’s a beautifully dreamy song about love, longing and friendship.

Clips of personal calls, as well as chopped up drum samples, field recordings and sounds from previous sessions, punctuate the band’s confessional, lo-fi vocals and slow, woozy beats. The result is intimate, immersive and utterly authentic – kind of reminiscent of Coco Rosie.

The wonderfully imaginative chorus, about taking a ride in your friend’s backpack so you can go wherever they go, is even cuter than the band’s name. And what makes it even richer is knowing that the harmonies were actually recorded in isolation by the band and their friends. Melancholic and totally beautiful, it shows that you can create wonderful things together, even when you’re apart.

 

‘Wishin I cld fit in ur backpack’ is out today on Peapod Recs.

Vic Conway

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Track Of The Day: A. A. Williams – ‘Melt’

A cinematic, slow-burning exploration of self-autonomy; A. A. Williams has shared her latest single ‘Melt’. Lifted from her debut album Forever Blue, which is set for release on 3rd July via Bella Union, the track is an epic six minutes of beguiling vocals, brooding bass lines and dark orchestral sounds.

“Let go of these promises” muses Williams in the opening lyric to the song, permitting herself to start anew and explore what it means to be alone again. She blends quieter moments that centre around her vocals with the fleshed out sound of a full band throughout the track; reflecting the uneven path to autonomy.

Of the track, Williams explains: “’Melt’ addresses an individual’s search for, acknowledgement of and acceptance of independence. After only believing in their own fragility they come to realise that they themselves were never dependant on others, others depended on them. Within this newfound strength they find comfort.”

William’s sublime treatment of ambiguous subjects is what makes her music so captivating. A classically trained pianist and multi-talented musician, her blending of post-rock and post-classical elements makes for exquisitely raw listening. Watch the video for ‘Melt’ (directed by Steve Turvey) below and follow A. A. Williams on Spotify & Facebook for more updates.

Photo Credit: Thomas Williams

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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