Track Of The Day: HAWXX – ‘Deadlands’

Having previously blown us away with their immense live show, rockers HAWXX invite us along on their latest journey where fierce vocals and palpitating bass pull us in close, on their latest single ‘Deadlands’. 

Lead singer Anna Papadimitriou emits a fierce tenderness within her vocals, demanding our fullest attention as each lyric carries a commanding urgency. The vulnerability is subtly woven throughout the velvet softness of the backing vocal harmonies. However, this is all soon sliced apart by the razor sharp riffs which create a whirlwind of a chorus. 

Of the track, HAWXX explain:

“… when something has consumed you to the point where you feel that you can’t come back from it, Deadlands is where you can take that toxicity…and destroy it!“

 

‘Deadlands’ is the first single taken HAWXX’s upcoming EP, and serves as a stark reminder as to how the band came to be worthy winners of the PRS Foundation’s Women Make Music Award. 

Nicky Lee-Delisle
@Nicky___Lee

Photo Credit: Kriz-p

Track Of The Day: Hex Poseur – ‘Quiet’

A scathing retaliation aimed at all those who’ve tried to silence her; Hex Poseur has shared her latest single, ‘Quiet’. Filled with brooding bass lines and snarling lyrics, she tackles the ways in which women and girls try to minimise their behaviours when they’re affected by consistently negative opinions.

Although she’s predominantly a solo artist, Hex Poseur works with session musicians Holly Osborne (bass) and Billy Mattock (drums) to create her punk-infused sounds. The band’s name and sound are heavily inspired by 70s punk icon Poly Styrene of X-Ray Spex, with the word ‘Poseur’ taken from their track ‘I Am A Poseur’, which makes fun of people who label others as “not real” punks.

Hex Poseur describes her single ‘Quiet’ as an “incredibly personal” song, as it reflects on her own experiences of bullying and feeling like an outsider. “[I went] from being an outgoing child to a shy, reserved teenager due to bullying and the social politics of secondary school. This was something that stuck with me for ages and only recently have I started to feel more confident and outgoing again.” This confidence boost is certainly present during ‘Quiet’ with its distorted riffs and riotous chorus.

“Growing up, I dealt more and more with being silenced by men and witnessing other women being silenced, which was another battle that I, and most (if not all) women have struggled with.” Hex Poser continues. “Especially in music, women are often encouraged to stick to soft and inoffensive music, and rock is seen as much more masculine. The end of ‘Quiet’ is basically a massive “fuck you”, telling all these people that I’m here whether they like it or not.”

Hex Poseur’s cathartic single sends out a message of strength and solidarity to women who are tired of being quiet. Listen to the track below and follow Hex Poseur on Spotify and Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Track Of The Day: Tiger Mimic – ‘It Was Still Dark’

Having been due to play for us live at The Finsbury last month, GIHE faves Tiger Mimic are helping to ease the sadness of missing live gigs by sharing an exquisite homemade new video for their latest single ‘It Was Still Dark’.

Driven by thrashing beats, gritty racing riffs and the soaring sleek vocals of front woman Jess, ‘It Was Still Dark’ builds the tension as it’s propelled by a furious, frenzied energy. A truly addictive slice of anthemic, raw rock.

‘It Was Still Dark’ is accompanied by a wonderful animated DIY video, depicting the thrill and suspense of the lyrical storytelling of the track in a series of brilliant illustrations by guitarist Bram.

Produced by Kevin Vanbergen (Kid Kapichi, Nova Twins), ‘It Was Still Dark’ is out now. Listen on Spotify.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Alan Wells

EP: Alice MC – ‘Storyteller’

London-based songwriter Alice MC’s jazz-infused soundscapes make for joyful listening on her debut EP, Storyteller, set for release on 15th May. While the atmospheric instrumentals set a relaxing lull, her soft yet bold voice anchors the EP, grounding listeners in place.

Opening with ‘Colours’, Alice’s jazz-soul vibe shines through easy and bright. The symphony of groovy instrumentals and her sensual vocal delivery sets the smooth tone for the four track record. In contrast to the laid-back setting of the opener, ‘Creatures Of The Night’ begins with foreboding twinges of a violin, evolving into an eerie piano soundscape. Alice’s vocals add another haunting layer to the track, which builds to a soaring crescendo before fading into quiet whispers.

The EP boasts a far-reaching sonic range despite its short runtime. The best example of Alice’s experimental touch is the rock-tinged, anthemic offering ‘Far From Heaven’, which makes for an interesting listen. Final track ‘My Love’ is a stripped back offering that makes full use of Alice’s incredible vocal talent. She’s rooted right in the centre of the song, as she sails through four minutes of going low, then reaching high verses with seamless ease, supported only by a subtle acoustic soundscape.

An beautiful singer and charismatic performer, Alice MC’s main talent lies in her ability to merge simplistic, yet poetic lyrics with her soothing jazzy soundscapes. Storyteller is a wonderful collection of songs that sink into your mind with a sense of ease and contentment.

Follow Alice MC on Facebook and Spotify for more updates.

Malvika Padin
@malvika_padin26