Track Of The Day: Bamboo Smoke – ‘Maybe I’

A soulful, lo-fi tune about hesitation and uncertainty; Bamboo Smoke have shared their latest single, ‘Maybe I’. Released via Swedish imprint Something Beautiful, the South London trio combine tentative electronics, smooth vocals, and echoing beats to create an ambient new soundscape.

Formed of vocalist Louise Wellby, multi-instrumentalist & producer Thomas Hollis, and percussionist Mark Gilyead; Bamboo Smoke captivated us with their live performance at our Notting Hill Arts Club gig in 2018. Since then, the trio have been busy creating new music to share with listeners over the course of 2020.

“I don’t wanna wish away time” muses Louise on ‘Maybe I’, a relatable sentiment that’s scored by subtle synth textures, and cautious percussion. The band explain the context of the track further: “This tune tumbled out in a tiny attic room on a trip at the start of the year. It’s about wishing you could draw someone out of their darkness. We find it so hard to talk about mental health, we hide away our shadows in dreamscapes.”

Listen to ‘Maybe I’ below, and follow Bamboo Smoke on Spotify and Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: Jenny O. – ‘God Knows Why’

A bittersweet track about accepting an unexpected change; L.A. based songwriter Jenny O. has shared her latest single, ‘God Knows Why’. Taken from her upcoming album, New Truth, set for release on 19th June via Mama Bird Recording Co., the song is based on Jenny’s own experience of losing the hearing in her right ear.

Despite its upsetting context, ‘God Knows Why’ is an uplifting, cathartic listen that proves Jenny has a talent for making the most out of a truly difficult and unfair situation. Her smooth vocals glide over grungy, acoustic guitars and steady percussion, with the repeated line ‘God Knows Why’ acting as both a reassurance, and an exasperation at the situation she finds herself in.

Jenny extrapolates on the single, and her upcoming album: “I wrote ‘God Knows Why’ after going deaf in one ear and asking why perplexing things happen – fate, cause and effect. When I lost my hearing, a doctor said, “God took it.” Something happened to me neurologically, but here we are. Why do people behave against their own interests? Why do some people survive and others don’t? New Truth has to do with coming to terms with a new reality; what is and what will be, now that things have changed or information has come to light. Feels accurate in this period of adjustment and great sadness.”

We feel Jenny’s poignant new offering provides sweet relief during this chaotic time. Listen to ‘God Knows Why’ below, and follow Jenny O. on Spotify & Facebook for more updates.

Photo Credit: Jenny O.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Diet Cig – ‘Who Are You?’

Having been pretty obsessed with their 2017 album Swear I’m Good At This since it came out, the return of Alex Luciano and Noah Bowman – aka Diet Cig – to my ears could not be more welcome. Ahead of the release of their second full-length, Do You Wonder About Me?, next month, the duo have shared a brand new single.

Flowing with Luciano’s luscious honey-sweet vocals, infectious jangly melodies and all the twinkling energy I need now more than ever, ‘Who Are You?’ is a delectably catchy slice of dreamy indie-pop. Juxtaposing an emotion-strewn lilting charm and subtle gritty angst, it’s a shimmering, sunny delight; perfectly uplifting isolation listening, leaving me desperate to hear the album in full as soon as possible.

Of the track, the band explain:

“‘Who Are You?’ is for anyone who’s ever received a completely self-serving apology from someone who’s hurt them. I learned that healing doesn’t wait for an ‘I’m sorry’ to appear, and it can feel silly to have one arrive when you’re completely over it. This song takes these bad feelings and turns them into a fun upbeat jam to dance around in your kitchen to!”

Do You Wonder About Me?, the upcoming second album from Diet Cig, is set for release 1st May via Frenchkiss Records. Pre-order here. Diet Cig were due to be touring the UK over the next month, but have now re-scheduled their dates to the Autumn (with some dates supported by GIHE faves Charmpit!):

18th November – Rough Trade, Bristol
19th November – The Bodega, Nottingham
20th November – YES, Manchester
22nd November – The Hare and Hounds, Birmingham
23rd November – Broadcast, Glasgow
24th November – Belgrave Music Hall, Leeds
27th November – The Dome, London
28th November – Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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LISTEN: Madge – ‘Ethanol’

A gritty, electronic pop tune that explores self-destructive tendencies; non-binary artist Madge has shared their latest single, ‘Ethanol’. Released via 22TWENTY, the track is a chaotic blend of dense beats, hushed vocals, and manic synth textures.

Having just been announced as an artist in residency for ‘Future Classics x Dropbox’, LA-based Madge has been attracting attention in all the right places with their one-person show.

Madge extrapolates about the context of the ‘Ethanol’: “Inherited trauma as compulsive self-destruction. For every garbage fire I put out in my brain, I find myself dumping gasoline on another. I find myself wondering if I just accept this state of things. I created this song with Lecx Stacy who brought in the grit and grime to my vision.”

This “grit” along with some catchy dance beats makes Madge’s music an explosive, energetic affair. Listen to ‘Ethanol’ below, and follow Madge on Spotify & Facebook for more updates.

Photo Credit: TSARINA MERRIN

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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