Track Of The Day: draag – ‘Trauma Kit’

Anxious thoughts melt away in a swirl of hazy guitars and uplifting electronics on ‘Trauma Kit’, the latest single from L.A. indie-shoegaze five-piece draag. Following on from their previous track ‘Ghost Leak’, ‘Trauma Kit’ continues to unravel the tensions that went in to creating the band’s upcoming EP, Clara Luz, which is set for release on 21st February.

Draag was originally a solo project fronted by Adrian Acosta, who was trained as a mariachi singer by his Father. After exploring the worlds of underground punk, no wave, and experimental jazz, Acosta soon met and added Jessica Huang, Nick Kelley, Ray Montes and Shane Graham to draag’s lineup. Together, the five piece create music that’s garnered comparisons to My Bloody Valentine and Sonic Youth.

The band have shared a dramatic set of visuals to accompany ‘Trauma Kit’, directed by Devonte Johnson, and co-directed by band members Acosta and Huang. They compliment the track’s cinematic, all-encompassing sound.

Having been tested by illness and personal turmoils throughout recording, draag’s new track and the collection of songs on their upcoming EP are about dealing with trauma, and how simultaneously difficult and empowering that can be.

Listen to ‘Trauma Kit’ below, and follow draag on Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Photo Credit: Devonte Johnson

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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ALBUM: Pet Crow – ‘Take The Edge Off’

Smashing through insecurities and personal ailments in refreshing garage-pop style; Derby-based band Pet Crow have returned with their second album, Take The Edge Off. Self-released in the UK on 7th Feb, it’s an apt title for a collection of songs that provide momentary relief from the everyday stresses of being an adult.

Formed of Danielle Ross, Dan Barradell, Sean Kenny, Conor Wallis, and Sophie Prosay; Pet Crow are facing up to their demons on their sophomore record. Speaking from direct experience; the band explore anxiety, depression, drug addiction, recovery, OCD, and ADHD across the ten tracks on Take The Edge Off.

The first three songs – ‘Limbo’, ‘Insomnia’ and ‘NOCD’ – fly by in a blur of fuzzy guitars, punky percussion, and moody vocals. They’re restless, cathartic laments about not being able to switch off, or switch back on when you most need to. The band channel not having a clear direction in life into well directed sounds on ‘What We Doin’, whilst the riotous ‘One Whole Summer’ is a strung out two and a half minutes about cutting loose, and the repercussions of going wild a little too often.

‘Controlling’ explores a toxic relationship, but the buoyant, surf-rock guitars distract from the darker context of the song. The same can be said for eponymous track ‘Take The Edge Off’, which does exactly that for just shy of two minutes. The band are “flitting between caring, and care free” on ‘Hostage’, and the manic instrumental mid-way through penultimate track ‘Scars’ is equally as freeing.

The joyfully named ‘Prick’ closes the record. It’s an infectious four minute take down of another toxic relationship, and the repeated line “You make me sick” will draw a wry smile across your face as you sing along to the catchy guitar riffs. Pet Crow firmly believe you can dance and sing your way through your problems, and Take The Edge Off will help you to do just the same.

Pre-order your copy of Pet Crow’s Take The Edge Off via Bandcamp
Follow Pet Crow on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Mentrix – ‘Walk’

Captivating vocals, atmospheric electronics and commanding percussion collide on ‘Walk’, the latest single from Sufi-inspired singer and composer, Mentrix. The track is lifted from her debut album, My Enemy, My Love; which is set for release via her female-led record label, House of Strength, on 3rd April.

Born in Iran but now based in Berlin, Mentrix (aka Samar Rad) blends her experiences of eastern and western culture, along with traditional Sufi instrumentation to create her beguiling, bold soundscapes. Mentrix moved to France aged eight to escape war in her home country. At age fourteen, she moved back and had to relearn her Farsi mother tongue from scratch. She then spent time in the UK before settling in Germany. Her extensive travels and multiple influences – from Latin, French Literature, The Qu’ran, to traditional Persian poetry – give her music a diverse and fascinating edge.

Her single ‘Walk’ is accompanied by an equally fascinating set of visuals, which Mentrix produced herself. The footage contains motifs that symbolize womanhood, unity, solidarity and spirituality, from the urban scenes in Tehran, to the beautiful dunes of the Iranian desert. “It is very important for me to associate my music with the landscape of Iran,” explains Mentrix. “I am forever attached to my birth place, and my identity and aspirations are very rooted in Iranian culture. Since the West so often portrays Iran in a questionable way, I feel obliged to share its diverse and positive faces to the world.”

Mentrix plans to do just that with her debut album, My Enemy, My Love. It’s a powerful exploration of female resilience, independence, and what happens when women are caught between two cultures, each filled with their own flaws and freedoms. Watch the video for ‘Walk’ below, and follow Mentrix on Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: DUCK – ‘C/Rage’

Following their poignant last single ‘Sirens’, and having wowed us with their colourful energy live at The Finsbury on more than one occasion, GIHE faves DUCK are back with another slice of playful, punk-fuelled noise-pop.

Dedicated to anyone who’s ever felt alienated by a closed-minded world, ‘C/Rage’ is fuelled by a driving sense of urgency, oozing a scuzzy electro-punk energy as impassioned vocals soar alongside eerie whirring hooks and propulsive beats. Another vibrant, and compelling, cacophony from the Sheffield/Leeds trio.

Of the track, the band explain:

“The song is a queer howl of noise about feeling alone while growing up in a religious atmosphere.”

‘C/Rage’ is taken from DUCK’s upcoming new album There Are No Normal Conversations Any More, out 7th February on Hell Hath No Fury Records. 

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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