EP: Rookes – ‘Liminal’

Rookes is a solo electro-pop project based in London. She has just released her second EP, Liminal, using ’80s synth sounds as a frame for her powerful voice, reminiscent of the best of the Eurythmics or Yazoo. This sets the scene for a four track EP, in which Rookes explores her own love experiences during two years of exploration of her queer identity across the London dating scene. 

‘Salvage’ is a slow, shimmering start dealing with post-breakup feelings, becoming more urgent and uptempo with the chorus, whereas ‘New Lovers’ has an eerie ’80s feel, with spiralling synths. However, the synths gain a harder edge as the song goes on, expressing the fear of a dangerous love (“do me no harm”). 

Lead single, ‘Liminal’, is catchy and poppier, where a lover is asked to take a romantic risk; suggesting both hope and caution, it’s a beautifully uplifting ballad. ‘Constellations’, however, closes the EP on a poetic note, oozing a dreamy warmth alongside soaring strings and shimmering synths.

This EP is polished, dramatic, and features intriguing songwriting. And you can dance to it! The emotions and experiences are completely relatable in songs centred on looking for love; finding it (but not being ready), and then losing it again. A stirring collection that will leave you wanting more of Rookes’ glistening soundscapes. 

Liminal is out now. Stream on all online platforms.

Fi Ni Aicead
@gotnomoniker

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Track Of The Day: HOST – ‘Trainwreck’

A contradiction in sound and content, synth-pop artist HOST‘s latest single ‘Trainwreck’ is a catchy, upbeat affair despite its context being rooted in self-deprecation. The Irish artist released her EP Adolescent Content at the start of 2019 and followed it up with single ‘Crying for Days’ before sharing this new track, which combines a pessimistic outlook with optimistic, dreamy sounds.

HOST’s strong vocals float above echoing beats and shimmering synth textures on ‘Trainwreck’, as she sings of “barely hanging on” to a healthy perspective. It’s HOST’s ability to dance with her demons that makes her music such a catchy slice of catharsis, providing momentary relief for listeners who might be feeling a little like the track’s title.

Listen to ‘Trainwreck’ below and follow HOST on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LIVE (Photos): Berries EP Launch, 06.11.19

Celebrating the release of London trio Berries’ new EP, Lies, last Wednesday three of our most favourite bands got together to put on a night of the most exciting live music.

Kicking things off, captors of my heart Chorusgirl treat the crowd to their truly luscious, emotion-strewn dream pop. As Silvi describes set opener ‘In Dreams’ as “a nice song about my hometown”, she revels in “all the familiar faces” in the crowd as the band continue to deliver their effervescent harmonies and impressive driving riffs. From tracks from their first album such as ‘To Be A Defector’ to newer tracks such as the hugely stirring ‘Stuck’, Chorusgirl deliver their shimmering sounds with a heart-rending, cathartic energy.

Next up, The Franklys blast out their energy fuelled rock ‘n’ roll with their immense empowering charisma. From the soaring buoyant power of ‘I’m Not Guilty’, to the swirling grit of ‘Keeper’ and many more riff-tastic anthems in-between, the half Swedish band completely captivate the crowd with their catchily riotous sounds.

And then, the three women of the hour, Berries, take to the stage with their trademark fun-filled energy and sparkling magnetism. Treating the jam-packed venue to dazzling guitar solos, front woman Holly’s distinctive spiky vocals and an all-encompassing life-affirming sense of unity, the trio deliver familiar offerings such as the frenzied force of ‘Discreetly’ and ‘Faults’, amongst songs so new their name is not yet decided – “It’s ‘Trace’, not ‘Once'”, Holly asserts. In between designated swigs of drinks, Berries don’t disappoint, with their admirable raw passion and buzzing charisma, proving them worthy of the highest accolades.

Massive thanks to all three bands for a great night of live music!

Berries’ new EP Lies is out now, via RoseColoured Records/AWAL. Stream now.

 

Words: Mari Lane / @marimindles
Photos: Jon Mo / @jonmophoto

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Track Of The Day: Lucia & The Best Boys – ‘Good Girls Do Bad Things’

In an eerie and roaring manner Lucia & The Best Boys (previously LUCIA) serve us a riveting new taste with their single ‘Good Girls Do Bad Things’. Stepping beyond their roots, the band, in collaboration with producer Carlos De La Garza (Paramore, Best Coast), embark on a soundscape that marries lively ‘80s synth pads with the edge of ‘90s grunge.

‘Good Girls Do Bad Things’ is a pulsing feminist anthem that demands attention from its listeners the moment the striking snare hits. Opening up the song, frontwoman Lucia Fairfull’s powerful vocal melody immediately conveys passion and fierceness that embodies the single’s feeling entirely. With sharp melodic strumming the dirty guitar tone glistens in the name of assertiveness as the perfect correspondence with the song’s ethereal synth preparing listeners for an enchanting, explosive chorus.

As the mix thickens and fast-paced percussion fuels an immense energy, ‘Good Girls Do Bad Things’ creates its own troubled yet addictive universe in its cathartic singalong chorus. The melody portrays both celebration and the hurt of a woman who has presumably sacrificed to survive, a harsh reality for some but a feeling not dwelled upon by Lucia.

‘Good Girls Do Bad Things” is the sound of a woman’s backbone in a realistic world of “bad habits and nothing new”. It is filled with vengeful intentions but sustains an emotional disposition throughout, illustrated by both its lyrics and instrumental tones. Lucia & The Best Boys leave listeners on the edge with their single’s quick conclusion. ‘Good Girls Do Bad Things’ is the ideal taste teaser for their upcoming EP eagerly expected in 2020.

Jillian Goyeau
@jillybxxn

Photo Credit: Tony Wooliscroft

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