LISTEN: Lunar Sounds – ‘Reputation’

Inspired by the dark side of modern dating, Leeds-based riot grrrls Lunar Sounds have shared their debut single ‘Reputation’. Filled with thumping beats and defiant vocals, the track pushes back against the patriarchal pressures women face when it comes to their appearance and their behavior on dating apps.

Formed of Chesca Henderson-Cox, Anna Reed and Caris Shekell, Lunar Sounds began making music together in early 2018, and releasied their debut EP The Void in September of the same year. The band launched their new single with a hometown gig last week, supported by Sheffield synth-pop heroes DUCK, and Leeds’ scuzz-pop duo Bad Idea.

Produced by band member Anna Reed, and mixed Brighton based engineer Katie Tavini, ‘Reputation’ is a raw slice of riot grrrl attitude and a welcome antidote to the often toxic results of trying to form romantic connections in the digital age. Band member Chesca explains further: “The song questions how men view women, and how women often feel like they need to portray some ideal version of themselves to be found attractive”.

We’re glad to see this trio challenging these insecurities, and having fun in the process too. Listen to ‘Reputation’ below, and follow Lunar Sounds on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Foundlings – ‘I Love You All’

Having charmed our ears both with their live set at The Finsbury and previous single ‘Caught Up On You’, Brighton band Foundlings are back with a brand new offering.

A cover of the original, taken from the 2014 Lenny Abrahamson film Frank, ‘I Love You All’ . flows with jangly hooks and luscious vocals, oozing Foundlings’ trademark scuzzy, sunny energy. An uplifting slice of of fuzz-filled indie pop, building with the whirr of impressive riffs, showcasing all there is to love about Foundlings. Of the track, the band explain:

“We’re big fans of the film, and of Frank Sidebottom, who the film’s partly inspired by, so we wanted to pay homage and give it the Foundlings treatment.”

Watch the quirky, DIY, Frank-inspired video for ‘I Love You All’ here:

‘I Love You All’  is out 18th October via Last Night From Glasgow. 

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Track Of The Day: Arlo Parks – ‘Second Guessing’

Confessional, gentle, and refreshingly honest: Arlo Parks‘ latest single ‘Second Guessing’ will strike a chord with anxious hearts who are overwhelmed with the fear that they might not be good enough.

The 19 year old London poet, singer and producer is not one to shy away from the difficulties of life, and on ‘Second Guessing’ she combines her beautiful vocals with lo-fi beats to get her important message across. The track is taken from her second EP, details of which will be released later in the year.

Speaking about the track, Arlo Parks explains: “‘Second Guessing’ is an exploration of the existential misery that comes from a desire to be successful in a way that pleases everyone. However, it’s also a song about strength and the possibility of self fulfillment”.

We’re happy to let Arlo Parks’ smooth voice build us up again. Listen to ‘Second Guessing’ below and follow her on Facebook for more updates.

Arlo Parks Live Dates 2019
Oct 08 – Academy, Dublin, IE *
Oct 10 – The Mill, Birmingham, UK *
Oct 11 – Academy 2, Manchester, UK *
Oct 12 – Uni Stylus, Leeds, UK *
Oct 15 – Trinity, Bristol, UK *
Oct 16 – Concorde, Brighton, UK *
Oct 18 – Roundhouse, London, UK *
Oct 25 – Guardian Live presents: Arlo Parks
*Supporting Jordan Rakei

Photo Credit: Charlie Cummings

Kate Crudgington
@kcbobcut

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Track Of The Day: HAVVK – ’52’

Having completely mesmerised us on many occasions with their immersive live shows, and captivated our ears with a number of incredible, politically driven offerings, total faves HAVVK are back with a brand new single.

Oozing a stark, stirring emotion, ’52’ is about the extreme political dynamics in the run up to the Brexit vote in 2017. With the soaring, celestial splendour and gritty raw emotion of front woman Julie’s vocals, it’s filled with a glistening musicality juxtaposed with a frenzied, angst-driven climax alongside its all-too-relevant subject matter. Showcasing why we need voices like theirs now more than ever, with their unique euphonic activism and the deeply affecting plea “we’ve got to get over it…”, HAVVK offer a poignant soundscape with necessary meaning.

Of the track, Julie explains:

“… we lived in London at the time of the vote and I don’t think any of us will forget the day the result came out. It felt like the campaign was designed to leverage a divide between people. At times, it felt like every spokesperson for or against Brexit was willing to put a short-term win ahead of opening a genuine conversation about people’s safety and futures. It drove a chasm between people which only seems to getting wider, with a rise in racism and hate-crime, and the constant out-pour of hateful language in online media.”

A montage of footage showing Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and protests erupting in violence, watch the affecting new video for ’52’ now:

’52’ is out now via Veta Records, followed by HAVVK’s debut album, Cause & Effect, due for release on 22nd November.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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