Promoting and Supporting Women in Music
The third in our ‘Comic Reviews’ feature – where illustrator Sally-Anne responds to a new track with her wonderfully unique drawings – we checked out the scuzzy new single from Scottish band The Van T‘s.
‘Control’ is out now via Big Indie Records. Have a listen below:
Sally-Anne Hickman
@sallyshinystars
Manchester band Mealtime have shared their debut single ‘Denim’ and it’s a sultry synth-pop gem. Released via Someone Great Records/PIAS, the six-piece have a refreshingly melodic approach to songwriting, culminating in an upbeat and well produced new track.
‘Denim’ is about the relationship between distorted body image and modern beauty standards, but this heavy context is hidden behind buoyant riffs, catchy beats and smooth vocals. Speaking about the track, the band explain: “’Denim’ is a polite introduction to the six of us, and it’s only going to get weirder. With our sound, we’re interested in making something that’s equally as melodic and sweet as it is chaotic, abrasive and challenging.”
Following their sold out debut headline show at Manchester’s YES in March, the band played a free single release live show on 3rd May at Manchester’s Fairfield Social Club alongside Dream Wife and The Ninth Wave. Keep your eyes peeled for more of Mealtime’s live dates, and listen to ‘Denim’ below.
Follow Mealtime on Facebook for more updates.
Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut
Having previously wowed us live at The Finsbury, and with a special acoustic set on our radio show last year, The Motion – a musical project curated by songwriter, engineer and producer Penny Churchill – draws on raw and emotionally-driven lyrics to reflect on their own personal experiences. New single ‘Sleep Talk’ is a slow indie record, using synthetic instrumentals behind soft vocals to add an air of vulnerability that couples with the lyrics perfectly.
Themes of isolation, insomnia and emotional instability expose Churchill’s own raw emotions, which makes it easy for the audience to connect with what they’re saying. The light/dark of the verses and brighter choruses reflect the real-life contrast between happiness and sadness, which are effectively fused together in ‘Sleep Talk’, creating a truly immersive offering.
Of the track, The Motion explains:
“The track captures the mood of being stuck in a cyclical rut of routine. The verses are slow and sonically dark, whereas the chorus is directly contrasting with a warm, surreal feeling. This makes me feel as though, for a moment, I am elsewhere, somewhere with a more free and organic atmosphere in momentary bliss.”
‘Sleep Talk’ is out now, listen on Soundcloud. And you can catch The Motion live on 5th June at The Underbelly in Hoxton Square, London.
Bekky Smart
@bekkymays
“When the rest of my life felt out of control, I felt like this was my chance to be in control of everything” explains Julia Shapiro about her upcoming debut solo album Perfect Version, which is set for release on June 14th via Hardly Art. Having taken a step back from life as Chastity Belt’s vocalist & guitarist after a difficult year, Shapiro has returned with the second single from her new record titled ‘A Couple Highs’; and it’s a breezy, soothing drop of aural medicine.
The track is accompanied by a set of visuals directed by Claire Buss, and is a subtle homage to Kelly Reichardt’s 2008 film Wendy and Lucy, showing Shapiro and her canine doppelganger explore the quiet beauty of suburban Seattle. Shimmering guitars and Shapiro’s gentle voice make the track a real tonic for the ears, and the knowledge that Shapiro played all the instruments herself makes for extra listening satisfaction.
Over the course of a tumultuous year of trying to find stability amidst depression and surgery, Shapiro ultimately rediscovered the parts of music that she loved through the process, and it shines through on her latest single. Watch the video for ‘A Couple Highs’ below and follow Julia on Twitter for more updates.
Pre-order your copy of Julia Shapiro’s Perfect Vision here.
Photo Credit: Eleanor Petry
Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut
