Track Of The Day: Chromatics – ‘Time Rider’

Chromatics are a band with a lot of history and, as such, their music has gone through a series of incarnations, ranging from noisy and chaotic sonic experimentations in 2001 to the slick, hypnotic electro-chill-dreamscape we have here.

‘Time Rider’ starts with the click-y minimalism of electro drums before slowly building towards full blown electro-pop, accompanied by beguiling vocals. It is a grower in that it might, on the first listen, appear to be a slight piece of work, but listen again and the track’s sonic complexities and cleverness become more apparent. A slightly mystical seeming slice of dreamy Utopian post disco, its lyrics make use of a motorcycle metaphor as an “Inter dimensional bridge between the future and the past”.

With all this in mind, it comes as no surprise that Chromatics have featured in the most recent incarnation of Twin Peaks. Their music is similarly unsettling, slightly eerie and beautifully subtle.

‘Time Rider’ is out now, and Chromatics are about to embark on a North American tour.

Cazz Blase
@CazzBlase

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Track Of The Day: Tacocat – ‘Hologram’

A joyful poke at the dynamics of power; Seattle pop-punks Tacocat have shared their latest singe ‘Hologram’. The track is taken from the band’s upcoming album This Mess Is a Place, set to be released on 3rd May via Sub Pop.

We’ve been waiting for new Tacocat material since 2016 (when the band released their second record, Lost Time) and if their new single is anything to go by; This Mess Is a Place is set to be another buoyant, reassuring listen for these misguided and politically turbulent times.

“Just remember if you can, power is a hologram ” sings Emily Nokes during the chorus for ‘Hologram’, which dismantles the translucent nature of power via pop hooks and catchy lyricism. Tacocat excel at taking difficult political concepts and dismantling them in to bubble-gum sized chewable pieces.

Speaking about the new record, Emily explains: “We can examine some hard stuff, make fun of some evil stuff, feel some soft feelings, feel some rage feelings, feel some bitter-ass feelings, sift through memories, feel wavy-existential, and still go get a banana daiquiri at the end.”

You heard her – grab yourself a banana daiquiri and Listen to ‘Hologram’ below. Follow Tacocat on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: Varley – ‘Phantom Studies’

An understated, captivating listen: Berlin-based trio Varley have shared their new single ‘Phantom Studies’ released via Seahorse Music. It’s an introspective, atmospheric alt-folk gem that explores the breakdown of communication in a relationship.

Formed of vocalist Claire-Ann Varley and multi-instrumentalists Matthias Heising and Joschka Bender, Varley won us over with their stripped back live set at our at Notting Hill Arts Club gig last year. On their new single, the trio continue to give us goosebumps by delivering pitch perfect vocals over a hypnotic, dreamy soundscape.

Speaking about ‘Phantom Studies’, Claire-Ann explains: “Was it real? Did it actually exist and if so, did it exist in the way it appeared to me? ‘Phantom studies’ looks at the dynamic between two people who, although have the same daily routine, see things in a completely different way. It shows how memories can be warped and changed over time and how one person’s reality is not the same as another’s. It shows the breakdown in a relationship and communication and how sometimes even when we communicate our feelings they are not taken seriously”

If you’re a fan of Bon Iver, London Grammar or Daughter; then Varley’s music is definitely worth investing in. Listen to ‘Phantom Studies’ below and follow Varley on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Blóm – ‘Toxic Dependency’

Comprised of former members of Tough Tits and Yume Hayashi, Newcastle Upon Tyne’s Blóm fuse together genres to create their unique DIY Queer Feminist anthems. And, having recently released a split EP with Leeds band Thank, they’ve shared an emotionally charged, rip-roaring track from the EP with us.

A raging cacophony reflecting on toxic relationships, ‘Toxic Dependency’ blasts out a furious, seething energy and angst-driven power, as the genuine fiery passion of the band bursts out of every screamed note. Of the track, the band explain:

“Part of the lyrics are about toxic relationships and being co dependent on people who are damaging. When you are trapped in these relationships you feel like you are submerged and it is hard to find people to support you to leave…  Other lyrics are pulled straight from passing comments toxic people have said to me, and regularly say to people presenting as female. The tone and delivery of these comments can shift the sincerity, knock your confidence and breed insecurities.”

 

Listen to Blóm’s split EP with Thank on Bandcamp now. And catch them live supporting Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs on the following dates:

5th April – The Haunt, Brighton
6th April – Esquires, Bedford

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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