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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LISTEN: Arlo Parks – ‘Romantic Garbage’

Poet and producer Arlo Parks has shared her latest single ‘Romantic Garbage’, and it’s a lo-fi slow-burning gem inspired by the intensity of an old crush. The track is taken from her forthcoming debut EP Super Sad Generation, which is set for release on 5th April.

Speaking about the track, Arlo explains: “This is an old song I wrote and produced in my bedroom when I was 16… it’s about being both terrified of the vulnerability that comes with romantic love and so completely infatuated you start writing sappy, stupid poetry and want to be around them all the time”.

We’re big fans of Arlo’s affluent lyricism and understated beats and we can’t wait to hear her EP in full. Listen to ‘Romantic Garbage’ below and follow Arlo Parks on Facebook for more updates.

Photo Credit: Chris Almeida

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: New Haunts – ‘Escape’

Born from a desire to take back control of a lonely summer, Bristol based darkwave artist New Haunts‘ (aka Alice Sheridan) has shared her new single ‘Escape’. The song is a sci-fi synth encoded five minutes of yearning yet optimistic self-expression, and is one of two upcoming singles which will be included on her second LP, expected for release in Autumn 2019.

Speaking about the new track, Alice explains: “This song came into existence purely to facilitate my own escapism during a time when life felt very physically and mentally limiting. For various reasons I had to spend a lot of time cooped up on my own last summer, and I’m someone who gets cabin fever after a day so I was crawling up the walls. In order to preserve my own sanity I figured that I wouldn’t write something sombre or disconcerting for once – I wanted to write something dream-like and freeing; an escape-route away from everything. I hope it takes the listener there too.”

Produced by Kindest Cuts, New Haunts will be performing her music live at The Finsbury Pub in London on 29th March in support of Terminal Gods (RSVP here). Listen to ‘Escape’ below and follow New Haunts on Bandcamp and Facebook for more updates.

Photo Credit: Katie Murt Photography

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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