LISTEN: Susanna – ‘Ecstasy X’

A cinematic soundscape haunted by a bewitching vocal: Norwegian artist Susanna‘s latest single ‘Ecstasy X’ is an unusual, beguiling listen. Taken from her upcoming album Garden of Earthly Delights (set for release on 22nd Feb via SusannaSonata) the track features church bells on a cassette, accordion, and heavily processed voices that claim ecstasy is only achievable if we follow the goddess of darkness.

Inspired by the surreal in medieval Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch’s artwork, Susanna has created a selection of experimental songs on her new album with the help of a team of musicians called the Brotherhood of Our Lady. These artists have worked their magic on ‘Ecstasy X’, intoxicating listeners with their subtle and strange sounds and concepts

Susana’s new work is a thought-provoking, considered listen that ensnares the senses and questions the pain and pleasure of being human. Listen to ‘Ecstasy X below and follow Susanna on Facebook for more updates.

Pre-order Susanna’s upcoming album Garden of Earthly Delights here.

Photo credit: Signe Fuglesteg Luksengard

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

Track Of The Day: Hockeysmith – ‘Lonely Loving Me’

Hockeysmith has shared her latest single ‘Lonely Loving Me’ taken from her upcoming EP Tears At My Age (set for release on 25th Jan via Ex-Local) – and it’s a shimmering electro-pop gem.

Previously a duo, Falmouth-based Hockeysmith is now the solo project and musical alias of Annie Hockeysmith. Her new EP is an exploration of the emerging rave culture in Cornwall and an ode to her love of pop music. Speaking about the track, Annie explains: “I wrote this in a cabin in Cornwall one winter after listening to tuns and tuns of early Kylie Minogue. It explores the idea of loving and being loved as an ambitious person. It can be lonely loving yourself and lonely for someone else.”

During the writing and recording process for her upcoming EP Tears At My Age, Annie traveled frequently between Cornwall and Copenhagen connecting the influences of two very different, but exciting underground music communities. In contrast to the isolation and freedom of writing she experienced whilst recording in Cornwall, Copenhagen became a collaborative environment where she worked with friends and family of the Escho label (Iceage, Smerz). Escho founder Nis Bysted even helped Annie write and produce several tracks which will form part of an upcoming album.

With her shiny pop-infused sounds and her collaborative attitude, we’re sure Hockeysmith’s new single and EP are going to push all the right buttons. Listen to ‘Lonely Loving Me’ below and follow her on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

ALBUM: Tallies – ‘Tallies’

Blending elements of shoegaze, jangly guitars and indie pop, there’s much to be excited about with the release of Tallies’ eponymous debut album. They are a Toronto-based four-piece, fronted by Sarah Cogan, with lead guitarist Dylan Frankland, bassist Stephen Pitman, and drummer Cian O’Neill. One of the themes of Tallies is the universal impact of adulthood hitting you whether you’re ready or not. It’s the band’s soundtrack for adjustment throughout a year of change.

Opening track ‘Trouble’ is a song about naivety and being unable to foresee potential danger, especially as a woman. ‘Mother’ touches on the transition from being an adolescent -dependent on your parents – to a mature, independent adult (“leave your past tomorrow, don’t leave those skulls to dry”). There is a mixture of joy, nostalgia and sweet sadness, like memories of lost childhood and adolescence put to music, in tracks like ‘Mother’, and ‘Eden’. The music may be uplifting but the lyrics offer a dark undercurrent, put to exceptional guitar lines.

A more reflective mood features in the swirling textures of ‘Trains and Snow’ and the dreamily acoustic ‘Midnight’, whereas lead track ‘Beat the Heart’ explores the lack of empathy that exists, capturing our ears with the perfect production of smooth pop vocals, melodic hooks. Similarly, ‘Easy Enough’ reflects on changing relationships, whilst ‘Giving Up’ addresses global warming (“the embers they’re burning… cover me like a white sheet…giving up, no sign of change”).

Listen to this album as you gaze out at the January moon, the dreamy memories of salad days in your ears, and you will love this album as much as I do. If you’re old enough to have danced to the likes of The Smiths, Cocteau Twins and The Sundays, then you’re in for a trip down memory lane, as Tallies rework the best of their influences into their own fresh sound. If not, then welcome to the rediscovery of a sound that remains timeless (if the music doesn’t grow old, neither will the fans!). 

Tallies is out now via Fear Of Missing Out Records.

Fi Ni Aicead
@gotnomoniker

Photo Credit: Alex Gray

Get In Her EarsLeave a comment

Track Of The Day: Maria Kelly – ‘july’

Having played at festivals such as The Great Escape and Electric Picnic, as well as sharing stages with the likes of James Vincent McMorrow and Lisa Hannigan, Irish artist Maria Kelly released her latest EP notes to self at the end of last year.

Taken from the EP, new single ‘july’ looks inward, exploring the idea that we are ultimately in control of how we feel, and must take responsibility for what we choose to dwell on. Another truly beautiful offering from Kelly, it flows with her silky smooth, emotion strewn vocals and a delicate, spine-tingling musicality. Oozing a heartbreaking sense of vulnerability, it sparkles with a mystical grandeur, creating a simply mesmerising slice of alt-folk. 

Directed by Gareth Walsh, watch the new video for ‘july’ here:

notes to self is out now via Veta Records.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Get In Her EarsLeave a comment