WATCH: VOKXEN – ‘Crystal Eyes’

Inspired by the feminist writings of film critic Laura Mulvey on ‘The Male Gaze’, Northern Irish trio VOKXEN have shared visuals to accompany their latest single ‘Crystal Eyes’. Produced by Definitive Film (Netflix, Disney and Google) and with allusions to Jim Henson 80’s cult film The Dark Crystal – ‘Crystal Eyes’ is a captivating visual delight.

Premiered on Hot Press, ‘Crystal Eyes’ is a catchy blend of pop-hooks and strong vocals, underscored by bouncing synth beats. The video for the single tells “a tale of (false) perception, entrapment and breaking free of bonds that hold us back”. VOKXEN have had a busy year playing shows in Dublin and Berlin, and we’re sure we’ll be hearing more from the trio in 2019.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Hockeysmith – ‘Tears At My Age’

We’re pretty sure you’ll be able to identify with the sentiments expressed in the ambient new single from Hockeysmith, titled ‘Tears At My Age’. Taken from her upcoming EP of the same name (set for release Jan 25th via Ex-Local), the track is “one for the girls out there, and their tears for undeserving boys.”

Whilst she may have spent much time lamenting the actions of unworthy loves, Hockeysmith has reclaimed those hours through her shoe-gazey, lo-fi new release. She traveled frequently between Cornwall and Copenhagen whilst writing her new music over the last two years, with the aim of connecting the influences of two very different, yet exciting underground music communities.

The result is previous single ‘Holy War’, and now with ‘Tears At My Age’ she looks set to share a record’s worth of mesmerising, hazy electronics. Listen to the new track below, and follow Hockeysmith on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Panic Pocket – ‘Mr Big’

Having stolen our hearts playing live for us at The Five Bells last month, London duo Sophie Peacock and Natalie Healey – aka Panic Pocket – have now shared a totally infectious new single.

Inspired by too many formative Sex And The City marathons, ‘Mr Big’ is an uplifting ditty about desperately wanting your close friend to stop defining herself by her relationship status and focus instead on friendship. Flowing with a twinkling charm and the duo’s impeccable tongue-in-cheek wit, the track oozes honey-sweet harmonies alongside shimmering melodies and a gritty synth-driven energy. Strewn with memorable SATC quotes, highlighting the importance of friendship – “Don’t laugh at me but maybe we could be each other’s soulmates” – it’s another luscious (and super relatable!) slice of indie-pop from the duo, showcasing all there is to love about them.

Of the track, Natalie elaborates:

“Sophie and I probably spend too much time watching TV. But whatever your thoughts on SATC (and OK, it hasn’t dated well!), you can probably relate to having someone close to you who spends all their time distracted, wondering where they stand with a potential – and probably unworthy – partner. This song is our Miranda moment; getting real about how toxic the subject of your best friend’s obsession really is.”

Released as a pay-what-you-want Bandcamp release, alongside sparkling feminist festive number ‘Mrs Santa’, ‘Mr Big’ is out now.

 

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Carl Farrugia

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WATCH: Noise Noir – ‘I Don’t Need You’

Garage rockers Noise Noir have shared Jessica Jones style vigilante visuals to accompany their debut single ‘I Don’t Need You’. The footage – shot and directed by Sergio Angot – shows band members actively taking down those who think it’s okay to harass women in public or private places.

Speaking about the video, vocalist Kelly Chard explains: “I wanted the video for ‘I Don’t Need You’ to be a hyperbole of the feelings I felt when writing the song. Sexual harassment is very present in London, and I wanted to play a Jessica Jones type character in the video. So instead of feeling emotionally strong, I felt physically strong enough to fight off bad guys. Reaching equality is very close to our hearts, so I wanted to highlight sexual harassment and domestic abuse. The video is set in various locations in London throughout the day to show how harassment and violence can happen on the streets in broad daylight, behind closed doors, and in a public busy surrounding.”

Recorded by Margo Broom (Big Joanie, Yassassin), mixed by Greg Burns of Sit Down, and released through Kelly’s independent record label We Can Do It, ‘I Don’t Need You’ is a seething attempt to shout back and empower those who have felt vulnerable or victimised by street harassment. Together; Kelly, guitarist Anthony, bassist Elis & drummer Davide are here to set the record straight through vicious riffs and powerful vocals. Watch the video for ‘I Don’t Need You’ below and follow the band on Facebook for more updates.

Photo Credit: Jessie Morgan

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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