Track Of The Day: Aiko – ‘Restless’ (ft. Boy Jr.)

Having previously received acclaim from the likes of Elle and Harper’s Bazaar, in an electrifying unravelling, Moscow born/Czech raised and London based Aiko brings honesty, energy and spunk in her latest single. Casted by the shadow of art-pop and electro-driven indie vibes, ‘Restless‘ serves as a track that is suited for both the dance-floor and a night-time solo drive.

With a dark, yet lively, disposition, the unique soundscape Aiko fosters is filled with motivation. ‘Restless’ spins its own wheels to the point of instability and – although things may get unbearable – the spirit of the track accepts this phenomenon with resilience: “I’m scared to bits, but won’t call it quits.”

The gentle vocals that float throughout the verses of ‘Restless’ are reminiscent of Canadian alt-poppers Dizzy while the track’s banging chorus calls on the spiritual fire of acts like MUNA and Maggie Rogers.

Pulsing electronic drums draped in cinematic synths and curious samples make for a sonically dense mix that creates its own breath. Each verse of ‘Restless’ feels like a reflection, while each chorus explodes in revelation. Aiko has created an emotional push and pull both lyrically and musically that is relatable and invigorating.

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

jilliangoyeauLeave a comment

Track Of The Day: Deux Furiueses – ‘Know The Score’

Violence against women is a topic you wouldn’t typically expect to lend itself to upbeat, catchy rock songs. But duo, vocalist and guitarist Ros Cairney and drummer Vas Antoniadou – aka Deux Furieuses – have done just that with their new track, ‘Know The Score‘.

The song kicks off with strumming guitars throwing out bouncy riffs over upbeat drum lines; promising the kind of classic rock melodies that take root in your head and don’t leave. The lyrics challenge the patriarchy head on from the first couple of lines, quickly referencing a “Another vigil on the streets of our cities tonight” – this alone evokes a painfully recent tragedy that immediately leaves you with no doubt about the seriousness and importance of the subject.

Referencing familiar experiences – keys in a fist, an easily accessible personal alarm, the need for both on a late night walk home – in a way that focuses on how terrifying it is that these things are so normal, these poignant words are platformed by the howling guitars and throbbing drums ramping up to a solo that screams with all the rage and sadness inherent in confronting these elements of society. The universality of it is boiled down into two simple, repeated lines: “Every girl grows into a / woman who knows the score”. The bluntness of it is heartbreaking; causing you to reflect on all the children whose innocence will be cut short by the selfishness of those granted power by the patriarchy.

The song fades to a close with the repeated line “say her name, say her name”. Deux Furieuses don’t have to say whose name for one to come to mind – whether it’s one that was recently in the news, or one from long ago that has stayed with you -, the fact that there are so many lends this refrain its power. The thought that listening to this song again in a year’s time will evoke an entirely new, as yet currently unknown, name is more powerful still. It has a terrifying timelessness to it.

Ultimately, ‘Know The Score’ forces you to confront the darkness that women face and powerfully acknowledges the need for change. It demands not only to be listened to, but for action to follow. Of the track, Deux Furieuses explain:

“We wrote this song about the shadow pandemic of violence against women. The song is a pounding strut of confidence on a big stage. It is bravado on a deserted street as we reach for our personal alarm… This is a song in solidarity with women who all know the score.”

Songs From Planet Earth, the upcoming new album from Deux Furieuses, is due for release on 11th November via Xtra Mile Recordings. Pre-save here.

Kirstie Summers
@actuallykurt

Kirstie SummersLeave a comment

ALBUM: Real Big Sky – ‘Real Big Sky’

Blending together reverb drenched riffs, enigmatic vocals and shiver-inducing cymbal smashes to create their blissful melodic noise, Real Big Sky’s self-titled debut album is an immersive, swirling collection of heavy guitar tunes that brood with quiet intensity.

Beginning as a form of distraction during the Covid-19 lockdowns for multi-instrumentalist Sara Kleppe (You Break, You Buy, Gold Baby), Real Big Sky was initially a solo project which she worked on in her bedroom in Hackney. Kleppe relocated back to her native Sweden in 2021, but with the help of friend and long-term collaborator Luca Romano – who also played drums and was on recording, mixing and production duties for the record – she has developed Real Big Sky’s sound to its fullest and most fluid yet.

“Changing dynamics throughout a song is something I try to give a lot of attention to, as well as trying to break free from the standard song structure,” Kleppe explains about the process of writing the songs for the album. It’s clear from the searching, yearning nature of opener ‘The Same Thing’ that she has a natural instinct for shifts in volume and mood, and this skill permeates Real Big Sky’s album.

Preferring not to be too prescriptive about her lyrics, Kleppe’s elusive vocals float gently over her expansive riffs, her ambiguous words adding to the record’s overall enigmatic quality. She transcends feelings of isolation that underscore tracks like ‘Long Lost’ and ‘Another Day’ in different ways; the first soothes like a heavy lullaby whilst the latter swells with anticipation.

She perceives introspection in a similar vein too. Whilst ‘Jess’ feels like a darker, moodier offering, gentler tracks like ‘Where Is Your Mind?’ ache with sincerity, the rich guitar sounds complimenting Kleppe’s understated pining for answers. A magnetic undercurrent flows through the shimmering tones of ‘Lightness’, the fullness of ‘The Deepest Currents’ and the urgent, epic concluding track ‘The End’, which clocks in at just under 7 minutes. It encapsulates all that Real Big Sky have to offer, equally as impressive in its quiet moments as it is in its intense, murky outro.

Kleppe was hesitant to release her predominantly solo work as Real Big Sky into the world, but this hesitancy is definitely misplaced. Together with Luca Romano, she has crafted a captivating record that raptures the senses, and much like the time period it was created in, is a blissful distraction from life’s more overwhelming moments.

Listen to Real Big Sky’s debut album here.

Follow Real Big Sky on bandcamp, Spotify, Facebook & Instagram

Photo Credit: Johanna Kleppe

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

Track Of The Day: Mannequin Death Squad – ‘Super Mental Psycho’

Having previously wowed us with immense offerings such as ‘Blue‘ and ‘Sick’, GIHE faves (and past guests on our radio show) Aussie duo Elly and Dan – aka Mannequin Death Squad – have now shared a riotous new single to coincide with their Summer UK tour (we can’t wait for them to play for us next week!).

Propelled by a gritty, angst-fuelled drive as fierce swirling riffs and relentless thrashing beats rage with intensity, ‘Super Mental Psycho‘ reflects on feelings of instability and fluctuating emotions. Blasting into the ears with a raw, frenzied energy, it’s a perfectly ferocious blast of infectious grunge-tinged rock with shades of legends such as The Distillers or Hole, showcasing the unique colossal power of our favourite Aussie duo.

Watch the new video for ‘Super Mental Psycho’ here:

You DO NOT WANT TO MISS seeing Mannequin Death Squad live next Saturday 20th August at The Cavendish Arms, with support from Maya Lakhani and Dogviolet – get your tickets now! And, if you’re not in London, they’re playing a number of other UK dates – details here.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

mariangelicalaneLeave a comment