Track Of The Day: Nikki & The Waves – ‘E.L.C’

As a cord-loving Northerner, I had high hopes for this song by the Manchester-based Nikki & the Waves. And woah, ‘E.L.C.’ (exceptionally lovely corduroy) delivers! From the catchy opening chords to sounds of the band dissolving into laughter towards the end, the joy just pours out of this lo-fi electro-pop gem. 

‘E.L.C.’ is supposedly a celebration of the ordinary; the ‘beige’ things in life that we can take for granted. But the infectious bassline, funk-tinged production and irresistible chorus that celebrates every indie kid’s favourite fabric give it an otherworldly quality that’s anything but mundane.  

Front-person Nikki’s sweeping vocal elevates the song further, making ‘E.L.C.’ a radio (and dancefloor!) friendly tune that’s as much a pop banger as an indie floor-filler. With shades of The Orielles, it sparkles wonderfully with heaps of potential. 

‘E.L.C.’ is taken from Nikki & The Waves’ new EP, songs to play tennis to, which is produced by Joel Patchett (The Orielles) and set for release this Friday 24th June. Also, we cannot wait for Nikki & The Waves to headline for us at The Victoria on 12th August (with support from BAXTR and Panic Pocket) – get your tickets here.

Vic Conway
@thepicsofvic

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Track Of The Day: Clara Tracey – ‘Baby Witch’

A hopeful musing on the fluctuating nature of falling in love and surrendering yourself to the feeling, Belfast-based artist Clara Tracey has shared her latest single ‘Baby Witch’. Taken from her debut album Black Forest, produced by Daniel Fox (Gilla Band) and set for release via Pizza Pizza Records in Autumn, the track is a woozy reflection on the tumultuous feelings that come with navigating the early moments of a new romance, led by Clara’s lilting keys and clear vocals.

Originally from Fermanagh but now spending her time between Paris and Belfast, Clara Tracey is inspired by the sultry heroes and heroines of French chanson and literature, from Gainsbourg and Birkin to Anais Nin and Colette. She was able to create and explore her sensual sounds during a recent residency programme in the French countryside, organised by Northern Irish art gallery Hambly & Hambly and the Centre Culturel Irlandais. Performing at local chateaus during her time there, Clara was invited back to play in a neighbouring chateau by the local mayor, which coincided with the release of ‘Baby Witch’.

“I wrote this song soon after I moved back to Dublin from Paris,” Clara explains about the track. “I was living in a shabbier than chic flat above a shop called Bohemia and we thought it was paradise. In the middle of all there was this new love story. ‘Baby Witch’ is about trying to just let yourself love someone even when it feels like your hands or mind might be tied.”

Listen to ‘Baby Witch’ below.

 

Follow Clara Tracey on Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Slagheap – ‘Destination Boyfriend’

Following the vibrant energy of last year’s single ‘Caffeine’, having supporting the likes of Billy Nomates, Wet Leg and GIHE faves Big Joanie, and with acclaim from Radio X’s John Kennedy and BBC 6Music’s Steve Lamacq, Bristol ‘do-it-for-yourself’ band Slagheap have now announced the release of their new EP, due out in August.

Taken from the EP, new single ‘Destination Boyfriend‘ is a joyously discordant yet euphoric celebration of femininity and feeling comfortable in your own skin, regardless of how far from the ‘norm’ you may stray. Reflecting on the different paths that bisexuality may take you on, it races with a scrappy, jangly energy as clashing beats sizzle alongside swirling, scuzzy hooks.

Creating a frenzied, shimmering cacophony, ‘Destination Boyfriend’ oozes a stark post-punk fuzz with the added quirky, playful spirit and tongue-in-cheek wit we’ve come to know and love from Slagheap. Of the track, the band have commented:

“From our first Barbie Jeep, the GPS was programmed for heteronormativity. As we journeyed through puberty our eyes began to wander from the set path. The pre-planned girls trip is appealing… But so is the sweet fruit on the lay-by.”

Set to be a queer girl summer anthem, ‘Destination Boyfriend’ is accompanied by a nostalgia-tinged, and typically fun-filled, new video. Produced by Bristol’s Clump Collective, and featuring some of the band’s own artwork, you can watch the wonderfully wacky visual here:

Appetites, the upcoming new EP from Slagheap, is set for release on 5th August. And we’re super excited to have Slagheap headlining for us at The Victoria in Dalston this coming Friday 24th June – it promises to be a super fun evening, with support from Nervous Twitch and The Famous Daxx. Get your tickets here!

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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WATCH: Wyldest – ‘Abilene’

Wyldest, aka Zoe Mead, is a London-based singer-songwriter and producer. Having just announced the release of her new album, Feed The Flowers Nightmares, she has now also shared her disco-tinged second single, ‘Abilene‘. Following the release of her last album, 2021’s Monthly Friend, Zoe was burnt out creatively. She began collaborating with Luciano Rossi (Idlewild, Dama Scout), activating a new energy, and they went on to create what they jokingly call their “doom pop” record; the resulting songs are meticulously constructed, featuring variations on Wyldest’s ambient/dream-pop sound.

Playful and infectious, ‘Abilene’ is a song made to be performed to flashing disco lights. Hidden beneath the glow, is the tale of a sorrowful farewell to a close friend. Starting off with slow, dreamy vocals, and an electronic beat, it then blossoms into swirls of guitar, bringing us into the poignant emotional soundscape of the song (“Lessons you taught me, I’ll think of you Abilene”). 

This stirring latest offering from Wyldest brings out a more introspective side underneath the shimmering surface, blending happy and wistful memories into pure pop bliss. It’s a perfect indication of the different paths her upcoming album will take us on, whilst exploring the themes of regeneration and growth.

‘Abilene’ is accompanied by a heartfelt new video, featuring Get In Her Ears contributor Tutku Barbaros. Watch it below:

Feed The Flowers Nightmares, the upcoming new album from Wyldest, is set for release on 9th September via Hand In Hive.

Fi Ni Aicead
@gotnomoniker

Photo Credit: Eva Bowen

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