Track Of The Day: Beauty Sleep – ‘I Love It Here I Hate It’

In an infectious, fantastic overhaul of alt-pop, Belfast duo Cheylene and Ryan – aka Beauty Sleep – capture our undivided attention with their most recent single ‘I Love It Here I Hate It‘. Fresh off of their SXSW debut, the excitable nature of Beauty Sleep is infectious throughout the track in such an earnest way. 

The band’s shimmering pop disposition paired with irresistible melodic grooves make for a sonic setting that immediately pulls us in, and never lets go. Delving into a discussion of duality, Beauty Sleep drench their art-pop nature with a fresh palette of enchanting string instrumentation that makes ‘I Love It Here I Hate It’ its own universe. Draped alongside deep synth beds, twinkling guitar leads and danceable bass lines, Beauty Sleep facilitates an energising mix oozing a rich orchestral splendour.

Personal voice samples layered into the track furthers the vastness of Beauty Sleep’s vision, creating an intimate touch on a song that otherwise feels universal. The humanity of duality throughout ‘I Love It Here I Hate It’ seeps from every note. As the illustrious, soaring vocals explain “I used to be the one who wanted to get out… Now I’m grown I just wanna be home”, we feel the band’s vulnerability become cathartic. What first feels like a guilty confession, the phrase “I Love It Here I Hate It” gains validation, and then ultimately celebration by the track’s end. 

Beauty Sleep have meticulously captured a journey of reflection, realisation and acceptance in ‘I Love It Here I Hate It’. Of the track, they explain:

“We are all so in-between, all our identities are uncertain. And I think that makes us so powerful and we should celebrate it, rather than letting it ruin our self-esteem. It’s about trying to claim our own identities and inspire others to do the same. There is power in that. There Is power in owning who you are, and connecting with others through your complicated identity.”

Jillian Goyeau
@jillybxxn

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Track Of The Day: CIEL – ‘Fine Everything’

A brooding rumination on the nature of indecision and how sometimes it’s easier to bury your head in the sand, Brighton trio CIEL have shared their latest single ‘Fine Everything’. Taken from their upcoming EP which is set to be released later this year, the track is a mix of buzzing shoegaze-style riffs and mesmeric vocals that still retains the melodic sheen of the band’s former releases.

Formed of Michelle Hindriks (vocals, bass), Jorge Bela Jimenez (guitar) and Tim Spencer (drums), CIEL have cut their teeth playing gigs on the live circuit across the UK, supporting the likes of English Teacher, Opus Kink, Penelope Isles, Sasami and Malady. Having recently been longlisted for Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent Competition, the trio are pushing forward with a “grittier” sound, with new single ‘Fine Everything’ being the first venture into this territory.

“It’s about coming of age and not really knowing how to navigate life,” Hindriks explains about the single. “The doubts and difficulties that involve making life-changing decisions, yet maybe not being ready growing up, when all your friends are. I was thinking of how so many people lost touch with their inner gut feeling and instincts, and how all the possibilities in life can feel so overwhelming sometimes. It’s almost kind of easier to stay oblivious to it, instead of digging deep into your mind”.

The track is accompanied by a video shot by Jay Bartlett, which shows the band persevere with playing their instruments despite the afflictions they encounter, reflecting Hindriks words about ignoring your instincts in order to appear fine.

Watch the video for ‘Fine Everything’ below.

Follow CIEL on Spotify, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook

Photo Credit: Percy Walker-Smart

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: Harkin – ‘Body Clock’

A tender, intuitive offering that reflects on the idea of re-setting your boundaries during a time of great uncertainty, UK based multi-instrumentalist Harkin has shared her latest single ‘Body Clock’. Taken from her second album Honeymoon Suite, which is set for release on 17th June via her own label Hand Mirror, the track marks a shift in musical direction for the artist, caused mainly by the unexpected limitations of the Covid-19 lockdowns during 2020.

Recorded in the one bedroom flat that she shares with her wife above a pub, Harkin’s new album covers the spectrum of “love, grief, anxiety, resilience, danger, heartbreak and hope.” Creating her sounds in the same room where she existed on a day-to-day basis, where she held her virtual wedding reception and where she attended a funeral over zoom, her record feels like a deeply personal time capsule, but it’s one that listeners can open and share too. ‘Body Clock’ is the first of many singles that will resonate with those who had a similar experience during an unsettling and repetitive time.

Accompanied by a charming animated video created by Pastel Castle, ‘Body Clock’ is full of atmospheric electronics, soft vocals and glitchy beats. “I was a big fan of Pastel Castle’s work and felt like this song would be a perfect fit,” Harkin comments about the video. “I wrote and recorded it during lockdown in a flat with no outdoor space. My brother loaned me a Nintendo Switch and I found solace in games with large maps to explore. Songwriting and gameplay can both have the power to transport and the video Pastel Castle has created takes me on a beautiful and perilous quest.”

Watch the video for ‘Body Clock’ below.

Follow Harkin on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Photo Credit: Kate Hewett

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Breakup Haircut – ‘Out Of My Way (I’m Not Getting On The Nightbus)’

Having wowed us live with their scuzzy, joyous punk-pop at our January gig at The Victoria, First Timers Fest alumni Breakup Haircut have now announced the release of their debut album, which we could not be more excited about!

Taken from the album, latest single ‘Get Out Of My Way (I’m Not Getting On The Nightbus)‘ offers an ode to those of us who may not be too fond of big social gatherings. Flowing with a jangly, uplifting energy, it oozes a snarly wit as the band’s colourful charisma shines through. Another example showcasing Breakup Haircut’s ability to combine a radiant sparkling charm with a striking relatable poignancy. Of the track, Ishani from the band explains:

“I bill this as a song about hating parties, but I don’t actually hate parties. I just hate that I have to deal with the dichotomy of FOMO or being out past midnight and having to spend four hours or £60 (or both) getting home. I have held the belief for a while now that the best amount of people is four or less, so this song is in the spirit of that.”

Watch the quirky new video for ‘Out Of My Way (I’m Not Getting On The Nightbus)’ here:


Punk Dancing for Self Defence, the debut album from Breakup Haircut, is out on 15th July via Reckless Yes.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Akil Kanukuntla

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