LISTEN: Natalie and the Monarchy – ‘Envy the Villain’

A lavish reflection on the emotional toll a dual identity can take on your wellbeing, Liverpool-based American born artist Natalie and the Monarchy has shared her latest single ‘Envy the Villain’. Inspired by her own experiences as a professional dominatrix, the track is a “dark cabaret” of Natalie’s thoughts about her own struggles, with a riot grrrl, grunge-infused twist.

“The song’s title is referring to the self-destructive behaviour I experienced when taking on the role of ‘Mistress Veronica’ as a professional dominatrix,” Natalie explains. “It’s about wanting to be that confident and intimidating character 24/7 and the identity struggle that a lot of sex-workers have between the fantasy and the real world.” Marking her first release since her 2019 EP Pretty little Flower, ‘Envy the Villain’ is a playful dissection of the self, as well as a personal take on what it means to conceal, or reveal your true identity in a world that tries to “other” the experiences of women and of female sex workers.

The track is accompanied by a video, shot and edited by Jenn Cliff-Wilcocks and Richard Garland, which shows Natalie contrasting her “weaker, submissive” side against the devilish flair of Mistress Veronica, who is personified as a devil in latex leisurely eating cake.

Watch the video for ‘Envy The Villain’ below.

Follow Natalie and the Monarchy on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: Alex Loveless – ‘Through 2 U’

A slow-burning, lo-fi offering full of hazy beats and brooding vocals, Hackney-based DIY electronic artist Alex Loveless has shared their latest single ‘Through 2 U’. Taken from their recent EP Phone Keys Wallet, released via Loveless’ own label Dirty Mind (named after their own club night inspired by the Prince record) the track is an intoxicating combination of smouldering alt-pop hooks and melancholy-tinged lyrics.

As with all tracks on Loveless’ EP Phone Keys Wallet, ‘Through 2 U’ was written, produced, mixed, mastered and performed entirely by Loveless. Their talent for crafting atmospheric, trippy electronic gems shines through on this latest single, which takes its musical cues from a diverse mix of material. From the shadowy sounds of Deftones and James Blake, to the lilting duelling flutes of Richard Wagner’s opera Tristan und Isolde, Loveless has filtered these elements into their own heady, alternative soundscape.

Listen to ‘Through 2 U’ below.

 

Follow Alex Loveless on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter & Instagram for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Bait Bag – ‘The Pattern’

A lo-fi, woozy tune about star signs, destiny and finding joy in the unknown, Maine-based trio Bait Bag have shared their latest single ‘The Pattern’. Released on 26th March to coincide with the appearance of the Worm Moon – which is thought to mark the arrival of spring – the track is “a little wink and a nod” to those who find comfort in the power of the cosmos.

Formed in the summer of 2018 by North Haven Island-based pals Fiona Robins, Claire Donnelly and Courtney Naliboff, Bait Bag are inspired by the sounds of Sleater-Kinney, Blondie and Le Tigre. Driven by a collective desire to escape the constant flow of bad news, the band blend playful lyrics with raucous, dancing beats to create bright moments of catharsis, but on their new single ‘The Pattern’, they’ve taken a leap into psychedelic territory. 

“Whether you start your day with Chani Nichols, or can’t tell a Pisces from a pescatarian, this song provides a fun dance break and the opportunity to tell yourself, ‘I’m fine’ (even if you aren’t)” the band explain about the track. Full of wah-guitar, farfisa and soft layered vocals, ‘The Pattern’ is a buoyant trip through astrology and a charming distraction for those who would rather let these thoughts float over their head.

Listen to ‘The Pattern’ below.

 

Follow Bait Bag on bandcamp, Spotify, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Cryan – ‘Rodeo Queen’

A melancholy, stripped back love song from one cowgirl to another, Belfast-based sad country duo Cryan have shared their debut single ‘Rodeo Queen’. Released exclusively to bandcamp today, the heartfelt new offering is also accompanied by a cute cover version of Nancy Sinatra’s ‘Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)’.

Formed of Ryan Fitzsimmons and Ciara King (Problem Patterns, Big Daisy), Cryan describe themselves as “two pals who have married their love of Roy Orbison, 3 litre bottles of cider & lap steel” to make honest, country-tinged sounds. Blending soft, yearning vocals with their hazy, raw guitar sounds, the pair create playful, meditative tunes about love and loss, with debut single ‘Rodeo Queen’ epitomising their “sad country” ethos.

Described as “a simple country love song” from the perspective of a woman who has just walked into a bar, spotted a beautiful cowgirl and fallen in love with her at first sight, ‘Rodeo Queen’ is a sweet, tentative offering that plucks on the heartstrings and chimes with charming authenticity.

The first 20 people to download the track from bandcamp will also receive an exclusive Cryan sticker with their purchase.

Listen to ‘Rodeo Queen’ below.

 

Follow Cryan on bandcamp, Instagram & Twitter

Artwork: Isabella Koban

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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