LISTEN: Divide and Dissolve – ‘Denial’

An exhilarating, powerful soundscape that aims to erode the foundations of colonialism and liberate the land for black and indigenous communities, multidimensional duo Divide and Dissolve have shared their latest single ‘Denial’. Taken from their upcoming album Gas Lit, which is set for release on 29th January 2021 via Invada Records, the track is an eerie cacophony of thunderous riffs, ear-shattering percussion and uncanny saxophone notes that aim to eradicate white supremacy.

“Sometimes we don’t need to talk in order for others to understand what’s going on,” the duo explain about their intense instrumentals. “We are communicating with our ancestors through the music. Our ancestors help us to communicate with each other on a deeper level as well. This deep connection is able to be achieved without words.” Through their blend of visceral noise and captivating visuals, Divide and Dissolve – formed of Takiaya Reed (Black & Tsalagi [Cherokee]) and Sylvie Nehill (Māori) – dismantle the social frameworks that prevent black and indigenous communities from thriving in an equal society.

The accompanying video for ‘Denial’ was shot in Taupo, Aotearoa by indigenous director Amber Beaton. “I’m a huge fan of Divide and Dissolve and so happy to have made this video for them,” Beaton explains. “I understand and appreciate the message behind the music and I wanted to make sure the video held the same intentions no matter how subtle.”

“For instance, we start off with a shot of a Kōwhai tree. Native to Aotearoa, Kōwhai in bloom signifies to Māori that some seafood is ready for harvest, the roots can be used to make fishing hooks, the sap on the sunny side of the tree can be used to heal wounds… but the vibrancy of the yellow flower was also the first thing Captain Cook saw when he arrived on the shores of Aotearoa signalling the start of colonial violence on this whenua/land. The changing colours of its flower in the video represents our change as a country and as people since that fateful arrival.”

Dedicated to shining a light on social injustices both past and present, Divide and Dissolve continue to demand equality on thunderous new offering ‘Denial’, which serves as another reminder of the duo’s talent for creating abrasive yet graceful soundscapes.

Listen to the track below.

 

Follow Divide and Dissolve on bandcamp, Instagram, Spotify, Twitter & Facebook for more updates.

Photo Credit: Billy Eyers

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: CMAT – ‘I Wanna Be A Cowboy Baby’ (Acoustic Version)

A wonderfully stripped-back rendition of her recent single, Irish pop star CMAT has shared a beautiful acoustic version of ‘I Wanna Be a Cowboy, Baby!’. Delivered with the same charm and melancholy as the original, CMAT’s captivating vocals soar above Americana-inspired guitar as she laments about urban isolation and wanting to be free from patriarchal shackles.

“[The song is] based around a VINE that was really popular from a couple of years ago of a load of guys drinking cans outside in a playground saying “I wanna be a cowboy baby!,” CMAT explained to us when we spoke to her about the single in September (read the full interview here). Much like her previous singles ‘Another Day (kfc)’ and ‘Rodney’ – an ode to Rodney Dangerfield – CMAT has a talent for taking obscure scenarios and molding them into intensely relatable, catchy pop tunes.

“Always the cowboy, never the cow / I hate the way my life turned out” she confesses during the song, her candid lyrics softened by the gentle twang of her acoustic guitar. Like most women, CMAT just wants to exist with the confidence of a cowboy, unafraid to down a whiskey at the bar and stagger home safely. “Wanna go to my first rodeo, what’s that cracked up to be? / I wanna stop relying on men who are bigger than me” she sings, pining for the freedom that’s naturally afforded to men, but rarely extended to women.

Knowing that CMAT is challenging these “norms” while providing us with a stellar soundtrack at the same time is making our 2020 slightly more bearable. We’re hopeful that one day soon we’ll meet her at the bar, where we can respectfully tilt our cowboy hats in her direction after she’s finished singing this sweet tune.

Listen to the acoustic version of ‘I Wanna Be a Cowboy, Baby!’ below.

 

Follow CMAT on bandcamp, Instagram, Twitter, Spotify and Facebook for more updates.

Photo Credit: Sarah Doyle

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: CIEL – ‘All My Life’

A shimmering celebration of introversion, Brighton-based alt-pop trio CIEL have shared their latest single ‘All My Life’. Produced by Iggy B (John Grant, Spiritualized, Ghostpoet), the new track marks the band’s transition into poppier territory with its ambient guitars, dreamy synths and uplifting vocals.

“I have always been quite shy and a very introverted person,” explains CIEL’s frontwoman Michelle Hindricks. “Although I love parties and hanging out with other people, I need a lot of time for myself and to be able to do things at my own pace too. ‘All My Life’ is about finding your way into the world, which can be quite loud and fast-paced when you’re a more soft-spoken person and realising that you can make a difference in a more subtle way, and stand in your power that way.” Hindrik’s patient approach is epitomised in her tentative, clear vocal delivery.

Formed of Hindriks, Jorge Bela Jimenez (guitar, synthesiser, bass) and Tim Spencer (drums), CIEL came together after Hindriks relocated to Brighton from The Netherlands. After releasing their debut EP Movement earlier this year, the trio are now working on new material that showcases their softer side.

Listen to ‘All My Life’ below.

 

Follow CIEL on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Photo Credit: Julia Nala

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: About Bunny – ‘Special’

A fuzzy, racing guitar tune that smoulders with riotous attitude, London-based four piece About Bunny have shared their debut single ‘Special’. Self-released via Kartel music, the track is full of buzzing bass lines, grungy guitars and sardonic yet sweet vocals, inspired by the likes of Garbage and Blondie.

Formed of Jemma Mckenzie-Brown (vocals), Alex Malseed (bass), Karl Hopkins (guitar) and Luke Coare (drums), About Bunny met in London and bonded over a mutual love of Debbie Harry, dancing and pre-pandemic nights out. The group managed to play their first show earlier this year opening for VUKOVI at their Banquet Records gig, just before the Covid-19 pandemic put a stop to live music.

Undeterred by the current state of affairs, About Bunny have shared ‘Special’, providing listeners with all the beats and riffs they need to rock out in the safety of their own homes. It’s the first offering from the band’s upcoming EP which is set for release in 2021, and it’s an exciting glimpse into their punk-infused, intensely catchy sounds.

Listen to ‘Special’ below.

Follow About Bunny on Spotify, Twitter & Instagram for more updates.

About Bunny’s bassist Alex was also a guest on our Hoxton Radio show last year talking about her work with Girls Rock London. You can listen back to our chat with her here.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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