NEW TRACK: Montauk Hotel – ‘Dive’ (Come Afloat)

A bittersweet reflection on the conflicting feelings that come with returning to your hometown, Dublin-based trio Montauk Hotel have shared their latest single ‘Dive (Come Afloat)’. Marking the indie-pop band’s first release since 2019, the new track is laced with shimmering guitar sounds and soft vocal harmonies, which soften the feelings of discontent and disappointment that are explored in the lyrics.

“‘Dive (Come Afloat)’ reflects on the uncertain border that separates present from future, hesitation from release, uneasiness from comfort and deceit from honesty,” the band comment about their new single. “The song discusses friendship, insecurity and feelings of homecoming in a motionless town.” Montauk Hotel capture this feeling of sinking and re-surfacing through their use of crystalline 80s inspired guitar lines, gentle beats and buoyant, lullaby-esque vocals.

Montauk Hotel released their self-titled EP in March 2017, and their 2019 singles ‘Stains’ and ‘White Billboards’ were playlisted on Spotify New Music Friday, as well as receiving support from Nialler9, RTE, 2fm, The Thin Air, The Last Mixed Tape and BBC Radio. Now, with more new music on the horizon, the band are looking forward to returning to the live scene again, after previously headlining shows at Whelans, The Workman’s Club, The Sound House, Bello Bar and Roisin Dubh.

The band have also previously supported international acts such as Goat Girl, PINS and Beauty Sleep, and have appeared at festivals such as Electric Picnic, Other Voices, Groove Festival, Sea Sessions, Vantastival and Sunflower Festival.

Listen to their latest single ‘Dive (Come Afloat)’ below.

Follow Montauk Hotel on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: The Dead Zoo – ‘In The End’

A shimmering synth-pop tune that celebrates the importance of emotional resilience in the face of adversity, London-based group The Dead Zoo have shared their second single ‘In The End’. Following on from their J-Pop cover ‘Mother‘ in 2020, the band continue to blend pop sensibilities into their usually heavier post punk/shoegaze offerings, this time reflecting the optimism and strength that underscores their latest effort.

“During the second lockdown, I was listening to a lot of 80s stuff–Giorgio Moroder, Donna Summer, Madonna, Japan, New Order,” songwriter and vocalist Kaoru explains. “That poured into the conception of sound and melody for the song. The lyric is founded on my gender transition experience. The sense of keeping faith in an envisioned future and using that goal to overcome difficulties and stay on course; though I think it carries a more universal message of hope and optimism that I think we all need right now in these unusual times.”

Full of lush synths and snappy beats, ‘In The End’ is an uplifting ode to coping through testing circumstances. The track has also been remixed by Brighton’s CLT DRP and fellow London band The Sly Persuaders, something band member Somrata takes great pride in. “We were completely blown away by the creativity and variety of the remixes as they came in. It’s great to have so many liberating perspectives on a piece that was conceived and mostly recorded and mixed during the very difficult winter lockdown. We can’t wait to share it with the world and to perform it live for the first time.”

Listen to ‘In The End’ below.

Follow The Dead Zoo on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Photo Credit: K Hearne

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: Jackie Lynn – ‘Casino Queen’

Grab your silver cowboy boots, put on your sequin dress, and prepare to strut your stuff to ‘Casino Queen’, the latest single from Jackie Lynn. Taken from the band’s sophomore album Jacqueline, (set for release on 10th April via Drag City), the song is a driving, disco-infused offering from the mysterious American group.

Jackie Lynn is the fictional alter ego of songwriter Haley Fohr, who is also known for her work with indie folk project Circuit des Yeux. Along with band members Cooper Crain, Rob Frye and Dan Quinlivan, Fohr has returned to continue Jackie’s ongoing narrative on her new album.

‘Casino Queen’ is a pulsing, 80s tinged electro-tune that brims with confidence and attitude. “Girl you’re on a roll / the whole room wants to know / how they didn’t notice you” sings Fohr, over hypnotic beats and buzzing synths. The song is also accompanied by a video directed by both Fohr and Krzys Piotrowski.

Fohr kindly elaborates on the track’s visuals: “‘Casino Queen’ showcases a night in the life of Jacqueline. The song and video follow the letting go of an individual’s underdog mentality, realigning it with the winner’s place. What does it take to refocus one’s internal mirror and become a ‘Casino Queen’? All in due time shall we each define ourselves prosperous by way of intuition, self belief, nearby shoulders, a bit of luck, and maybe a wig.”

Watch the video for ‘Casion Queen’ below, and follow Jackie Lynn on Facebook and Spotify for more updates.

Photo credit: Evan Jenkins

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: Kraków Loves Adana – ‘Follow The Voice’

Sharp percussion, hazy guitar sounds and longing vocals mesh together in moody style on ‘Follow The Voice’, the latest single from Hamburg-based duo Kraków Loves Adana. Formed of Deniz Çiçek and her partner Robert Heitmann, the pair have recently signed to iconic label Italians Do It Better (Chromatics, Desire, Glass Candy).

With a sound that would sit comfortably on the soundtrack for Drive, ‘Follow The Voice’ brims with hypnotizing synth textures and melancholic lyrics. The track is accompanied by a self-directed video which the duo filmed in Hamburg. The visuals show Deniz falling under the spell of her own voice, draped in colourful veils and flashing lights.

Kraków Loves Adana formed in 2006 after eyeing each other for months at the same nightclubs in Germany. Now, with the production skills of Johnny Jewel, the duo are set to share their debut album in early 2020, as well as supporting Chromatics & Desire on stage for the European leg of their “Double Exposure” world tour.

Listen to ‘Follow The Voice’ below and follow Kraków Loves Adana on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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