Track Of The Day: Orla Gartland – ‘More Like You’

A poetic alt-folk tune that tries to overcome feelings of inadequacy, Irish songwriter Orla Gartland has shared her latest single ‘More Like You’. Taken from her debut album which is set for release later this year, the track is a charming rumination on how “feeling second best” can affect the way you view yourself and others around you.

“I know that I’ve been obsessing in the worst way,” Gartland sings over soft beats and playful keys, gently examining her own vulnerabilities and anxieties about being replaced by another. “‘More Like You’ is about a jealousy I felt for my best friend’s other best friend; someone I simultaneously disliked and wanted to be,” she admits, but through careful introspection Gartland has now made peace with her initial feelings of discomfort. This journey is reflected in the choreography in the accompanying video for the track, directed by Greta Isaac.

“We brought Elan Isaac on board to choreograph the piece and she absolutely smashed it,” Gartland explains. “I had never danced before and she managed to put together a piece that felt so thoroughly me. The movement in the video mirrors my journey of finally making my peace with the other person. We shot the video with a small crew of 5 in a village hall in South Wales near where Greta & Elan grew up. It was lashing rain that day, but with a bit of movie magic we managed to pull off a fake sun.”

Watch the video for ‘More Like You’ below.

Follow Orla Gartland on Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Photo Credit: Henry James

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: Ailsa Tully – ‘Parasite’

A personal rumination on the pernicious power dynamics that are prevalent within the UK music industry, Welsh-born songwriter Ailsa Tully has shared her latest single ‘Parasite’. Released via Dalliance Recordings, the track is a deceptively powerful observation on the toxic behaviour Tully has experienced first hand, and a subtle warning to those who think their actions will go un-noticed.

“’Parasite’ is a confrontational song written for a controlling and manipulative person,” Tully explains. “It explores the insidious manner in which sexism takes form, particularly within the inner workings of the music industry.” Through a blend of brooding guitar sounds, enveloping vocals and the faux allure of her lyrics, Tully takes considered shots at her antagonist, effortlessly dismantling the layers of expectation that were pushed upon her because of her gender. Her gracefully repeated threat of “I could break you down / you parasite” sends shivers down the spine.

No longer intimidated by these industry peers, Tully is free to deliver her poetic alt-folk sounds with a hard earned confidence, and ‘Parasite’ is a poignant example of this. The track is accompanied by a video directed by Finlay O’Hara, which shows parasitic plants twisting around vines in tandem with Tully’s music, personifying the struggles she sings of.

Watch the video for ‘Parasite’ below.

Follow Ailsa Tully on bandcamp, Spotify, Facebook & Instagram for more updates.

Photo Credit: Finn O’Hara

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Catgod – ‘Sometimes I Care For You’

Having previously charmed us live at The Finsbury, as well as being the loveliest of guests on our radio show, Oxford sibling duo Cat Marriott and Robin Christensen-Marriot – aka Catgod – have now shared a beautiful new single.

The first of three singles to be taken from their upcoming album, ‘Sometimes I Care For You’ is an ode to the isolation we feel when we cannot express ourselves, and the heartache that can come from not knowing where you stand with your lover. Flowing with a stirring, heartfelt emotion, it’s propelled by the rich power of Cat’s soaring vocals alongside Robin’s twinkling harmonies, creating a truly captivating soundscape. Complete with additional sweeping musicality from Patrick Bolton, George Purnell and Casper Miles, ‘Sometimes I Care For You’ offers an utterly spellbinding taste of what’s to come from the Oxford band. 

 
‘Sometimes I Care For You’ is out now, and Born Again – the upcoming album from Catgod – is set for release in Spring 2021. To celebrate the single’s release, Catgod will be To performing a live stream concert at TAD studios tonight – ticket link here.

 

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Ian Wallman

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PREMIERE: The Yves – ‘Golden Days’

A shimmering, nostalgic musing about inevitably progressing from youth to adulthood, LA-based indie duo The Yves have shared their latest single ‘Golden Days’. Full of soft guitar sounds, tender vocals and reflective lyrics, the track provides a sunny moment of respite during a time of universal uncertainty.

“’Golden Days’ is one of those songs that was started and finished in about an hour,” explains vocalist Stevie Perry. “Initially, we thought that maybe the song was too soft, or too endearing to actually release. Probably because it was about vulnerable, intimate thoughts I had and I wasn’t sure that I really wanted to show that side of myself. Selfishly, I like to keep a little distance or allure to things- maybe as a form of self-preservation.”

“But of course, that’s not our job as artists,” Perry continues. “Our job is to dredge up those feelings that we all have and shed some light on them. And as a listener, I always think the best kinds of songs are the ones that are most vulnerable and raw. So it’s only right that we put it out. It’s hard to talk about getting older and growing up. I sometimes wish I could freeze a day or moment and have it forever. I mean, I think we all do that. So that’s what I hope people get from it. A little minute freeze-framed in your mind when you listen.”

Along with guitarist Jake Randle, Perry has crafted a gentle alt-folk gem that proves rose-tinting your memories isn’t always a bad thing, sometimes it’s what makes them so precious. Listen to ‘Golden Days’ below.

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

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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