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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Track Of The Day: Clara Byrne – ‘Conflict Bound’

A poignant reflection on the pressures and contradictions we encounter living under capitalism, Irish songwriter Clara Byrne has shared her debut single ‘Conflict Bound’. Lifted from her upcoming debut album Handstitched, Byrne finds refuge from these overwhelming thoughts via her atmospheric alt-folk guitar sounds and patient vocal delivery.

“In a world filled with juxtaposed opinions and clashing ideals, it is getting progressively harder to know where to stand,” Byrne explains about her new track. “It can be nearly impossible not to get bogged down in fighting the opposition or slaving towards winning small mercies. It all seems so vast, so utterly impossible to grasp. But there are rare occasions when a clearing appears through the density. These moments when everything is laid out in its most digestible form, are worth waiting for.”

Through her sincere lyrics and rich vocals, Byrne navigates through “sheltered point(s) of view” and appeals to her listeners, asking them not to turn away from “systemic flaws”, but to unite together to dismantle them. The track is also accompanied by a video created by Rachel Noble, formed of scenes from global protests, deprived buildings and busy urban landscapes.

Listen to ‘Conflict Bound’ below.

 

Follow Clara Byrne on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Facebook & Instagram for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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