Track Of The Day: Caswell – ‘Distraction’

Hailing from Suffolk, and long-term GIHE fave, power-pop artist Caswell debuts her first release of 2020 in this spunky, energetic track ‘Distraction’.

With an eerie intro that feels like a long echoing hallway leading to a dance-floor, Caswell teases the scenario of the break-up rebounder. Deep low-ended synths set the song’s vein with dark soundscapes that exude a stirring sense of mystery.

‘Distraction’ breaths with both the hurt and hurry that comes with a break-up. Eagerness is evident, but equally is the presence of escapism. Caswell explains that her intention is to take these common, sometimes taboo scenarios and tell it like it is: “Imagining someone other than who you are with is not something people will openly admit, so this song addresses that quite candidly.”

The track’s wit truly transcends the status quo and does so in a fun, catchy way that is bound to have you up and dancing. With lyrical boldness, a euphoric chorus and a downtempo beat that creates its own atmosphere, Caswell has brought us a versatile banger that is equally suited for the club and a late night drive. 

 

‘Distraction’ is out now. Listen on Spotify.

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

LISTEN: Little Pale – ‘Don’t You Know U’

If you’re yearning for an online world without filters and false narratives; Little Pale‘s new single ‘Don’t You Know U’ will help to lift your spirits. The South East London artist has created an alt-pop tune gently criticizing the damaging effects of social media, and the impact it’s having on our mental health.

“Got a feeling, streaming for you”, muses Little Pale, over clicking beats, poppy synth textures, and grooving bass lines. Her soft vocals reflect the ease with which social media users can be seduced by the never-ending “shiny, spicy, pixel fortunes” they’re presented with on their feeds.

Little Pale explains the premise of the track further: “I wrote this song last year about social media being this new aesthetic asset to a lot of people. My recent songwriting has been inspired by technology that aids our communication, as for more introverted souls, constant “Online” is not always something that is fully welcomed! The point I’m making is definitely not original, but lyrically, I wanted to portray how this cultural shift has caused people to seek validation virtually, and that such thrills can cheapen the complex originality of the individual into a sort of sameness. I think this is especially true for the younger generation and I hope that the music video that is to accompany this song in the coming weeks reflects that.”

We hope that Little Pale’s new single provides a distraction for anyone feeling a little overwhelmed online at the moment. Listen to ‘Don’t You Know U’ below, and follow Little Pale on Spotify & Facebook for more updates.

 

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Video Premiere: Lial – ‘Dirty Little Lies’

Following her last single, ‘Embers’, earlier this year, London artist Lial is back with a haunting new offering, ahead of the release her second EP, set for release this summer.

Reflecting on the theme of betrayal and the thrill of desire for the forbidden, ‘Dirty Little Lies’ oozes a dark melancholy with hypnotic eerie undertones. Propelled by glitchy hooks and the soaring splendour of Lial’s rich vocals, a sweeping, shimmering emotion resonates throughout, creating a majestic slice of brooding alt-pop. Of the track, she explains:

Connection is an inherent part of being human and so you do anything you can to justify it while you’re in it, but part of the appeal is its forbidden nature. Lies are enough in themselves to create a spark.”

Directed by Wolf James, watch the bewitching new video for ‘Dirty Little Lies’ now:

‘Dirty Little Lies’ is out tomorrow, 17th April. Made To Break, the upcoming second EP from Lial, is set for release on 12th June.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

LISTEN: Emerson – ‘A Longing And Needing’

‘A Longing And Needing’ is the first single from new North London artist Emerson, whose creative spirit is inspired by poetry and rooted in collaboration. Emerson works closely with producers, choreographers, photographers, videographers and artists to bridge the worlds of art and pop together. The single features her soulful vocals against expressive electronic beats, which do not overpower the song.

It has a slow, soft start, introducing a breezy vocal, implying that this is a love song, but it isn’t… “God knows I tried, you didn’t see her lies, it’s plain to see that the Devil has meddled between you and me.” The song is about two friends who have betrayed her trust, and how she deals with the feelings. These range from nostalgia – “I like to think to think that you think of me”, to passionate and confused, where the tempo is increased and some distortion creeps into the sound. The song ends with a self-imposed acceptance, “It’s fine,” but it also draws you in and leaves you wondering if acceptance is the better half of loneliness, and if the ‘friend’ ever cared.

A very promising start from this innovative artist, and I look forward to hearing more.

Listen to ‘A Longing And Needing’ on Spotify now :

 

Fi Ni Aicead
@gotnomoniker

Photo Credit: Jemima Marriott