PLAYLIST: July 2018

British summer time is in full swing, and the gorgeous/overwhelming heat makes every day feel like a summer holiday *wipes beads of sweat from brow*. If you’re stuck behind your desk however, fear not! We have a red hot set of new tunes to see you through the rest of the month. Take some time to scroll through our track selections, and hit play on the Spotify link at the bottom of the page…

 

Hercules & Love Affair – ‘Blind’
Taken from their self-titled album released in 2008 – the same year I attended London Pride for the first time – and without a doubt, the theme tune to me fully embracing my sexuality; feeling proud of who I was and strong enough to come out happily in all aspects of my life. Last weekend marked the end of the Pride Festival in London, with the Pride in London march on Saturday, where I marched with Switchboard the LGBT+ Helpline that I am a Trustee for. It was a great experience, and only mildly marred by the TERFS protest at the beginning. As a cis-gendered lesbian I denounce everything they stand for and pointedly want to say that I do not agree with any of their statements. I marched for the achievements we have made in society throughout the years to now, but also for all the essential changes still to come…one thing remains the same, it’s about standing for equality. Equality for everyone, everywhere. (Tash Walker)

Indian Queens – ‘Pretty Little Thing’
Equal parts driving and delicate: Hackney trio Indian Queens have shared their new track ‘Pretty Little Thing’ – and it’s as attractive to the ears as its namesake suggests. Released via Cool Thing Records, the single is an infectious blur of hypnotic vocals and shoe gaze guitar sounds. They received a standing ovation after their set at Robert Smith’s Meltdown Festival last month, and this track has been swirling around my brain ever since. (Kate Crudgington)

Handsome Eric – ‘Oh No’
I fell a bit love with Handsome Eric on seeing them support Shamir last week at Camden Assembly. As the raw, honest emotion of Stephen O’Dowd propels the track, whirring hooks and a driving energy bring to mind Manchester artist, and personal favourite, Kiran Leonard. Totally luscious lo-fi scuzz of the best kind. (Mari Lane)

Nova Twins – ‘Lose Your Head’
GIHE faves and last week’s guests on the radio show, the immense Nova Twins have just released their ferocious new single ‘Lose Your Head’. Having received acclaim from the likes of The Guardian, and none other than Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello, the duo continue to prove themselves to be one of the most exciting bands around with the snarling vocals and addictive, frenzied energy of this latest offering. (ML)

The Empty Page – ‘Deeply Unlovable’
We’ve been massive fans of The Empty Page’s gritty, grunge-fuelled offerings for a while now, and we cannot wait for them to blow us away once again at The Finsbury on Friday! (ML)

Queen Kwong – ‘Raptures’
Slow-building bass lines and mesmeric vocals combine on Queen Kwong’s ‘Raptures’ to form a beguiling request to escape unwanted memories. No stranger to adversity, Queen Kwong (aka Carré Callaway) shows how her “cursed mind” is still as sharp as ever on this brilliant new single. (KC)

Carolyn’s Fingers – ‘Twice Born’
LOVE THIS! Experimental pop band Carolyn’s Fingers always deliver such refreshingly unusual music, where I just don’t want to even try and predict where their music will go to next. There is something about there music that consistently dabbles with art/performance and still I am yet to see them live. A firm ambition of mine. Totally DIY in every way, we full support Carolyn’s Fingers. (TW)

Gazelle Twin – ‘Hobby Horse’
Warped, uncomfortable, but morbidly fascinating: avant-garde artist Gazelle Twin has returned with a new image and this un-nerving new single. I can’t wait to hear more of her unusual electronic cacophonies on her upcoming record, Pastoral, on which she “exhumes England’s rotten past, and shines a torch over its ever-darkening present”. Sign. Me. Up. Now.  (KC)

Pitou – ‘Give Me A Glass’
So gentle, so beautiful, and so delicate. ‘Give Me A Glass’ by Pitou is taken from her new EP I Fall Asleep So Fast, released via Mink Records. I think this track is just mesmerising, and it probably helps that it was the first song I listened to after meeting my niece for the first time. So here’s to raising that glass to the new addition in my family! (TW)

Anna Aaron – ‘Why Not’
Love love LOVE! From the disjointed off-beat vocals, to those heavy beats that underpin this track; how can you not enjoy this?! Described as “crunching electronic pop sound”, I think that perfectly sums up this raw slice of intentionally aggressive music. (TW)

Lizzo – ‘Boys’ 
Another utterly empowering and ferociously fun offering from GIHE favourite Lizzo, ‘Boys’ is filled with all the refreshing wit that we’ve come to know and love from the Minneapolis artist. Reminiscent of the legendary Missy Elliot, this track’s funk-filled groove and joyous sex-positive spirit provides the perfect summer anthem. (ML)

Belako – ‘Over The Edge’
I saw Spanish band Belako at Finsbury Park last Saturday kicking off a day of fantastic music from QOTSA, Iggy Pop, Brody Dalle, Deap Vally and more…. And they are now my new favourite band – it was one of the most impressive, engrossing sets I’ve seen for a long time. They delivered each gritty slice of post-punk with a raw, swirling energy and explained that his track ‘Over The Edge’ is “against gender violence” – a poignant and necessary subject. And I just love its immense, gnarly passion. I’m now thoroughly addicted to their latest release Render Me Numb, Trivial Violence. (ML)

Asylums – ‘Millennials’
Essex indie rockers Asylums have returned with their highly anticipated second album Alien Human Emotions – released via their own label Cool Thing Records – and ‘Millennials’ is one of the stand-out tracks on the record. Slower in tempo, but just as powerful in delivery; the single laments the “generational generalisations” that millennial kids face in today’s society. (KC)

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PLAYLIST: December 2017

The most wonderful time of the year is fast-approaching, and we’ve got no time to mess around (with the exception of the work Christmas party, those festive drinks tomorrow night, and that gig next week). Us Get In Her Ears grrrls have put together the best selection of treats since your Nan dished out the speciality Christmas-size box of biscuits. Lose yourself in the punk sass of Queen Zee, the important (and catchy) activism of Gaptooth & Sisters Uncut, the divine escapism of Black Gold Buffalo, the beautiful sounds of Amparo & Bjork and many, many more…

Queen Zee – ‘Idle Crown’
Hot on the heels of their last single ‘Fly The Pink Flag’, my absolute favourites Queen Zee have released brand new track ‘Idle Crown’; and it’s a riotous, hostile, smartly executed three and a half minutes of Marilyn Manson-esque garage punk. Released via the band’s own label (Sasstone Records), the Liverpool band have yet to record something I don’t instantly fall in love with. (Kate Crudgington)

Gaptooth (feat. Sisters Uncut) – ‘They Cut We Bleed’
 A tribute to, and raising money for, Feminist direct action group Sisters Uncut – a charity who protest the life-threatening cuts to services for domestic violence – Gaptooth’s ‘They Cut We Bleed’ rages against the government with a frenzied, impassioned energy and empowering force. With shades of the likes of Le Tigre or MEN, it oozes whirring beats, glitchy electronic melodies and colourful uplifting vibes; the perfect call to arms that we need now more than ever. As Gaptooth says: “All these sexist, racist cuts, we don’t need ’em”. Watch the powerful video for ‘They Cut We Bleed’, featuring Sisters Uncut, here. (Mari Lane)

Sink Ya Teeth – ‘If You See Me’
‘If You See Me’ was the debut single from Sink Ya Teeth who signed to James Endeacott’s 1965 Records this year. The track is drenched in addictive beats and nods to post-punk royalty ESG. A particular highlight for me was watching Sink Ya Teeth perform this live at one of our Finsbury nights; catch them if you can, these guys are worth seeing live. (Tash Walker)

Anteros – ‘Love’
My eyes and ears are blossoming in to heart-shapes at the “effervescent pop” sounds on Anteros’ latest single ‘Love’. Produced by Charlie Andrew (Alt-J, Marika Hackman, Bloc Party), The London-based band channel Blondie and The Cardigans on their brand new ode to the all encompassing universal emotion. (KC)

Sonia Stein – ‘Do You Love Me?’
 ‘Do You Love Me?’, the new single from London based artist Sonia Stein, oozes gloriously sunny, uplifting ‘80s pop vibes, catchy hooks and rich luscious vocals. Of the track, Stein explains: “Do You Love Me is a song that is quite a bright and light approach to a feeling that’s a bit darker and heavier…” The track’s accompanied by a fantastic Vogue-inspired, pastel-filled video, which you should definitely feast your eyes on now. (ML)

Amparo – ‘Reset’
 If I could…I would have chosen everything that Amparo has released this year, constantly creating such beautiful dreamy soundscapes but if forced (and I am being forced) I’d go with ‘Reset’. A firm favourite of mine taken from Amparo’s EP Isolated Islands which has a melodic-chill atmosphere created with the idea of being enjoyed whilst exploring the outdoors.  Absolutely excellent listening. (TW)

Black Gold Buffalo – ‘Pearls Deep’
If you’re in search of musical escapism, you’ll find it in Black Gold Buffalo’s latest track ‘Pearls Deep’. Written on a stormy night in a tower block somewhere near the A10, the East London band have said the single is about “wanting to escape a brooding mood in the city, to just get up and go somewhere and nowhere.” It’s the first single to be taken from the band’s long-awaited debut album, which is due to be released in March 2018. (KC)

Gold Baby – ‘Feed It!’
 In addition to featuring members of some of our favourite bands (like Long Teeth), newcomers Gold Baby create their own hugely infectious offerings. Filled with all the jangly melodies, sumptuous vocals and whirring scuzzy goodness you could ever desire, debut single ‘Feed It!’ is a sunny-sounding slice of indie-rock ruminating on the times in life where we feed it (“the little voice of misery”). A solid gold debut that leaves us eager for more. (ML)

Polo – ‘Gold Horizons’
 I was introduced to this track by Mari, so shout out to her for that. This has got to be the catchiest track of the year for me, which makes a change from my normal graveyard, self-deprecating morose electro. Press play for Polo. It’s worth it. (TW)

Björk – ‘The Gate’
One of my 2017 New Year’s Resolutions was to listen to more of Bjork’s music, so the release of her tenth studio album Utopia has arrived just in time for me to fulfil that promise. It’s a superbly produced, delicately sung, gem of an album that brought a tear to my eye on first listen. ‘The Gate’ is a particular favourite because it blends vulnerability and strength in a delightfully idiosyncratic way. (KC)

The Go! Team – ‘Mayday’ 
If you’re anything like me, and Thunder Lightening Strike provided the soundtrack to many a teenage night out, you’ll be as excited as I am to hear The Go! Team’s magnificent new single ‘Mayday’. A morse-code inspired, soul-infused belter of a track, it races with all the frenzied energy and playful joy that we’ve come to know and love from the band – an instant ear worm, and essential dance-inducing addition to any festive party playlist. (ML)

Smerz – ‘Because’
Low slung rhythms, crunching beats and those ever so distinctive vocals, Because in short is some of the best obscure techno-pop around. Copenhagen based duo delivering distorted electro tracks, a perfect mix of minimal futurism and experimental nostalgia.  I’m so into this track, it makes me feel like I want to don a heavy orange bomber jacket, an East 17 style beanie and head down to some industrial rave in a warehouse and two-step the night away. (TW)

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PLAYLIST: November 2017

Us Get In Her Ears girls have put our broomsticks back in our cupboards and cleared away October’s cobwebs in order to share some brand spanking new music with you this November. Check out the Spotify playlist below, and have a nose at the stuff we just can’t get out of our ears this month…

Fever High – ‘Good Advice’
Oozing an uplifting wit and sparkling, infectious melodies, this latest offering from Brooklyn’s Fever High will undoubtedly put a smile on your face. Featuring the unmistakable voice of non other than Jeff Goldblum spouting hilarious anecdotes about the bad advice he’s been given throughout his career, it’s a delightfully fizzy blast of electro pop. ‘Good Advice’ is taken from the band’s upcoming EP FHNY, out on 10th November. (Mari Lane)

Wy – ‘You + I’
The slow steady melancholia of this track drew me in, with lead singer Ebba’s alto rising up over the reverb-drenched guitars, it had me feeling all sad and wistful. (Tash Walker)

REWS – ‘Your Tears’
Shauna & Collette consistently dazzle me with the power of their fierce and defiant pop-rock tune, and ‘Your Tears’ is no exception. The pair co-wrote this anthem which refuses to acknowledge the ‘boy who cried’ wolf’ and it features on their debut album Pyro, released this Friday (Nov 3rd) via Marshall Records. (Kate Crudgington)

Miya Folick – ‘Give It To Me’
Since first hearing this track, I’ve been completely head over heels with this California artist who explains that she makes music “because forming thoughts into sounds blends emotional and rational thought in a way that turns me on.” I just love this song’s emotion-strewn power – how it builds in intensity and just totally captivates with its raw urgency and utterly beautiful, heart-wrenching passion. (Mari Lane)

Kllo – ‘Dissolve’
Just as the title implies this track gives you a big does of escapism, through its electronic sound scape and samples, with a gentle nod to UK garage.  **Bows head in appreciation** (Tash Walker)

Nova Twins – ‘Thelma & Louise’
I’m like a moth to a flame when it comes to defiant duos, and Nova Twins’ latest track ‘Thelma & Louise’ proves that double trouble is the best kind of trouble. Their devious bass lines and punk vocals will shake your bones, so make sure you grab a ticket to their headline show at Camden Assembly on November 30th. (Kate Crudgington)

Kid Cupid – ‘Easy’
Having already received support from the likes of BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio, GIHE favourite Kid Cupid are back with a brand new single. Oozing euphoric layers of sound alongside Laura Shaw’s soulful vocals, ‘Easy’ is a truly blissful slice of electro-pop; a dreamy sonic delight. (Mari Lane)

Just Because – ‘All I Knew’
As I listen to this track I feel my whole body relax and dissolve into the beautiful samples, spacey vocals and slow gentle beats….just perfect, Just Because. (Tash Walker)

Pale Honey – ‘Get These Things Out of My Head’
If you blend the vocals of Wolf Alice’s Ellie Rowsell and the Cardigans’ Nina Persson with clear electronics and hazy guitar riffs; you’ll end up with the sound of Gothenburg duo Pale Honey. They released their second album Devotion in October, and it’s a cool, understated, but intense new offering from the pair. Catch them live at Old Blue Last on November 7th. (Kate Crudgington)

King Henry (feat Rhye) – ‘Moment’
I absolutely love this, with the beautiful genderless vocals of Rhye, King Henry has released Moment off of his upcoming EP.  Perfectly nostalgic in its melting beauty. (Tash Walker)

Witch Fever – ‘Carpet Asphyxiation’
I’m a big fan of this Manchester based grunge-punk band. Describing themselves as “making noise with our big muffs”, this track oozes a raw, frenzied cacophony and raucous hooks, as the fist-clenching power of the wonderfully shrieking vocals makes for essential, riotous listening. (Mari Lane)

Queen Zee & The Sasstones – ‘Boy’
All I want to do is lay in a bath tub full of red wine and listen to Queen Zee & The Sasstones on repeat – watch the video to ‘Boy’ and that sentence will make sense. Download their latest EP, Eat My Sass, while you’re at it too. (Kate Crudgington)

Maya Songbird – ‘Regal Slut’
I was lucky enough to catch the San Francisco artist supporting Dream Nails at their EP launch last week, and it was one of the most wonderfully joyous, vibrant experiences. Creating her unique, ambient fusion of sounds whilst soulfully singing of sex, love and living regally during tough times, she is truly one of a kind. And, as we all joined in with the refrain of “Slut, Slut, Slut” to this one on Friday night, the room filled with all the empowering, positive vibes. (Mari Lane)

Yangze – ‘U & Me’
The debut single from Danish Yangze, I just love the way this track gently pads out of the speakers, pacing round and round you with its restrained electronic beats. (Tash Walker)

Jackie Shane – ‘Any Other Way’
A “pioneer of transgender rights born in a male body”, Jackie Shane has remained largely unknown outside of Toronto, where her career flourished in the 1960s. However, with Numero Group’s reissue of Any Other Way – the first approved collection of Ms. Shane’s work which features all six of her 45s & highlights from her 1967 live sessions at the Sapphire Tavern – I think that’s about to change. (Kate Crudgington)

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