LISTEN: Daily Thompson – ‘Seafoam’

Fuelled by the spirit of grunge and raw 90s guitar noises; German three-piece Daily Thompson have shared their latest single, ‘Seafoam’. The track was written by bassist Mercedes Lalakakis, and marks the first time she’s stepped into the song-writing limelight.

‘Seafoam’ is an enjoyably unpolished offering, reminiscent of the sounds of 90s bands like Sonic Youth and Dinosaur Jr. Lalakakis’ assertive vocals float confidently over the band’s gritty riffs and crashing percussion, providing a strung-out few minutes of alternative noise.

Daily Thompson have been busy cutting their teeth on the live scene over the last few years, playing at Reeperbahn Festival, Orange Blossom Special Festival, and sharing stages with the likes of Dinosaur Jr., Liam Gallagher, Maximo Park, Portugal The Man, and many more.

Listen to ‘Seafoam’ below, and follow Daily Thompson on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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WATCH: Noga Erez (feat. ROUSSO) – ‘Views’ (Kids Against The Machine Vol. 1)

Stripped back, poignant, and just as stylish as the original rendition; Noga Erez has shared an alternative version of her most recent single, ‘Views’. With ‘(Kids Against The Machine Vol. 1)’ added to the title, Erez and her partner & collaborator Ori Rousso perform a flawless rendition of the track, accompanied by the vibrant sounds of a six-piece band.

After a string of stand-alone releases over the last two years (‘Bad Habits’, ‘Cash Out’, ‘Chin Chin’), ‘Views’ is the first single lifted from Erez’s highly anticipated second album, which is set for release via City Slang later this year. The Tel-Aviv musician’s clear vocals glide over slick beats and pop hooks to create an infectiously powerful anti-fakeness anthem, and this new rendition is equally as affecting.

There’s obvious chemistry between Erez, Rousso, and the talented musicians they perform with in the track’s accompanying video, showcasing Erez & Rousso’s natural talents as performers. ‘Views (Kids Against The Machine Vol. 1)’ is the first of several stripped-back tracks that Erez will be sharing throughout the year, and we can’t wait to hear more of these unexpected gems.

Watch the video for ‘Views’ (Kids Against The Machine Vol. 1) below, and follow Noga Erez on Spotify and Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Something Leather – ‘Trip To The Sun’

A smouldering, psych-tinged, existential exploration of where we are, vs where we want to be; Brighton three-piece Something Leather are pushing the boundaries with their latest single, ‘Trip To The Sun’. Released via We Can Do It Records, the track is loosely inspired by the character of Icarus from Greek mythology.

Formed of Phillie Etta Jane (vocals/organ), Greg Pass (guitar) and Mike Nussbaum (drums), Something Leather have been cutting their teeth on the London & Brighton live circuits for a few years now. Their dark creations are a captivating blend of old and new sounds; the vintage organ that Phillie plays combines perfectly with Greg’s distorted guitar noises, and Mike’s rhythmic drum beats.

The band articulately describe the context of new track ‘Trip To The Sun’ as “a sarcastic take on the “Fall of Icarus”. It deals with our constant desire to escape from a deadly routine, and the fear that pushing too far might consume you. It has a frenetic pace, western B-movie shootout feel and layers of post-punk and psychedelia on top.”

Something Leather are set to release their debut EP Midnight Reverie on 17th April, and we’re psyched to hear more of their altruistic, alternative sounds. Listen to ‘Trip To The Sun’ below, and follow Something Leather on Spotify & Facebook for more updates.

Photo credit: Jessie Morgan

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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ALBUM: Indian Queens – ‘God Is a Woman’

Described by lead vocalist & guitarist Jennifer O’Neill as “a late night record”, London trio Indian Queens‘ debut album God Is A Woman is a sublime offering, designed to dissolve uncertainty and soothe an anxious mind. Set for release via Cool Thing Records on 3rd April, the band have written thirteen dizzying tracks that are equal parts driving and delicate, shimmering with cinematic flair.

Formed of sisters Jennifer (guitar/vocals) and Katherine (bass) O’Neill and lifelong friend Matthew Dudan-Bick (drums), Indian Queens were born and raised in Hackney Wick. Influenced by the restless city that surrounds them, the trio’s soundscapes reflect darkness and light on both a personal and universal scale. This is epitomized on opening track ‘Bubblewrap’, a beguiling lament about the state of the planet. It smolders with its tentative beats, atmospheric guitars and Jennifer’s captivating vocals. “We were born in plastic bags / conveniently stored / bubble-wrapped indoors”, she muses, but despite the track’s haunting context about the climate crisis, Indian Queens still manage to lull their listeners into a peaceful state.

Based on a childhood memory of the O’Neill sisters’ grandparent’s house, the nostalgic ‘Pretty Little Thing’ rings out with warmth and understated joy. Jennifer’s extended vocals in the chorus and the rose-tinted guitar sounds make this track feel truly uplifting. The eponymous ‘God Is A Woman’ is a tentative, elusive exploration of tolerance, hope and faith. “Who wants to start a revolution?” asks Jennifer, with a sharp awareness and those “fingers crossed” for a positive response.

‘Some Kinda Blue’ is a frustrated, but intensely affecting invitation to rekindle the flames of a valued relationship. The guitar seems to reflect the quick-switching nature of emotion; one moment it’s shimmering and atmospheric, the next it rings with distortion. Thudding beats, buoyant riffs and hopeful lyrics permeate ‘Wanderlust’, which is a joyful pact to “live for the day”. ‘Us Against The World’ is an intoxicating blend of all that makes an Indian Queens’ track so euphoric. Jennifer’s comforting lyrics, charming vocals and agile riffs, Katherine’s buzzing bass lines and Matthew’s considered percussion are truly magnetic here.

A restless, searching spirit fuels ‘I Got So Much I Wanna Say’ and continues throughout ‘I Get No Rest’. The sweeping, all encompassing sounds on following track ‘Concrete Lips’ and the repeated lyric “there’s something ’bout you that I can’t forget” combine to make a heady, moody lullaby. The dreamy, gentle ‘Warning Sign’ precedes the lusting, disorientating ‘You Came Over Late’, before anti-party anthem ‘Shoot For Sexy’ kicks in with its intoxicating beats. With its suggestive lyrics and smoldering bass lines, it’s a track best appreciated under low light with intimate company. Lust paves the way for adventure and hope on poignant, exhilarating final track ‘Walk’.

On God Is A Woman, Indian Queens have crafted a dazzling collection of meaningful songs that provide a welcome rush of blood to the head. It’s impossible not to be caught up in their captivating sound.

Pre-order your copy of God Is A Woman here. Follow Indian Queens on Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Photo Credit: Kana Waiwaiku

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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