PLAYLIST: January 2023

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of indie & alternative tunes, guitar anthems and electronic sounds for your listening pleasure. Take some time to scroll through our track choices below, and make sure you press play on the Spotify playlist at the end of this post.

Follow GIHE on Spotify to hear all of our previous playlists too.

Amaroun – ‘Just Be Good To Me’ (SOS Band Cover)
This is the latest release from London-based artist Amaroun, a firm favourite of ours here at GIHE! We are all loving this cover of ‘Just Be Good To Me’, originally by SOS Band.
(Tash Walker)

Ritual Forms – ‘Down’
A brooding, atmospheric soundscape that explores the way our moods fluctuate during uncertain times, I’m obsessed with this track from London-based trio Ritual Forms. Lifted from their upcoming debut album, Nighttime Economy, which is set for release on 2nd March, it’s a captivating blend of hypnotic loops, steady beats and intoxicating vocals.
(Kate Crudgington)

CIRCE – ‘Undone’
A sonic manifestation of power, I love this new tune from dark-pop artist Circe. I’ve been listening to her 2020 EP She’s Made Of Saints again recently, and I’m always so impressed by her ability to create such immersive, cinematic soundscapes that melt away the edges of reality. ‘Undone’ is no exception. I can’t wait to see her perform it live at The Shacklewell Arms on Monday 30th Jan. (KC)

Frankie Rose – ‘Anything’
Set to release her fifth studio album this Spring, New York based artist Frankie Rose has now shared her latest single ‘Anything’. Propelled by a whirring ‘80s-inspired drive with shades of the likes The Cure (you should also check out Rose’s Cure cover album Seventeen Seconds), a glistening soundscape flows with a stirring anthemic majesty, creating a blissful slice of electro-pop. Love As Projection, the upcoming new album from Frankie Rose, is set for release on 10th March via Night School Records. (Mari Lane)

ARXX – ‘Ride Or Die’
I challenge you to listen to this new one from absolute faves ARXX without hitting repeat at least 10 times… It’s just such a totally infectious anthem. All propelled by thrashing, impeccable time-keeping from Clara, ‘Ride Or Die’ showcases the gritty, emotion strewn vocals of Hanni, alongside sweeping catchy pop hooks and an empowering euphoria of unified voices singing along with the chorus. An utterly uplifting celebration of queer love and unwavering friendship, it’s the perfect sing-along anthem live. Being able to share a room full of adoring fans, all joining in joyously with “I would” at The Social a few months back was a blissfully memorable experience that I hope to re-live very soon. ‘Ride Or Die’ is out now via Submarine Cat Records, ahead of the release of ARXX’s upcoming album of the same name, which is set for release on 31st March. Pre-order here. (ML)

Grandmas House – ‘Desire’
GIHE fave Grandmas House are back with this gritty new single! Taken from the upcoming new EP, Who Am I, which is set for release on 3rd March via Brace Yourself Records, the track is inspired by the disorientating power of romantic infatuation, full of charged riffs and commanding beats. (KC)

Piss Kitti – ‘I’m Jammed’
This belter from Liverpool-based punks Piss Kitti was released at the end of 2022, but it’s a taste of what’s to come from the band later this year. Having previously supported Black Lips, Dream Wife and Amyl & The Sniffers, it looks like 2023 is set to be another big year for the band. I’m looking forward to hearing more tunes like this in the near future. (KC)

ALT BLK ERA – ‘Rockstar’
From the opening riff of ‘Rockstar’ to the track’s final lyric, I love this alternative anthem from Nu Metal sister duo ALT BLK ERA. It dropped into my inbox at the end of last year and it’s been ricocheting around my skull ever since. (KC)

Tokky Horror – ‘Hammer 2 The Face’
Rave-punk trio Tokky Horror will be unleashing this frenzied, excellently named anthem on their crowds at grassroots music venues across the UK for Independent Venue Week from the 1st of February! This track is described as “A sub 2-minute blast of urgency, taking aim at the casual sexual harassment that plagues femme’s in gig spaces.” I can’t wait to hear it live at The Black Heart in Camden. Full details & ticket links for the band’s upcoming IVW shows can be found here. (KC)

Alien Chicks – ‘Cowboy’
The new single from GIHE faves and Ones to Watch for this year, Alien Chicks’ ‘Cowboy’ offers an insight into the trio’s ability to create relentless funk-fuelled punk-rock with a truly unique edge. Building from a sultry rumination on anxieties to a frenzied blast of whirring, riotous emotion, it’s another wonderfully chaotic cacophony from the South London trio. Watch the new video for ‘Cowboy’ here. (ML)

About Bunny – ‘Teeth’
Taken from their recent EP Mixtape Vol.1, this single from London-based rock band About Bunny bites chunks out of its listeners. They’ll be playing at The Hope & Anchor in Islington on 16th February, so head down to see them live if you like what you hear. (KC)

Berries – ‘Spiral’
Following the release of their debut album, How We Function, last year, long term faves Berries have been going from strength to strength lately. Recent single ‘Spiral’ showcases all there is to love about the London trio; an instantly infectious slice of garage-rock, it hits you with its raw, scuzzy power and Holly’s distinctive sumptuous vocals and spiky guitar hooks. Driven by a frenetic energy, it perfectly captures the utterly compelling allure of the band’s live shows – witness this for yourself on their March headline tour – details here. (ML)

The Early Mornings – ‘Early-Modern Rain’
Having just released their second EP Ultra-Modern Rain, London trio The Early Mornings have been becoming known across the London scene for their energetic live sets, and wowed crowds at Left Of The Dial festival last year. Latest single ‘Early-Modern Rain’ fizzes with a jangly energy with shades of left-field legends The Raincoats, as angular hooks flow with a scuzzy allure. A perfectly playful slice of post-punk that will leave you eager to listen to the album in its entirety. (ML)

Softcult – ‘Dress’
Canadian twin siblings Softcult are back with this hazy new offering which tackles the issue of consent. Blending buoyant melodies with their candid lyrics – “It’s a dress, not a yes / Not a fucking invitation” – the band refuse to remain silent in the face of pervasive everyday sexism. The track is taken from their upcoming EP, see you in the dark, which is set for release on 24th March. (KC)

Death Valley Girls – ‘Sunday’
The latest single from LA psych-rockers Death Valley Girls, ‘Sunday’ oozes an enchanting other-worldly splendour. Building with a fizzing energy, it harks back to the psychedelic sounds of the ’70s California scene, whilst showcasing the band’s ability to create something that is utterly unique, reflecting on the process of addressing your pain and being honest with yourself. A beautifully immersive trip into the cosmic world of Death Valley Girls. Islands In The Sky, the upcoming new album from Death Valley Girls, is set for release on 24th February via Suicide Squeeze Records. (ML)

Mandy, Indiana – ‘Injury Detail’
Thumping beats and heavy, unpredictable rhythms permeate this track from experimental electronic outfit Mandy, Indiana. Influenced by the dystopian worlds of Blade Runner 2049 and video games like Bisoshock, vocalist Valentine Caulfield explains: “‘Injury Detail’ was inspired by the idea of being trapped in a liminal space, with the guitars creating a seemingly limitless and undefined landscape. The vocals act as a guide to possible salvation, or perhaps something of a more sinister intent.” (KC)

Lizzy Young – ‘Cigarettes Are Good For Pain’
Someone I’m very excited to hear more from over the next 12 months is Lizzy Young. This track is a love letter to everyone who identifies as a woman, a confrontational art-pop, electro and trap record! (TW)

Rumpistol x Kill J – ‘Walk On Home 2.0’
I was so excited to see Kill J pop up on track, and it’s one I’m going to let speak for itself. ‘Walk On Home 2.0’ is a sensationally layered soundscape. (TW)

Livia Rita – ‘FUGA FUTURA’
This sensational track is taken from Livia Rita’s album of the same name, and I can’t stop listening to it and leaning into the journey it takes me on. They will be releasing a music video for this track soon, where all the different creatures from their previous passages come together as a collective to create a portal into their queer mythologies. It is a mystical journey, a collection of possible future identities, inspired by our desires, dreams and fears for the future. It is a place of healing and fantasy, where nature rebels and magic abounds all in an attempt to unite otherworldly revolutionaries – to a swampy slow pop anthem. Are you ready? I am! (TW)

Nameless Twin – ‘Dead Roses’
I love everything about this haunting new single from industrial-electronic duo Alicia Rei Kim and Ryan Osterman aka NAMELESS TWIN. They’ve only released a handful of tracks so far, but all of them have been the perfect blend of dark, dreamy sounds. (KC)

Feral Five – ‘Truth Is The New Gold’
Ahead of the release of their new album next month, electro-punk duo Feral Five have shared the title track as a scintillating taste of what’s to come. Propelled by a fierce energy, ‘Truth Is The New Gold’ explores truth and trust between both people and information. Offering a glitchy soundscape fizzing with an ethereal whirr, Kat’s sweeping, rich vocals flow as a sparkling cinematic splendour immerses the listener. Truth Is The New Gold, the upcoming new album from Feral Five, is out on 10th February via Reckless Yes. (ML)

girl with dream – ‘HRT’ (Heart Replacement Theory)
I can’t get enough of this song by girl with dream, the newest project from trans singer-songwriter Chris Lawson alongside Rhy Climenhage. This track is all about the sacred power found in embracing yourself and participating in an act of healing, guided by self love and harnessing agency. Just beautiful. (TW)

Razor Braids – ‘Nashville, Again’
Brooklyn-based Razor Braids are a queer, all-female/non-binary rock band who combine the vulnerable self-awareness of indie rock with dynamic instrumentation, anchored in a 90s ethos – just like us here at GIHE! This track is a fresh look at an old fave of theirs, the first song they ever released as a band! (TW)

Frankie Morrow – ‘Sunflowers’
Having released their debut EP, Blue Parrot Backpackers Hotel in October, Scottish band Frankie Morrow finally formed their current fully-fledged outfit last year after initially playing together and separately in various musical projects across Scotland since their teens. Personally, I can’t get enough of their glistening, folk-strewn sounds and heartfelt lyricism, and love the lilting grace of this track ‘Sunflowers’. (ML)

‘LINN – Okay, Sister’
Copenhagen DIY avant-pop artist LINN has released this tune with all its soothing tones and acoustic pluckings, highlighting the vulnerability in the lyrics. It’s taken from her upcoming EP, Femte Dimension, which is out now. Don’t forget to check out the video which was filmed by her 4 year old – amazing! (TW)

Prima Hera – ‘Sidecar’
This is the debut release from Prima Hera, the solo project of musician Stef Williamson. A track all about self-doubt, told through the perception of an imagined other, it’s just beautiful. I’m looking forward to hearing more from Prima Hera in 2023. (TW)

Poolblood – ‘voyager’
This woozy guitar tune from Toronto-based musician poolblood is a tender reflection on the conflicting feelings that come with moving on at the end of a relationship. It’s taken from her recent album, mole, which explores the highs & lows of romantic and platonic love. The songs on the record were influenced by the dynamic between Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix’s characters in Gus Van Sant’s My Own Private Idaho, which is one of my favourite films! (KC)

Dog Park – ‘Sunny Decadence’
A bright, lo-fi indie pop tune, ‘Sunny Decadence’ is the debut single from Paris-based band Dog Park. Full of soft vocals and hazy guitar sounds, it’s a proper antidote to the January blues. (KC)

H.L Grail – ‘O.T.D’
Whilst you may be familiar with her from London icons Goat Girl, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Holly Mullineaux – aka H.L. Grail – has now announced the release of her debut EP. Taken from the EP, new single ‘OTD’ immerses the ears in a shimmering, celestial splendour as Mullineaux’s delicate vocals ripple beautifully with a whimsical allure. An exquisitely stirring lullaby. (ML)

Deerhoof – ‘Sit Down, Let Me Tell You A Story’
Having just announced the release of their upcoming 19th (!) album in March, math-rock alumni Deerhoof have now shared an enticing taster with their brand new single. Sung entirely in Satomi’s native Japanese (as is the whole album), ‘Sit Down, Let Me Tell You A Story’ offers a frenzied, colourful cacophony as quirky honey-sweet vocals twinkle throughout the fuzzy soundscape. I’m super excited about the return of Deerhoof and can’t wait to hear Miracle Level, the new album, released on 31st March via Joyful Noise. (ML)

Track Of The Day: Berries – ‘Sprial’

2022 has been a big year for BERRIES. With their fiery yet honest take on grunge, alt, and rock ‘n roll, the London-based trio have staked their claim in the country’s live scene, as well as receiving international acclaim supporting bands such as The Subways. Much to the pleasure of seasoned fans of distortion, as well as newly of-age gig rats still enthralled to legally order a pint.

Such widespread appreciation is a direct result of the youthful yet mature energy BERRIES brings to their music. A type of energy that comes fully to form through their lauded debut album How We Function. Now, in the midst of an exciting series of tour dates that will continue well into 2023, BERRIES have shared a new single from the LP, ‘Spiral‘.

Coming in as hot as it does intriguing with an ensnaring syncopated riff, ‘Spiral’ bounces between various band-driven calls and responses. Switching back and forth between 6/8 and 4/4 with jazz-era precision, the song feels frenetic but also contained for when the bridge comes in and provides the reminder that everyone’s gone through a spiral of their own. Of the track, vocalist Holly explains:

“‘Spiral’ is about how easily we share insignificant details about ourselves but struggle to open up about serious matters through fear of seeming weak or vulnerable. And how what we do share with people is often for the satisfaction and approval of others and not for ourselves.”

Another uplifting anthem oozing all the trademark scuzzy allure and whirring charm that we’ve come to know and love from BERRIES.

https://open.spotify.com/track/5uQQnQOBB9iffWPaZSpKxh?si=97e63857e8154112

How We Function, the debut album from BERRIES, is out now via Xtra Mile Recordings.

Harry Levin
@harrywlevin

LIVE: The Great Escape 2022 (Photos & Highlights)

We were back at The Great Escape for the first time in 3 YEARS at the weekend, stomping around Brighton trying to catch some of our favourite women and LGBTQ+ artists in new music. Spread across multiple venues in the city, the festival showcased an eclectic line-up of talent, and our Features Editor Kate Crudgington and official photographer Jon Mo were there to capture just some of the highlights of the prolific 3 day event.

Of course, clashes, queues and timing issues meant we inevitably missed some artists, including sets from ZAND, Ailbhe Reddy, Mykki Blanco, A.A. Williams, Witch Fever, Bad Waitress, Kills Birds, LibraLibra, PEANESS and Grandmas House, but we tried to get to as many gigs as possible on Thursday & Friday. Read about the performances we did manage to catch and take a look at our pictures below…

 

ARXX remain one of our favourite bands, both on and off stage

Whether it’s vocalist & guitarist Hanni casually saying “let’s break up this wall of men” as we moved towards the front for Fräulein’s set at Queens Hotel, or drummer Clara cracking up the crowd with her story about a seagull stealing her croissant during their own set (she’s a Brighton resident as well, rookie mistake) – ARXX truly are the definition of an iconic duo. Their set at The Hope & Ruin was so packed we couldn’t get in, but it was worth running up the hill to Brighton Youth Centre to catch them performing later on the same day. Full of their trademark riotous riffs, anthemic vocals and knockout percussion, the duo tore through renditions of ‘Deep’ and ‘Call Me Crazy’ as well as previewing their new single, ‘Couldn’t Help Myself’. We can’t wait to have them headline for GIHE again at The Shacklewell Arms on the 22nd July. (tickets here)

Fräulein are your new favourite grunge duo

Joni & Karston aka Fräulein blew us away when they headlined our first GIHE gig of 2022 back in January at The Victoria in Dalston. Since then, the duo have been playing across London non-stop and have been out on tour with The Mysterines and Coach Party too. They performed their brooding, captivating grunge sounds to a full house in the basement at Queens Hotel on Thursday afternoon, with singles ‘And I Go (La La La)’ and ‘Drag Behind’ being set highlights. They played a show on each day of the festival over the weekend, so if you didn’t catch at least one of their sets, you definitely missed out.

We are in love with Brimheim and her band

We had a lot of FEELINGS watching Danish artist Brimheim perform to a packed crowd at seafront venue WaterBear – and all of them were GOOD. Clearly loving every moment of her set alongside her equally enthusiastic band, she thrashed around with her guitar, enjoyably scowling down at her mic as she delivered her pitch perfect vocals. Performing songs from her debut album, can’t hate myself into a different shape, she thundered through ‘favourite day of the week’ and ‘baleen feeder’, her exquisite, confessional lyrics were given a new edge by her raw, more abrasive live performance. We cannot wait to see her live again.

The Irish showcase at Prince Albert is always a festival highlight

Year after year, the line-up for the Irish showcase at the Prince Albert continues to impress us. Even when we can’t physically get into the venue to see the bands (we heard SPRINTS sounding HUGE as we stood in the queue on the stairs) the atmosphere and the talent is always worth sticking around for. We caught Tolu Makay in her stunning sequin-drenched outfit on Thursday, performing infectiously fun tracks from her debut album Being, including ‘Me, Myself & I’ and ‘You Are Enough’. On Friday, we were front row for CMAT’s show (read more on that below) and to catch Kynsy live for the first time. Since the release of her debut single ‘Cold Blue Light’ in 2020, we’ve been keen to see her show and she did not disappoint. Accompanied by her band, she ripped through singles ‘Happiness Isn’t A Fixed State’ and ‘Elephant in the Room’, her voice sounding superb despite her saying she was “a little croaky” on the day.

Tolu Makay

KYNSY

CMAT is Queen

Despite their best efforts to make things work, CMAT’s band couldn’t play along with her due to tech difficulties, so the Irish pop sensation shrugged it off and performed a superb solo acoustic set instead. Armed with her guitar and her trademark white cowboy boots, she performed seamless renditions of ‘I Wanna Be a Cowboy, Baby!’, ‘Nashville’ and a “lounge version” of ‘No More Virgos’ with keyboard player Colm, all taken from her debut album, If My Wife New I’d Be Dead. A mix of stand up comedy and stand out vocals, CMAT’s sets are always a total joy to witness, and listening to other folks in the crowd sing along to ‘I Wanna Be a Cowboy, Baby!’ never gets old.

Lido Pimienta is a L.E.G.E.N.D.

Full of her stunning vocals, metal-esque screams, sharp wit and strong pro-choice vibes, award-winning Colombian-born, Toronto-based artist Lido Pimienta had the crowd dancing, cheering and laughing along during her set at Jubilee Square. Performing tracks from her 2020 album, Miss Colombia, including a flawless rendition of ‘Eso Que Tu Haces’, Pimienta cracked jokes about the Queen’s Jubilee between songs and made valid comments about the importance of respecting women’s reproductive rights. Her charisma, euphoric live energy and candid comments will remain embedded in our memories for weeks to come.

We want to join Softcult

We’ve been looking forward to catching Canadian twin siblings Mercedes and Phoenix aka Sofcult live since the release of their debut EP, Year Of The Rat, in 2021. Informed by their experiences of sexism and objectification as young women in the music industry, the pair performed their bittersweet grunge-pop anthems to a packed crowd at Volks, with songs ‘Boys Will Be Boys’ and ‘Gaslight’ providing an empowering and cathartic moment to push back against toxic masculinity.

We want to scream in tune like Lucy from Projector

Brighton band Projector have always impressed us with their live shows, but their set at The Tempest Inn on Friday evening truly excelled all other times we’ve seen them play. The four piece smashed through a set full of visceral alternative noise, with bassist & vocalist Lucy’s cord-ripping screams absolutely decimating our ear drums (in the good way), especially during the band’s latest single ‘hell in my head’.

Like most major UK festivals, The Great Escape has room for improvement

Whilst our experience of The Great Escape was a positive one, we know that’s not the case for everyone who attends or plays at the festival. We saw a tweet from artist Billy Nomates explaining that there was “no water no towel no buy out no rider [and] a microphone that doesn’t work” – therefore she couldn’t perform to the best of her ability at her set on Friday night.

We also saw a tweet from the band PEANESS, rightfully lamenting the lack of opportunities for artists playing the festival to have access to complimentary food and drinks, whilst delegates are often bombarded with these invites. It was both disheartening and comforting to see replies on these threads that echoed similar sentiments, especially as artists (particularly female artists) are often labelled as ‘unappreciative’ or ‘difficult’ when they highlight these issues. It’s not fair that people’s experiences of the same festival differ so vastly.

There are plenty of artists, promoters and PR teams working towards a better and more equal music industry – we met and saw some of them at The Great Escape! – but until everyone is on the same page, we will continue to elevate the conversations that challenge the unfair “norm”.

In terms of its line-up, 2022’s Great Escape really did feel like one of its most diverse and entertaining yet. But there’s always more to learn, more work to do both on and off stage, and more reason than ever to speak out when you think you’re being treated unfairly. Respect to the artists who were bold enough to do so this year.

CIEL

BERRIES

Gen & The Degenerates

Words: Kate Crudgington / @KCBobCut
Photos: Jon Mo / @jonmophotography

Track Of The Day: Berries – ‘Wall Of Noise’

Following last year’s raucous extended play, Live Sessions from Big Smith Studios, Berries have further embraced their influences – pulling from the indie pop melodies of Wolf Alice, the scuzzy distortion of The Breeders, and the raw punk rock power of Sleater-Kinney – releasing the anthemic ‘Wall of Noise‘; a frenetic track that thematically explores the unwanted static that so many of us find interfering with our own thoughts.

These feelings of insecurity and isolation are tackled by the London-based trio – Holly Carter on guitar/lead vocals, Lauren Cooper on bass/backing vocals, and Lucie Hartmann on drums/backing vocals – with lyrical angst and meticulous, yet raw instrumentation; an honest introspection into mental health with propulsive basslines, angular guitar riffs, infectious drum grooves, and a vocal twang. “The wall of noise / Threatens to leak all the things we don’t see / Distorted voice / Blink and it’s gone but for now it lives on.”

In the music video, the band are confronted with repetition – an endless amount of stairs – representing common obstacles that Holly, Lauren, and Lucie approach differently each time, by either “running straight at them, cautiously, following others, courageously or alone”.

Berries promise that their forthcoming debut LP will explore mental health extensively, based on personal experience. If the record is anything like ‘Wall of Noise’, we can expect a confident combination of riff-driven melodies, layered noise-rock and a “fuck you” punk rock attitude.


Recorded and mixed at Big Smith Studio, the debut album from Berries is set to be released this Summer through Xtra Mile Recordings.

Ken Wynne
@Ken_Wynne