PLAYLIST: November 2018

The dark winter nights are creeping in, but our brand new November playlist is filled with bright, vibrant new sounds from a range of unusual and inspiring new artists. Take some time to scroll through our words and hit play on the Spotify link at the bottom of the page…

Temples Of Youth – ‘Darker Places’
Temples Of Youth have long been a favourite of ours here at Get In Her Ears, so we were thrilled to have them as guests on our Hoxton radio show last week (listen back here). ‘Darker Places’ is the title track of their latest EP, and I love Paul’s sweeping guitar sounds and Jo’s melancholy, but powerful vocals. We can’t wait to have them play for us at Notting Hill Arts Club on December 1st alongside Alyss, Elsa Hewitt & Varley (tickets are available on DICE. RSVP here). (Kate Crudgington)

Montauk Hotel – ‘Stains’
I poached these Dublin indie girls from Tash after she played ‘Stains’ on our Hoxton Radio show last week. I love their gentle, melodic, shimmering sound. They’re definitely ones to watch… (KC)

Scrounge – ‘Etch’
Both edgy and itchy, the appropriately named ‘Etch’ is a short, but very sweet blast of perfect scuzz-filled post-punk. A track that will indeed remain etched on your ears, demanding multiple listens, it’s propelled by Luke’s thrashing beats as Lucy’s colossal vocals rage alongside whirring hooks with a gritty sense of urgency. Oozing the duo’s epic, swirling wall of sound, with ‘Etch’ Scrounge have blown me away once again, marking themselves out as definite ones to watch. (Mari Lane)

Vulpynes – ‘2 Cents’
A song about freeing yourself from expectations, Vulpynes’ ‘2 Cents’ is propelled by the gritty, impassioned vocals of guitarist Maeve, raging with a seething energy and sublime raw power as punk-fuelled riffs are blasted out alongside intense pummelling beats. Reminiscent of the riotous force of the likes of L7 or The Distillers, it’s another storming, empowering offering from the Dublin duo, showcasing all there is to love about them. (ML)

Chorusgirl – ‘Demon Baby’
Following 2015’s wonderful self-titled debut, GIHE faves Chorusgirl have now announced their long-awaited new album Shimmer And Spin, and we couldn’t be happier for them. Taken from the album, ‘Demon Baby’ is the first song of the band’s to be released that’s written and sung by Faith Taylor (also of faves Suggested Friends). A slight change in tone from the usually guitar-driven jangly indie of Chorusgirl, ‘Demon Baby’ combines those welcome fuzz-filled hooks with a backdrop of a glitchy, electronic soundscape, filled with sparkling effects and luscious cascading harmonies. Shimmer And Spin is out 16th November via Reckless Yes. (ML)

Worst Place – ‘Square Eyes’ 
Oozing all the totally dreamy vibes we’ve come to expect from the East London band and GIHE faves Worst Place, ‘Square Eyes’ is an ode to Netflix lovers (me!) everywhere. Flowing with the scuzzy whirr of guitars alongside bassist Amy’s luscious honey-sweet vocals, it’s a simply perfect slice of sparkling, woozy indie-pop. ‘Square Eyes’ is out now on limited edition green glitter cassette, along with its double A Side ‘Soak’. (ML)

Bryde ‘On the Subject of Breathing’
Following a nomination for the Welsh Music Prize for her debut album Like An Island, London-based Welsh songwriter Bryde has share this new single ahead of her UK tour. It’s strummy, it’s seething, it’s sullen. (Tash Walker)

The Orielles – ‘Bobbi’s Second World’ 
The story of a cat named Bobbi, this new track from faves The Orielles flows with an onslaught of scuzzy, funk-fuelled hooks and groove-laden, disco-reminiscent vibes. With the noticeable addition of keys courtesy of new member Alex, ‘Bobbi’s Second World’ initially sounds a lot less ‘indie’ than previous releases – focusing on creating a poppy danceability -, but it is certainly no less innovative. It remains distinctly The Orielles; an instantly infectious anthem filled with a buoyant energy and oozing a colourful spirit. ‘Bobbi’s Second World’, along with accompanying track ‘Makes You Forget (Itgehane)’, is out now via Heavenly Recordings. (ML)

Planningtorock – ‘Much Too Touch’
I have loved Planningtorock for many a year now, having seen them for the first time in 2011.  Oh how the years fly by and the music just gets better and better. ‘Much Too Touch’ is the second track Planningtorock has shared in the run up to their very recently released album Powerhouse and the only track from the album to feature a co-producer, who is long time friend and collaborator Olof Dreijer of The Knife. Powerhouse was released last week on the 9th November via DFA records and is EXCELLENT. Go listen. (TW)

Queen Zee – ‘Hunger Pains’
Will there ever be a day when Liverpool rockers Queen Zee release something we don’t immediately love? (errr, no). ‘Hunger Pains’ is the band’s latest knockout single, and it’s accompanied by the news that they’ll be releasing their debut album in February 2019. We. Can’t. Wait. (KC)

Nasty Little Lonely – ‘Excuses Excuses’
Bristol’s Nasty Little Lonely are taking a step back from band life for the foreseeable future, but they’ve released the powerful ‘Excuses Excuses’ in to the world just before they do. Of the track, vocalist & bassist Charlie explains: “The song is about how fucked the planet is and how we all know we need to do something about it, but things need to get serious right now or it’ll be too late”. We’re definitely aware of the climate change epidemic, and we’re glad we have the riotous sounds of NLL to motivate us in to action. (KC)

Zilla With Her Eyes Shut – ‘Cut Me Boy’
‘Cut Me Boy’ is the latest single from Zilla, who now goes by the name Zilla With Her Eyes Shut. This track was created using samples of unconventional objects such as a Stanley knife, liquid iron, rocks, elastic bands and an eye mask. The results are a thick mixture of unusual beats and warped vocals. I love it. (TW)

Elsa Hewitt – ‘Invisible Threads’
I saw Elsa Hewitt at The Great Escape Festival in May and her ambient, altruistic electronics have been floating around my head ever since. This is her latest stand-alone single, and it’s full of intricate loops and hushed vocals. She’ll be playing for us alongside Alyss at our next Notting Hill Arts Club on December 1st, so grab a ticket on DICE now and come along to appreciate her talent in all its live glory (RSVP here). (KC)

CHINAH – ‘Real Thing?’
Oh-so-many sultry beats which carry the promise of more to come. ‘Real Thing?’ comes from Copenhagen’s CHINAH, and their debut LP Anyone is out now. You can read more about them in our GIHEs interview with them here. (TW)

 

Premiere: Chorusgirl – ‘Demon Baby’

Following 2015’s wonderful self-titled debut, GIHE faves Chorusgirl have now announced their long-awaited new album Shimmer And Spin, and we couldn’t be happier for them. Chronicling a tense year, created during a period of crippling anxiety and a relentless string of bad luck and bad news, the new album is the result of immense hard work and dedication from Silvi, Faith, Udo and Michael.

Taken from the album, the band have now shared brand new track ‘Demon Baby’. Inspired by those all too common feelings of anxiety and isolation, it’s the first song of the band’s to be released featuring Faith Taylor on lead vocals. As a massive fan of her other band Suggested Friends, it’s wonderful to hear Taylor’s distinctive, rich vocals shine through on this one, propelled by Chorusgirl’s trademark shimmering sounds.

A slight change in tone from the usually guitar-driven jangly indie of Chorusgirl, ‘Demon Baby’ combines that welcome scuzzy whirr of hooks with a backdrop of a glitchy, electronic soundscape, filled with sparkling effects and luscious cascading harmonies. As Taylor’s exquisite vocals float effortlessly along with a raw emotion, you could almost be transported to the soundtrack of an ’80s teen drama (which is never a bad thing!); though, alongside those fuzzy nostalgic vibes, it manages to retain Chorusgirl’s unique sense of dreamy, effervescent melancholy. A beautifully stirring and reflective offering, ‘Demon Baby’ still ultimately manages to uplift the spirit with the soaring, glistening haze that this band are consistently able to create.

Of the track, the band explain:

“It is about pathologising your own unhappiness when you lack genuine emotional support in your life. The song talks about running away, reinventing yourself, and policing your sense of discontent and isolation because you don’t think you deserve more.”

Listen to ‘Demon Baby’, for the first time here:

 

Shimmer And Spin, the new album from Chorusgirl, is out 16th November via Reckless Yes. Catch Chorusgirl live at their album launch show tonight (9th November) at The Victoria, and at the following dates:

16th November: Nottingham, Rough Trade
17th November: Sheffield, Audacious Art Experiment
18th November: Newcastle, Head of Steam
19th November: Glasgow, Broadcast
21st November: Oxford, Common Ground
22nd November: Bristol, Hydra Cafe
23rd November: Coventry, The Tin
11th January 2019: London, The Finsbury (for Get In Her Ears!)

Mari Lane
@marimindles

PLAYLIST: October 2018

The dark winter nights are creeping in, but our brand new October playlist is filled with bright, vibrant new sounds from a range of unusual and inspiring new artists. If our selections are anything to go by, the October 5th is THE date to release a record, and we’re excited to share our track selections with you. Take some time to scroll through our words and hit play on the Spotify link at the bottom of the page…

Health (feat. Soccer Mommy) – ‘Mass Grave’
I’m obsessed with this new track from L.A. noise rockers HEALTH, which features the divine vocals of Soccer Mommy. Produced by Corin Roddick (Purity Ring), ‘Mass Grave’ is a haunting fusion of alarming synths, apathetic vocals and spaced out percussion. (Kate Crudgington)

Kill J – ‘Strange Fruits of the Sea’
Kill J’s latest offering tackles issues of immigration and racism, with a subtle nod to Billie Holiday’s  iconic ‘Strange Fruit’ (1939). Speaking about the track, Kill J explains: “It’s a protest song about boarders, walls, barbed wire fences, and people trying to survive on small boats crossing the Mediterranean Sea. While some people dream of just surviving their journey across the boarders, others dream of wealth and power at the expense of others”. I’m a big fan of Kill J’s defiance, which she explores through hypnotising electronics. ‘Strange Fruits of the Sea’ is taken from her upcoming album Superposition, released 5th October via Nettwerk. (KC)

Pip Blom – ‘Come Home’
Catchy AF, ‘Come Home’is the latest single from Amsterdam favourites of mine Pip Blom, taken from their upcoming EP Paycheck which is out on 5th October. I had the pleasure of seeing these guys support The Breeders earlier in the year at the Roundhouse, an abundance of energy and an abundance of hair. Catch them if you can, they’re playing all over the UK this November including The Lexington on the 22nd. (Tash Walker)

Big Joanie – ‘Fall Asleep’
‘Fall Asleep’ is the latest single from Get In Her Ears faves Big Joanie, I only heard this for this first time a week or so ago but it’s firmly got into my head.  They’ve recently announced their debut album Sistahs is going to be released this November by The Daydream Library Series, and I can’t wait to hear the record in full! (TW)

Gold Baby – ‘What Party?
Having charmed us with their with their twinkling charisma and catchy offerings live at The Finsbury, East London’s Gold Baby have now shared new single ‘What Party?’. Reflecting on self-induced boundaries and the limits we often place on ourselves, ‘What Party?’ is propelled by a scuzzy, sparkling energy. Catch Gold Baby live at The Shacklewell Arms on 5th October. (Mari Lane)

Mammoth Penguins – ‘When I Was Your Age’
Having finally been lucky enough to catch Cambridge-based Mammoth Penguins supporting Adult Mom at The Shacklewell Arms last week, my love of their 2015 album Hide and Seek has been freshly revived, and I once again cannot stop listening to it. Fronted by Emma (also known for playing bass for GIHE faves Suggested Friends, and being part of the wonderful Indietracks Festival team), live the band ooze an utterly infectious, shimmering energy, with a highlight being the highly relatable (and seemingly appropriate – it’s Emma’s birthday) ‘When I Was Your Age’. Reflecting on the common pressures of growing up and habits of people to constantly compare themselves to each other, it’s a twinkling slice of impassioned indie-pop, fitting perfectly into the band’s collection of dreamy, scuzzy, emotion-filled delights. A totally uplifting set that stands me in good stead for crying the night away (in a good way) to the lush sounds of Adult Mom. (ML)

Chorusgirl – ‘No Goodbye’
Following 2015’s wonderful self-titled debut, GIHE faves Chorusgirl have now announced their long-awaited new album Shimmer And Spin, and we couldn’t be happier for them. Taken from the album, new single ‘No Goodbye’ is filled with jangly hooks and sunny uplifting beats, despite perhaps a lingering dark undercurrent. As Silvi’s distinctive, lush vocals soar throughout, effervescent harmonies and impressive driving riffs flow, creating Chorusgirl’s utterly unique, shimmering sounds. Another truly dreamy slice of sparkling garage-pop, ‘No Goodbye’ proves that it’s impossible to listen to Chorusgirl and not feel instantly better. Shimmer And Spin, the upcoming new album from Chorusgirl, is out 16th November via Reckless Yes. (ML)

Praa – ‘Y’
This new single from Praa was released at the end of September, and it’s all about questioning our human connection with virtual relationships maintained via our screens. I think it’s a beautiful example of modern neo-soul. Thank you Praa. (TW)

Hazel Iris – ‘A Prince’
‘A Prince’ by classically trained Hazel Iris, is a totally enchanting piece of music, loaded with emotion and fusing classical, indie folk, and a bit of jazz. Her debut album Nine Sisters is due out on 26th October and she’ll be performing at St Batholomew-the-Great in Smithfield’s on the same date, which will no doubt be a mesmerising show. The track’s not up on Spotify just yet, but you can listen to it below (TW)

Ah! Kosmos – ‘June’
Taken from her new album Beautiful Swamp (due 5th October via Compost Records), ‘June’ is another example of Ah! Kosmos’ stunning ability to create powerful, rapturous soundscapes. Born in Istanbul and now based in Berlin, Ah! Kosmos (aka Başak Günak) is a sound designer, producer and multi-instrumentalist – and I can’t wait to review her new record for the website this week. (KC)

Aisha Badru – ‘Splintered’
Following the lush, enveloping sound of previous single ‘Bridges’, New York’s Aisha Badru returns to charm our ears with a sparkling new offering. A call for people to take control of their lives‘Splintered’ flows with the beautiful, sweeping splendour of Badru’s delicately emotion-strewn vocals. Oozing a majestic grace, alongside twinkling melodies and a soaring musicality, it’s filled with a raw emotion that’ll send shivers down the spine on first listen. Pendulum, the latest album from Aisha Badru, is out now. (ML)

Varley – ‘Lonely Were The Days’
Reflecting on the ever-growing demands of today’s society from the effects of social media and the pressure this puts on a whole generation to “be something”, ‘Lonely Were The Days’ is an instantly infectious slice of dreamy alt-pop from Berlin-based Varley. As pulsating beats propel the track alongside the shimmering splendour of front woman Claire-Ann’s vocals, a captivating soundscape is created, leaving you no choice but to bask in its glorious, glistening glow. Catch Varley playing for us live at Notting Hill Arts Club on 1st December alongside Alyss, Elsa Hewitt and Temples Of Youth! (ML)

Art School Girlfriend – ‘Distance (Blank)’
Art School Girlfriend is the moniker of producer & multi-instrumentalist Polly Mackey. Her latest single ‘Distance’ is taken from her recent EP Into The Blue Hour, which was influenced by her move from London to the seaside town of Margate. I love her calm vocals and subtle, yet grand use of synthesizers on this track. She makes being “in over [your] head” sound so, so appealing. (KC)

TAYNE – ‘Sacrifice’
This TAYNE track dropped in to my inbox in January, and it’s been swirling around my head ever since. I’ve also been singing the lyrics incorrectly for the last nine months (the chorus is “I want hope”, not “I want her” as I initially thought) – but I’m not going to let a blip like that stop me from praising this synth-laden, noise-pop gem. TAYNE are celebrating the release of their debut album Breathe at The Old Blue Last on Thursday 4th October (with support from Birthmarks & Volkova Sisters). It’s a free gig, and you can pick up a copy of the clear magenta vinyl (which features ‘Sacrifice’) on the night, ahead of its official release on 2nd November. Us Get In Her Ears girls will all be there, so we’ll see you at the bar! (RSVP here). (KC)

Track Of The Day: Chorusgirl – ‘No Goodbye’

Following 2015’s wonderful self-titled debut, GIHE faves Chorusgirl have now announced their long-awaited new album Shimmer And Spin, and we couldn’t be happier for them. Chronicling a tense year, created during a period of crippling anxiety and a relentless string of bad luck and bad news, the new album is the result of immense hard work and dedication from Silvi, Faith, Udo and Michael. Of the writing process, Silvi explains:

“There was barely a month without bad news on a personal and wider level, and at the end of that year, my anxiety started to spike badly. The album became a very important anchor. Every note and lyric were raked over and looked at twice; we were hacking and honing away at the songs for months, trying to craft some sort of sculpture of our state of mind.”

Taken from the album, new single ‘No Goodbye’ is filled with jangly hooks and sunny uplifting beats, despite perhaps a lingering dark undercurrent. As Silvi’s distinctive, lush vocals soar throughout, effervescent harmonies and impressive driving riffs flow, creating Chorusgirl’s utterly unique, shimmering sounds. Another truly dreamy slice of scuzzy, sparkling garage-pop, ‘No Goodbye’ proves that it’s impossible to listen to Chorusgirl and not feel instantly better; their tunes just seem to be the perfect antidote to all life’s troubles. And the fact that the band overcame so much to create this new album just makes them all the more inspiring.

Chorusgirl honestly are one of my favourite bands of the last few years, and this latest offering – and the determination that went into creating it – showcases exactly why.

 

Shimmer And Spin, the upcoming new album from Chorusgirl, is out 16th November via Reckless Yes. Catch Chorusgirl live:

9th Nov: London, The Victoria
16th Nov: Nottingham,Rough Trade
17th Nov: Sheffield,Audacious Art Experiment
18th Nov: Newcastle,Head of Steam
19th Nov: Glasgow,Broadcast
21st Nov: Oxford, Common Ground
22nd Nov: BristolHydra Cafe
23rd Nov: Coventry,The Tin

Mari Lane
@marimindles