Tag: dark pop

The Get In Her Ears team have put together an eclectic mix of alt-pop tunes, punk bangers, immersive electronic soundscapes, grunge & shoegaze anthems, engaging instrumentals and indie musings for your listening pleasure. Take some time to scroll through our selections below and make sure you press play on the playlist at the end of this post.

Follow GIHE on Spotify to see all of our previous playlists too. As well as streaming these tunes, we encourage you to follow the artists we’ve featured on their social media, sign up to their newsletters and buy their records from bandcamp if you’re able to!

Cowboy Hunters – ‘Mating Calls’
Having been building a reputation in the Glasgow scene for their memorable live shows, Scottish punks Cowboy Hunters create immense riotous anthems. Latest single ‘Mating Calls’ showcases the band’s scathing dry humour with a ferocious seething energy and frenzied raw power. Summing up its message, the band say: “We’re all animals and it’s all awful but it’s fun to shout about it. Basically a diss track to creeps in smoking areas everywhere.” Cowboy Hunters are currently on tour, catch them at one of our fave venues – New River Studios – on 18th April.
(Mari Lane – Managing Editor)

Slung – ‘Thinking About It’
I’ve been such a big fan of everything that Brigton rockers Slung have released over the past few months, and this new single is no exception. Taken from their debut album, In Ways, which is set for release on 2nd May via Fat Dracula, ‘Thinking About It’ is inspired by vocalist Katie Oldham’s desire to express herself in a way that feels authentic to her. She explains in more detail: “Bringing references to queerness in our songs is important to me, because myself and the majority of my friends identify as queer, despite mostly presenting femme and straight-passing. I don’t feel the need to draw attention to it specifically, and don’t feel it appropriate to represent myself as a ‘queer voice’, but I still want to create a little space in whatever I do to honour it, as it’s an important part of who I am. The theme is also pretty representative of bisexual panic, meeting a girl and realising you’re thinking about it, and wondering if she’s thinking about it too. It’s such a goofy song that hopefully offers some light-hearted relief to some of the heavier vibes of the record.”
(Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)

Witch Fever – ‘Dead To Me!’
I still remember the formidable live performance Manchester rockers Witch Fever delivered when they headlined our GIHE gig at The Finsbury Pub back in 2018 (pics here). The band have lost none of their potency or momentum since then, something which their latest single ‘Dead To Me!’ fiercely proves. This track is inspired by vocalist Amy Walpole’s traumatic experiences growing up in the Charismatic Church, confidently unleashing her anger and defying the heavily gendered social norms of remaining quiet and compliant. (KC)

Cwfen – ‘Wolfsbane’
Glasgow’s Cwfen (pronounced ‘Coven’) are a new discovery for me, but I love the heavy, shadowy sound of this single, lifted from the band’s upcoming debut album, Sorrows, which is set for release on 30th May via New Heavy Sounds. Vocalist & guitarist Agnes Alder explains more about the context of the track: “on the surface, it’s about poison. At its heart, it’s an ode to the untamed female rage that comes when the world tries to carve us into something smaller.” I can’t wait to catch the band playing live at The Black Heart in Camden supporting Faetooth on 17th June. Tickets are available here. (KC)

Blackwater Holylight – ‘Wandering Lost’
LA -based band Blackwater Holylight are new to me (despite having already released three records), but I love the way they blend heavier, doom-laden riffs with drifting, evocative vocals. This track is taken from their upcoming EP, If You Only Knew, which is set for release on 18th April via Suicide Squeeze Records. Vocalist, guitarist & bassist Sunny Faris explains that ‘Wandering Lost’ is about “feeling community in sorrow and remembering that everyone hurts, everyone changes, and that no one knows what’s next.” (KC)

Hot Wife – ‘Queen’
Described as “an anthem about empowering yourself by breaking free from toxic influence,” this is the second single from South London DIY four-piece Hot Wife. Inspired by a “cheating scumbag,” ‘Queen’ rumbles with the unrest of a ’90s grunge anthem, reminding listeners that living well is the best form of revenge. (KC)

Gender Chores – ‘Roy’
Following last single ‘January Blues’, Belfast band Gender Chores have now shared a scathing attack on those who punch down instead of looking up to see who is pulling the strings. Oozing a seething dark energy, the track builds with an impassioned raw emotion and searing sense of urgency. Reflecting on the track, Sam from the band explains: “Right now the world feels like it’s going backwards in so many ways, with bigots and fascists being platformed and marginalised voices silenced. We want to fight back against that however we can, and combat the narrative of hate and fear that got us into this place.” (ML)

NEXT TO NADA – ‘K.F.M’
Another belter of a tune from London-based fuzz-punk four piece NEXT TO NADA here! The band decribeS ‘K.F.M’ as “a scream of frustration at all the pointless, menial tasks we’re forced to waste our time on whilst working.” The track sarcastically tackles why we let “the unfeeling monster of modern employment” take over the best years of our lives, fuelled by the band’s raw and relatable punk energy. (KC)

Bridget. – ‘Hairspray’
Fuelled by her trademark angst-ridden energy, ‘Hairspray’ is the latest single from Essex grunge-rocker Bridget. She’ll be releasing a video to accompany the track on 3rd April, and she’ll be playing her biggest London headline show to date at Signature Brew in Haggerston on 24th April, with support from GIHE faves Lilith AI and Comic Sans. Grab your tickets here. (KC)

Maria Iskariot – ‘Leugenaar’
Translating as ‘Liar’, ‘Leugenaar’ is the seething new single from Dutch punks Maria Iskariot. Propelled by a fierce raw emotion and ferocious energy, its stipped-back hooks and thrashing beats build with a searing sense of urgency as the gritty power of Helena Cazaerck’s rages throughout. The band comment: “Leugenaar is an absolution, a pelvis under the chin of a drooling monster waiting to be freed from a rotten tooth. Anyone expecting further explanation can go to hell.” (ML)

Panic Shack – ‘Gok Wan’
Bursting with all the tongue-in-cheek wit and fierce energy that we’ve come to know and love, Panic Shack’s new single ‘Gok Wan’ offers a sneering reflection on the toxic culture of body ‘improvement’ that dominated the airwaves when they were growing up. A riotous post-punk anthem, showcasing the Cardiff band’s ability to critique the damaging patriarchal society that we live in with a swirling tenacity and danceable hooks. Watch the accompanying video for ‘Gok Wan’ here. (ML)

Grandmas House – ‘Haunt Me’
This new single from Bristol punks Grandmas House is a surprisingly tender offering. Taken from the band’s upcoming EP, Anything For You, set for release on 11th April via Berlin based label Duchess Box Records, ‘Haunt Me’ is a potent reflection on grief and the desire to be followed by a loved one who’s been lost. It’s a melancholy musing, but it feels just as cathartic as their previous raw punk-inspired efforts. (KC)

Scrounge – ‘Buzz/Cut’
“This song is about pleasure, self acceptance and having a good time,” explains Scrounge’s vocalist & guitarist Lucy. ‘Buzz/Cut’ is the South London duo’s most melodic offering to date and it features on their upcoming second album, Almost Like You Could, which is set for release on 18th April via Ba Da Bing! Records. The pair want listeners to experience the same cathartic release they feel when they’re playing live and that’s something that shines through instantly on this latest offering. Grab a ticket to see Scrounge headline The Lexington on 23rd April. (KC)

Dogviolet – ‘Dandelion’
The second single from ones to watch, London based band Dogviolet, ‘Dandelion’ offers an empowering ode to resilience and resistance, to the power of community – likening people to the flower, under-valued but vital to the ecosystem. Oozing a gritty immersive power and rich captivating energy, the track builds with a swirling allure as the refrain “to exist is to resist” repeats throughout with a glistening poignancy; an understated and unifying protest against capitalism. Dogviolet will be playing Cro Cro Land this Sunday, 6th April – just one of a ton of faves playing the South London festival over the weekend, including ARXX, Scrounge, Big Joanie, Berries and loads more, and I’ll also be DJing there on the Saturday, so I strongly suggest you nab your tickets now! (ML)

Fake Dad – ‘Machinery’
With their recently released new EP, Holly Wholesome and the Slut Machine, LA based band Fake Dad have created a collection of tracks reflecting on the different characters that musical artists, or “rock music posers” often play. Propelled by scuzzy ‘90s-inspired hooks and a gritty impassioned energy, the EP chronicles fictitious characters and their worlds whilst subtly reflecting on the band’s own identities and experiences. (ML)

tall child – ‘Stupid Body’
“I wanted this song to feel like you are inside my head during my lowest of lows,” tall child explains about their latest single ‘Stupid Body’. Inspired by the South East London artist’s own experiences having issues with body image and being dismissed by doctors, this track is tall child’s way of taking ownership of an uncomfortable situation, and they hope it will help listeners through them in future too. (KC)

Tamara & The Dreams – ‘Successful Bisexual’
I couldn’t really not include a track called ‘Successful Bisexual’, an energy I’m forever trying to channel. This new single from Australian artist Tamara & The Dreams glistens with a lilting jangly energy and a catchy uplifting charm, offering a heartfelt ode to self-discovery and embracing who you truly are as you get older. (ML)

Twat Union – ‘Singer Of The Band’
Having recently signed to Alcopop! Records, London ‘theatre punks’ Twat Union have now shared their wonderfully energy-filled new single ‘Singer Of The Band’. A not-so-subtle take down of the sexism they’ve encountered in the music industry and those men we’ve all come across at gigs who undermine and patronise the women in the bands that they come to watch, it’s an angst-driven yet uplifting pop-punk anthem. Having already been featured as ‘Ones To Watch’ in The Guardian, Twat Union are set to release their debut EP, Don’t Look It In The Eye, this Friday 4th April. (ML)

Strange New Places – ‘YATPYFL’
The latest single from Belfast band Strange New Places, ‘YATPYFL’ (you are the person your friends love) offers a gloriously uplifting ode to self-love. Urging the listener to trust their friends’ opinions more than their own self-deprecating feelings of anxiety, it’s a perfect slice of fizzing pop-punk celebrating queerness and neurodivergence with a catchy joyous energy. ‘YATPYFL’ is accompanied by a video featuring Belfast punk scene legend Belfast punk scene legend Dolores Vischer and the band blasting into green-screen outer space. (ML)

Annie Dressner – ‘For The Thrill Of It’
Accompanied by a video filled with loads of awesome women from the music industry, including faves like The Baby Seals and Emma from Mammoth Penguins, the new single from New York via Cambridge artist Annie Dressner shares a poignant message. Flowing with lilting folk-strewn melodies and Dressner’s honey-sweet vocals, ‘For The Thrill Of It’ reflects on the rife misogyny within the music industry, juxtaposing an underlying rage with its twinkling musicality. Speaking about the track, Dressner explains: “The message in the lyrics addresses the pervasive issue of misogyny in the music industry, where inappropriate behaviour too often goes unaddressed or overlooked.The song aims to inspire positive change in attitudes toward women in music and encourage women to feel safe in speaking out.” (ML)

Wife Patrol – ‘We Who Are About To’
Full of harmonious dual vocals and melodic riffs, this is the latest single from Indianapolis alt-rock trio Wife Patrol. The track is taken from the band’s upcoming EP, NOPLACE, which is set for release on 2nd May. They describe their new offering as “the product of three misfits maneuvering the ugliness, the uncertainty, and the joy of modern life together” – something that many listeners will be able to relate to! You can pre-order Wife Patrol’s EP from bandcamp here. (KC)

Um, Jennifer? – ‘Delancey’
I really enjoy the juxtaposition of playful melodies and anxious lyricism on this latest single from New York trans duo Um, Jennifer? ‘Delancey’ is taken from their upcoming album, Um Comma Jennifer Question Mark, which is set for release on 25th April via Final Girl Records. Speaking about the track, band member Elijah Scarpati explains: “’Delancey’ is written from two perspectives at once – your own disappointment with the one you love, and from the fear that they’re disappointed in you too. It’s speaking aloud the anxious spiral that unrequited love creates. Musically, it’s a surprisingly upbeat song. Maybe because it’s funny to be in love and to be scared about it. Or maybe it’s because if we don’t laugh about it all, we’ll cry.” (KC)

Pleaser – ‘Begging Guitars’
The riotous ‘Begging Guitars’ is the title track from Danish punks Pleaser’s new album. Set for release on 23rd May via Part Time Records, the single is an all out cacophony of crashing beats, thundering riffs and cathartic shouts, inspired by the need to “let go” and reject the need to “indulge in perfection” for yourself, or to expect it from others. (KC)

Odelia – ‘Someone I Knew’
This single from 19 year old Baltimore-born, Liverpool-based songwriter and LIPA student Odelia dropped into my inbox earlier this month and I’m so glad that it did. Her passionate vocals drift seamlessly over breezy instrumentation, as she muses about fulfilling her childhood dream of performing music and becoming the person she always wanted to be. ‘Someone I Knew’ is the second single from Odelia’s upcoming EP, I see stars I see stars why do I always see stars, a collaboration with producer notcharles which is set for release later this year. (KC)

Crystal Quartez – ‘Fall Down’
Portland-based musician and installation artist Crystal Quartez recently shared their latest album, Erospace, on which they have shifted into avant-pop territory. Crystal created the record simply because they felt that they needed a safe place exist, finding solace in their new sonic universe. Crystal blends the Caribbean beats of their childhood alongside gothic sound textures and dream pop elements to explore and celebrate the queer experimental scenes that helped them to form their sense of self. (KC)

Arooj Aftab – ‘Raat Ki Rani’ (Khruangbin remix)
Being a big fan of both Arooj Aftab and Khruangbin, I was excited to hear this new remix of ‘Raat Ki Rani’. As Aftab’s soaring rich vocals ripple with an effervescent grace alongside laid back, jazz-inspired beats, a perfectly dreamy soundscape is created. I was lucky enough to catch Arooj Aftab live at Pitchfork Music Festival at The Roundhouse last November – she delivered a truly spellbinding performance, interspersed with some refreshingly witty between-song chat! (ML)

Goddess ft. Ex:Re – ‘Shadows’
Goddess is the brand new collaborative project of drumming powerhouse Fay Milton (Savages). This first single ‘Shadows’ features vocals from Elena Tonra (Ex:Re/Daughter) and contributions from two GIHE faves – piano from Hinako Omori and bass from Ayse Hassan (Savages). Tonra’s delicate vocals and mysterious lyrics float over Milton, Omori and Hassan’s shape-shifting soundscape. I can’t wait to hear Goddess’ debut self-titled album, which is set for release on 30th May via Bella Union. (KC)

NYX – ‘Bright Tongues’
I cannot recommend listening to the NYX Drone Choir’s debut solo album enough. This track, ‘Bright Tongues’, is one of many sublime compositions that showcase the ensemble’s powerful ability to harness the beauty of the collective human voice. I had a lovely chat with NYX founder & director Sian O’Gorman all about the record, her “Tones, Bones and Drones” workshops and her altruistic approach to singing and using your voice to connect with others. Read the full interview here. (KC)

Laura Misch – ‘Alchemy’
I have afromerm to thank for introducing me to the beautiful sounds of South London-born saxophonist, songwriter and electronic producer Laura Misch. Released via One Little Independent Records, ‘Alchemy’ is a poignant reflection on the very human ability to alchemise loss into love, underscored by Laura’s tender vocals, lush saxophone sounds and and the delicate harp plucks of Marysia Osu. (KC)

WOOM – ‘Circe’
I love this tender track from South-London four-piece vocal ensemble WOOM. “‘Circe’ is a song about being lost and finding your way, echoing the Greek myth of Circe who, despite her banishment, remains a complex symbol of resilience and metamorphosis,” the group explain. Their ethereal harmonies and soft, considered instrumentation make for blissful listening. (KC)

SUMAC & Moor Mother ft. Candice Hoyes – ‘Hard Truth’
Taken from SUMAC & Moor Mother’s debut collaborative album, The Film, ‘Hard Truth’ is a captivating sonic extrapolation of displacement, land and nature. These themes permeate the new record, which is set for release on 25th April. SUMAC and Moor Mother will be performing this work live at Roadburn Festival on the 17th & 19th of April too. Grab a ticket here. (KC)

M(h)aol – ‘DM:AM’
I’m such a big fan of post punk trio M(h)aol, so I was thrilled to see that they’re back with this cutting new single. Lifted from their new album, Something Soft, which is set for release on 16th May via Merge Records, ‘DM:AM’ is a response the the inappropriate behaviour of men who DM women online, then become antagonistic or aggressive when they don’t receive what they deem to be the correct response. The band combine abrasive riffs and direct vocals to dismantle the words and actions of these men, leaving no room for sympathy in the process. I can’t wait to hear their new record in full. (KC)

Tremosphere – ‘Along The Way’
I’m a big fan of this evocative, heady track from New York darkwave, pop-drone duo Tremosphere. It’s lifted from their upcoming fourth album, saturated solace, which is set for release on 16th May via Slugg Records and only available on bandcamp. Speaking on the themes that informed the new record, vocalist and songwriter Sylvia explains: “This album is about the exhaustion of the soul, our constant struggle between darkness and light, and how to live a rich sustainable life, we have to try and find balance everyday.” (KC)

Tea Eater – ‘Cecelia’
Featuring members of Gustaf and Sharkmuffin, Brooklyn’s Tea Eater create wonky art-punk with a colourful energy. Taken from the band’s brand new album, latest single ‘Cecelia’ is an ode to that woman everyone loves to moan and gossip about – who without “they wouldn’t have anyone to talk about or project their own dark parts and patterns onto” -, a gloriously fuzzy, riot-grrrl tinged singalong punk anthem from definite new favourites. Watch the DIY video for ‘Cecelia here, and make sure you check out the full album, I Don’t Believe In Bad Luck, now. (ML)

Eilis Frawley – ‘Be A Lady’
Congratulations to GIHE favourite Eilis Frawley, who released her debut album, Fall Forward, earlier this month! We’re such big fans of the Australian-born, Berlin-based drummer and vocalist, so it’s wonderful to see her share an eclectic full-length piece of work on which she covers everything from personal stories, to politics, to her internal monologue. She’ll be playing live in the UK throughout May and June, including a London headline show at The Shacklewell Arms in East London on 1st June. Full tour dates & tickets here. (KC)

Perfume Genius – ‘Clean Heart’
Celebrating the release of his brand new album, long-time fave Perfume Genius has shared this beautiful new single. A poignant reflection on the concept of time being able to heal all wounds, ‘Clean Heart’ flows with a glistening sense of hope as an undercurrent of melancholy shimmers under the surface. With its sparkling musicality propelled by stripped back tribal beats, it builds with a stirring anthemic splendour rippling throughout with Mike Hadreas’ trademark raw emotion. Glory, the new album from Perfume Genius, is out now. (ML)

Neev – ‘I Put It In A Frame’
Having just released her exquisite sophomore album, Scottish artist Neev combines intricate lyrical storytelling with a subtle gritty energy to explore themes of tension, contrast and self-discovery. Latest single ‘I Put It In A Frame’ offers a glistening rumination on the connection between female pain and art; an anthemic slice of alt-folk tinged with an evocative vulnerability. How Things Tie In Knots, the new album from Neev, is out now via Trapped Animal Records. (ML)

Rival Queens – ‘Sun Don’t Shine’
Inspired by her favourite Smashing Pumpkins song, ‘Sun Don’t Shine’ is the second single from Sally-Anne Hickman (Maya Lakhani’s guitarist)’s new solo project Rival Queens. Flowing with scuzzy hooks and the raw emotion of Hickman’s vocals, it gently builds with a fizzing energy to a sparkling reflection on our darker days. A heartfelt rock anthem, created completely independently – Sally-Anne played every single instrument you can hear and even programmed the drums on Garage Band! Rival Queens’ debut EP, Crown and Conquer, is set for release on 27th June, and before that we’re looking forward to catching their first ever live show at Cro Cro Land this Sunday, 6th April. Rival Queens are just one of a ton of faves playing the South London festival over the weekend, including ARXX, Scrounge, Big Joanie, Berries and loads more – and I’ll also be DJing there on the Saturday, so I strongly suggest you nab your tickets now! (ML)

Jane Paknia – ‘Solace’
The latest single from innovative artist Jane Paknia, ‘Solace’ offers a dreamy electronic soundscape, fizzing with a sparkling energy. Inspired by the likes SOPHIE and Caroline Polachek, the track pulsates with glitchy beats alongside the delicate power of Paknia’s rich vocals and shimmering layers of instrumentation. Paknia explains: “I really intended for a crying in the club vibe in this one…to make something so sensitive and also pulsing felt like an accomplishment, an alchemizing of the discomfort I was experiencing.” (ML)

Samira Hills – ‘Romantasy’
The latest single from Shropshire based trans artist Samira Hills, ‘Romantasy’ offers a swirling synth-pop anthem. Combining sparkling melodies with a fierce gritty power, the track reflects on unrealistic romantic ideals with a bold energy. Of the track, Samira explains: “Realising I don’t need a lover to be happy was a euphoric and liberating experience. I want my fans to realise it too. So I wrote this song and unfortunately, we had to kill some Disney princesses in the process.” (ML)