Tag: dark pop

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

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

 

Whitelands – ‘Setting Sun’
I’m really into London band Whitelands at the moment! Formed of Etienne, Jagun, Vanessa and Michael, I just love their scuzzy, shoegaze-infused soundscapes, and ‘Setting Sun’ showcases their ability to create the stuff of truly captivating sonic dreams. They’ll be playing in Brighton at The Great Escape Festival in May, so make sure you catch them if you’re lucky enough to be going! (Mari Lane)

Hypsoline – ‘With You Gone’
Having completely fallen in love with Hypsoline when they played for us, supporting Currls back in December, I’m now super excited that they’ll be returning to charm us again – for their first ever London headline show – on 19th May at The Shacklewell Arms. Support comes from The Ethical Debating Society and Rom Coms. Grab your tickets here. (ML)

Circe – ‘Riot Of Sunlight’
GIHE favourite Circe has shared her new single ‘Riot Of Sunlight’, which is taken from her upcoming EP, Drawing Wings From The Light, set for release on 19th July. Inspired by her love for Jez Butterworth and Mark Rylance’s critically acclaimed play Jerusalem, it’s a commanding, delightfully disorientating blend of dizzying synths and seraphic vocals, all delivered with her distinctive and vivid charm.
(Kate Crudgington)

Twin Rains – ‘You’re The Only One’
This apocalyptic reflection on love from Toronto-based Twin Rains is the first piece of new material from the duo since 2021. Full of intoxicating riffs and smooth vocals, it’s a potent blend of dream pop and psych rock with an electronic edge, and I can’t stop listening to it. (KC)

Draag – ‘Demonbird’
LA electro-shoegazers Draag release their debut album Dark Fire Heresy today (28th April), and this swirling sonic headrush is lifted from it. Speaking about the track, frontperson Jessica Huang explains: “‘Demonbird’ was a major breakthrough in my personal journey unpacking spiritual abuse in my past. Becoming the Demonbird character in the video was a way for me to find some sort of justice for the women who were silenced and discarded in the purity culture of my particular religious upbringing…It’s a relief that it doesn’t have the same power over me anymore.” Draag’s new record is well worth your attention. Listen to it here. (KC)

Fraulein – ‘Brand New’
GIHE faves Fraulein are back with this aptly titled new single, taken from their upcoming EP, Pedestal, which is set for release on 30th June. Speaking about the track, Joni and Karsten explain: ‘Brand New’ is the closing track on the EP, and it’s essentially the conclusion to the more negative emotions explored on the first half (‘Pet’, ‘Three’). It’s about trying to start fresh, leaving all that behind, and just feeling free to be yourself, even though it’s frightening and you feel so vulnerable when you do it.” We can’t wait to hear their new record in full. Pre-order your copy on limited edition cassette here. (KC)

Ezra Williams – ‘Bleed’
Cork-based songwriter Ezra Williams is set to release their debut album, Supernumeraries, on 18th June via AWAL, and this track ‘Bleed’ is the first single lifted from the record. It’s a hazy, melancholic tune that explores the artist’s feelings of disconnection and isolation in relationships. We’re big fans of Williams’ indie pop sounds here at GIHE and I’m looking forward to hearing Supernumeraries in full. (KC)

O Hell – ‘It Heals So Quick’
Following on from their previous singles ‘pixel‘ and ‘I Watch The Women‘ – which made our Tracks Of The Year list in 2022 – Brighton-based artist and producer Lucy Sheehan aka O Hell has shared their latest offering, ‘It Heals So Quick’. Underscored by their desire to explore the duality of past and present, and the inner processes of emotional relapse and recovery, O Hell delivers their extrapolations on sexuality, ritual and sacrifice with compelling and gritty conviction. (KC)

Alien Chicks – ‘Candlestick Maker’
Mari & I were part of the sold out crowd at The Lexington watching Alien Chicks play their biggest headline show to date earlier this month, and they were absolutely electric. The Brixton-based trio, formed of Martha, Stefan and Joe, smashed through a setlist of their potent punk-inspired anthems, including this track ‘Candlestick Maker’. We’ve been obsessed with them since they played a GIHE gig for us at The Shacklewell Arms in December last year, and that’s why we named them as ‘Ones To Watch’ at the end of 2022. Go and see the band play live at The 100 Club in November this year. It’s the perfect venue to hear and see what they’re all about. Grab a ticket now. (KC)

CLT DRP – ‘New Boy’
Brighton Feminist Electro-Punks CLT DRP’s latest single is a visceral, incendiary anthem exploring the conflicting thoughts in the aftermath of a breakup. Released via Gallows’ label Venn Records, who the band have recently singed to, ‘New Boy’ is a rush of potent emotion, from it’s candid opening line about barely affording therapy, to its various cathartic, noisy breakdowns. The track is lifted from CLT DRP’s upcoming album, which is set for release later this year. (KC)

jellyskin – ‘Bringer Of Brine’
I love this new banger from Leeds-based duo jellyskin. Taken from their upcoming debut album, In Brine, which is set for release on 9th June via Wrong Speed Records, the pair combine their eccentric ideas with throbbing percussion and commanding electronics to create their techno-inspired, industrial sounds. (KC)

Calva Louise – ‘Feast Is Over’
Having been a big fan of international band Calva Louise’s fierce, sparkling energy for some time now (and even witnessing their luminous charm live across the pond in New York last year), I was excited to hear that they’ll be releasing a new EP soon. Over The Threshold will not only offer an insight into how the band’s distinctive sound has developed with a heavier, cathartic metal-infused rage, but will also be accompanied by the release of a third person video game produced by Stratera Games. An innovative move from Jess Allanic and co, inspired by her own love of Sci Fi and fantasy, which is also evident in the accompanying graphic novel the band created alongside their 2019 album Rhinoceros. Ahead of the EP’s release, the band have shared a fiercely riotous new single, ‘Feast Is Over’ – reflecting on overcoming the challenges of life, it’s an immense, raging call to arms. (ML)

Dream Phone – ‘Bad Girls’
Having been completely blown away by Oxford duo Dream Phone when they played live for us supporting Me Rex last month, I was thrilled to hear they’ll be releasing their debut EP in May. Lead single ‘Bad Girls’ offers a joyous ode to Buffy and Faith (from the best TV show ever, Buffy The Vampire Slayer), celebrating friendship and discovering your “bad side” as Jenny Bell and Hannah Watts’ sparkling charisma and vibrant energy shine through. Showcasing the duo’s ability to combine quirky voice augmentation with infectious, synth-driven glitch-pop soundscapes, it harks back to the innovative layering and sampling of Kathleen Hanna’s solo Julie Ruin record; oozing a euphoric riot grrrl inspired drive, whilst maintaining Dream Phone’s trademark playful allure. The self-titled debut EP from Dream Phone is set for release on 19th May via Divine Schism. (ML)

Jemma Freeman & The Cosmic Something – ‘Huge’
The latest single from London psych rockers Jemma Freeman and the Cosmic Something, ‘Huge’ channels the mindset of a child with ADHD. Rippling with fizzing hooks as the swirling power of Jemma’s truly distinctive vocals soars, it builds with a sparkling psychedelic allure to an immense, colourful cacophony. Showcasing the raw emotive majesty that this innovative artist is able to create, ‘Huge’ offers an epic, frenzied anthem. (ML)

Tokky Horror – ‘Toilet’
It was a total pleasure to chat to producer Zee back in March about Tokky Horror’s upcoming EP, KAPPACORE, which is set for release on 12th May via Venn Records. Lead single ‘Toilet’ is a blend of drum & bass beats, manic riffs and surprisingly vulnerable lyrics, inspired by Zee’s own experiences of finding their feet within activist scenes in music and queer spaces. Alongside dual vocalists Mollie Rush and Ava Akira, Zee will be bringing the riotous Tokky Horror show to Blondies in East London on 18th May. Full tour dates and interview here. (KC)

Duck – ‘Happy Back’
The new single from GIHE faves, Duck, ‘Happy Back’ offers an anthem for anyone awkward and self-deprecating who needs a bit of love. A wonderfully fizzing cacophony, propelled by whirring hooks and a scuzz filled goodness, it’s the first release from the band’s upcoming third album and was recorded at Make Noise Studios in Sheffield with engineer/co-producer Tom Henthorn. (ML)

Hand Habits – ‘Something Wrong’
The latest single from Hand Habits – one of my most listened to artists at the moment, and someone who’s collaborated with legends like Perfume Genius – ‘Something Wrong’ is an utterly captivating offering. Propelled by a majestic dark energy, an utterly dreamy soundscape is created; instantly immersing the listener in its haunting, emotion-strewn grace. Sugar The Bruise, the upcoming mini album from Hand Habits, is set for release in June. (ML)

Hazel Mills – ‘Enclosure’
‘Enclosure’ is the first single to be lifted from Bristol-based multi-instrumentalist Hazel Mills’ upcoming EP, The Embrace, which is set for release on the 19th of May. A beautiful blend of lilting synths, altruistic beats and evocative vocals, Mills has created a gentle hypnotising soundscape that feels more affecting each time it’s listened to. (KC)

Mere Child – ‘Not Good Enough’
Written, recorded and produced in her “poorly soundproofed kitchen/conservatory”, independent artist Aimee Herbert aka Mere Child’s latest single is a tender, atmospheric ode to persevering in the face of adversity. A poignant reflection on a difficult time, ‘Don’t Let Me Go’ shimmers with its melodic guitars, earnest lyrics and Herbert’s soft, clear vocals, which provide a lullaby-like comfort. (KC)

Prima Hera – ‘Michigan’
Described as “a classic tale of unrequited love, strewn across the highways of middle America,” this is the latest single from Sheffield-based musician Prima Hera. Full of her lush vocals, yearning lyrics and sultry reverb-drenched piano, ‘Michigan’ is a rumination on an unbalanced romantic relationship, filtered through Prima Hera’s seductive melancholy-pop lens. (KC)

Midwife & Vyva Melinkolya – ‘Miss America’
‘Miss America’ is another heavy-yet-heavenly collaboration from GIHE fave Midwife and new fave Vyva Melinkolya. This single is lifted from the duo’s upcoming 5-song album, Orbweaving, which will be released on 12th May via The Flenser. The record is described as “a web like structure – a gauze of sorrow and visceral connective thread” that combines their experiences of hopelessness, calling on a higher power, being alone, and the sublime horror of the natural world. I can’t wait to hear it. (KC)

HUSSY – ‘Blew’
This is the title track on South London-based musician Sophie Ellison aka HUSSY’s latest EP, which she released earlier this month. On Blew, she extrapolates on her inner thoughts and existential crises, whilst looking outward to the wider social contexts of why she feels the way that she does. Ellison delivers these ruminations over atmospheric, grungy guitar sounds and via her clear, brooding vocals. (KC)

The White Roses – ‘This Town’
On their brand new single, Yorkshire-based indie rock four piece The White Roses try to capture “the difficulty of what it’s like to be a young person growing up in a small town.” Full of urgent riffs and direct lyrics, the band try to work through feelings of anxiety and apathy about being left behind, whilst ignoring the “small talk” and trying to make something of themselves. (KC)

Alex Lahey – ‘They Wouldn’t Let Me In’
The latest single from Australian artist Alex Lahey, ‘They Wouldn’t Let Me In’ reflects on the isolation felt during her teenage years, as a queer person growing up. Inspired by the Netflix series Heartstopper, it oozes a comforting, heartfelt catharsis as Lahey puts into words those tough moments many queer teens experience as they try to adapt to a seemingly non-inclusive world: “I spent a lot of time thinking about my own experiences growing up as a queer teenager, being excluded from conventional romantic rites of passage, feeling like I couldn’t relate to anyone around me.” The Answer Is Always Yes, the upcoming album from Alex Lahey, is set for release on 19th May via Liberation. (ML)

Pool Kids – ‘That’s Physics, Baby’
The latest single from Florida band Pool Kids, ‘That’s Physics, Baby’ harks back to the beloved emo-strewn sounds of the early noughties. With acclaim from noughties royalty Paramore’s Hayley Williams, I just love its fizzing energy, swirling impassioned drive and catchy hooks. Pool Kids have just released their self titled second album via cult label Big Scary Monsters, and you can catch them live at The Sebright Arms on 10th May. (ML)

Heart Shaped – ‘Felt’
Following on from her previous release ‘No Contact’, Houston-born, Belfast-based songwriter Heart Shaped has provided her listeners with another cinematic slice of dream pop on ‘Felt’. Inspired by the self-deception that can underpin some romantic relationships, it’s an effervescent, uplifting offering full of soothing vocals, hazy guitar sounds and tender lyrics. (KC)

Sorry Girls – ‘Prettier Things’
Montreal duo Heather Foster Kirkpatrick and Dylan Konrad Obront aka Sorry Girls are set to release their new album in June, and continue to charm our ears with their lilting heartfelt offerings. Reflecting on being honest with yourself, ‘Prettier Things’ oozes a glistening splendour as Heather’s crystalline sugar-sweet vocals ripple with a stirring emotion throughout. A truly blissful soundscape, luring the listener in with an immersive twinkling grace. (ML)

Fern Veh – ‘Galaxies’
Fern Veh are a Leeds-based solo-project-turned-five-piece band headed by Ada Fae Gilfoyle, who create sounds that flow in an dreampop-indie-post-rock vein. They’re currently working on their debut album, and this track ‘Galaxies’ is the first single from the record. Described as “an intimate and atmospheric love song”, it’s a gentle, dreamy tune. (KC)

Divide and Dissolve – ‘Blood Quantum’
I’ve been following doom instrumentalists Divide and Dissolve since they released their second album, Abomination, back in 2018, so I was thrilled earlier this month when the duo announced that they’ll be releasing their fourth album, Systemic, on 30th June via Invada Records. This single ‘Blood Quantum’ is the first taste of what’s to come. “This music is an acknowledgement of the dispossession that occurs due to colonial violence,” explains Saxophonist and guitarist Takiaya Reed. Takiaya also credits the duo’s 2021 album, Gas Lit, for laying the foundation for their new sounds: “Because of what was built with Gas Lit, Systemic is able to express itself.” I can’t wait to hear it. Watch the striking accompanying video for ‘Blood Quantum’ here. (KC)