EP: Projector – ‘How Does It Feel?’

A visceral, grunge-infused exploration of love, loss and anxiety; How Does It Feel? is the knockout debut from Brighton trio Projector. Released via Roadkill Records on 9th November, the four track EP showcases the band’s ability to fuse nostalgic 90s noise with crushingly relatable modern sensibilities.

Recent single ‘Full Circle’ is an impressive opening track, and Bassist Lucy’s vocal range is beautifully showcased here. Switching between coarse, gravelly screams and clear, magnetic harmonies; her voice is enviably distinctive. Drummer Demelza’s beats drive the song to its conclusion, alongside Edward’s spiraling guitar sounds. It bleeds in to ‘I Am Shamed’, which is a raging onslaught of furious, fx-soaked riffs. Edward’s vocals take center stage here, giving the track an urgent, manic dimension.

The band’s earlier single ‘Break Your Own Heart’ is just as infectious after multiple listens. It’s a thundering, three and a half minute blur of aggressive, melodic sound. Closing track ‘Let Me’ is an ode to mutual self-destruction. “Let me ruin you, I’ll let you ruin me too” sings Lucy, an invitation that’s underscored by brooding bass lines and more of Demelza’s perfect percussion. It bookends a brief but blistering record that’s been crafted with aggressive intricacy.

So, ‘How Does It Feel’ listening to Projector’s debut EP? It feels pretty fucking good. We recommend you invest your listening time in the Brighton trio, and that you catch them live at Moth Club on 10th November. Tickets are available on DICE now.

Order your copy of ‘How Does It Feel?’ here. Follow Projector on Facebook for more updates.

Photo Credit: Jessie Morgan

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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EP: Tina Boonstra – ‘My Concrete Heart (Will Beat Again)’

Inspired by the likes of Wolf Alice and Arcade Fire, London-based artist Tina Boonstra writes in a vulnerable yet determined vein. Her debut EP My Concrete Heart (Will Beat Again), released on 2nd February via 7Core Music, is a collection of moving, honest songs that will school listeners in empathy and introspection.

The understated ‘Prodigal’ opens the record, quietly showcasing Tina’s measured but powerful vocals. It leads into the soothing ‘I Think I See You Now’ which plays out “as steady as my heart beats / as certain as the sunrise.” Tina’s musical style may have been intended for the halls of churches (she was raised in a Christian missionary family), but it’s clear from these tracks that her sound was meant to echo further.

It’s easy to surrender “skin and bone” to the sound of ‘Occupy Me’ as it gently builds into another three minutes of hymn-like escapism. Following track ‘Concrete Heart’ is a complete change of pace, with pounding drums, heavier guitar riffs and a melodic chorus that breaks through like the “perfect love” Tina sings of. It feels like an aural emotional release, ringing with the relief you experience when you find someone worth opening up to again.

‘Only A Human’ changes the EP’s direction once more, as Tina explores the isolation of another character: a teenage boy with a suicide bomb strapped to his chest. It’s an unexpected turn and a thought provoking exploration of empathy, culminating in the honest lyric “you’re not to blame now / you’re only a human.” The gentle ‘Castle’ closes the record. It’s a carefully curated piano-led ode to a fortress of love and support and a calm ending to this soft but tempestuous debut.

Speaking of her EP, Tina admits: “I wanted to sing about faith and doubt and the very real struggle to feel anything apart from completely numb.” We’re sure listening to My Concrete Heart (Will Beat Again) will make others feel more again too.

Listen to Tina’s EP on Spotify here, and follow her on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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EP: After London – ‘After London’

If you’re looking for a slice of anthemic, alternative indie-rock, look no further than After London. The five-piece have released their eponymous debut EP, and it’s a record that shows they’re well-rehearsed, wickedly talented and ready for bigger things.

‘Bitter Man’ kicks things off with sardonic yet sublime vocals that recollect a blur of sexist poison and disappointment. Following track ‘Dreams’ flickers with the energy of over-active pupils during a case of REM sleep, and fans of London-rockers Anteros will approve of this indie tune.

On the penultimate ‘Highlife’, vocalist Francesca sings “you don’t like the taste of my despair” – but it’s hard to imagine anyone not savouring the sweet qualities of her voice, even if they do lament the sourness of dejection. The opening lyric on final track ‘Waiting For You’ feels particularly poignant – “Silence says more than what you think / it colours things that you can’t see” – and paves the way for an anthemic four minutes of taut percussion and melodic guitars.

Listen to After London’s EP in full on Spotify, and head down to their launch party at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen on 7th February to hear the record live. (RSVP here).

Follow After London on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: Stream Ghost Guilt’s debut ‘EP 1’

Durham “grunge-tinted fuzz pop” rockers Ghost Guilt have released their debut EP via Frux Tapes today, and we’re delighted to share their raucous new sounds with you. Inspired by the bands they saw performing around their hometown, front woman Cat Black wrote the EP alongside band mates Ellie, Stevo & Jonny to combat a turbulent few years battling intense anxiety and depression.

Fortunately, after speaking out and seeking professional help, Cat is back on track and ready to front Ghost Guilt alongside her supportive band mates. Thier debut EP hosts four tracks, all of which are taken from their first recording session with Neil Combstock at Rocking Horse Studios in Durham.

Speaking about the band and the new release, Cat says: “Ghost Guilt has been such a positive place for me, I never thought I would have the courage to stand up and scream everything out in front of people!”

Listen to Ghost Guilt’s debut EP below and follow the band on Facebook for more updates.

Track Listing:

1. Billy Liar
2. Creepy
3. Heavy Weather (social anxiety)
4. This Girl Can’t

Ghost Guilt will be playing with Bob Nastanovich from Pavement and Schwervon at Empty Shop in Durham on Monday 4th December.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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