PLAYLIST: October 2023

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of indie & alternative tunes, grunge and shoegaze anthems, post punk and Riot Grrrl bangers, alt-pop and experimental electronic sounds 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.

 

deep tan – ‘xenomorph queen’
Having been a big fan of deep tan for a few years now, I’m excited to see that – following last year’s diamond horsetail EP – they’re back with a brand new single, and new line-up, ahead of their live shows supporting QOTSA on tour next month. Reflecting on themes of matriarchy, queer parenting and sapphic love, ‘xenomorph queen’ oozes all the discordant immersive allure that we’ve come to know and love from the trio. Instantly captivating the senses with its mystical ethereal majesty, it showcases deep tan’s ability to create their own truly unique brand of other-worldly angular post-punk. Watch the video for ‘xenomorph queen’ here.
(Mari Lane – Managing Editor)

Fräulein – ‘The Last Drop’
Is it even a GIHE playlist if we don’t include a track by Fräulein? (No, it’s not). Joni & Karston have shared this excellent single via Submarine Cat, which Joni says is inspired by the “manic uncertainty, the confusing, exasperating and self-destructive patterns that you can fall into after the end of a relationship”.
(Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)

Grrrl Gang – ‘Cool Girl’
Indonesian riot grrrl group Grrrl Gang have been a rising force in the Southeast Asian music scene since their formation in 2016, and are now commencing their world takeover with the recent release of their debut album. Having been featured in the likes of NME and Spin, with the album, Grrrl Gang showcase their ability to fuse together their empowering riotous punk energy with a poignant raw honesty and relatable fizzing emotion. Uplifting and cathartic in equal measure. Spunky, the debut album from Grrrl Gang, is out now via Trapped Animal, and via legendary label Kill Rock Stars in the US. (ML)

HotWax – ‘High Tea’
Another anthem from GIHE faves HotWax, taken from their recently released EP, Invite Me, Kindly. Vocalist Tallulah explains: “‘High Tea’ is about two people in your life who are very close to you but don’t mix well, leaving you in the middle feeling torn. It’s a conversation that has gone on for too long, you have to spit out your doubt and let your bad feelings leave you. It’s a song for people to let go and be free.” (KC)

LipGloss – ‘Anna (Walks Along The Street)’
Recorded at Start Together Studios with GIHE fave Rocky O’Reilly, ‘Anna (Walks Along The Street)’ is the new single from Belfast band LipGloss. Oozing a sparkling dark majesty, and building with a scuzzy anthemic splendour, it reflects on the band’s own personal experiences of growing up in Northern Ireland with a raw impassioned energy; reverb strewn riffs colliding perfectly with the immense soaring vocals. I can’t wait to hear more from this lot! (ML)

Dermabrasion – ‘Halberdier’
**NEW FAVOURITE BAND ALERT**
I love this ominous cacophony of industrial-tinged post punk from Toronto-based duo Dermabrasion. Taken from their upcoming debut album, Pain Behaviour, which is set for release on 26th January 2024 via Hand Drawn Dracula, the track is a heavy, brooding gothic anthem that rumbles with discontent. Perfect listening for Halloween (or anytime of the year tbh). (KC)

Slothrust – ‘Pony’
I’m not sure I’ve talked enough about my obsession with Slothrust on GIHE yet, but – having been a fan for a few years – seeing them live in New York last year just completely took my breath away. I was totally captivated by their scuzzy, raw emotion and the utterly immersive, no-frills charisma of front-person Leah Wellbaum. They’ve just released a new EP, I Promise, which includes this fiercely seductive cover of Ginuwine’s ‘Pony’, along with three other versions of the track, my favourite being the extended version: 15 minutes of pure swirling joy. With a couple of wonderful new original tracks too (plus a magical cover of ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’), the EP showcases all there is to love about Slothrust. (ML)

Chelsea Wolfe – ‘Whispers In The Echo Chamber’
A potent blend of shadowy industrial sounds and her trademark captivating vocals, Chelsea Wolfe’s latest single is accompanied by the news that she’ll be releasing her seventh album, She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She, via Loma Vista on 9th February 2024. ‘Whispers In The Echo Chamber’ is a heavy rumination on trusting your inner voice and following your own intuition. Wolfe is “bathing in the blood of who [she] used to be” – cleansed and cutting as ever. (KC)

Vyva Melinkolya & Midwife – ‘Doomer GF Song’
I’ve made no secret of my admiration for the sounds that Vyva Melinkolya & Midwife make together, and this track is another perfect example of the unique symbiotic musical relationship they share. ‘Doomer GF Song’ – what a title, and what a sound. (KC)

Atka – ‘Eye In The Sky’
Set to release her debut EP next month, London-based, Brandenburg-born artist Atka creates captivating cinematic soundscapes. This first taster of the EP, ‘Eye In The Sky’ shimmers with a dark, haunting energy, reflecting on the social construction of identity. A stirring offering showcasing the beguiling majesty of this innovative artist. The Eye Against The Ashen Sky, the upcoming debut EP from Atka, is out on 3rd November. Catch Atka live in London on 7th November at Studio 9294. (ML)

body / negative – ‘persimmon’
An exquisitely gloomy piece of ambient shoegaze from body / negative, the solo project of multi-instrumentalist Andy Schiaffino. ‘Persimmon’, is taken from their upcoming album, Everett, which is set for release on 8th December. The record is inspired by love, loss and grief, following the death of their Father, featuring contributions from Midwife and Amulets – two of my favourites. I can’t wait to hear it. (KC)

GENN – ‘The Sister Of’
Lifted from their debut album, unum, released via their own label Liminal Collective, this is another dynamic offering from Malta-via-Brighton art punks ĠENN. Their album is a cell-tingling listen, inspired by deep empathy and feelings of otherness. Read more about it and watch the stunning accompanying video for ‘The Sister Of’ on our website here. (KC)

070 – ‘Black Dress’
I am OBSESSED with this track from 070 Shake, which is equal parts moody and euphoric. She’s going to be releasing a new album soon and I cannot wait to hear it. (KC)

Coolgirl – ‘Druid’s Hood’
Another sensational electronic offering from GIHE fave Lizzie Fitzpatrick aka Coolgirl. Inspired by the sounds on vintage video games, ‘Druid’s Hood’ is taken from the Dublin-based artist and producer’s upcoming EP, Failed Reboot, which is set for release on 8th November via VETA Records. (KC)

Echo Juliet – ‘Life On Trains’
This is the latest single from Birmingham-based electronic musician Echo Juliet, taken from her debut 7 track mini-album, Abandon Reality, out now via her new label Invisible IDs. This track – written entirely on a train – is a hypnotic, electronic minimal groove. Speaking about the track, Echo Juliet explains: “I’ve spent a lot of time on the train for work and wanted to capture the feelings that gives me. The groove has a kind of rolling, perpetual forward motion but I was also feeling exhaustion, listlessness and a sense of inevitability that I tried to capture in the melody” Such a vibe! Read Echo Juliet’s Five Favourites feature on our website for more insight into her music. (Tash Walker – Digital Editor)

Janette King – ‘Nah Mek Me Fall’
An end-of summer track drawing On Janette King’s Caribbean roots, incorporating patois into her lyrics layered over those infectious beats, ‘Nah Mek Me Fall’ is perfect for this hazy October sun. A celebration of identity and a testament to the power of music in conveying the tangled journey of love and uncertainty. (TW)

Rubie – ‘Sicily’
This was my track of the show for our October Soho Radio show. It comes from Rubie, who describes herself as a songstress, producer, multi-instrumentalist and unbridled trans voice from south London. I first encountered Rubie as a member of Jenny Moore’s Mystic Business and of course the fantastic F*Choir. But this is Rubie in her solo iteration here, fresh off her new EP release, Whatever Cage – totally mesmerising. Rubie will be opening for Living Body on 2nd November at New Cross Inn, and playing an in-store lunchtime gig at Dash the Henge on 4th Novemeber, which will also go out live on Resonance FM, all ahead of the EP launch party on 30th November at Walthamstow Trades Hall – see you there! (TW)

Caleb Nichols – ‘Demon Twink’
California-based poet and musician Caleb Nichols creates beautifully poignant indie-pop ballads with a lilting heartfelt energy reminiscent of the stirring offerings of Elliott Smith. I was lucky enough to catch Caleb live at The Cavendish Arms this Spring and am very much looking forward to having them play for us at Matchstick Piehouse on 1st December, along with adults and Gay Skeleton Club. Grab a ticket here. Their latest album, Let’s Look Back, is out now via Kill Rock Stars. (ML)

ME REX – ‘Jawbone’
Having just released their debut album, ME REX continue to win my heart with each new offering, and latest single ‘Jawbone’ is no different. I just can’t get enough of the swirling emotion oozing from their stirring lyrical storytelling with their trademark glistening musicality and impassioned energy. Giant Elk, the debut album from ME REX, is out now via Big Scary Monsters. (ML)

Francis of Delirium – ‘First Touch’
Produced by Catherine Marks and released via Dalliance Recordings, this truly dreamy track is all about those initially heady moments of love or lust. Francis of Delirium will be playing a headline show at the Lexington in London on 15th November. (TW)

Coco – ‘Mythological Man’
Formed in 2019, LA trio Coco have just announced the release of their second album. Out first taster of the album is ‘Mythological Man’; a reflection on common ‘masculine’ archetypes, it offers a blissful dose of lilting indie-pop. Rippling with luscious hooks and the honey-sweet vocals of Maia Friedman, it’s a dreamy soundscape, oozing subtle playful wit -visualised perfectly in the accompanying self-directed video. Simply titled 2, the upcoming second album from Coco, is set for release on 1st March 2024 via First City Artists. (ML)

Maple Glider – ‘Don’t Kiss Me’
Australian artist Tori Zietsch aka Maple Glider has just released her brand new album, I Get Into Trouble. Offering a poignant reflection on her Christian upbringing, reflecting on themes of shame, consent and sexuality, it’s a truly stirring collection of starkly honest, yet delicately beautiful, compositions. Flowing with a glistening musicality as the heartfelt crystalline splendour of Zietsch’s vocals ripples with raw emotion, the album showcases her ability to reflect on potentially difficult subject matter with an immersive cathartic grace and shimmering majestic allure. Read our recent interview with Maple Glider here. (ML)

Sheherazaad – ‘Mashoor’
The debut single from New York based artist Sheherazaad, ‘Mashoor’ reflects on her South Asian sonic lineage; drawing on themes of displacement and nostalgia with a contemporary, genre-defying spirit. Exuding an exquisite rippling allure, Sherherazaad’s sumptuous vocals flow throughout, allowing ‘Mashoor’ to immerse you in its soaring, spellbinding beauty on first listen. Watch the stirring accompanying video for ‘Mashoor’ here. (ML)

Gazelle Twin – ‘Fear Keeps Us Alive’
This Gazelle Twin track, taken from her recently released fourth album Black Dog, spotlights once again what an instinctive, shape-shifting artist she is. Released via one of my favourite labels INVADA Records, this single and her new record are partially inspired by her childhood experiences with the paranormal, which makes for perfect listening this October. (KC)

Hilary Woods – ‘Burial Rites’
Following on from her poignant rumination ‘Where The Bough Has Broken’ – an atmospheric ode to communal growth and memory – Irish artist Hilary Woods has returned with another hypnotic instrumental titled ‘Burial Rites’. Lifted from her upcoming album, Acts Of Light, which is set for release on 3rd November via Sacred Bones, the track is a magnetic, gloomy cogitation inspired by the Gaelic Celtic ritual of Keening; a traditional form of vocal lament when mourning for the dead. (KC)

 

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WATCH: deep tan – ‘xenomorph queen’

Having been a big fan of London’s deep tan for a few years now, I’m excited to see that – following last year’s diamond horsetail EP – they’re back with a brand new single, and new line-up, ahead of their live shows supporting QOTSA on tour next month.

Reflecting on themes of matriarchy, queer parenting and sapphic love, ‘xenomorph queen’ oozes all the discordant immersive allure that we’ve come to know and love from the trio. Instantly captivating the senses with its mystical ethereal majesty, it showcases deep tan’s ability to create their own truly unique brand of other-worldly angular post-punk.

Of the track, the band expand:

“‘xenomorph queen’ witnesses the real star of the alien franchise in a new context: in the throes of a lesbian romance. a sensual – but still punk – track about matriarchy, queer parenting and sapphic love, this close encounter offers a new, intergalactic perspective on #hotmilfsinyourarea #xenomilf”

‘xenomorph queen’ is accompanied by an animated new video; in equal parts playful and enthralling. Watch it now:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=URZQ5XjtpnE%3Fsi%3DnINfKYZTpj9QaphP

‘xenomorph queen‘ is out now via Practise Music.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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LIVE: Truck Festival 2022

After a painful double-cancellation during the pandemic years, 2022 marked a triumphant, sold-out return for Truck Festival. The sun shone the weekend through, football shirts reigned supreme (personal favourites being SOFY’s vintage Leicester away strip and an anonymous festival-goer’s Watford away shirt with ‘ACID, 7’ on the back), and of course, a cross-section of the nation’s favourite indie acts shared stages with some exciting up-and-comers and a few unexpected additions to the bill.

One of the first things that became apparent upon arrival, as raised by a number of performers, was Truck’s reputation as the home of the improbable mosh pit. The festival is defined by that particular brand of indie rock that lends itself to such a response – and it occurred to me as people hopped about to Loose Articles and then Oscar Lang, Siggy Brew cans flinging across the air – that this is really the perfect music for the British festival, itself defined by the beautiful dirtiness and community epitomised by the mosh. I was witness to some genuinely baffling pits over the course of the weekend; the award for the most inappropriate going to the Oxford Symphony Orchestra during their rendition of the Back To The Future suite.

Though the headline slots were dominated by male performers, it was mainly female-driven sets that provided my highlights for the weekend. Deep Tan played perhaps the best set I have seen from them – their usual no-chords-and-the-truth sound possessing a greater urgency and vivacity, sharpened by a year’s hard gigging and the sound at the So Young curated Market Stage. On the main stage, Kelis lived up to her legendary status, with a set front-loaded with the classic ‘Milkshake’ that progressed through an unpredictable 40-minute party that also included versions of ‘Bounce’ and ‘I Feel Love’, as well as a crowd singalong of ‘Happy Birthday’ for her son, who she brought on stage before the last song. 

Elsewhere, Lime Garden got the crowd moving from Saturday morning; lead singer Chloe Howard noting it had to be ‘the earliest I’ve ever played’. ‘Clockwork’ in particular smacked into a palpably strutting groove that would have been impossible to resist at any hour. On the same stage, Just Mustard groaned with apocalyptic intensity, the paired guitars bending a cavernous twisting pulse that blasted away at us. 

The pick of the headliners had to be Bombay Bicycle Club, who offer – alongside stomping, mosh-worthy riffs – a wonderful expansion on the format of indie four-piece complete with horn section and the vocal contributions of Saint Clair. Though their appeal was rooted in the indulgence of the tastes of my fourteen year old self, it was genuinely nice to see them playing live again. The sudden creation of a crowd of giants as Jack Steadman invited the audience to get on each others’ shoulders during ‘Carry Me’ was particularly atmospheric, if slightly offset by the slapstick failure of two people stood in front of me to achieve this pose.

After hours at Truck also saw a good time being had. Running until 2am with a choice of a silent disco and not one, but two, ‘indie bangers’ parties each night at different stages up against more traditionally dancey DJs in the Market Stage tent. Many of the weekend’s memorable moments came at this hour, the pick being the simultaneity of the sight of an individual staggering around in his own world (or at least not of this one), Newcastle shirt aloft, presumably babbling his love for Sam Fender, while we were regaled by a pair of young women explaining how they had spent their weekend ‘reverse catcalling’ men from their pathside tent. Saturday night at one of the indie rock dance tents was good fun, though I troublingly cannot recall any women artists included on the playlist, and found myself, in a brief wave of sobriety, wondering exactly which wave of feminism ‘Fit But You Know It’ spoke to.

If you are looking for a beery indie rock party, Truck is surely the festival for you. Less sprawling and destructive than Reading – and with an easily navigable site – you can catch some old favourites among a selection of the next batch of guitar hit-makers before partying into the not-excessively-small hours. And if that were not enough, there is even the prospect of moshing to a 30-piece orchestra…

If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, make sure you nab tickets for next year’s 2023 festival! Super Early Bird tickets will be available from this Friday, 29th July, at 12pm.

Lloyd Bolton
@lloyd_bolton

Photo Credit: Caitlin Mogridge

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Preview & Playlist: Truck Festival

Like the first day of summer, the proper start of festival season is an intangible moment, a shift in the weather, an unspoken collective agreement that the time has come. In the melting heat of mid-July, turning my mind to Truck Festival, it is clear that, whenever exactly it started, the high festival season has arrived. With reserves of sun cream packed and liquor decanted into plastic bottles (no glass on site remember!), there now remains only the trains and buses via Didcot Parkway between me and my entry into the high festival season.

Truck festival is one of our original big-little festivals, started in 1998, a veritable elder in a market where more and more new festivals are born like generations of flying ants each year. In its age and wisdom, the festival has cemented a reputation as the go-to for noisy indie rock with a little more cred and fewer legless GCSE graduates than Reading and Leeds. The headliners tend to come from artists previously featured in NME, but further down the bill you are reliably able to find some gems.

This year is true to this form, with the likes of Bombay Bicycle Club, Sam Fender, Kasabian, The Kooks and Blossoms leading the bill. The main acts I’m looking forward to seeing, however, are in somewhat smaller print. I’m hoping to catch Loose Articles, whose new single ‘Kick Like a Girl’ should go off especially well in the wake of England’s dramatic Euros quarter-final win last night. Sorry are always a great live experience, with shows that never fail to remind me why I love them, capturing the slick pop greatness of their Domino output and the uncanny interludes collaging found audio taken from their Home Demo/ns series. 

The So Young-curated Market Stage looks to be another treasure trove, with a solid run on Saturday including Lime Garden and Deep Tan. And while I’m there, primarily looking to catch some interesting up-and-comers, I’m sure that the heart of my 14-year-old self will enjoy singing along to Bombay Bicycle Club on the Friday night.

Other bands that, although sadly not featuring as main headliners, I’m particularly looking forward to seeing include: Sigrid, The Big Moon, The Subways, Jade Bird, Just Mustard, and GIHE faves Peaness… (and will definitely try to catch the legend that is Kelis!)

Have a listen to our playlist of Ones To Watch at Truck Festival, and keep your eyes peeled for our review of the festival over the next couple of weeks! 

Lloyd Bolton
@lloyd_bolton

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