Five Favourites: Roller Derby

Kicking off their UK tour tonight in Manchester at The Peer Hat (there will some tickets left on the door), Hamburg dream-pop duo Roller Derby have been charming our ears with their sparkling heartfelt anthems for some time now, and delivered such a wonderful performance for us at their sold out show at Shacklewell Arms last time they were over in London in 2024. Having recently released their exquisite debut album, When The Night Comes, they’ve showcased their ability to meticulously interweave the luscious celestial vocals of Philine Meyer with glistening multi-layered soundscapes and raw textures to create something truly captivating. 

To celebrate their first proper tour of the UK, Roller Derby have reflected on their five favourite albums by British bands and artists, sharing a few words about how much they love them and the different ways they feel influenced by them. So, have a read of their choices below, make sure you check out their stunning album, and pick up a ticket for their UK gigs now!

Dry Cleaning – New Long Leg
When we heard ‘Scratchcard Lanyard’ by Dry Cleaning on the radio for the first time, we were immediately blown away. We love the band’s sound, especially Florence Shaw’s vocal performance. The music video for the song is also one of the best we’ve ever seen. Their long-awaited debut album New Long Leg was released in 2021, and album track ‘Strong Feelings’ is also a really wonderful and hypnotic song.


The Cure – Disintegration
The Cure and Robert Smith are probably our biggest musical inspiration. The way they blend sadness with joy – melancholy with playfulness – is something that never stops inspiring us. Disintegration feels like one cohesive piece, yet it’s incredibly diverse – something we deeply admire and keep coming back to. ‘Plainsong’ is our favourite album opener of all time – maybe even Manu’s favourite song ever. We were lucky to see The Cure live at their 40th anniversary show in Hyde Park in 2018. It was an incredibly hot day, and pretty much everyone in the crowd was dressed in black – which made the whole thing kind of funny, in the most Cure way possible.

Temples – Sun Structures
Manu discovered Temples’ debut album Sun Structures back in 2014 and listened to it non-stop at the time. Alongside Tame Impala, it had a big influence on his taste in music and really pulled him deeper into psychedelic sounds. He has seen the band live twice in Hamburg, and the record is proudly displayed on our living room wall. Maybe the intro of ‘Shelter Song’ even had a little influence on our own track ‘Always on My Mind’!

Rolling Stones – Flowers
This list should also include what is probably the biggest and best-known band from England. Philine came into contact with the music of the Rolling Stones at a very early age, as a cassette of the album Flowers was always played in the family car on long car journeys. ‘Ruby Tuesday’ remained as a favourite song, but ‘Out Of Time’ and ‘Sitting On A Fence’ are also great songs. The recording of ‘Let’s Spend The Night Together’ is also amazing.

The Last Dinner Party – Prelude to Ecstasy
I don’t think anyone has quite been able to get over the band The Last Dinner Party over the past year. They released such an impressive debut album – it’s really exciting musically and we really like the baroque-pop approach, which is reflected in their whole outward appearance. Philine particularly loves the songs ‘On Your Side’, ‘The Feminine Urge’ and of course ‘Nothing Matters’.

Huge thanks to Philine and Manu for sharing their Five Favourites with us! Make sure you check out the full When The Night Comes album and then nab a ticket to their special London headline show at The Lexington this Friday, 9th May!
Get a taste of what to expect in this gorgeous video for recent single ‘In Spring’:



PLAYLIST: November 2024

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another mix of alternative, grunge & shoegaze anthems, eclectic electronic soundscapes, alt-pop tunes and indie-folk 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 hear all of our previous playlists too.

Kills Birds – ‘Behind’
Mari & I saw LA band Kills Birds live at Hackney’s Moth Club back in 2022, and I remember front person Nina Ljeti being a colossal force on stage. It’s great to see that the band are back with ‘Behind’, a seething new anthem and their first new music since their second album, Married (2021). Check out the accompanying video for the track here.
(Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)

Girl Tones – ‘Fade Away’
A proper stomper of a track from sister duo Girl Tones here! ‘Fade Away’ is their debut offering, produced by Brad Shultz of Cage The Elephant and released via his label Parallel Vision. The pair blend visceral riffs, propulsive beats and defiant vocals together to create this irresistible cacophony of noise. Watch the accompanying video here. (KC)

Sacred Paws – ‘Another Day’
After a five year hiatus, we’re super excited that London/Glasgow duo Sacred Paws have returned to our ears. We love everything that Ray Aggs does and were honoured to have them headline one of our gigs earlier this year, and now the revival of this project with Eilidh Rogers comes as a very welcome surprise. Reflecting on the theme of remaining positive in the face of heartbreak, new single ‘Another Day’ flows with the duo’s trademark lilting and uplifting energy and distinctive sparkling harmonies, whilst introducing a heartfelt folk-strewn sound with the inclusion of banjo played by Ray’s father. Apparently there’s more new music on the way next year, and we cannot wait!
(Mari Lane – Managing Editor)

Alien Chicks – ‘Babe’
I’ve been following Brixton trio Alien Chicks since Mari booked them for a GIHE gig back in 2022. Since then, their dynamic, blistering anthems have seen them support Mercury Prize winners English Teacher on their UK tour, and they’ve released their debut EP, Indulging The Mobs. ‘Babe’ is another antagonistic offering from the trio that playfully explores the idea that “we’re all masochists, politically and socially.” (KC)

Jæd – ‘Sight Gas Went Uh’
Another unique offering from London-based Irish-Puerto Rican musician Jæd here, taken from her debut album, I Loved The Gauntlet And There Was No Other Way. Set for release tomorrow (29th Nov) via cult Irish label The Delphi Label, the record is a visceral, eclectic cacophony of sounds inspired by the uncertainty and hardship that Jæd has lived through. She played a GIHE gig for us in October last year supporting Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra and we were all blown away by her stage presence, dynamic vocal range and guitar playing. ‘Sight Gas Went Uh’ is the perfect example of all three. Watch the accompanying live performance video here. (KC)

Eilis Frawley – ‘Fall Forward’
Having recently headlined for us at New River Studios as part of Kara Delik, Berlin-based musician Eilis Frawley has now announced the release of a new solo album in March next year. Ahead of the album’s release, she has shared title track ‘Fall Forward’. Interweaving whirring layers of sound, it combines glitchy electronics with Frawley’s distinctive poignant lyric storytelling and propulsive drum beats. Building with a searing sense of urgency to a glistening cacophony, it showcases Frawley’s ability to create innovative kaleidoscopes of sound. Fall Forward, the upcoming album, will be released on 7th March, and is co-produced by Frawley and Kat Frankie. Eilis Frawley will also be over in the UK for some live dates with her band next May – keep your eyes peeled! (ML)

M(h)aol – ‘Snare’
“‘Snare’ is about countless conversations I’ve had since my first drum lesson on my ninth birthday about how bizarre it is that I play that instrument, or how I should be doing it differently,” explains M(h)aol’s lead vocalist and drummer Constance Keane. “The idea of society gendering an inanimate object like a drum kit, when it’s something that brings me so much joy and release, has always frustrated me hugely, and I thought it was time to sing about it.” I’ve been a big fan of Irish post-punks M(h)aol since they released their debut single ‘Laundries’ back in 2020, and despite recent lineup changes, it’s great to see that the band have lost none of their momentum. ‘Snare’ is another potent anthem about autonomy and empowerment, delivered with the band’s trademark visceral grit. (KC)

Glixen – ‘Lick The Star’
I’ve loved everything that Phoenix shoegazers Glixen have released this year. Taken from their upcoming EP, Quiet Pleasures, which is set for release on 21st February 2025, their latest single ‘Lick The Star’ smoulders with longing, building from it’s gentle atmospheric intro into a potent wall of sound. (KC)

Brutus – ‘Paradise’
Belgian heavy trio Brutus are back with this majestic new track ‘Paradise’. Originally written for the Streamz Original drama series Putain, it’s full of the band’s trademark heavy riffs and drummer Stefanie Mannaerts’ impressive vocals. (KC)

Disarme – ‘Change’
I love this bittersweet debut single from Franco-Malagasy artist Disarme. Driven by a palpable but sublime sense of melancholy, ‘Change’ is inspired by the loneliness and disillusionment that can come from living in fast-paced, expensive city environments. Through her gentle vocals and evocative guitar riffs, Disarme attempts to soothe these pangs of anxiety. (KC)

Claire Pitt Wigmore – ‘Cerebellum’
Creating swirling slices of psychedelia, Margate musician Claire Pitt Wigmore and her band have recently shared new a EP. With lyrics reflecting on Claire’s experience of cancer and the treatment that follow, it fuses together elements of psych, shoegaze and jazz, it offers a stirring exploration of facing this immensely challenging experience at such a young age. Title track ‘Cerebellum’ fizzes with whirring hooks alongside Claire’s emotion-strewn vocals; an immersive introduction to what this new Kent band are capable of creating. (ML)

Janita – ‘Real Deal’
Inspired by two of her favorite films – The 400 Blows and Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid – this pop rock track from Finland-born artist Janita celebrates the joy of rebellion. It’s taken from her upcoming album, Mad Equation, which is set for release in May 2025. (KC)

Gay Skeleton Club – ‘W3t L3g’
London based queer DIY band Gay Skeleton Club formed at First Timers Fest last year and have been total faves of mine since they played live for us at Matchstick Piehouse in December. I just love their fizzing pop-punk sounds and quirky, tongue-in-cheek energy, and this track about the the infamous band that everyone seems to love to hate really is a total bop. It’s taken from the band’s new 7 track demos EP, and showcases the band’s raging, fun-filled spirit. I cannot wait to have them play for us again soon. (ML)

Roller Derby – ‘Emily’s Dance’
Hamburg dream-pop duo Roller Derby recently announced the exciting news that they will be releasing their debut album in February next year and have now shared the fourth single to be taken from it. Reflecting on the juxtaposed feelings of powerlessness and fascination in the face of the universe, ‘Emily’s Dance’ interweaves atmospheric dream-pop with shades of ‘80s synth-pop, creating a swirling, mystical soundscape. This new single is accompanied by beautifully animated video, perfectly encapsulating the essence of the track – have a watch here. When The Night Comes, the debut album from Roller Derby, is set for release on 28th February, and the band will be over in the UK for a little run of dates in May – nab tickets here. (ML)

Joni – ‘Avalanches’
Having toured with the likes of Laura Viers and Aqualung and written for many of the biggest names in pop, London-based American artist Joni has now shared her brand new single. Oozing a glistening emotion, ‘Avalanches’ offers a poignant reflection on the duality of love and heartbreak, as it flows with lilting melodies and heartfelt- sugar-sweet vocals. (ML)

All Cats Are Beautiful – ‘livin a life on splitscreen’
In 2021 London based duo All Cats Are Beautiful released their gorgeous mini album, The Things We Made. However, playing gigs and writing new songs then fell to the back burner when Ky from the band’s partner of ten years suddenly tragically passed away that same year. Now, three years on, Ky and Elena finally feel ready to share new music with EP, Just Kids; a heart achingly beautiful reflection on love and loss. The opening track from the collection, ‘living a life on splitscreen’ oozes a swirling emotion-rich splendour. As delicate electronic hooks and a twinkling rippling energy provide the backdrop for the vulnerability and raw emotion of its nostalgic reflective lyricism, it offers glistening shades of hope as it reflects on a roadtrip across LA that Ky took with their partner a year before the tragedy occurred. The rest of the EP delves into stark reflections on the pain that comes with losing someone you love intensely; as the band so perfectly put it: “grief is just love with no place to go”. Thank you to Ky and Elena for sharing such a beautifully cathartic and honest collection with us. (ML)

Dirt Flirt – ‘Dramatic’
The solo project of London-based multi-instrumentalist Kit Eaton-Kent, Dirt Flirt reflects on queer identity, playfully combining introspective lyrics with glitchy beats and a playful energy. Exploring the complexities of being your own worst enemy, new single ‘Dramatic’ showcases her rich emotive vocals with a swirling empowering energy, creating an instantly catchy slice of alt-pop. (ML)

Cults – ‘Onions’
New York duo Cults have just rounded up their EU & UK tour, in celebration of their most recent album, To The Ghosts. This track ‘Onions’ features on the record, fizzing with its playful synths and Madeline Follin’s honeyed vocals. (KC)

paun – ‘counterintelligence’
‘counterintelligence’ is the latest single from Berlin-based, non-binary electronic artist paun. They lean into “grimey, futuristic and IDM-inspired” territory here, with their elastic synths and twitchy beats. paun is currently working on a new EP, which will be released in the near future, so keep your eyes peeled for that. (KC)

Birthday Problem ft. Molly O’Mahony – ‘The Language Of War’
Another eclectic creation from Irish collaborative electronica project Birthday Problem here. Formed of Matt Harris and Rocky O’Reilly, ‘The Language Of War’ is their seventh single, featuring songwriter Molly O’Mahony. Her vocals float over sci-fi synth textures and twitchy beats, creating a commanding soundscape inspired by the paradoxical nature of war. (KC)

afromerm – ‘reciprocity’
This track from London-based artist and GIHE favourite afromerm is about the duality of balancing our inner and relational worlds; getting lost in thoughts, versus present, reciprocal care with those we love – a powerful concept that she treats with such grace and gentility. ‘reciprocity’ will feature on her debut three track EP, which is set for release in the near future. I love everything that afromerm creates and I can’t wait to hear more. (KC)

Elsa Hewitt – ‘White Mirror’
Another exquisite electronic soundscape from GIHE fave Elsa Hewitt, lifted from her upcoming album, Dominant Heartstrings. Elsa also released an album called Chaos Emeralds earlier this year, which is one of my favourite records of 2024. (KC)

Kathryn Mohr – ‘Driven’
The music of Oakland-based artist Kathryn Mohr is new to my ears, but I was instantly captivated by her otherworldly sound. This track ‘Driven’ is taken from her upcoming album, Waiting Room, which is set for release on 24th January 2025 via The Flenser. Mohr wrote and recorded the LP over the course of a month, within the walls of a disused fish factory in Iceland and surrounded by remote nature. The result is an intense rumination on the human condition, tethered together through her veiled vocals, field recordings and affecting instrumentation. (KC)

Penelope Trappes – ‘Sleep’
Newly signed to One Little Independent Records, I love this gloomy rumination from Brighton-based, Australian-born artist Penelope Trappes. Taken from her upcoming album, A Requiem, which is set for release on 4th April 2025, ‘Sleep’ is a reflection on the sublime power of nightmares and night terrors, with her haunting voice guiding listeners through her heavy atmospheric instrumentation. When I bumped into Penelope at Supersonic Festival in September earlier this year, she told me that she would be releasing this track and that the marvellous Maxine Peake and Kate Dickie would be starring in the accompanying video, directed by the excellent Agnes Haus. Watch it here. (KC)

MAUD THE MOTH – ‘Siphonophores’
Spanish-born, Scotland-based multi-instrumentalist Amaya Lopez-Carromero aka MAUD THE MOTH has shared this new single, alongside the announcement of her new album, The Distaff. Set for release on 21st February 2025, the LP is an “ethereal but violent” amalgamation of autobiographical experiences, folklore and Greek myth and poetry. ‘Siphonophores’ offers listeners a haunting insight into what they can expect from the record, filled with eerie keys, dramatic volume shifts and diaphanous vocals. Watch the captivating music video for it here. (KC)

Sharon Van Etten – ‘Afterlife’
Marking a new era with her band, long term favourite Sharon Van Etten has now announced the release of a new album, accompanying the news with an exquisite new single; an exciting taster of her new sound. Soaring with Van Etten’s distinctive rich, sumptuous vocals, ‘Afterlife’ builds with a celestial splendour to a soaring heartfelt anthem, tinged with shades of ‘80s Bruce Springsteen, whilst maintaining her own unique glistening raw emotion and innovative musicality. Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory, The first album to be written and recorded in total collaboration with her band, is due out on 7th February via Jagjaguwar. (ML)

Julien Baker & Calvin Lauber ft. Soak, Quinn Christopherson – ‘Get Me Away From Here, I’m Dying’
After a few years of Julien Baker being one of my most listened-to artists, constantly seeking catharsis in the exquisite raw emotion and resonant reflections of her offerings, it was such a joy to finally see her live at one her five dates at Earth last week. And with beautiful support from Katie Malco and Soak, it really was an evening of (very emotional) dreams. I was there alone, in amongst a lot of teenagers and their parents, my heart gently shattering and tears falling down my silly 38 year old face throughout. For more eloquent words about the gig, a full review will be coming up on the website in the next couple of days. (ML)

Horsegirl – ‘2468’
With their second album due out in February next year, Chicago best-friend trio Horsegirl have now shared new single ‘2468’. Propelled by a jangly, playful energy, it showcases the band’s ability to interweave off-kilter sounds and influences into a perfectly scuzzy, musically rich taster of what’s to come on the upcoming LP. Phonetics, the new album from Horsegirl, is produced by Cate Le Bon and is set for release on 14th February next year. (ML)

Naima Adams – ‘Stay’
Described as “dub-fused percussive soul collision,” ‘Stay’ is the second single from South London-based artist Naima Adams. Her honeyed vocals and eclectic instrumentation fuse seamlessly together as she explores the difficulties of finding connection in everyday existence in the city. (KC)

Sunflower Thieves – ‘Same Blood’
This is the title track from Leeds alt-folk duo Sunflower Thieves latest EP, which is inspired by the strength of female friendship. Across five songs, the duo capture the shifts and nuances of long-term connections, shared experiences and growing pains, all underscored by their soft acoustic guitars and gentle vocals. (KC)

Aisha Badru – ‘In The Making’
Set to release her new album tomorrow (Nov 29th), Nigerian-American artist Aisha Badru offers beautifully stirring reflections on our life’s journey towards healing with a blissful charm and delicate effervescent grace. We recently caught up with Aisha about the album and her inspirations behind it, keep your eyes peeled for the interview over the next few days! The Sun Still Rises, the upcoming new album from Aisha Badru is set for release via Nettwerk. (ML)

May Payne – ‘Something Else’
Having received acclaim from Chris Hawkins on BBC 6 Music, and set to perform at the Royal Albert Hall tonight (28th Nov), young queer artist May Payne has been gradually garnering a large fan base since the age of 15 when they first started creating music while growing up in rural Dorset. With a delicate folk-strewn musicality, ‘Something Else’ showcases the rich sparkling grace of Payne’s exquisite emotion-rich vocals. It’s taken from recent EP release, High Demand. (ML)

Lauren Manning – ‘Melatonin’
For the past four years, South African born, London-based songwriter Lauren Manning has been working on her debut album. Set for release on 7th December, Four Walls blends all of her eclectic musical stylings together – indie, soul and jazz – and showcases her impressive vocal range. This single ‘Melatonin’ is lifted from the record, on which Lauren meanders through the restless thoughts that keep her awake at night. Lauren will be playing a headline gig in Peckham on 7th December to celebrate the release of Four Walls. Tickets and event details here. (KC)

Rattle – ‘Your Move’
Immense drumming duo Rattle first came to my attention when I saw them supporting The Julie Ruin at Koko in 2016, but since then they have released two albums and shared stages with other legends like Animal Collective and Thurston Moore. A spellbinding insight into rhythm and metre, new single ‘Your Move’ will immerse you in its mystical allure and tribal energy on first listen of each of its epic 15 minutes. Of the track, the band reflect: “The words Your Move might be about moving in an embodied way or freedom/movement/expression, but they are also an emboldening call to action…” (ML)

Bouche – ‘The King’
consistently centring queer, femme and other under-represented artists and DJs – Bouche has now shared a soulful new single. “The last song I’ll ever write about being disappointed or hurt by a man”, ‘The King’ offers an intimate reflection on relationships with a stripped-back jazz-tinged musicality and their soaring power of their pristine vocals. ‘The King’ is accompanied by a beautiful video, made in collaboration with Deniz Kavalali and incorporating elements of drag – Bouche makes their own drag beards out of their own hair! – an empowering ode to queer catharsis. (ML)

Emily Burns – ‘Die Happy’
This is the title track from British singer-songwriter Emily Burns’ debut album. Across twelve tracks, her confessional songwriting blossoms into an emotional catharsis for the artist, with ‘Die Happy’ showcasing her ability to create affecting indie pop anthems. (KC)

WATCH: Roller Derby – ‘Emily’s Dance’

Hamburg-based dream pop duo Roller Derby have released their latest single, Emily’s Dance. This is the fourth single from their much-anticipated debut album, which is set for release early next year. Following performances at Reeperbahn Festival, SXSW, and opening for German band Madsen, the duo have cemented their reputation as a consistent and distinct force in the dream pop genre, earning airplay from Radio X’s John Kennedy and Amazing Radio’s Charlie Ashcroft.

Accompanied by a vibrant and engaging masterpiece of an animated video crafted by Johannes Walenta, ‘Emily’s Dance’ reflects the duo’s signature style: blending dreamy, contemporary influences with nostalgic ’80s vibes. The song opens with luscious synth-driven melodies supported with softly delivered vocals, adding a layer of melancholia and vulnerability; complemented by delicately dreamy guitar riffs. Subtle changes in dynamics and texture keep the song engaging, with swirling melodies, funk-fuelled basslines, and floating guitar licks that dance over the track’s rich layers.

Produced by Moses Schneider, the production feels polished and satisfying, balancing stripped-back verses with expansive choruses, which are marked by thick vocal harmonies, enveloping the listener in a lush warmth.

Lyrically, ‘Emily’s Dance’ is an introspective exploration of time, space, and human connection. The track delves into themes of insignificance and loneliness in this vast universe. Yet it offers a glimmer of hope — that “one day the planets will align” to bring harmony. It reflects a common human struggle, of existentialism and our yearning for meaning and companionship.

With their signature nostalgic sound, Roller Derby continue to captivate and I look forward to what their album has to offer.



When The Night Comes, the upcoming debut album from Roller Derby, is due for release on 28th February 2025. And you can catch the duo live when they’re over in the UK for a small run of live dates in May, including at The Lexington in London on 9th May – tickets and info here.

Ella Patenall
@ella_patenall

Five Favourites: Umarells

Having just shared their debut EP, One More Day, Manchester-based dream-pop group Umarells create lush, glistening soundscapes, fizzing with a rippling raw emotion. Combining elements of shoegaze, grunge and indie-pop, they offer heartfelt reflections on themes such as grief and failed relationships, each song offering their own unique sparkling musicality.

We think one of the best ways to get to know an artist is by asking what music inspires them. So, following the release of their debut EP, we caught up with Imogen, Josh, Ryan Sarah and Fuchsia to find out about the five albums that inspire them the most. Read about their five favourites, and watch the beautiful video for stirring single ‘June‘, below…

Weyes Blood – Titanic Rising
I first heard Natalie of Weyes Blood’s gorgeous Carpenter-esque voice on Drugdealer’s 2016 album The End Of  Comedy. When Titanic Rising was released in 2019 it resonated as the theme of an era of my life. Blending ‘70s pop vocals with romantic space age synth cynicism I was hooked from my first listen and rushed to see the masterpiece live in Manchester venue Yes’ pink room. ‘Picture Me Better’ – a song written about the loss of a friend – perfectly encapsulates heart wrenching grief and the hope to hear the impossible “call from beyond”. A song that inspired me to pour my own grief into our song ‘One More Day’.

Burial – Untrue
I vividly remember the first time I stumbled upon this album while exploring a friend’s CD collection. It was a revelation – nothing I had ever heard compared to its dark, gritty sound, interwoven with ethereal melodies and harmony. So melancholic. I often listened to it on my bike rides home through the city centre at 5am, after finishing my shift at a nightclub; feeling as though I was the only soul awake in the world. It’s perfect for those late nights when you’re caught between the desire to drift off and the inability to do so. The sampling on this album is incredible; the original sources are so cleverly transformed that I found myself spending hours online trying to uncover their origins. It’s a remarkable masterclass in genre-bending and structure, carving out its own distinct niche within the electronic scene. Its sound remains refreshingly futuristic, even today.

Pixies – Doolittle 
All amazing tracks and completely seminal. I became obsessed with Pixies when I was fifteen, after loading up my mp3 player for a school trip to Sorrento. I’d heard that Nirvana’s loud-quiet-loud structures were ripping off Pixies, so I downloaded some songs from Limewire. Listening to them on a coach driving along the West coast of Italy really cemented the tracks for me and I was kind of blown away by it. The guitar work is just perfect to me – simple driving bass lines, and Joey’s surf inspired riffs and bends are just amazing. The range of sounds in Frank’s voice means the album never gets boring and it contrasts with Kim’s vocals so well. To top it off, ‘Gouge Away’ is just the best final track on an album for me.

The Smashing Pumpkins – Siamese Dream
My favourite album changes constantly, but if I had to choose one right now I’d pick Siamese Dream. My first introduction to Smashing Pumpkins was at about seven or eight years old hearing them on The Simpsons episode ‘Homerpalooza’. A few years later when I hit my full-on emo phase I delved into their back catalogue and Siamese Dream was the album that stuck out to me. I’ve never got sick of listening to it. Billy and James’ guitar playing on this record is just insane to me. The dynamics of the album too are just so great, the fact you’ve got heavy songs like ‘Geek USA’ but the softer songs like ‘Luna’ and ‘Disarm’ but they work perfectly together when listening to the album in full. Billy’s lyrics as well – “Fool enough to almost be it, cool enough to not quite see it. Doomed.” on ‘Mayonaise’, incredible. Whenever I’m writing new music I find this is the album I reference the most.

Big Thief – Two Hands
This is such a beautiful album – the lyrics are so raw and heartfelt – it’s such incredible story telling. The album flows from really soft gentle tracks to heavy gritty ones so effortlessly, and everything about the way it’s recorded sounds so natural. It came out when I first got back into playing music after a really long break and I would just listen to it on repeat. The whole album reminds me of a time when I really started to feel comfortable with myself and listening to it still reminds me of that. Seeing them live at the Apollo last year was an awesome experience!

Huge thanks to Umarells for sharing their five favourites with us! Watch the beautiful new video for stirring single ‘June’ here:

One More Day, the debut album from Umarells, is out now via Fear Of Missing Out Records.

Photo Credit: Kitty Handley