GIHE: Tracks Of 2025

With another hard-going year behind us, we’ve continued to seek comfort in new music released by our favourite hard-working and talented artists. There’s been an immense amount of incredible new music released, so we want to shed some light on some of the tunes that got us through the hard times, accompanied the good times & generally saw us through 2025.

To start our annual end of year round-ups, we’re sharing our ‘Tracks Of 2025’ ahead of features on our favourite albums, ‘Highlights’ and ‘Ones To Watch 2026’… Have a read about some of the tunes we’ve been loving the most, and make sure you hit play on the accompanying Tidal playlist to hear just how fantastic they all are! Then, please do follow the artists you love on all platforms – download their music, buy their merch, go see them live and continue to spread the word about how wonderful they are! (A little caveat that if we had lots more time, we’d include many more songs on this list… If you’re a band we love and not included here, you’re still fantastic and we have so much admiration for you creating wonderful music to keep us going!)

The Baby Seals – ‘Tamoo Trance’
Having been super mega fans of Cambridgeshire feminist punks The Baby Seals since they first played live for us back in 2017, and having recently had them back to play at our joyous 10th birthday celebrations, we were very excited to have new music from them in the latter part of this year. A fierce take-down of consumer capitalism, combining the band’s trademark playful tongue-in-cheek wit with a gritty raging energy, ‘Tamoo Trance’ offers a seething anthem about getting stuck in a trance-like state in an (obviously completely fictitious) online shop. So, throughout 2026, instead of spending money on stuff that “will go directly in the bin”, perhaps consider supporting your fave DIY artists on bandcamp, or going along to a nice local gig. Rumour has it that The Baby Seals have a new album coming next year… We can’t wait!
(Mari Lane – Managing Editor)

Whitelands – ‘Glance’
London-based shoegaze band Whitelands are firm favourites here at GIHE, and the release of this track ‘Glance’ has only cemented that further. Lifted from their upcoming second album, Sunlight Echoes, due on 30th January 2026 via Sonic Cathedral, ‘Glance’ shimmers with the band’s trademark sensitivity, whilst simultaneously showcasing a lusher dream-pop influence on their songwriting. Vocalist and guitarist Etienne penned this track after moving through a period of both heartbreak and writer’s block. These frustrations and elations are mirrored in the romantic lyrics and the band’s blissful, captivating melodies.
(Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)

Sister Ghost – ‘Drain You’
Sister Ghost’s ‘Drain You’ leans hard into a ’90s grunge sound, channelling the spirit of Garbage and Hole with a gritty, playful edge. The video, shot dancing around Joshua Tree, worlds away from the band’s native Derry, adds to its sense of freedom. It’s driven by a big, instantly catchy chorus, wrapped in a thick wall of sound that hits with Shannon’s confident vocals.
(Ella Patenall – Contributor)

HAVVK – ‘Happening Again’
Having played our first ever GIHE gig back in 2016, we’ve been such huge fans of Irish duo HAVVK ever since and I was so excited to have them back in our ears with this swirling single. A gritty and cathartic reflection on destructive patterns of behaviour, ‘Happening Again’ showcases the band’s ability to combine a fierce seething energy with the soaring, captivating allure of Julie’s raw vocals. I can’t wait to hear more new music from them very soon.
(ML)

PostLast – ‘Scavenge’ (Birthday Problem remix)
Irish indie label VETA Records have provided me with some of my favourite new music this year, including this superb collaboration from alt-pop duo Post Last and electronic duo Birthday Problem. I’ve been following both bands for a while, so I was thrilled to see them working together here on this eclectic remix. Soft vocals and intriguing electronic textures combine to make this version of ‘Scavenge’ a real sonic gem.
(KC)

Jouska – ‘Season Of Dread’
Taken from her album, How Did I Wind Up Here?, which she released in October, Norwegian artist Jouska has a talent for transforming feelings of vulnerability into graceful musical ruminations. ‘Season Of Dread’ was inspired by a time when she felt like she was “stuck inside a winter that wouldn’t end – both emotionally and physically.” I always admire artists who are able to work through heavy emotions in their music and I feel like Jouska manages that adroitly here.
(KC)

Dogviolet – ‘Dandelion’ 
The first of two singles released this year by ones to watch, and long time faves, 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. I just love the understated power of the repeated refrain “to exist is to resist”, and feel like this song perfectly encapsulates the captivating, gritty grunge-fuelled power of the band. I’ve loved the band a lot since they played their first ever gig for us a few years back, and was super happy that they were able to be a part of our 10th birthday celebrations in September. I’m really excited about what they have in store for us next year…!
(ML)

The Dead Zoo – ‘Bruise’
Having released their debut album back in July, and wowing us all with their fiercely joyous energy headlining a packed out launch show at New River Studios back in June, this year has been a big one for long-term faves The Dead Zoo. With the album’s release, they showcased their ability to create immersive, brooding soundscapes, reflecting on both the pain and triumph of transformation. Combining swirling atmospherics with ’80s-inspired dark basslines, and with the gritty power of front woman Kaoru Sato’s vocals resonating throughout, ‘Bruise’ offers a pulsating, multi-layered soundscape that will captivate the senses on first listen.
(ML)

BACKXWASH – ‘Wake Up’
I love the raw power behind this shape-shifting offering from Zambian-Canadian rapper and producer BACKXWASH. ‘Wake Up’ is taken from her album, Only Dust Remains, which she released via her own label Ugly Hag (great name!) in March. ‘Wake Up’ permeated my consciousness, thanks to its direct lyricism and BACKWASH’s uncompromising vocal delivery.
(KC)

After London – ‘Alive’
The track opens with an urgent, ravey synth line before dropping into pounding drums that drive it forward. Punchy spoken-word vocals ooze attitude, keeping the verses sparse and tense. When fat, fuzzy guitars hit, the energy lifts again. Sharp wordplay ties together spoken word, rave textures and a badass punk attitude.
(EP)

Tiiva – ‘you and i’
‘you and i’ is the title track from electronic artist & producer Tiiva’s debut album, which they released via Moth Day Records in June this year. It deftly showcases Tiiva’s talent for blending euphoric pulsing beats with their soft vocals and ambient electronics to create a listening experience that’s joyful and all-encompassing.
(KC)

Jessie Mac – ‘Trans Is Beautiful’
A powerful and incredibly catchy “sonic statement” from South East London trans DJ, producer and label owner Jessie Mac here. By sampling the words of American actress & LGBTQ activist Laverne Cox and combining them with her own shape-shifting club-inspired beats, Jessie has created an LGBTQIA anthem that is equal parts poignant, political and playful. She’s a firm new favourite here at GIHE and we’re looking forward to hearing more from her in the future.
(KC)

Beauty Sleep – ‘Radical Happiness’
Having signed to Alcopop! Records for their second album The Whole Damn Cake back in October, Derry faves Beauty Sleep came over to London to celebrate its release last month, and we were lucky enough to have them headline for us at The Cavendish Arms. It was such a joyous night oozing all the colourful, queer energy we so need right now (and some very tasty actual vegan cake!); it felt really special to have them here with us, and with support from Dream Phone and Lein Sangster. Fizzing with a glitchy energy and swirling uplifting emotion, album “theme song” ‘Radical Happiness’ offers a twinkling, empowering ode to self care and embracing doing things that bring you joy. 
(ML)

Sacred Paws – ‘Turn Me Down’
After a five year hiatus, the return of Scottish duo Ray and Eidlih – aka Sacred Paws – this year was a big highlight for me. Taken from the latest album, Jump Into Life, ‘Turn Me Down’  reflects on the rawness of rejection; juxtaposing this poignant sentiment with the duo’s trademark jangly energy and colourful musicality. Ray Aggs from the band was actually due to play our 10th Birthday all-dayer in September, but sadly couldn’t make it due to illness, so we really hope to see them back in London again sometime in 2026 – their gig for us at The Shacklewell Arms last year was one of the most joyous and fun! 
(ML)

Cheerbleederz – ‘I deserved better’
With the release of their gorgeous EP (prove me wrong) via Alcopop! Recordsin September, indie-pop supergroup and long-time faves cheerbleederz have continued to cement themselves as one of my most favourite bands. An uplifting ode to knowing your self-worth, ‘i deserved better’ offers all the sparkling, jangly melodies and scuzzy emotion you could ever need, plus a perfect singalong chorus – as Kathryn from the band says, “The chorus doesn’t even have any real words, but sometimes you don’t need em!”.
(ML)

Gay Skeleton Club – ‘Summertime (Free Palestine)’
We’ve made no secret of our love of Gay Skeleton Club since they formed at First Timers Fest a couple of years ago, and we feel super lucky to have had them play live for us numerous times – each time bringing such a cute queer joy, and unifying sparkling charm. Following wonderfully catchy singles like ‘2 cats’ and ‘w3t l3g’, the release of ‘Summertime (Free Palestine)’ this year showcased how the band have honed and developed their sound into something fuller both musically and lyrically, whilst still maintaining their playful witty charm that we’ve come to know and love so much. I’m really looking forward to seeing what Gay Skeleton Club have coming up in 2026!
(ML)

Tamara & The Dreams – ‘Successful Bisexual’
When I received an email back in March about a track called ‘Successful Bisexual’, I had to open it immediately… It’s an energy I’m forever trying to channel, and this single from Australian artist Tamara & The Dreams offers a perfectly heartfelt ode to self-discovery and embracing who you truly are as you get older. I was lucky enough to catch her when she was over in the UK back in the summer, and their lilting jangly energy and catchy uplifting charm was everything I needed and affirmed her place as one of my favourite artists of the last year. 
(ML)

nazire – ‘junebug’
A woozy guitar tune from Istanbul-based shoegaze artist nazire here. I was immediately hooked on her lullaby-like vocals and all-encompassing use of reverb on ‘junebug’. She’s currently working on her debut album, Glitchfolk, which she will release at some point in the near future. I will be keeping my eyes and ears peeled for that.
(KC)

Better Joy – ‘steamroller’
Taken from October’s EP, dusk, ‘steamroller’ offers a defiant anthem about reclaiming strength in the face of loss from Manchester-based Bria Keely, aka Better Joy. Whirring with fuzzy hooks as Keely’s sugar-sweet vocals flow with a sparkling emotion, it’s an instant, completely dreamy, earworm and has been one of my most-listened to tracks of the last year. 
(ML)

Marina Yozora – ‘Touché’
Described as a “love letter” to her friends and fans, ‘Touché’ is a gorgeous offering from Japanese-born, London-based songwriter Marina Yozora. It’s a tender dream-pop tune full of her delicate vocals, emotive lyrics and atmospheric guitar tones.
(KC)

Ailsa Tully – ‘Self Soothing’
The first taste of her upcoming debut album, ‘Self Soothing’ marked a welcome return for Welsh artist and GIHE fave Ailsa Tully earlier this year. Offering a vulnerable sentimentality, a delicate musicality glistens as Tully’s distinctive crystalline vocals flow seamlessly. With its added immersive synth-driven layers and subtle sense of angst that ripples under its surface, a gritty edge is added to this innovative artist’s trademark heartfelt splendour.
(ML)

False Idah – ‘Gaslight’
Having been big fans of the sultry beats and genre-defying heartfelt offerings of London-based songwriter and producer Jay Brown, under her previous guise as Amaroun, we’re now excited to hear that she’s back with a new project. False Idah takes all that we loved about Amaroun, but develops it into something more as Brown immerses herself in the vulnerability of stripped-back songwriting and the inspiration that can come with the freedom to express yourself in a true and honest way. I was lucky enough to catch an intimate live performance at Servant Jazz Quarters back in September, ahead of the release of this beautifully raw new single and an upcoming album next year. 
(ML)

Amulets ft. Midwife – ‘Lifelike’
This is a really beautiful collaboration from two of my favourite American musicians – electronic/drone artist & tape wizard Amulets and “heaven metal” pioneer & producer Midwife. ‘Lifelike’ is lifted from Amulets’ poignant second album, Not Around But Through, which was released in February via Beacon Sound. This track seamlessly blends together Midwife’s transient, hazy vocals and Amulets’ mesmeric digital and analogue synth textures to create a sound that is totally disarming and deeply soothing.
(KC)

Grandmas House – ‘Slaughterhouse‘
Ebow, minor chords, harmonies – what’s not to love? This song, about pain, loss and obsessive devotion, grabbed me from the first listen with its creepiness and dark, blunt lyrics like “I’ll be the funeral home, I’ll be the family morgue”. The striking video, featuring the band in suits covered in black paint around a dinner table, only heightens its impact. It’s an absolute earworm.
(EP)

THWACK! – ‘Three Angels’
Another band who celebrated the release of their debut album, Buried But Blooming, with us at a sold-out show at New River Studios back in February, THWACK! are one of my favourite discoveries of 2025, and offer a necessary and empowering energy with each of their unique punk-folk anthems. Emanating a radiant celebration of trans joy, the sparkling charisma and fierce immersive power of their live shows (plus the giant Margaret Thatcher head) consistently mark them as a stand out part of the London DIY scene.
(ML)

Hadda Be – ‘New To The Office’
A gloriously scuzzy new single from south London band Hadda Be, ‘New To The Office’ offers an all-too relatable reflection on the anxious hallucinations of a Sunday night fever dream. It was recorded by Andy Ramsay of Stereolab and offers a gritty taste of what to expect from their upcoming second album next year. We can’t wait for them to headline our first gig of 2026 on 16th January at The Waiting Room – tickets on Dice now, with support from Shallow Honey and Mannequin Flowers. 

Witch Fever – ‘The Garden’
For fans of grunge-soaked, doomy, gothic music, Witch Fever deliver. This track from their latest album takes a more melodic, delicate approach while keeping its dark, doomy edge. Captivating melodies, a wall-of-sound chorus and strong, clear vocals dominate, leading into an atmospheric breakdown that creates striking contrast before the final chorus pulls you back under.
(EP)

Klein – ‘rich dad poor dad’
I was glad to unearth this experimental gem from UK rapper Klein back in September. ‘rich dad poor dad’ is taken from her intriguing rap-inspired “ambient folklore mixtape” titled sleep with a cane, which she released via Roc Nation Distribution. I love her hypnotic layering of sounds and her mesmeric vocals. This track is also accompanied by a self-directed music video, featuring Klein in different locations in South London, including the iconic Windrush Square in Brixton.
(KC)

Tusks – ‘adore’ (I. JORDAN remix)
I loved the evocative, melancholic original version of ‘Adore’ by London-based artist Tusks (featured on her 2024 album, Gold), but this re-imagining by London-based DJ I.JORDAN is something else! Fuelled by infectious dance-inspired beats, it retains the magnetic pull of Tusks’ original release, but it’s impossible not to move your feet to it. This track features on Tusks’ EP, Gold – The Remixes, which was released in October via One Little Independent Records.
(KC)

Heartworms – ‘Smugglers Adventure’
Built around a killer guitar riff, this nearly six-and-a-half-minute epic takes its time, unfolding through a slow, confident build that pulls the listener in. Atmospheric and finely produced, subtle noises weave through the mix, adding a sultry edge. The vocals rise and fall with swelling dynamics, and the track culminates in a standout breakdown that makes the journey feel well-earned.
(EP)

Huge thanks to all the artists and bands creating the wonderful tunes that have got us through this year! Listen to our Tracks Of 2025 playlist now, and please be sure to check them out and support their work (download/buy/listen in places other than evil Spotify)!

And keep an eye out for our Albums & EPs Of The Year, 2025 Highlights & Ones To Watch for 2026…

Get In Her EarsLeave a comment

WATCH: Maria Uzor – ‘Sometimes They Look At You’

Following recent spellbinding singles such as ‘Ventolin’ and ‘Over This‘, Norwich artist Maria Uzor has now announced the release of her upcoming debut solo album, Soft Cuts, due out next month. Having wowed us with the sparkling energy of her live show numerous times, and with acclaim from radio pioneers such as Amy Lame on BBC 6Music and John Kennedy on Radio X, as well as collaborations with the likes of Rozi Plain, Chk Chk Chk and Acid Klaus, we could not be more excited about this… !

A taste of what’s to come, latest single ‘Sometimes They Look At You‘ reflects on crossed wires and clashing perspectives with a sizzling driving energy. Propelled by glitchy hooks and a swirling funk-fuelled groove, it builds with searing electronic beats as Uzor’s fierce majestic allure soars throughout. Interspersing somewhat eerie sounding samples with twinkling interludes, it showcases this innovative artist’s ability to create truly unique soundscapes; ‘Sometimes They Look At You’ offers a fusion of vast layers of sound to create an immersive, invigorating cacophony.

Of the track, Uzor explains:

“I came away from a conversation with someone and wondered why we always seemed to have crossed wires. It was like nothing each of us said ever landed with the other… I realised it was because I was talking from a place of possibilities and they were talking from a place of absolutes. Two very different languages…’Sometimes They Look At You’ is about that… about recognising that language and communication is so much more than the words that come out of your mouth.”

‘Sometimes They Look At You’ is accompanied by a captivating new video, filmed by Andi Sapey and edited by Uzor herself. Watch here:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=aAikaMnzhkM%3Fsi%3DCPX2YCR05TUORbGh

Soft Cuts, the upcoming debut album from Maria Uzor, is set for release on 13th October via Castles In Space. And catch Maria live at a number of live dates to accompany the release, including The Windmill in Brixton on 18th October – see you there!

Mari Lane
@marimindles

mariangelicalaneLeave a comment

GIHE: Tracks Of 2022

With another hard-going year behind us, we’ve continued to seek comfort in new music released by our favourite hard-working and talented artists. There’s been an immense amount of incredible new music released, so we want to shed some light on some of the tunes that got us through the hard times, accompanied the good times, and generally saw us through 2022.

To start our annual end of year round-ups, we’re sharing our ‘Tracks Of 2022’ ahead of features on our favourite albums tomorrow, with ‘highlights’ and ‘Ones To Watch 2023’ next week… Have a read about some of the tunes we’ve been loving the most, and make sure you hit play on the accompanying playlist to hear just how fantastic they all are!

 

Petrol Girls – ‘Baby, I Had An Abortion’
Taken from this year’s epic album, Baby, Petrol Girls’ absolutely colossal anthem ‘Baby, I Had An Abortion’ has probably been my most listen-to track of the year. A raging cacophony fuelled by a riotous catharsis urging us to fight against the confines of this damaging patriarchal society and heinous pro-life laws, it also recognises that abortions – whilst often traumatic – can come with a sense of relief and happiness, and our access to them is something to be celebrated. The album as a whole offers a range of fiercely impassioned anthems; a powerfully affecting and utterly necessary collection (other highlights include ‘Fight For Our Lives’, featuring GIHE fave Janey Starling).
(Mari Lane – Co-Founder)

Problem Patterns – ‘Y.A.W’
A powerful, necessary anthem for women and girls who have spoken out against violent misogyny, it was an honour to premiere the video for this track from Belfast punks Problem Patterns on Get In Her Ears this year. The track is a visceral rumination on the universal rage and despair that permeates our consciousness in the wake of public violence towards women, in particular, the misogynist killings of Sarah Everard and Aisling Murphy. An acronym for ‘Yes All Women’ – antagonising the social media excuse ‘Not All Men’ – on ‘Y.A.W’ the band unleash a cathartic cacophony of noise as they demand “Who do we call for help / When the help seems like a threat to me?”. I cried the first time I heard the track, and it still hits a nerve now.
(Kate Crudgington – Co-Founder)

LibraLibra – ‘Frenemies’
Following the release of their second EP, Modern Millenial, GIHE faves LibraLibra this year treated us to their utterly unique fusion of pop, electro and punk with ‘Frenemies’. Lulling us into a false sense of security with a sweeping orchestral intro, it builds with a haunting majesty into an epic frenzied cacophony. As it rages with a colossal magnificence, front woman Beth’s vocals simmer with a sultry allure before exploding into a riotous anthem seething with dark undertones. LibraLibra are heading out on a UK headline tour in March 2023 (you do not want to miss them live!) – details here. (ML)

CLT DRP – ‘Aftermath’
This track from Brighton trio CLT DRP is a compelling exploration of the way we process generational trauma following sexual assault. It’s a heavy, but important listen that sees vocalist Annie pushing through uncomfortable truths, finding new ways to relate to, and process these difficult emotions. It’s a powerful anthem, and one that will resonate with many GIHE followers. (KC)

Mannequin Death Squad – ‘Super Mental Psycho’
The title track of their immense new album, this single from Aussie duo Elly and Dan – aka Mannequin Death Squad – blasts into the ears with a raw, frenzied energy, creating a perfectly ferocious blast of infectious grunge-tinged rock showcasing a unique colossal power. We were lucky enough to host the London leg of Mannequin Death Squad’s UK tour this summer at The Cavendish Arms, and I was completely blown away by their fiercely captivating energy. (ML)

After London – ‘Hurricane’
‘Hurricane’ is the latest single from alt-rock five-piece After London. It opens with a dark and groovy bassline and unsettling guitar riff, mirroring lyrics about anxiety and the dark underpinnings of technology. The lyrics are delivered in a sharp spoken word style relaying the track’s clever wordsmithing and strong imagery before breaking into a catchy melodic chorus. The band say it’s perfect for a late-night drive and I won’t hesitate to say I agree. (Ella Patenall – Contributor)

ARXX – ‘The Last Time’
I know we’ve been banging on about them for years now, but total faves Hanni and Clara – aka ARXX – really do just keep going from strength to strength. They’ve had a pretty wonderful year – with airplay on BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music as well as tours with the likes of The Big Moon and Pillow Queens – and their success is so well deserved. Taken from their upcoming new album Ride Or Die, ‘The Last Time’ showcases ARXX’s unique ability to combine an immense raucous energy with ridiculously catchy pure pop hooks. Impossible to pigeonhole into one genre, they continue to impress with everything they do, and remain truly one of the most exciting – and completely lovely – bands I’ve ever known. (ML)

M(h)aol – ‘Bored Of Men’
I said on one of our Soho Radio shows earlier this year that this single from Irish post punks M(h)aol should be the new intro song for Love Island, and I stand by it! Vocalist Roisin’s frustration is palpable as she delivers her candid lyrics, underscored by a cacophony of abrasive riffs and thumping beats. The band will be releasing their debut album, Attachment Styles, next year. I can’t wait to hear it in full. (KC)

Collars – ‘Rainbows’
A new favourite of 2022 for sure, Collars totally blew me away supporting Currls at the Shacklewell Arms for us this month. As Kane simultaneously pummelled the drums whilst blasting out whirring hooks on guitar, Dan exuded a captivating charisma as the soaring power of their vocals filled the venue – an utterly unique live experience. And ‘Rainbows’, taken from this year’s debut album Clyde, showcases the duo’s energy-filled, fuzz-strewn indie-punk perfectly. (ML)

Human Interest – ‘Mixing Paint’
Having received wide-spread acclaim for their debut EP, Desire Paths, earlier this year, and wowing crowds at shows supporting legends like Self Esteem and Dave Rowntree, London duo Human Interest have firmly cemented themselves as new favourites of mine over the last few months. Reflecting on the darkest crevices of the mind with a fizzing post-punk energy, ‘Mixing Paint‘ oozes the band’s trademark gritty allure as the sweeping power of Tyler Damara Kelly’s vocals ripple alongside atmospheric bass hooks, building with driving beats into a fiercely immersive anthem. (ML)

Nikki & The Waves – ‘The Phone Song’
Having initially been recommended to listen to Nikki & The Waves by Chester trio Peaness when interviewing them for our Soho Radio show earlier this year, I soon became a mega fan of their quirky energy and uplifting vibrant groove. Interweaving Nikki’s lush, honey-sweet vocals with a unique, funk-fuelled musicality, ‘The Phone Song’ showcases all there is to love about this Manchester collective. And we were lucky enough to host Nikki & The Waves and their joyous cacophonies live at The Victoria this summer. (ML)

Junodef – ‘Diane’s Robot’
Junodef are an art rock trio from Sweden and every song they write is a carefully-crafted gem, including their latest single ‘Diane’s Robot’. The song opens with a stunning melancholic guitar, the tone bringing to mind Jeff Buckley’s Hallelujah. The soft but defiant vocal enters giving the song a dark folky flavour before the eerie robotic voice comes in with a thick synth bass, giving the folkiness a more electronic punch. With lyrics about being young and overwhelmed, this is a gripping and haunting song that stays with you.
(EP) 

Miss Grit – ‘Like You’
New York-based, Korean-American musician Margaret Sohn aka Miss Grit has always used their art in order to explore, connect with, and understand their own identity further. Inspired by android life on this single ‘Like You’, they blend clear vocals, electric guitar riffs and mesmeric beats to reflect the conflicting nature of our inner voices, weighing up which ones to trust, and which ones to ignore. (KC)

Maria Uzor – ‘Over This’
Having just released her new EP Songs For Luminous Living, Maria Uzor has been continuing to captivate us throughout 2022 with her engaging, resplendent electro-pop offerings and with a spellbinding live performance for us at The Shacklewell Arms this Summer. Taken from the new EP, ‘Over This’ ripples with woozy, seductive beats before building to a fierce, cathartic cacophony pulsating with a gritty energy. Reflecting on a time of reclaiming your identity and being honest with your emotions, it’ll grab your ears with its ferocious allure and keep you firmly in its hold with its deep empowering drive. Songs For Luminous Living, the new EP from Maria Uzor, is out now. (ML)

Noga Erez – ‘Nails’
Flowing with her trademark polished production, vocal swagger and defiant lyrics, I love this track by pop renegade & GIHE favourite Noga Erez. “‘Nails’ is a song about jealousy, and how being jealous of people, in this particular case another woman, makes you idealize that person in a very weird and dark way,” Erez explains about the track. The Tel Aviv-based artist and her music & life partner Ori Rousso explore these emotions through their infectious beats and Erez’s visceral emceeing, playfully loosening the grip of the jealous thoughts that we’re all prone to from time to time. I can’t wait to hear more new music from her in 2023. (KC)

AGAAMA – ‘Blackbox Oracle’
This intoxicating blend of enigmatic vocals, heady electronics and jazz-inspired instrumentation from Birmingham-based artist AGAAMA explores our complex relationship with Artificial Intelligence. Taken from her EP, Wandering Worlds, the track questions whether we can live in harmony with the machines we have created. “My body craves control” she confesses, resisting the urge to become “addicted to your code”, trapped in a push-and-pull scenario that has no concrete solution. I love it. (KC)

O Hell – ‘I Watch The Women’
I’m a big fan of this twitchy electronic soundscape from Brighton-based artist Lucy Sheehan aka O Hell. After years spent touring and recording music in alternative band PROJECTOR, Sheehan has ventured into fresh sonic territory under their new moniker, influenced by a love of eclectic, brooding soundscapes and a desire for creative independence. Sheehan explores this on ‘I Watch The Women’, deconstructing their notion of femininity and reassessing the personal toll this process can take. (KC)

Hannah Schneider – ‘It’s The Season’
Having been big fans of Danish artist Hannah Schneider (also of duo AyOwA) for some time now, we were super excited to welcome the release of her latest album (her first solo release in seven years), Ocean Letters this year. A collection of immersive, celestial soundscapes, each track perfectly showcases Schneider’s ability to bathe your ears in a euphoric, soothing grace as her rich, crystalline vocals ripple with a dreamy ethereal haze. Schneider also made a beautiful guest playlist for us that I’ve pretty much had on repeat for months, listen here. (ML)

all cats are beautiful – ‘heartbeats’
Having fallen completely in love with London duo Elena and Kyle – aka all cats are beautiful (ACAB) – upon listening to last year’s album the things we made, with this love only growing further when they delivered their ‘sad dance tunes’ for us live at The Shacklewell Arms in February, I was super happy when they shared this dreamy rendition of The Knife’s classic. Maintaining all the infectious electro scuzz of the original, whilst adding the duo’s own unique resplendent grace and spellbinding allure, it builds with a whirring splendour to a vibrant, danceable anthem shimmering with a swirling, soothing charm. (ML)

Sea Change – ‘Night Eyes’
Norwegian artist & producer Sea Change’s sounds ebb and flow with a tranquil, yet deeply primal desire to move through an intensity of feeling that sometimes escapes verbal or written articulation. Her electronica ripples with emotion, without every feeling weighty or over-thought. On ‘Night Eyes’, which is taken from her album, Mutual Dreaming, she urges her listeners to let go, and surrender to her heady beats. (KC)

NAMELESS TWIN – ‘My Eyes Went Black’
I was obsessed with this single from industrial/electronic duo Alicia Rei Kim and Ryan Osterman aka NAMELESS TWIN this year. It’s shadowy, it’s heavy, but also delicate in places too – all the things I want in a track! Osterman is also in a band called Holy Fawn, who I saw perform live in August at Venue 229, and they were f.a.n.t.a.s.t.i.c. (KC)

Tomberlin – ‘happy accident’
This track by American musician Tomberlin is a tender reflection on the disconcerting thoughts that come with being in an undefined relationship. Taken from her beautiful second album, i don’t know who needs to hear this…,‘happy accident’ is an urgent, sincere piece of songwriting, underscored by tender vocals and candid, relatable lyrics. Interviewing Tomberlin about her music, and hearing her perform this track live in St Matthias Church in Stoke Newington earlier this year was sublime. (KC)

Miya Folick – ‘Nothing To See’
Emotional, raw and beautifully resilient, Miya Folick’s ‘Nothing To See’ is a tender ode to rediscovering yourself in the aftermath of a painful breakup. Through her clear vocals, candid lyrics and considered instrumentation, Folick accepts that love makes fools of us all, and gracefully reclaims the time she spent changing herself to suit the needs of an unappreciative lover. (KC)

Blonde Maze – ‘Forever Sun’ 
As any long-term followers will know, New York artist Blonde Maze has been one of my most-listened to artists over the last few years, and 2022 was no exception. Following 2021’s utterly euphoric debut album Something Familar, this year she released a small collection of tracks, each as dreamy as the last. I cannot get enough of the shimmering, heartfelt splendour that she’s consistently able to create; a comforting embrace in audio form. Blonde Maze just never fails to soothe and uplift with her beautiful creations, and I’m forever grateful to be able to immerse myself in her truly blissful soundscapes. (ML)

HNNY – ‘Being In Love’
Another of my most listened-to artists since coming across them during lockdown in 2020 and instantly finding complete comfort in their sparkling, electronic soundscapes, HNNY released a couple of new singles this year – much to my delight. ‘Being In Love’ showcases their ability to bathe the senses in their swirling, effervescent grace, providing a much-needed sonic tonic; a soothing catharsis for the stresses that 2022 has brought. I could literally listen to HNNY on a loop forever and not get bored. (ML)

Massive thanks to all the artists and bands creating wonderful tunes this year! Keep an eye out for our Albums & EPs Of The Year, 2022 Highlights and Ones To Watch for 2023.

Listen to our Tracks Of 2022 playlist now!

 

Get In Her EarsLeave a comment

Track Of The Day: Maria Uzor – ‘Over This’

Following last year’s EP Innocence and Worldliness, and recent spellbinding singles ‘Solitaire‘ and ‘Winner‘, GIHE fave Maria Uzor has now announced the release of her upcoming new EP, due out next month. Having wowed us with the sparkling energy of her live show at the Shacklewell Arms this summer, and with acclaim from the likes of Amy Lame and John Kennedy, we could not be more excited about this… !

Taken from the EP, new single ‘Over This‘ ripples with woozy, seductive beats before building to a fierce, cathartic cacophony pulsating with a gritty energy. Reflecting on a time of reclaiming your identity and being honest with your emotions, the track whirrs with a glitchy splendour as Maria’s distinctive honey-sweet vocals flow. Shimmering with an immersive grace and dark, captivating power, it’ll grab your ears with its ferocious allure and keep you firmly in its hold with its deep empowering drive. Yet another offering from the Norwich-based artist that showcases her ability to create utterly unique, instantly engaging, resplendent electro-pop. Of the track, Maria explains:

“Lyrically it’s about reclaiming parts of yourself after a period of silencing yourself and your experiences to keep other people safe and unchallenged in their ignorance. It can be an isolating thing to go through, and I wanted to write as though I was speaking to myself, or anyone else who may have felt silenced due to race, sexuality, or gender identity; I needed reminding that I wasn’t alone.“

‘Over This’ is accompanied by a totally DIY video, shot by Maria in her living room; perfectly portraying the song’s theme as it plays with the idea of repetition and monotony. Watch it here:

Songs For Luminous Living, the upcoming EP from Maria Uzor, is set for release on 9th December via Hey Buffalo Records.

Mari Lane
@marmindles

mariangelicalaneLeave a comment