Track Of The Day: SEX CELLS – ‘Hell Is Where The Heart Is’

Dystopian visuals and moody synths permeate SEX CELLS debut single ‘Hell Is Where The Heart Is’. Described as “a mixture of Suicide, Psychic TV, and Art House sensibilities” SEX CELLS – aka Matt Kilda and Willow Vincent – fuse visual art and vicarious noise to create challenging new sounds.

The London-based synth duo will release ‘Hell Is Where The Heart Is’ as a double A-Side release, which will be available digitally & on limited edition 7″ vinyl on their own label, Pretty Ugly Records. Under the guidance of Raf.E and produced by Dave M. Allen (The Cure, Yassassin), the two songs will be accompanied by a series of surrealist artworks made by the band.

Formed in down-and-out circumstances, SEX CELLS were originally hobbyist promoters who ran monthly nights of live music and visual projections for experimental noise acts. After being ripped off in a house rental scam, the duo turned their anger in to music in a Peckham rehearsal room, documenting their desperation with a synth and house drum kit.

Since then, SEX CELLS have shared stages with bands such as Meatraffle, Madonnatron, The Rhythm Method, and HMLTD. They’ll be back on stage tonight (Aug 9th) at The Finsbury supporting noise-pop merchants TAYNE (Free gig: event details here).

Listen to ‘Hell Is Where The Heart Is’ below and follow SEX CELLS on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: New Optimism – ‘Jetsetters’

Playful electronics and pop hooks galore, NYC’s New Optimism has shared her latest track ‘Jetsetters’. The track is taken from her upcoming EP Amazon To LeFrak, which will be released via Phantom Limb on 27th July.

A co-founder of Cibo Matto and a collaborative partner of Gorillaz (she was the voice of Noodles), The Beastie Boys & John Zorn, it’s no wonder New Optimism’s (aka Miho Hatori’s) sounds are sharply produced and catchy as hell. Her previous experiences have informed the strange, all encompassing experimental pop music she creates now under her new moniker.

The name New Optimism “is a response to the post-postmodernist term ‘New Sincerity’, pertaining to contemporary anti-cynical and anti-ironical earnest creative expressions,” Miho explains. “‘New Optimism’ as a title means the opposite of this”.

We’re intrigued by Miho’s unusual new project. Listen to ‘Jetsetters’ below and follow New Optimism on Bandcamp for more updates.

Photo Credit: Kimisa.H

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Hockeysmith – ‘Holy War’

From Cornwall to Copenhagen, Hockeysmith‘s unusual electronic offerings are inspired by rave subculture, trip-hop, noise rock & shoe gaze. Originally a duo, Front-woman Annie is now working independently, and ‘Holy War’ is the first taste of her solo efforts.

Atmospheric synths, poppy percussion and laid back vocals combine to make ‘Holy War’ an intriguing listen. After taking up residence in a converted bus earlier in the year, it’s clear that Hockeysmith’s unusual surroundings have informed her new sound. Her acquaintances in Copenhagen – working with friends and family of the Escho label (Iceage, Smerz) – have also had an impact on her musical output.

Hockeysmith is currently working on her long-awaited debut album and we’re excited to hear more absorbing electronic sounds from this interesting artist. Listen to ‘Holy War’ below and follow her on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Chromatics – ‘Blue Girl’

Renowned for their sultry synth-pop tunes and sharply produced sounds, Chromatics have released hazy new track ‘Blue Girl’ in to our midst, and it’s as dreamy and delicate as its title.

The track is taken from the band’s upcoming album Dear Tommy, which will be released in Autumn 2018. Directed by Chromatics themselves, the accompanying video for ‘Blue Girl’ is as cool and distant as the track’s opening lyrics: “Blue girl / Don’t hate the world / Your friends will never understand”.

Lose yourself for a while in the visuals for ‘Blue Girl’ below and follow Chromatics on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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