Track Of The Day: O Hell – ‘I Watch The Women’

A twitchy electronic soundscape that explores the personal confines of imposed femininity, Brighton-based artist and producer Lucy Sheehan aka O Hell has shared their latest single, ‘I Watch The Women’. The follow up to previous releases ‘Down’ and ‘Untangle’, the new track is underscored by a quiet agitation, released via atmospheric synths, crystalline beats and hushed vocals.

After years spent touring and recording music in alternative bands around the UK and fronting PROJECTOR, Sheehan has ventured into fresh sonic territory under their new moniker O Hell. Influenced by a love of eclectic, brooding soundscapes and a desire for creative independence, Sheehan continues to explore their new sound further on ‘I Watch The Women’, deconstructing their notion of femininity and reassessing the personal toll this process can take.

“‘I Watch The Women’ is about feeling distanced from your femininity: being drawn to it and wishing you embodied the classic vision of womanhood, but sensing you’re on another side of it,” Sheehan explains. “The first lines came from a moment I recall, standing across the street from a nice cafe, the women outside looked so polished, real, womanly. I felt like a girl, or something else?’

I wrote it while living mostly in a cabin last winter, quite isolated, picking at drum patterns. I think that feeling of abstraction, even alien-ness, guided the lyrics and delivery towards being off-kilter, almost at odds with the outside world, even the language itself. Later I spent a long time with George Godwin (Moon Panda, Zooni) exploring weird textures, re-amping, tape delays etc to find the track’s atmosphere. Then at Christmas, he handed me a tape of a mix he’d done, to tape, and it was perfect.”

Accompanied by a video, shot by Godwin and directed by Sheehan, the visuals show O Hell traversing the stairwells of a block of flats, reflecting the tumultuous inner journey that’s explored in the track’s lyrics.

Check out the video for ‘I Watch The Women’ below.

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Photo Credit: Annie Dorrett

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Track Of The Day: Tokky Horror – ‘Jazz Music’

A two minute blast of hyperactive beats, catchy lyrical refrains and jungle-inspired electronics, Merseyside-based punk-rave trio Tokky Horror have shared their latest single ‘Jazz Music’. Capturing the chaotic spirit of the genre the track is ironically named after, the band put their own spin on things via their relentless rhythms, manic synths and buzzing bass lines.

Formed of producer Zee Davine (previously Queen Zee) and dual vocalists Mollie Rush and Ava Akira, Tokky Horror formed virtually at first, sending demo’s back and forth online to entertain themselves during the pandemic. The band playfully coined their sound as “virtual hardcore”, as founder Ava Akira explains “the only way for city kids to rave in 2020 was on the internet.” Since then, the band have released their debut EP, I Found The Answers And Now I Want More and they’ve toured extensively performing multiple shows across the UK.

Newly signed to FMLY Agency, Tokky Horror are now gearing up for another run of UK shows that are sure to keep fans “coming back for my jazz” if their new single is anything to go by. Full dates – including support slots with Wargasm & CLT DRP – are below.

 

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TOKKY HORROR UK Live Dates 2022
05.09 – Tunbridge Wells, Forum with Wargasm
06.09 – Glasgow, Hug & Pint with CLT DRP
07.09 – Edinburgh, Sneaky Pete’s with CLT DRP
08.09 – Newcastle, The Cluny with CLT DRP
09.09 – Hull, The Adelphi with CLT DRP
18.11 – Wolverhampton, North Street Social
19.11 – Bristol, Old Market Assembly
24.11 – London, New Cross Inn
25.11 – London, DM-4-Address
26.11 – Liverpool, Quarry

Photo Credit: Joe Guppy

Kate Crudgington
@kcbobcut

Track Of The Day: AGAAMA – ‘Blackbox Oracle’

An intoxicating blend of enigmatic vocals, heady electronic beats and jazz-inspired instrumentation, Birmingham-based artist, composer, vocalist and producer AGAAMA has shared her latest single ‘Blackbox Oracle’. Taken from her upcoming EP Wandering Worlds, which is set for release on 15th September via The state51 Conspiracy, the track explores our complex relationship with Artificial Intelligence, questioning whether we can live in harmony with the machines we have created.

“‘Blackbox Oracle’ is about our relationship with technology and how humankind draws closer to the singularity – the moment in time where the capabilities of AI will overtake the abilities of the human brain,” AGAAMA explains. The track’s title is the name of an imagined ‘AI’ lover, who AGAAMA toys with via her majestic instrumentation and seductive beats. “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.

AGAAMA’s eclectic sounds stem from a childhood rich with varied musical experiences. Growing up in a British-Jamaican household, she was influenced by the contemporary classical tastes of her parent’s record collection, she sang in Church on Sundays, studied classical trombone as a teenager, but also spent her weekends raving to UK bass music and writhing in the mosh pit at metal gigs. This glorious array of musical experiences have all informed her work as AGAAMA, making her sounds as vast and altruistic as her collective memories.

Her upcoming EP, Wandering Worlds, reflects this kaleidoscopic musical vision perfectly, whilst also tapping into something darker. “I grew up listening to a lot of angsty, heavy music – metal, dubstep, prog rock and bass music. I wanted to make something where you could explore angst and frustration,” AGAAMA explains. “I found that having a space to release angst within music was healthy and helpful on my path toward healing. I really wanted to incorporate this brooding, meditative, almost primal thing that hooked me into music.”

AGGAMA has explored these instincts on her recent singles ‘Which Way’, ‘Sarehole Mill’ and on her latest cut ‘Blackbox Oracle’, which you can watch the captivating video for below.

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AGAAMA UK Tour Dates 2022
22nd September – London, Hootenanny (with Jack Tyson Charles)
29th September – (EP Launch) London, state51 Factory
3rd October – Birmingham, The Night Owl

Photo Credit: Myah Jeffers

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

PLAYLIST: August 2022

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of electronic sounds, guitar anthems and indie tunes for your listening pleasure. Take some time to scroll through our track choices below, and make sure you press play on the Spotify playlist at the end of this post.

Follow GIHE on Spotify to hear all of our previous playlists too.

Halina Rice – ‘Helix’
What do I love more than dreamy songs full of feelings? Obscure electronica! This track is a big slice of it. It comes from London-based artist Halina Rice, who has announced a new album, Elision, which is set for release on 30th September. This track ‘Helix’ fuses natural and analog sounds together in order to evoke a place that don’t exist – a parallel world. LOVE IT. (Tash Walker)

Nameless Twin – ‘My Eyes Went Black’
I’m obsessed with this debut single from industrial/electronic duo Nameless Twin, aka Alicia Rei Kim and Ryan Osterman. It’s shadowy, heavy, but delicate in places too. Osterman is also in a band called Holy Fawn, who I’m going to see live at the end of September. ‘My Eyes Went Black’ is available to download for free on bandcamp now. (Kate Crudgington)

Obli – ‘Hei’
This is my absolute favourite song at the moment, no words will do it justice! Just please kick back and bathe in its beauty. (TW)

Connie Constance – ‘Till The World’s Awake’
An indie-dance track of her dreams, I feel ya Connie! This is taken from her new album, Miss Power, which is due on 4th November. ‘English Rose’ has still got to be one of my fave songs of 2019. (TW)

adults – ‘things we achieve’
Having charmed us playing live at our sold gig at Sebright Arms last month celebrating/comiserating Charmpit’s last ever London show, South London band adults are fast becoming firm favourites. With this latest single, they reflect on the pressures of living in a capitalist society with their trademark irresistibly blissful, catchy musicality and fuzzy, frenetic drive, with shades of the joyous, danceable allure of Los Campesinos. for everything, always, the upcoming debut album from adults is out in October via Fika Recordings. (Mari Lane)

Big Joanie – ‘In My Arms’
Is it even a GIHE playlist if we don’t include a Big Joanie track? This is the latest single from the trio, taken from their upcoming second album, Back Home, which is set for release on 4th November via Daydream Library Series/Kill Rock Stars. I can’t wait to hear the record in full. (KC)

BRUTUS – ‘Liar’
The latest single from Belgian heavy trio Brutus. Taken from their upcoming third album Unison Life, which is set for release on 21st October via Hassle Records/Sargent House, ‘Liar’ is a heavy lament that criticises the lies we tell ourselves in order to keep a false sense of calm. I’ve been stomping around to this all month. (KC)

Scrounge – ‘HIT’
GIHE favourites Scrounge are back with this belter of a new single, taken from their upcoming debut mini album Sugar, Daddy, which is set for release on 9th September. We’re big fans of everything that Lucy & Luke create and I reckon Mari would book them for every GIHE gig if she could, but you can catch them playing live in East London at Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes on 7th September. Pre-order their upcoming album here. (KC)

The Dead Zoo – ‘Do Clean / Do Dirrrty’
London garage-rockers The Dead Zoo have returned with this gritty new single. Speaking about the track, the band explain: “it’s about seeking that unknown place where you can find yourself…this paints a visceral sense of hitting the road, living outside of the law.” (KC)

Deux Furieuses – ‘Know The Score’
The poignant new single from GIHE faves Deux Furieuses, ‘Know The Score’ is an immense, raging anthem confronting society’s failure to properly protect women and marginalised genders from violence. Challenging the patriarchy from the off, the track hits you with its potent, riotous energy and fierce, colossal musicality as the all-too-resonant refrain “say her name” echoes with eerie timelessness. (ML)

Electric Pets – ‘That Way’
The latest single from Electric Pets, ‘That Way’ is a perfectly scuzzy anthem of self love; a two fingers up to society’s expectations of what we should be. Showcasing Emma Buckley’s raw, impassioned vocals, it builds with a fierce emotion to a catchy slice of garage-infused rock. (ML)

Miss Kill – ‘All You Gotta Do’
The latest single from alternative duo Miss Kill, taken from their debut EP Don’t Tell Me Twice, which is set for release on September 16th via AWAL. Described as a song about “feeling completely intoxicated, vulnerable and needing someone to to care, but they are refusing to,” ‘All You Gotta Do’ is full of bittersweet vocals and heavy reverb, reflecting the clouded head space that inspired it. (KC)

A.A. Williams – ‘Golden’
Another superb single from multi-instrumentalist A.A. Williams here. Taken from her upcoming second album, As The Moon Rests, which is set for release on 7th October via Bella Union, ‘Golden’ is full of her haunting vocals and shadowy sounds. (KC)

Beckie Margaret – ‘Untitled’
I am in love with Essex songwriter Beckie Margaret’s recent EP, CIAGA, Vol. 1. Released via Cool Thing Records, it’s an intuitive, tender collection of songs that genuinely had me in tears when I was writing the review. Beckie’s voice and affecting lyrics dismantle me every time. Please, please do check her out. This track ‘Untitled’ is my favourite. (KC)

Victoria Canal – ‘Swan Song’
The latest release from Victoria Canal, a Munich born, Spanish American who is proud of her identity as a queer, disabled, mixed-heritage woman. ‘Swan Song’ is a haunting and personal piano ballad, taken from her upcoming EP Elegy, which is set for release on 16th September via Parlophone Records. Enjoy. (TW)

Gemma Laurence – ‘Lavender’
The latest single from Brooklyn-based “Sapphic folk” artist Gemma Laurence, ‘Lavender’ is an empowering anthem for the queer community. Flowing with lilting melodies and heartfelt lyrics, it showcases the raw emotion Laurence’s vocals with a stirring, shimmering grace. Lavender, the new album from Gemma Laurence, is out on 4th November via Better Company Records. (ML)

Ailbhe Reddy – ‘Shoulder Blades’
Previous guest on our Soho Radio show Ailbhe Reddy has shared this poignant new single. Her skill for capturing a moment – in this case the unique way the light defines her partner’s body – makes listening to her music such a bittersweet pleasure. (KC)

Seraphina Simone – ‘Milk Teeth’
GIHE fave Seraphina Simone – who for the beady eyed among you, may have seen her singing backing vocals and being part of Self Esteem’s dance troupe over the last year or so. This track is taken from Seraphina’s recently released EP of the same name, and of course we are huge fans. Seraphina will be joining us in the Soho Radio studio for our October show! (TW)

Hypsoline – ‘Space Babe’
I’ve only recently been introduced to Brighton band Hypsoline, but I just can’t get enough of this track’s gritty hooks and swirling, electro-tinged energy – all delivered with an immersive, scuzzy allure. And I cannot wait for Hypsoline to play live for us, supporting Currls at their London EP launch at The Shacklewell Arms on 1st December – get your tickets on DICE now! (ML)

Jadu Heart – ‘Cocoon’
The latest release from electronic duo Jadu Heart otherwise, known as Alex Headford and Diva Jeffrey. It’s been almost two years since they recorded their last record Hyper Romance. This latest single is dreamy stuff. (TW)

Jemima Coulter – ‘Dancing With Lara’
Having recently released their debut solo album, Grace After A Party, Bristol-based artist Jemima Coulter creates beautifully heartfelt folk-strewn offerings. I just love this track’s shimmering musicality and raw, heartfelt vocals; a stirring, emotion-rich dreamscape which reminds me of dancing with my wonderful flower person Lara at my wedding. (ML)

Wallis Bird – ‘I Lose Myself Completely’
Following the acclaim of 2019’s poignant Woman, Irish born/Berlin based artist Wallis Bird has now released her seventh studio album, Hands. Showcasing Bird’s unique, vibrant brand of alt-pop – combining fizzing ’80s-inspired blissful soundscapes with an empowering energy and stirring sentiment – it reflects heartfelt and resonant themes with a raw emotion, delivered through an uplifting, cinematic musicality. (ML)

Mega – ‘If Not My Heart’
Having received acclaim from the likes of BBC Radio 1, NME and The Independent, London-based artist Mega has recently released her new EP Colour Your World. Combining her influence of legends such as Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone with inspiration from her Ugandan heritage, she creates instantly uplifting anthems oozing an exquisite heartfelt splendour. (ML)

Lande Hekt – ‘Backstreet Snow’
Though you may also know her from her band Muncie Girls, Lande Hekt’s debut solo album, Going To Hell, was one of my favourites of last year. Back with sparkling new single ‘Backstreet Snow’, she showcases her luscious vocals alongside perfectly jangly melodies and a heartfelt lyricism, creating stirring, emotion-strewn indie-folk. Lande Hekt’s second album, House Without A View, is set for release on 23rd September. (ML)

Sophie Jamieson – ‘Sink’
Sophie Jamieson, the new Bella Union signing who is set to release her album Choosing on 2nd December. ‘Sink’ is the lead single from the record, and Sophie is currently on tour across the UK check out her socials for those dates. (TW)