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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GIHE: Ones To Watch 2021

Whilst 2021 may not be looking too promising in the grand scheme of things at the moment, the array of amazing new music to look forward to is giving us some hope. So many fantastic bands and artists over the last year have been getting us through the nightmare of 2020, and here we’ve selected just a few who’ve made a particularly lasting impression, and who we’re hoping to hear a lot more from over the next twelve months.

Following our Tracks, Albums and Highlights of 2020, here’s our Ones To Watch in 2021…

deep tan
With acclaim from the likes of The Quietus, NME, So Young and BBC 6Music already under their belts, Hackney based trio deep tan have been enchanting our ears this year with their immersive, hypnotic splendour. First capturing our attention with the swirling grace of 2019’s ‘Air’, they continued to cast their majestic spell over us with this year’s ‘deepfake’ – a poignant comment on the worryingly sexist ways the strange internet phenomenon is used in society. Fusing together the cold-wave side of post-punk with their trademark eerily captivating allure and illustrious, swooning French and English vocals, deep tan have already shown their knack for creating utterly bewitching, sonically complex, soundscapes. I expect their dreamy, effervescent charm to continue drawing in more listeners throughout 2021.
Listen to deep tan on Spotify or bandcamp now. 
(Mari Lane: Co-Founder/Managing Editor)

CMAT
I have The Irish Jam radio show to thank for introducing me to CMAT! The pop sensation released some stellar singles throughout 2020, including ‘Another Day (KFC)’ – a bop about crying your drunken heart out in a chicken shop – and ‘I Wanna Be a Cowboy, Baby!’ – a witty, melancholic anthem about struggling with urban isolation. I interviewed her via Zoom earlier this year and she was just a joy to chat with (read the full thing here.) Even though things still look shaky for the music industry in 2021, I reckon CMAT will release more singles that manage to hit the nail on the head, and I hope that she’ll continue to be a stand-up comedian via her Twitter and Instagram accounts too.
Listen to CMAT on Spotify or bandcamp now. 
 (Kate Crudgington: Co-Founder/Features Editor)

Amaroun
Having already caught the attention of BBC 6Music and BBC Introducing, Jay Brown – aka Amaroun – spent the first part of 2020 releasing a new single each month. With each single touching on a different theme surrounding life as a queer woman, she has had us hooked on her scintillating alt-pop. From the poignant, swirling power of ‘Rise’ to the gentle romanticism and playful wit of love song ‘Scarlet’, and the grimey groove of latest single ‘Highest Head’ (a collaboration with Jung Mergs), Amaroun never fails to impress with her unique creations – in equal parts soulful and gritty. I can’t get enough of her stirring, effervescent power, and I’m excited to hear what she has in store for us in 2021.
Listen to Amaroun on Spotify or bandcamp now. (ML)

Divide and Dissolve
Formed of Takiaya Reed and Sylvie Nehill, Divide and Dissolve create eerie, thunderous instrumentals designed to rouse their listener’s state of awareness into questioning what it means to be truly free. I was thrilled to see the duo were back releasing new music this year and that their new album Gas Lit – the follow up to 2018’s Abomination – will be released in January 2021. With their dense and intriguing sounds, Divide and Dissolve are instrumental activists who seek to disrupt toxic white supremacy, reclaim indigenous rights and invite others to join their fight. Their elegant, doomy battle cries will be the perfect soundtrack to 2021.
Listen to Divide and Dissolve on Spotify or bandcamp now.
(KC)

Nuha Ruby Ra
With her diverse range of influences, background in art and satire, and the unique style of both her fashion choices and music videos, Nuha Ruby Ra feels at once a familiar composite of acts from the darker end of alt-pop, and something completely fresh. With two singles released earlier this year, Ra has recently dropped what looks to be a breakthrough. ‘Sparky’ is a tale of escapades in a post-punk, dark synth-pop style, the track is her first release on her new label, Brace Yourself Records, and is taken from the forthcoming EP, How to Move. Ra has been a burgeoning, if slightly less prominent artist for sometime, having appeared on stage with a number of indie favourites, including Warmduscher, but the spotlight seems to suit her perfectly. With her latest release having got radio airplay almost from the minute it was released, and a string of tour dates already planned for live return, don’t be surprised to see Nuha Ruby Ra’s name up in lights in 2021.
Listen to Nuha Ruby Ra on Spotify or bandcamp now.
(John McGovern: Contributor)

KIN
Having first charmed our ears when they played their second ever gig for us at The Finsbury back in January 2019, London trio KIN are already receiving plenty of acclaim for their euphoric alt-pop sounds. As evidenced by receiving over 70,000 streams on Spotify for recent bewitching single ‘Sharing Light’ (and nearly that many for other singles ‘L.O.V.E’ and ‘Wander & Lost’), they seem to be quickly rising to success; their alluring majesty providing a soothingly cathartic listen for fans of all genres. Consisting of Grace, Ritu and Adam, KIN have already completely stolen our hearts, both with their exquisite celestial soundscapes and their unwavering dedication to consistently championing fellow females in the industry. I cannot wait to hear more from them in 2021, and I’m quite sure I’m not alone in my excitement!
Listen to Kin on Spotify now. (ML)

ZAND
Self-proclaimed “ugly pop” star ZAND creates delightfully wicked tunes that take down slut-shamers and whorephobes, whilst revelling in the joyful feeling of not fitting the mould. The Blackpool-based artist has cultivated a defiant sound and image for themselves, mixing their sweet vocals with savage rap verses laid across warped and wonderful electronics. They’ve got a lot to say and I’m looking forward to hearing more from them in 2021.
Listen to Zand on Spotify now.(KC)

King Hannah
Although I did feature King Hannah as One To Watch last year too, I think it’s completely necessary to include them again. Not only does 2020 not really count anyway, but I think it’s fair to say that, with the immediate success of their recently released debut EP Tell Me Your Mind And I’ll Tell You Mine and signing to City Slang Records (also home to Noga Erez, Lampchop and Laura Gibson), King Hannah are now on the cusp of something very, very exciting… I first fell in love with the Liverpool band (thanks to our writer, John!) on hearing their debut single ‘Crème Brûlée’ (which now has over 60,000 streams on Spotify) back in 2019 – its sweeping, ethereal power and majestic musicality completely casting me under its spell on first listen. And now the entirety of the EP remains utterly compelling; with shades of the likes of War On Drugs propelled by the unique melancholic splendour of Hannah Merrick’s vocals, it’s an emotion strewn listen, oozing a stirring, bewitching allure.
Listen to King Hannah on Spotify or bandcamp now. (ML)

CIRCE
London-based dark-pop artist CIRCE had me under her spell from the moment I read that her track ‘Ten Girls’ was inspired by Margaret Atwood’s novel, The Handmaid’s Tale. Her debut EP She’s Made Of Saints is a majestic blend of her bittersweet vocals, cinematic electronics, her feminist awakenings and obsession with the dark side of LA glamour, epitomised by tracks like ‘Dancer’ on which she explores the dangerous allure of Californian cult The Source Family. She’s crafted this mysterious, David Lynch inspired image that fits her sound perfectly too.
Listen to Circe on Spotify or bandcamp now. (KC)

Ailbhe Reddy
Ireland-based artist Ailbhe Reddy made her debut appearance on the indie circuit in 2016. However, it was 2018’s beautifully poignant single ‘Shame’ which introduced me to Reddy’s sharp songwriting. Having completed the checklist of performing at various UK festivals, Ailbhe Reddy was poised to make the leap across the pond with a slot at SXSW festival before 2020 pressed pause on the live music industry. Despite the setback, Ailbhe Reddy provided the soundtrack of my lockdown 2.0 with her debut album Personal History. An introspective snapshot of everyday emotional turmoils, coupled with a polished production, Personal History is Ailbhe Reddy’s armour to march back into the live music scene in 2021.
Listen to Ailbhe Reddy on Spotify or bandcamp now.
(Nicky Lee-Delisle: Contributor)

New Pagans
Another Irish Jam find! Belfast-based New Pagans’ debut EP Glacial Erratic is an impressive collection of urgent, considered, intensely catchy songs that challenge the norms surrounding relationships, history and gender roles. The band take the best elements of post-punk, grunge and indie rock and transform them into beautifully melodic noise, and this is epitomised on ‘Yellow Room’, the single they released shortly after their EP. They’re currently working on a full length record, so fingers crossed they’ll be able to share that with us in 2021.
Listen to New Pagans on Spotify or bandcamp now. (KC)

Fräulein
Having only come across Fräulein earlier this year, through seeing them perform a stripped back ‘live’ set for Hanni from ARXX’s Coming Out Staying In festival back in April, I’m already a big fan of the duo’s raw, visceral sound. Oozing a captivating dark energy, this year’s singles ‘Drag Behind’ and ‘Mary’ are propelled by the gritty power of Joni’s raw sweeping vocals, as abrasive, grunge-infused hooks steadily build an increasing tension with the help of Karsten’s immense beats. With shades of the mysterious allure of underrated ’90s band Slint, Fräulein offer a unique, spellbinding majesty. A new favourite, in ‘normal’ times, I’d be booking Fräulein for a gig with us at The Finsbury as soon as possible, but for now I will have to settle for listening to ‘Drag Behind’ on repeat, and dreaming of the day I can witness their dark energy live in a room full of sweaty fans.
Listen to Fräulein on bandcamp now. (ML) 

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LISTEN: Fräulein – ‘Mary’

Having been obsessing over Bristol duo Fräulein‘s last single ‘Drag Behind’ for the last few weeks, I was excited to hear that they have an epic new release.

Whereas ‘Drag Behind’ was focused lyrically on feeling out of place, new track ‘Mary’ is about faith, trust and power. Oozing a raw, grunge-infused sound and gritty energy, with shades of early Nirvana, the whirring twang of its stripped back riffs and sparse beats combine to create a swirling eerie aura, building to showcase the unique visceral growl of vocalist Joni.

I cannot recommend these two strongly enough and will continue to bang on about them with every new release – I really think they have something wonderfully nostalgic, yet ultimately unique, to offer. And, as soon as it is safe to do so, I cannot wait for them to blow us away live at one of our gig nights!

Listen to ‘Mary’ here:

 

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Track Of The Day: Fräulein – ‘Drag Behind’

Having only recently come across Fräulein, through seeing them perform a stripped back ‘live’ set for Hanni from ARXX’s Coming Out Staying In festival back in April, I’m already a big fan of the Bristol duo’s raw, visceral sound.

Oozing a captivating dark energy, ‘Drag Behind’ is propelled by the gritty power of Joni’s raw sweeping vocals, as abrasive, grunge-infused hooks steadily build an increasing tension with the help of Karsten’s immense beats. With shades of the mysterious allure of underrated ’90s band Slint, Fräulein have created a dark anthem seething with its own unique spellbinding majesty.

A new favourite for sure, in ‘normal’ times, I’d be booking Fräulein for a gig with us at The Finsbury as soon as possible, but for now I will have to settle for listening to ‘Drag Behind’ on repeat, and dreaming of the day I can witness their dark energy live in a room full of sweaty fans.

 

‘Drag Behind’ is out today via Bandcamp, with 100% of proceeds going to The Black Curriculum.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: @amiaocean

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