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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ALBUM: ĠENN – ‘unum’

A dynamic, shape-shifting record inspired by feelings of otherness, Malta-via-Brighton art punks ĠENN have crafted an intricate narrative of multi-cultural experiences, personal anxieties and a powerful sense of togetherness on their debut album, unum. Released via their own label Liminal Collective, the record is an urgent, instinctive rumination on the band’s predominantly Maltese roots, how it feels to be an outsider and how the universal feeling of wanting to belong is more powerful than the overwhelming social, mental and political barriers that try to prevent this from occurring.

Co-produced by ĠENN, Gilla Band’s Dan Fox & Tom Hill and mastered by Katie Tavini, unum – which means “oneness, unity, a sense of being whole” in Latin – is influenced by a myriad of musical genres. Despite sharing the same Maltese roots, guitarist Janelle, bassist Leanne and vocalist Leona are inspired by a plethora or different styles, from post-punk and psych-rock, to freestyle and traditional Ghanaian folk music. Drummer Sofia was raised in Brighton with a love of jazz and blues music, but her Jamaican, Portuguese and British heritage offers another layer to ĠENN’s multifaceted sound.

From of the offset, unum is an ardent fusion of yearning and urgency. “Me and my body have a close relationship / yet I feel nothing like myself” confesses Leona on opener ‘Rohmeresse’, her hushed spoken-word contrasting against the track’s upbeat, chant-worthy motif of “I wanna stay in all day / I wanna sleep in all day, all day.” Evocative riffs and skittish percussion all lead up to an impressive display of her elastic vocal range in the latter part of the track, before everything culminates in a potent, explosive breakdown. ‘Rohmeresse’ showcases ĠENN’s abilities to melt complex, contradictory concepts and instrumentation into sophisticated, accessible sounds.

The chemistry between the band is best observed and appreciated when they’re playing live together, but on unum, Leona’s vocals truly command listeners attention. They are a vital force amidst the genre-blending skills of her bandmates, cutting through in all the right places. Whether she’s tackling the monotonous reality of a day job on the brooding ‘Days and Nights’, singing over swaggering riffs and saxophone on ‘Wild West’, or exploring creative and personal purgatory on the trip-hop inspired ‘A Muse (In Limbo)’, her ambiguous lyrics are heightened by her instinctive, dynamic vocal delivery.

This instinct is shared and showcased most vehemently on tracks ‘Calypso’, ‘A Reprise (That Girl)’ and ‘The Sister Of’. The first – named after the island Janelle’s Mother hails from – is a melodic, jazz-tinged symphony inspired by mythical mermaids and the language of Maltese poet and playwright Mario Azzopardi, the rhythms of which seep into the bloodstream. ‘A Reprise (That Girl)’ sees Leona spiral into feelings of self doubt and insecurity after watching heavily constructed versions of women’s lives online, intensified by incendiary riffs.

Arguably, it’s on ‘The Sister Of’ that the issues which inspired the creation of unum are pushed directly into the spotlight. ĠENN – who identify as majority queer people of colour – remain hopeful in sisterhood, despite the shadows of the Maltese Pro-Abortion movement and Pride protests stretching across the waters into their consciousness here in the UK. Whilst not addressed directly, these feelings of unease permeate ‘The Sister Of’, as Leona evokes visceral, fleshy imagery in her lyrics – “Pulsed by the wisdom that lies beneath your gum / blood glistens between your clenched teeth” – exploring the “alienation that bursts out of sight / agitation that brings through the light.” The track’s accompanying video, a short film by acclaimed Ukrainian director Kyryl Volovych, also reflects themes of disconnection and transience that come with being an immigrant in the post-Brexit landscape.

Ultimately, ĠENN’s debut album is a keenly observed statement of self-autonomy, and the often exhausting journey that comes with trying achieve to it. It’s a compelling, vital record that re-enforces the powerful bonds of friendship between its creators, whilst offering listeners a glimpse into a world of experiences they may not always be privy to; all underscored by formidable riffs and a formidable creative spirit.

Follow ĠENN on bandcamp, Spotify, Facebook, Twitter (X) & Instagram

Photo Credit: Jordan Core

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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PLAYLIST: August 2023

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of indie & alternative tunes, guitar anthems, alt-pop gems and 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.

Human Interest – ‘Step On’
Following the success of previous singles ‘Mixing Paint’ and ‘Cool Cats’, and with recent acclaim from the likes of Steve LaMacq on BBC 6Music, East-London band Human Interest have now announced the release of an upcoming EP later this year. Combining a fierce post-punk drive with a fuzzy, lilting energy, lead single ‘Step On’ reflects on “appreciating the duality of yourself and your friends” and builds with an anthemic power to a swirling slice of infectious indie-pop. ‘Step On’ is out now via Nice Swan records.
(Mari Lane)

CLT DRP – ‘I See My Body Through You’
Following on from their incendiary anthems ‘New Boy‘ and ‘Nothing Clever, Just Feelings‘, this is the latest banger from Brighton feminist electro-punks CLT DRP. Taken from their upcoming second album, Nothing Clever, Just Feelings, which is set for release on 8th September via Venn Records, the track is a dynamic, corrosive rumination on objectification and how it can affect our own identity and self worth. By combining quieter verses with a blistering chorus, CLT DRP reflect the tumultuous emotions and lack of control that can come from feeling exposed and viewed through a skewed and restricting lens.
(Kate Crudgington)

Chroma – ‘Don’t Wanna Go Out’
Having just announced the release of their debut album, and with news of an exciting support slot with (my most watched band in the world) Foo Fighters next year, Welsh band Chroma are definite ones to watch right now, and so we couldn’t be more thrilled that they’ll be headlining our night at Shacklewell Arms next Friday! (8th September). To celebrate the news, they’ve shared ‘Don’t Wanna Go Out’, a fierce new single reflecting on feelings of FOMO and propelled by the band’s distinctive raw, relentless energy. An instant earworm that I can’t wait for East London to mosh along to very soon! Ask For Angela, the debut album from Chroma, is set for release on 20th October via Alcopop! Records. Nab tickets to see them live on 8th September along with wormboys and UrgentSea here. (ML)

Duvet – ‘Girlcow’
‘Girlcow’ is the latest single from Manchester post punks Duvet, who are gearing up to to release their split 7″ ‘Girlcow/Sweaty Dog’ on 29th September via Fear of Missing Out Records. I love their sleazy, chaotic sound on this track, which the band say is “a bit of fictional story telling about a confident cowboy pursuing a play girl bunny type character,” explored from both perspectives. (KC)

Gender Chores – ‘Dysphurious’
A reflection on coming out as non-binary – a subject that’s very close to Northern Irish punks Gender Chores’ hearts – ‘Dysphurious’ offers a truly uplifting dose of punk-pop, oozing a fierce colourful spirit. Filled with scuzzy hooks and a refreshingly honest lyricism, it’s an empowering ode to freeing yourself from the constrictions of conventional gender ‘norms’; an energising boost of confidence to be your true self in the face of adversity. (ML)

Femegades – ‘Depleted’
Following their debut EP Pornsick and last year’s ironically entitled Not All Men, punk-rockers Femegades are back with a gloriously riotous new single. Reflecting on society’s expectation on women to be – and want to be – perfect, happy mothers, ‘Depleted’ rages with a snarling energy and fierce, raw power. (ML)

ALT BLK ERA – ‘Misfits: SOLAR’
Combining jagged electronics and racing beats with their raging lyrics, genre-defying sister duo ALT BLK ERA have created another alternative statement of self autonomy on ‘Misfits: SOLAR’. Taken from their upcoming EP, Freak Show, which is set for release on 1st September, the track is a frenzied anthem fuelled by their antagonistic, youthful spirit. (KC)

The Dead Zoo – ‘Hoover Damned’
Having recently wowed us live at our last gig at Shacklewell Arms in July, London-based The Dead Zoo have now shared an uplifting new single. Propelled by a scuzzy energy reminiscent of brit-pop bands of the ‘90s, ‘Hoover Damned’ oozes catchy hooks and swirling harmonies, accompanying the sultry allure of front woman Kaoru’s gritty vocals. Of the track, Kaoru explains: “I wanted to write about a world where women are as free to make mistakes and walk away as men traditionally have…” Produced by James Aparicio, ‘Hoover Damned’ is out now via Rock Noir Recordings. Watch the new video here. (ML)

Deerhoof – ‘My Lovely Cat!’
Following the release of their 19th album earlier this year, I was lucky enough to experience the utter magic of legendary avant-garde sound creators Deerhoof last week. And when I say ‘magic’, I’m not exaggerating… The pure immense cacophonies they’re able to create are a spectacle to behold; their frenzied colourful energy like nothing I’ve ever seen. ‘My Lovely Cat!’ is probably my favourite track taken from the latest album (which is sung entirely in Satomi’s native Japanese), not only because of its cute, relatable title, but I just love its swirling sonic brilliance and joyous drive. Miracle Level, the latest album from Deerhoof, is out now via Joyful Noise. (ML)

HAVVK – ‘Expiry’
The new single from Irish based trio, and GIHE faves, HAVVK, ‘Expiry’ channels a seething raging energy, ‘Expiry’ reflects on society’s expectations of women to ‘age gracefully’, whilst giving a middle finger to these restrictions on how you should dress or behave. I just love how its fierce sense of urgency is propelled by the raw power of lead singer Julie’s distinctive celestial vocals. (ML)

Shaene – ‘june’
This melancholy song from Leeds-based songwriter shaene is lifted from her self-produced debut album, time lost / time regained, which is set for release on 1st September. The track is a reflection on her fluctuating relationship with their Dad, which she is reminded of on Father’s Day each year during June. As with her previous single ‘sad’, shaene filters these conflicting feelings through a soft, shoegazey lens, which makes for sad-yet-sweet listening. (KC)

GENN – ‘Calypso’
GIHE favourites GENN are gearing up to release their debut album, unum, on the 6th October, and this track ‘Calypso’ is lifted from it. The track showcases the truly versatile sound of the Brighton-via-Malta art-punk quartet, who totally blew us away with their live performances at The Great Escape Festival earlier this year. (KC)

Ideal Host – ‘The Resolution’
A tender, synth-led rumination that showcases the evolving nature of their sound, this is the third single from Ideal Host. Led by Heather Perkins and Sean Hughes – who are both former members of the band Slowcoaches – Ideal Host are dedicated to making music on their own terms. ‘The Resolution’ acts as a bookend to the band’s previous single ‘The Conflict‘, exploring the softer side of their brooding, intuitive songwriting. Ideal Host are currently writing and recording their full length album, which they plan to release and tour next year. (KC)

O Hell – ‘hard times’
The chorus to this O Hell track hit me right in sternum. Her direct lyrics, clear vocals and evocative electronics make for captivating listening. Speaking about ‘hard times’, O Hell explains: “What I wanted to say in the chorus is: get back to what love really is, ‘cus it’s way bigger and better than the bullshit possessiveness we’re told it needs to centre around. It might change state, it might morph between romantic and platonic, or everything in between – but fuck all the drama off, if you love someone, let that love take its course. It was always bigger than the first label you smacked on it anyway.” (KC)

Hinako Omori – ‘cyanotype memories’
A mood-lifting soundscape that offers listeners a moment of respite in an uncertain world, I love this single from London-based artist and composer Hinako Omori. Taken from her upcoming album, stillness, softness…, which is set for release via Houndstooth on 27th October, the track is an ode to surrendering yourself to the unknown and finding peace within that process. (KC)

Mint Field – ‘El Suspiro Cambia Todo’
Having just announced the release of their upcoming new album, Mexican psych duo Mint Field have now shared a dreamy new single. Flowing with a whirring, hypnotic grace, ‘El Suspiro Cambia Todo’ (The Sigh Changes Everything) offers a spellbinding soundscape, enchanting the ears with its glistening splendour. Of the track, the band explain: “Sighing is the desire for melancholy. It denotes that something is happening. Sometimes we just need to sigh to let go. Sighing is something we do unconsciously but it says a lot about what is going on inside our mind.” Aprender a Ser, the upcoming new album from Mint Field, is set for release on 27th October via felte. (ML)

Amaroun – ‘Dopamine’
Taken from her upcoming EP of the same name, which is set for release on 29th September, ‘Dopamine’ is the latest single from ‘GIHE favourite Amaroun. Inspired by “the minuscule euphoric moments that keep her ADHD brain hooked throughout the day,” this track oozes with Amroun’s trademark alt-pop style. (KC)

CHIKA ft. Charlie Wilson – ‘Can’t Explain It’
I’m a bit late to the party, but recently loved watching ‘Ladies First’, a short (not long enough!) docu-series on Netflix about and by women in hip-hop. As well as featuring a number of artists I already know and love – such as the legendary Queen Latifah and contemporary rappers Rapsody and Tierrra Whack – it also introduced me to a few that I’d not come across before. One of these was Alabama-born MC/rapper CHIKA, who spoke at length about her position as a queer woman in the industry. I just love her driving energy, gritty allure and refreshingly honest lyricism, and urge you to check out this celebration of queer black love, as well as her epic recent album Samson. (ML)

Mykki Blanco – ‘Holidays In The Sun’
I can’t get enough of the funk-fuelled energy and infectious uplifting spirit of the new single from pioneering artist Mykki Blanco. “A feel good summer anthem about lazy summer days swimming in the sea, hopping from one music festival to the next, feeling good about life and living la dolce vita soaking up the sun.”, its only negative is that it does make me quite desperate for a holiday in the sun myself… Mykki Blanco’s upcoming new album, Postcards from Italia, is set for release on 22nd September via Transgressive, and keep your eyes peeled for an exclusive interview with them on our website very soon! (ML)

Aderyn – ‘Distraction’
Reflecting on the restlessness one can feel during the summer break, ‘Distraction’ is the latest single from South Wales artist Aderyn. Propelled by shimmering hooks and a driving punk-pop energy, it showcases Aderyn’s honey-sweet vocals and ability to create instantly catchy, emotion-rich singalong anthems. Aderyn’s debut EP, Sea Glass, is set for release on 14th September. (ML)

Catherine Moan – ‘Jawbreaker’
Angel Jefferson aka Catherine Moan is back with this new single which marks a “new era” of her electro-pop project. ‘Jawbreaker’ is written from the point of view of “someone who feels replaceable, hard to love, and ultimately feels damaged by another’s actions” – all underscored by buoyant 80s-inspired synths and Catherine’s bittersweet vocal. (KC)

SOFT LAD – ‘The Human Condition’
“This song came as a result of the worst hangover of my life!” explains Sophie Galpin aka SOFT LAD about this single – respect to her for telling it like it is! The multi-instrumentalist, who also plays in Self Esteem’s band, encourages her listeners to treat those closest to us with kindness; all underscored by her buoyant beats, melodic riffs and clear vocals. (KC)

Cutty – ‘Overdrive’
This is the latest single from Hull-based duo Cutty, who formed after meeting at their local dive bar. Amy and Kev explain that ‘Overdrive’ is a crowd-pleasing favourite when they play it live at local gigs, so it made sense to record it and share it for everyone else to hear too. (KC)

Sirene – ‘Don’t Let Me Fall (Out Your Mind)’
With acclaim from the likes of Deb Grant on BBC 6Music, Yorkshire-born, London-based artist Sirene released her debut album last year, and has now shared a poignant new single. Reflecting on the desire to consistently do your best for the ones you love, ‘Don’t Let Me Fall (Out Your Mind)’ is a beautifully stirring ballad, showcasing Sirene’s distinctive rich vocals and an exquisite twinkling emotion. (ML)

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The Great Escape 2023: Photos & Highlights

We were back at The Great Escape Festival last weekend, running around Brighton catching some of our favourite female, non-binary and LGBTQ+ artists in new music! Spread across multiple venues in the city, the festival showcases an eclectic line-up of talent, and our Features Editor Kate Crudgington and official photographer Jon Mo were there to capture some of the highlights of the prolific three day event.

Of course, clashes, queues and timing issues meant we inevitably missed some artists – including Lambrini Girls, Brimheim, Cristale, Grove and Jessica Winter – but we did catch a glimpse of Courtney Love standing outside of Chalk on the first day of the festival, so that kind of makes up for it? Read on to find out more about the shows we did manage to see…

 

Alt-Pop is thriving via Sans Soucis, ARXX, Seraphina Simone and SPIDER

Alt-pop comes in many genre-blending guises and we saw it flourish in the form of four different artists at the festival: Sans Soucis, ARXX, Seraphina Simone and SPIDER.

Catching Sans Soucis‘ set upstairs at Patterns on the seafront was a superb way to kick off our Great Escape experience. Having been fans of the Congolese-Italian songwriter and producer since they released their debut album, On Time For Her, back in 2021, it was a joy to watch them thrive on stage in spite of the technical difficulties that delayed the start of their set. Opening with the infectious warmth of ‘I’m On’, Sans Soucis filled the room with their lush vocals and glitchy-yet-melodic sounds.

We’re running out of ways to articulate how talented Hanni and Clara aka ARXX are. Playing their biggest hometown show to date at The Beach stage, the Brighton duo blasted their energetic blend of alt-pop right across the pebbles. Their between-song banter is equally as entertaining as the rest of their performance. Whether they’re having their “Dua Lipa moment” on ‘God Knows’, getting the crowd to chant along to the anthemic ‘Ride Or Die’, or explaining that the youthful crowds on their recent tour with Yungblud didn’t know who Cher was – ARXX are masters of their comedic and musical craft. Having been long time supporters of this dynamic duo here at GIHE (they’ve headlined our gigs and been guests on our radio show) our hearts were swelling with pride as we watched them shine under the spotlight.

Providing something totally different, London-based songwriter Seraphina Simone delivered her bittersweet musings on love, obsession and growth to attentive fans in Patterns’ basement. Performing songs from her melancholy-tinged EP, Milk Teeth, Seraphina’s sounds shimmered across the venue, aided by drummer Sophie Galpin’s tentative beats. (Self Esteem fans will recognise both musicians, as they’re part of Rebecca Lucy Taylor’s touring band).

A real highlight of the weekend was watching Irish alt-pop polymath SPIDER openly enjoy storming around the stage at The Green Door Store. Playfully taunting the “industry guys at the back” to move forward and dance along to her high energy anthems, the songwriter and producer delivered anti-birthday anthem ‘I’M FINE! I’M GOOD! I’M PERFECT!’, the brooding ‘GROWING INTO IT’ and the defiant grit of ‘AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL’ with vibrant and infectious attitude. Passionate about instigating change as a young black woman making genre-blending music, SPIDER’s charisma shone through between her tracks, as she spoke about not letting the industry or the voices on the internet diminish her successes. She was a joy to interview on our Soho Radio for our Great Escape Special show (listen back here) and we look forward to seeing what she does next.

The Future is here in the form of HotWax

Rumour has it that these three teens from Hastings were one of the reasons that Hole’s Courtney Love was in town. Together, Lola, Tallulah and Alfie aka HotWax are a captivating blur of energy on stage, delivering their heavy grunge riffs with impressive and authentic flair. We caught up with them for a chat before their headline set at The Lexington in London back in April (read here), but their packed set at The Beach stage excelled that performance. Highlights included their visceral new anthem about the contraceptive implant ‘Rip It Out’, the riotous ‘Treasure’ and the title track of their upcoming debut EP, ‘A Thousand Times’.

CLT DRP are a live force to be reckoned with

It was one-in-one-out when we arrived at The Black Lion to catch CLT DRP (pronounced ‘clit drip’) on Thursday night, but we managed to squeeze into the venue just in time to catch their set – and WHAT. A. SET. Blending punk vocals with idiosyncratic guitar FX and truly phenomenal drumming, Annie, Scott and Daphne commanded their enthusiastic crowd from the moment the first bead of sweat hit the floor. The Brighton trio played four sets in one day across town, but there was no hint of fatigue as they ripped through tracks from their debut album, Without The Eyes, and finished with a knockout rendition of their latest single ‘New Boy’. It feels cliché to say it, but CLT DRP are a band that need to be seen live to be fully appreciated. Totally unique.

The Houndstooth 10 year anniversary showcase at St Mary’s Church was stunning

Arriving just in time to see Penelope Trappes disappear in a puff of smoke behind her keyboard at St Mary’s Church, we stayed in the ornate venue to watch sets from Icelandic songwriter JFDR and electronic artist Hinako Omori. All three musicians have released albums via the Houndstooth label, which boasts an eclectic and impressive roster.

JFDR‘s clear vocals, altruistic lyrics and tender instrumentation effortlessly filled the arches of the church. Sharing stories and musings between her tracks ‘Life Man’ and ‘The Orchid’, both of which are lifted from her recent album Museum, the musician was full of gratitude to be in Brighton playing to such an attentive congregation of listeners.

Hinako Omori‘s set followed and it was truly majestic. Heavily inspired by the physiological effects that sound frequencies have on the body and the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (“forest-bathing”), Omori’s music seeks to understand and enhance the human condition in intricate and invigorating ways. Playing continuously for thirty minutes, the London-based musician delivered a combination of sounds from her debut album, a journey…, and her warm, expansive synths and soft, lilting vocals transported listeners into a state of calming bliss.

Guitar music is alive and well in the form of Whitelands, Coach Party, Human Interest & ĠENN

Whenever we read an article that claims “guitar music is dead” or that “guitar bands are a dying breed”, we roll our eyes and move on. Trust us when we say that it is alive and well, because we saw proof of it across The Great Escape lineup (including HotWax who we mentioned earlier)

We caught a glimpse of London-based shoegazers Whitelands at the packed Paganini Ballroom. Their hazy, melancholic guitar tones shimmered across the room, with latest single ‘Setting Sun’ proving to be a set highlight.

Isle Of Wight four-piece Coach Party played three sets across the weekend, bringing their grunge-infused cacophonies to a full crowd in the Komedia basement. The band ripped through their set, which included tracks ‘Micro Aggression’ and latest single ‘All I Wanna Do Is Hate’.

London post punks Human Interest poured their sweat and blood (literally) into a knockout set at Revenge. The four-piece delivered swaggering anthems like ‘Cool Cats’ and ‘Mixing Paint’ with impressive confidence, relishing the applause that the crowd granted them after each track.

We enjoyed the instinctive, brooding sounds of Brighton-based, Maltese band ĠENN so much, that we went to see them perform twice. The chemistry between band members Janelle, Sofia, Leanne and Leona was magnetic, as were Leona’s distinctive and powerful vocals. The band were also joined on stage by John Newton (vocalist and drummer of knockout duo JOHN) for a visceral duet during each of their shows at The Old Ship Courtyard and Zahara.

Problem Patterns are everything

Whether it’s Bev storming into the crowd to shout in your face, Alanah staring you down with her intense glare from the stage, Ciara’s incredible bass face, or drummer Beth politely telling you to “fuck off” from behind her kit if you’re “homophobic, sexist, transphobic or racist”, there’s so much to love about Problem Patterns‘ live show.

Performing upstairs at the Prince Albert pub, the chemistry between the Belfast Riot Grrrls was a total joy to behold. Smashing through politically driven anthems like ‘TERFs Out’, ‘Who Do We Not Save?’ and ‘Y.A.W (Yes All Women)’, the four-piece switched between instruments and shared vocal duties throughout the set, not once losing the incredible momentum they’d built. Members of Fraulein, ARXX and The Oozes were all in the crowd beaming up at them as they thrashed their way through a knockout show.

We cannot wait for Problem Patterns to return to London to headline for us at the Sebright Arms on 17th November. Grab your tickets here.

We recommend you get tickets to see FLOSSING live ASAP

New York-based musicians Heather Elle and James Maclay aka FLOSSING were the final band we caught at the festival, and we were deeply impressed by their smouldering, angst-ridden sounds. Through their blend of pulverizing bass lines, experimental electronics and eclectic, heavy beats, the duo explore themes of self-acceptance, sexuality and the duplicitous nature of love and attraction. Heather – who has previously played in Bodega and The Wants – is truly mesmeric on stage. A disciplined yet expressive performer, their vocals buzzed around and resonated within the walls of the dark venue Chalk, especially during tracks like ‘Switch’. We didn’t get any pics unfortunately, so you definitely need to catch the band live next time they’re in the UK to witness it yourself.

 

Words: Kate Crudgington / @kate_crudge
Photos: Jon Mo / @jonmophotography

Kate Crudgington3 Comments