Tag: gloomy grrrl

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another mix of indie anthems, alternative & shoegaze sounds, punk bangers, alt-pop tunes and eclectic electronic soundscapes 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.

Lambrini Girls – ‘Company Culture’
A track about being under appreciated, sexually harrassed and never able to win in the workplace as a woman or queer person, ‘Company Culture’ is another seething offering from punks on the rise Lambrini Girls. Following raging singles ‘God’s Country’ and ‘Body Of Mine’, it’s propelled by a fierce racing energy and ferocious sense of urgency, once again cementing Lambrini Girls as a truly formidable force to be reckoned with. Lambrini Girls will be heading off on their biggest headline tour yet next Spring. Tickets and info here.
(Mari Lane – Managing Editor)

Glixen – ‘Sick Silent’
I’m fully crushing on this crushing piece of heavy shoegaze from Arizona-based band Glixen. Vocalist Aislinn Ritchie’s melancholy voice floats over spiralling, intensely distorted riffs, shrouding listeners in a chasm of intoxicating noise. I’m looking forward to hearing the EP Glixen are currently working on with producer Sonny DiPerri (My Bloody Valentine, DIIV)
(Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)

Slung – ‘Neurotic’
Having completely blown us away playing for us at the Sebright Arms earlier this year, grunge-tinged supergroup Slung (featuring members of Sit Down, The Death Of Us and InTechnicolour) have now released their debut single. Building with an ominous tension, ‘Neurotic’ ripples with a haunting energy, finally culminating in an fierce climax of raging catharsis. Of the track, front woman Katie explains: “The song is a series of small moments from my life that have been representative of this more encompassing overall fear of disempowerment and relinquishing control… A recurring dream of being born with superpowers, but then one day, when everyone’s counting on you, your power just disappears and and you have no idea how to bring it back.” (ML)

Bonnie Trash – ‘Kisses Goodbye’
Bonnie Trash – led by Canadian-Italian twin sisters Emmalia and Sarafina Bortolon-Vettor – have amplified their darkened post-punk anthems by inviting their longtime friends Emma Howarth-Withers (bass) and Dana Bellamy (drums) to join their line up. As a four piece, the band are able to double down on the intensity of their sound, which explores shadowy emotions like grief, heartache and loss. It’s these experiences that have shaped Bonnie Trash’s recent EP, My Love Remains the Same, which is out now via one of my favourite labels Hand Drawn Dracula. (KC)

dethcaps – ‘Wave Goodbye’
This track from San Francisco grunge band dethcaps is an intense reflection on depression and suicidal thoughts. By blending their raw, observational lyricism with hazy melodies and swirling riffs, the band hope to inspire connection and empathy when it comes to the complexities of these issues. “It’s not just a song,” the band explain, “it’s a conversation starter and a powerful statement on the realities of mental health.” (KC)

ARXX – ‘Swim’
Written after Hanni came out as non-binary last year, ‘Swim’ is the latest single from total faves ARXX. A song dedicated to empowering trans people with their gender journeys, it offers a swirling euphoric ode to trans joy and being able to be your true self; reminding those currently coming to terms with their gender identity that it does get better. Hanni explains: “The world currently doesn’t feel like a very safe place to be trans, and for that reason a lot of the dialogue around trans issues is really scary and saddening. Those stories are so necessary, but with ‘Swim’ I wanted to take a minute to express the joy that comes with learning yourself and feeling love from your community around you.” I’ve had this song on repeat all week, crying and smiling and just being so grateful that ARXX exist. I can’t wait for their new album, Good Boy, which is out a week today (pre-order here) and I’m super excited to see them live again at Lafayette on 6th November! (ML)

SASAMI – ‘Slugger’
I’m eternally impressed by the way SASAMI can switch between folk, metal and pop music and make it look and sound totally seamless. I had her genre-blending album, SQUEEZE, on repeat when she released it back in 2022, but her recent singles ‘Honeycrash’ and ‘Slugger’ are now becoming new favourites of mine. I’m thrilled that she’s reclaiming pop music in her own way and using it to explore her gender, sexuality and romantic relationships, developing her own sense of self within this process. ‘Slugger’ will feature on her excellently titled new album, Blood On The Silver Screen, which is set for release on 7th March 2025 via Domino. SASAMI will also be in the UK in October playing two headline shows – The Lower Third in London on the 29th and Yes in Manchester on the 30th. (KC)

CATBEAR – ‘Grow Up’
The second single of the year from London-Brighton queer duo Catbear, ‘Grow Up’ offers an ‘80s-tinged synth-pop anthem reflecting on the struggles of being an underachieving millennial. Propelled by sizzling beats and a searing gritty energy, it’s another example of the instantly infectious genre-defying creations that Catbear are able to captivate our ears with. Of the track, they explain: “Plenty of songs are written about being a teenager, even about the progression into early adulthood, but hey, we’re in our 30s now. This is life in England in 2024 for us – maybe some people can relate.” (ML)

Roller Derby – ‘Ready To Forget’
Embodying a sparkling bittersweet mix of joy and melancholy, ‘Ready To Forget’ offers an intimate reflection on coming to terms with the end of a relationship; beautifully interweaving raw textures with the stirring empowering energy of its harmonious choruses. Bringing a fresh energy to the German duo’s ever-evolving sound, I love its swirling, gritty allure. Roller Derby release their debut album on 28th February next year and will be celebrating with a little trip to the UK next May, including dates playing for us in London and Brighton. info & tickets here! (ML)

Georgia Gets By – ‘Split Lip’
‘Split Lip’ is the woozy, intoxicating title track from Georgia Gets By’s recent EP. The solo project of New Zealand artist Georgia Nott, who has spent the last decade fronting electronic pop project BROODS, under her new moniker Notts explores the diverse nature of true intimacy and the sting of rejection, all inspired by the end of her first queer relationship. (KC)

Soft As Snow – ‘Palms’
Berlin-based Soft As Snow are back with a hypnotic blend of experimental trip-hop sounds on their latest single ‘Palms’. Taken from their third album, Metal.wet, which is set for release on 8th November via Beacon Sound, it’s the first taste of what’s to come from this dynamic duo who create ethereal-yet-edgy soundscapes. (KC)

Freak Slug – ‘Spells’
The latest single from Manchester artist Xenya Genovese aka Freak Slug, ‘Spells’ fizzes with a glitchy, quirky energy and sultry allure, offering an instant earworm that’ll have you hooked on first listen. ‘Spells’ is taken from Freak Slug’s upcoming debut album, I Blow Out Big Candles, which is set for release on 8th November via Future Classic. (ML)

Pom Pom Squad – ‘Street Fighter’
Ahead of the release of their new album next month, Pom Pom Squad have now shared a fierce synth-driven new single. Oozing a sizzling energy, it offers a racing slice of pop-punk complete with an infectious tongue-in-cheek sense of fun. (ML)

Urge Surfer – ‘Glass Ceiling’
New York electro-pop duo Urge Surfer released their latest EP, Alphabet Archive, at the end of August, and this track ‘Glass Ceiling’ features on the record. Together, Jordan Smith and Chelsea O’Donnell explore gender dysphoria, their evolving identities and embracing change on their new offering, all underscored by their atmospheric synth textures. (KC)

Dogviolet – ‘Violets’
Although it may seem like Dogviolet have been around for a while now (they actually played their first ever gig for us back in 2022!) they are only now releasing their debut single. And it’s been worth the wait. Oozing a soaring celestial splendour and seething raw emotion, it offers a stirring tale of queer awakening and young love. Dogviolet will celebrating the single’s release with a night of Sapphic joy next Wednesday 2nd October. Limited tickets left on Dice! (ML)

Miya Folick – ‘La Da Da’
The latest single from LA artist Miya Folick, ‘La Da Da’ follows her 2023 album, Roach. Rippling with a raw emotion and twinkling sense of vulnerability, it delves into themes of identity and desire, as it builds with a lilting energy to a beautifully shimmering ballad. Folick reflects: “I was slowing down, saying no, responding when I actually had an answer, and asking for the things I specifically desired rather than the things I thought I was supposed to want.” (ML)

Soccer Mommy – ‘Driver’
Described as a “testament to her spaciness and indecision” this latest single from Nashville indie artist Soccer Mommy is all about embracing your flaws. ‘Driver’ is taken from her upcoming album, Evergreen, which is set for release on 25th October via Loma Vista. Soccer Mommy has mined her innately raw songwriting techniques on her new record to help her move through the lingering effects of personal loss. I’m looking forward to hearing the LP in full. (KC)

Our Girl – ‘What You Told Me’
Having fallen completely in love with their 2018 debut, Stranger Today, I am very happy to hear the news that London trio Our Girl are back and releasing their second album in November. Ahead of the album’s release, and following previous offerings ‘Relief’, ‘Something About Me Being A Woman’ and album title track ‘The Good Kind’, latest single ‘What You Told Me’ reflects on the heartbreak of seeing illness affect someone you love, and the joy that can come in the moments of respite. Propelled by a whirring energy and brit-pop inspired scuzzy hooks, it fizzes with a stirring raw emotion as Soph Nathan’s distinctive vocals ripple with an understated powerful grace, creating a deeply resonant shimmering splendour. The Good Kind, the upcoming album from Our Girl, is set for release on 8th November via Bella Union. Pre-order here. (ML)

Sassyhiya – ‘Boat Called Predator’
Having charmed us playing live for us at both the Shacklewell Arms and Matchstick Piehouse last year, London-based faves Sassyhiya have now announced that their debut album will be released in November. Propelled by a jangly energy and the band’s trademark twinkling lighthearted uplifting charisma, latest single ‘Boat Called Predator’ is named after a boat that Kathy and Helen saw being towed while they were travelling through Scotland. Take You Somewhere, Sassyhiya’s debut album, is due for release on 8th November via Skep Wax Records. (ML)

Fightmilk – ‘That Thing You Did’
The latest single from their upcoming new album No Souvenirs, ‘That Thing You Did’ showcases all there is to love about total faves Fightmilk. Exploring post break-up feelings of trying (and refusing) to forgive and forget, it’s propelled by the band’s trademark scuzzy energy, creating an instantly catchy slice of perfect punk-pop that’s angsty and uplifting in equal measure. No Souvenirs, the upcoming third album from Fightmilk, is out on 15th November via Alcopop! Records. Catch them live on tour to celebrate. I can’t wait to see them that night at Paper Dress Vintage. Tickets and info here. (ML)

NEXT TO NADA – ‘MOTHS’
If you’ve ever wondered what it would look like if a punk band shot their debut music video on a narrowboat, wonder no more! London based “sludge rock” four piece NEXT TO NADA filmed the accompanying visuals for their latest single ‘MOTHS’ inside of one, reflecting the chaotic but ultimately enjoyable nature of modern life. The track is taken from the bands’ recent EP, WHINE // MOTHS, a collection of grinding-yet-gleeful anthems designed to release the pent up frustrations of everyday life. (KC)

Split Chain ft. Softcult – ‘(Re)-Extract’
I am obsessed with this heavy collaboration between two of my current favourite bands: Bristol noise merchants Split Chain and Canadian shoegaze duo Softcult. With it’s blistering riffs, crashing percussion, gauzy vocals and screams; it’s pure Gloomy Girl territory and I LOVE it. (KC)

A.A. Williams – ‘SPLINTER’
Currently on her debut tour of the United States, London based heavy songwriter A.A. Williams has shared this potent new lament. ‘Splinter’ masterfully blends Williams’ tentative piano keys with thundering riffs and crashing percussion to create a cathartic four and a half minutes of doom-tinged, atmospheric sound. She will be returning to the UK to appear on the main stage at Damnation, Europe’s largest indoor metal festival, at Manchester’s BEC Arena on 2nd November. (KC)

Divide and Dissolve – ‘Monolithic’
Newly signed to Bella Union, ‘Monolithic’ is the latest single from Divide and Dissolve, the heavy instrumental project of Takiaya Reed. Her haunting saxophone notes collide with a cacophony of cymbal smashes and gargantuan riffs to create a sonic prayer for “systems of liberation, freedom, Indigenous sovereignty and for a Black future.” Reed is set to release a new album in 2025, the heavily anticipated follow-up to Divide and Dissolve’s fourth LP, Systemic, out now via Invada. (KC)

Zamilska ft. husky – ‘Odyssey’
I was excited to see this track by Polish electronic artist Zamilska drop into my inbox earlier this month. Taken from her upcoming album, United Kingdom Of Anxiety, which is set for release on 4th October via Untuned Records (Zamilska’s own label), this track is an intoxicating post-apocalyptic soundscape that totally enraptures the senses. Zamilska will be supporting the inimitable Kim Gordon on her upcoming European tour. Full dates can be found here. (KC)

Bambie Thug – ‘Hex So Heavy’
Described as “a witches siren” and “a warning” to those who have crossed them, I’m hooked on this seething slice of genre-defying noise from Ireland’s Bambie Thug. The artist’s potent desire to reek havoc on those who have underestimated them is personified in the track’s accompanying visuals, which see Bambie take on the form of a foreboding arachnid creature. The artist is currently on the European leg of their ‘Crown The Witch’ tour, supported by devious duo The Darklings for the majority of their dates, with the addition of my older brother’s band – Northampton industrial/electronic project Drownd – for their show in Amsterdam on 8th October! (KC)

Toya Delazy – ‘Eazy’
I was gutted to have missed Toya Delazy’s collaborative performance with GROVE and Taliable when I was at Supersonic Festival in Birmingham last month, but I’m glad this single from the South African Zulu artist dropped into my inbox shortly afterwards. “This song is a story about someone who climbed into their own grave looking for hope,” Delazy explains. “It’s about taking a hard situation and making it work in your favour. Leaving South Africa as a Zulu girl to go to Britain to sing Zulu songs was seen as suicide, given the history we have with the British, but I really believed in the power of collaboration and diversity, even though the world today weaponises our diversity against each other.” I love Delazy’s distinctive vocals, which flow over frenzied beats and glitchy electronics here. (KC)

45AcidBabies – ‘Love Me 10der’
The return of Dutch garage pop-punks 45AcidBabies, ‘Love Me 10der’ sizzles with whirring riffs as the band offer a colourful retaliation to tax authorities and the powers curtailing our rights; an empowering ode to ‘painting the world pink’ and building community. (ML)

SOPHIE ft. Hannah Diamond – ‘Always and Forever’
Late, great producer and trans pioneer SOPHIE’s eponymous new album has been released, and what a joy it is to have it in existence. The posthumous LP showcases just how essential and innovative SOPHIE’s creations were, put together by her brother and longtime producer Benny Long. Featuring Hannah Diamond, single ‘Always and Forever’ was recorded in London during the 2020 lockdowns and turned out to be the last time that she would see her friend SOPHIE. A glistening and heartfelt offering, listening to it you can’t help but feel that SOPHIE is still with us, continuing to influence the pop landscape with her unique spirit and sound. SOPHIE, the posthumous release, is out now via Transgressive and Future Classic. (ML)

Elsa Hewitt – ‘Poiselle’
I’m such a big fan of Elsa Hewitt’s ambient electronic creations. This track is taken from her upcoming album, Dominant Heartstrings, which she will be releasing in the near future. I’m still spinning her previous LP, Chaos Emeralds – but I’m excited to hear more of her wonderful synth and vocal loops on this new record. (KC)

heka x Saint Jude – ‘Swallow’
‘Swallow’ is one serene part of a beautiful collaboration between South London left-field musicians heka and Saint Jude. Released via Slow Dance Records, the cinematic track melts heka’s atmospheric gothic-folk influences into Saint Jude’s gentle, celestial ruminations. You can listen to their equally as captivating companion piece ‘In Your Garden’ here. (KC)

Half Waif – ‘The Museum’
The new single from Nandi Rose aka Half Waif, ‘The Museum’ is taken from her upcoming new album, See You At The Maypole, a stunningly heartfelt collection, written after Rose experienced a devastating miscarriage. Flowing with an effervescent grace, this single offers a stirring reflection on climate catastrophe and the irony of the idea of museums “preserving pieces of furniture in a pristine, white-walled space when outside, everything is collapsing.” See You At The Maypole is set for release on 4th October via ANTI-. (ML)

Dawn Richard & Spencer Zahn – ‘Diets’
Lifted from their upcoming second collaborative album, Quiet In A World Full Of Noise, ‘Diets’ is a dreamy offering from New Orleans R&B singer Dawn Richard and New York composer Spencer Zahn. Throughout the track, Richard draws parallels between cutting out harmful relationships and losing weight, all underscored by Zahn’s tentative and considered keys. Their new record looks set to be a deeply emotive collection of songs, set for release on 4th October via Merge Records. (KC)

Dear Pariah – ‘KOKO’
This is an exquisitely emotional, tender offering from independent artist & former GIHE radio guest Charlie Hinchcliff aka Dear Pariah. ‘Koko’ will feature on her upcoming EP, The Weeper Takes, which is set for release in October by the excellent Trapped Animal Records. The tracks are inspired by Hinchcliff’s ongoing struggle with her chronic illness multisystem Sarcoidosis, her sobriety and the literal weeping that sometimes occurred when she was recording and writing her music. Watch the accompanying video for ‘KOKO’ here and catch Dear Pariah live at St. Pancras Old Church on 1st November. Ticket link here. (KC)

Sephine Llo – ‘Rest With Me’
An ethereal lament for her late husband Robert, this single from multi-instrumentalist Sephine Llo is a remarkably poignant, shape-shifting piece of work. Taken from her upcoming album, Diamond Fall, which is set for release on 25th October – the date of the couples 10th wedding anniversary – the track features samples from a song Robert wrote as a teenager, seamlessly woven into Sephine Llo’s gentle instrumentation and guided by her yearning vocals. (KC)

Gazelle Twin – ‘Two Worlds’ (Keeley Forsyth Ghost Version)
A glitchy, haunting form of musical possession; Keeley Forsyth’s remix of Gazelle Twin’s track ‘Two Worlds’ enhances the shudder inducing atmosphere cultivated by the original offering. Forsyth’s “Ghost” version features on Shadow Dogs, a brand new album of reworkings and reinterpretations of songs from Gazelle Twin’s acclaimed fourth album, Black Dog. The new LP will be released on 18th October via Invada, and features contributions from Gary Numan, Penelope Trappes, BEAK>, Marta Salogni and more of Gazelle Twin’s talented collaborators. (KC)