PLAYLIST: October 2024

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another mix of alt-pop tunes, indie-folk musings, alternative, grunge & shoegaze sounds, punk bangers, eclectic electronic soundscapes and some Halloween themed Gloomy Grrrl tracks for your listening pleasure. Take some time to scroll through our selections 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.

PostLast – ‘Halloween’
‘Halloween’ is an apt track to kick off our October playlist with, courtesy of Irish duo PostLast. Lifted from the band’s debut EP, Pull Me Into The Open Sea, released via Veta Records, Julie Hough and Stephen McHale tap into their “childlike sense of wonder” on this track. Through their unfiltered brand of dream-pop, PostLast offer listeners a space to enjoy feeling nostalgic, joyful and melancholic all at the same time.
(Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)

TTSSFU – ‘Studio 54’
I love the dark, cinematic allure of this track from Manchester artist Tasmin Nicole Stephens aka TTSSFU, who has just signed to Partisan Records. ‘Studio 54’ is the final track on her latest EP, Me, Jed and Andy, and it’s inspired by the tumultuous relationship between Andy Warhol and his partner Jed Johnson. I’m so glad this dropped into my GIHE inbox – a new personal favourite for sure. I love the accompanying video too, which you can watch here. (KC)

Skutterfly – ‘Changing Room’
Having won us over playing live for us at The Cavendish Arms last month, First Timers alumni Skutterfly have now shared their debut single. The first song they ever recorded together, ‘Changing Room’ fizzes with a sparkling energy as jangly hooks and ‘90s reminiscent grunge-tinged allure. They’re definitely ones to watch and we can’t wait to hear more!
(Mari Lane – Managing Editor)

HotWax – ‘She’s Got A Problem’
GIHE faves HotWax have announced their debut album with the release of this blistering new single. ‘She’s Got A Problem’ will feature on their LP, Hot Shock, which is set for release on 7th March 2025 via Marathon Artists. Produced by Catherine Marks (boygenius, Wolf Alice), the band put together an all-female team to record the album, which includes input from Steph Marziano (Picture Parlour, Cassandra Jenkins) and Warpaint drummer Stella Mozgawa. We can’t wait to hear their riotous debut record, which you can pre-order here. (KC)

Jæd – ‘Bakkos’
Another knockout single from London based Irish-Puerto Rican musician Jæd. She played a GIHE gig for us in October last year supporting Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra at The Shacklewell Arms, and we were all blown away by her stage presence and dynamic vocals and guitar playing. Jæd will be releasing her debut album, I Loved The Gauntlet And There Was No Other Way, on 29th Nov via cult Irish label The Delphi Label. This track, ‘Bakkos’, features on the record and it’s a visceral imaginary tale of indulgence and self-judgement, set within the setting of a chaotic Bacchanalian court. (KC)

Clutter – ‘Jesus’
Recently signed to PNKSLM Recordings, Stockholm quartet Clutter have a sound that’s as cacophonous as their namesake. This track ‘Jesus’ is a noisy blend of their gritty riffs, swirling dual vocals and driving beats. The band will be releasing ‘Jesus’ along with their debut single ‘Holy Brother’ on a limited edition 7″ vinyl on 7th November, which you can pre-order here. (KC)

High. – ‘Catcher’
This latest single from New Jersey shoegazers High. is a glistening rumination on grief, which holds deep personal resonance for the band. It’s the second offering from their upcoming EP, Come Back Down, which is set for release on 24th January 2025 via New York indie label Kanine Records. I love their blend of effervescent vocals, heavy reverb and poetic lyricism. The track is accompanied by a music video, directed by bassist Bridget Bakie and starring drummer Jack Miller, which you can watch here. (KC)

Comic Sans – ‘Mr President’
Having completely blown us away with their immense energy and charisma playing live for us at New River Studios last week, London’s queer emo-punk ones to watch Comic Sans have now shared a raging new single. Propelled by a racing energy and angst-driven power, ‘Mr President’ showcases all there is to love about this exciting new band; a soaring punk anthem delivered with a fierce sense of urgency. Of the track, the band explain: “Mr President is an amalgamation of lyrics derived from grief, and an expression of frustration at the world, blended with band improvisation to create a song that expresses our individuality.” We highly recommend you catch Comic Sans live at the single launch for ‘Mr President’ on 28th October at The Windmill in Brixton – tickets here. (ML)

The Menstrual Cramps – ‘Class War’
A fierce rebuttal against trickle-down economics and the hold that the ruling classes have over society, ‘Class War’ is the latest single from GIHE faves, Bristol’s The Menstrual Cramps. Oozing their trademark seething energy alongside frenzied punk hooks and an immense empowering drive, it offers an rousing call to action to fight back; to join a union and hold those in power to account. Of the track, front person Emilia comments: “Workers rights are being taken away from us at an alarming rate, and the best way to combat this is with collective bargaining and activism…” Watch the new video for ‘Class War’ here. (ML)

Fightmilk – ‘Yearning and Pining’
Another one taken from the upcoming album from absolute faves Fightmilk, ‘Yearning and Pining’ offers a ridiculously catchy tongue-in-cheek love song. Exquisitely fusing together twinkling hooks and anthemic gritty energy with a lilting country twang, the track races with the angsty anticipation of a mega crush. Of the track, front person Lily comments: “(It’s) a two-minute country-punk biscuit about having the cosmic horn for someone. Being so lusty that you give yourself an asthma attack…” And there’s a gloriously DIY accompanying video that was filmed entirely on a doorbell cam. No Souvenirs, the upcoming new album from Fightmilk, is out 15th November via Alcopop! Records. Catch them live to celebrate – details here. (ML)

Daffodildos – ‘What’s Ur Excuse’
Having recently released their debut EP via Not Saints – a pioneering label committed to supporting artists in recovery from addiction – Brighton trans-punk trio Daffodildos have spent the year making a name for themselves, touring the country, delivering important social messages with their trademark playful attitude. Taken from the EP, ‘What’s UR Excuse’ is fuelled by fierce scuzzy hooks, offering a catchy punk anthem raging against the cruelty that society inflicts on animals, and capitalism’s reliance on the suffering of innocent animals for profit. Not My Cup Of Tea, the debut EP from Daffodildos, is out now. (ML)

Man/Woman/Chainsaw – ‘The Boss’
Lifted from their upcoming EP, Eazy Peazy, which is set for release on 7th November via Fat Possum Records, this track from London based art punks Man/Woman/Chainsaw is a grinding, unpredictable exploration of power dynamics. The band have fused electric violin, synths and guitars together to form their heaviest track yet. I remember Brixton trio Alien Chicks recommending Man/Woman/Chainsaw to us when they were guests on our Soho Radio show last year, and after hearing ‘The Boss’, I can see why! (KC)

Lobby – ‘folding out’
Featuring members from Goat Girl and leather.head, South London slowcore trio Lobby have shared a brand new single. Following last year’s ‘in the wall’, ‘folding out’ flows with a twinkling energy as honey-sweet vocals ripple over fuzzy musical layers and a stripped back raw emotion. Of the track, the band explain: ““It’s about the desire to watch the layers someone has built up, unfold, to reveal the core of who they are, and the unquestioning support needed for that process to occur.” (ML)

Queen Of Nothing – ‘How Does It Feel’
I’m so glad this debut single from independent artist Abi Crisp aka Queen Of Nothing dropped into my GIHE inbox. ‘How Does It Feel’ is taken from her soon-to-be-released EP, The Pull, which she recorded to tape at Middle Farm Studios with acclaimed producer Peter Miles (Torres, Orla Gartland and Dodie). I love her atmospheric guitar tones and her brooding vocals, which shift in volume throughout the track. (KC)

Labyrinthine Oceans – ‘Pinch’
A dark reflection on self autonomy and escaping societal expectations, ‘Pinch’ is the latest single from London/Newcastle dream rock band Labyrinthine Oceans. It’s taken from their upcoming second EP, home, which is set for release in the near future. The band blend grinding riffs, crashing percussion and melancholic vocals in attempt to confront the uncomfortable truths that underline vocalist Julia O’Neill’s lyrics, which give the track its heavy lullaby quality. (KC)

sweet93 – ‘what’s true?’
I love this dreamy offering from New York artist sweet93, fronted by elusive vocalist Chloe. I’m new to her blissed out brand of ambient shoegaze, but after hearing ‘what’s true?’ I’ll definitely be diving into her debut album, All The Same All OK, which she released back in 2021. (KC)

Mi.el – ‘Hers To Own’
The latest single from dream-pop duo Mi.el, ‘Hers To Own’ explores themes of change, personal growth and self-love, offering a sparkling empowering energy. Interweaving a tapestry of different sonic textures, providing the backdrop to rich syrupy vocals, it glistens with an understated uplifting grace. (ML)

Friedberg – ‘Hardcore Workout Queen’
Described by Friedberg’s founding member Anna as an anthem for “the Champion of the slobs”, ‘Hardcore Workout Queen’ is the title track from the band’s upcoming album, which is set for release on 8th November. Juxtaposing upbeat indie-pop rhythms with lyrics about being unmotivated to excel at physical exercise, the track is a playful, relatable reflection on living the lifestyle that suits you – whether that means you’re smashing it in the gym or relaxing with snacks on the sofa. (KC)

God’s Mom – ‘Maddalena’
A new collaboration between Canadian artist Bria Salmena (FRIGS, Orville Peck) and producer/film-maker A.Matthews, God’s Mom create innovative soundscapes combining vocal traditions rooted in Salmena’s Italian heritage with glitchy electro-driven dancefloor beats. Celebrating the power and beauty of the community that the duo found in Toronto and Rome’s club scene, ‘Maddalena’ offers a cinematic cacophony that resonates with a driving energising allure. As It Was Given, the new album from God’s Mom, is out now – exclusively available on Nina. (ML)

foxgluvv – ‘i need to understand but i don’t’
Brighton based DIY pop artist foxgluvv has returned with this brand new single, their first since 2023. Inspired by their journey of self-discovery and the complexities of gender identity, foxgluvv explains that ‘i need to understand but i don’t’ is “more than just a song” to them, it’s their way of supporting their LGBTQIA+ listeners and reminding them not to panic if they haven’t got everything figured out just yet. It’s full of foxgluvv’s hyper-pop beats and catchy lyricism, making it an anxious-yet-euphoric anthem. (KC)

Susi Pagel – ‘Anything Like U’
Self-described as Belfast’s ‘pink pop princess’, Northern Irish artist Susi Pagel is set to release her debut EP very soon, which she worked on with local legend and GIHE fave Rocky O’Reilly. Taken from the EP, ‘Anything Like U’ reflects on the feelings of relief that come from realising you’ve made a lucky escape from a toxic person, and I just love its glistening punk-pop energy. Susi Pagel’s debut EP, can you hear me now?, is set for release next month. (ML)

Moniah – ‘Sweet Escape’
This track from emerging London-based indie pop artist Moniah is all about letting go of what’s holding you back and living in the moment. Through her emotive vocals and lilting alt-pop melodies, she offers her listeners a brief moment of respite from the grind of everyday life. (KC)

Catbear – ‘Carry On’
The latest single from Brighton/London queer duo Catbear, ‘Carry On’ offers a soaring immersive soundscape. Combining elements of ‘80s-inspired synth pop with a gritty post-punk edge, it explores themes of overcoming adversity and pushing through life’s challenges with a captivating ethereal splendour. (ML)

Aisha Badru – ‘Side Of The Moon’
Set to release a new album next month, Nigerian-American artist Aisha Badru has now shared a beautiful new single. Sparkling with a delicate effervescent grace, ‘Side Of The Moon’ reflects on our life’s journey towards healing with a blissful charm. The Sun Still Rises, the upcoming new album from Aisha Badru, is set for release on 29th November via Nettwerk. (ML)

Breymer – ‘When I Get Through’
Set to release their new album, When I Get Through, later this month, Minnesota born artist Sarah Walk aka Breymer creates sweeping indie-pop anthems, oozing a raw emotion and stirring heartfelt splendour. Exploring their relationship with gender and identity, the album marks the first since they recently changed their artist name – from Sarah Walk to the more androgynous Breymer – to reflect how they feel about themselves after their recent top surgery. Interweaving lush layered vocals and a shimmering textured musicality as it reflects on a personal journey of self-discovery with a stark honesty, it’s a truly exquisite collection. Breymer is in the UK next month, playing dates in London and Brighton – details here. (ML)

Sunflower Thieves – ‘So Far So Good’
A poignant, relatable tune from Leeds based duo Sunflower Thieves here. Taken from their upcoming EP, Same Blood, set for release on 30th October 30th, ‘So Far So Good’ is a tender exploration on the very human need for connection and the often overwhelming feeling of our own insignificance in the grand scheme of things. Sunflower Thieves deliver these ruminations gently through their considered lyrics and soft acoustic guitar sounds. (KC)

Katie Malco ft. SOAK – ‘Babette’
Another disarming tune from Katie Malco, this time featuring Northern Irish songwriter SOAK. The pair toured the US together in 2023, which SOAK comically recalls as a time they navigated their way through North America with little more than their “drivers’ licences and delusion.” ‘Babette’ is inspired by Malco’s sense of being too much, or not enough, and how this inner conflict transpires into relationships and social situations. The track’s call-and-response style reflects how communication can break down between two people over time, with Malco and SOAK’s emotive vocals hitting a relatable nerve throughout. (KC)

jasmine.4.t – ‘Elephant’
The first UK signee to Phoebe Bridgers’ label Saddest Factory Records, Manchester based musician jasmine.4.t has announced her debut album, You Are The Morning, set for release on 17th January 2025, by sharing this track ‘Elephant’. Inspired by her memories of her first love after she came out as a trans woman, ‘Elephant’ is a moving reflection on how it feels to be friends with someone when you both know you want more. Produced by Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus, jasmine’s sensitive lyricism, acoustic and electric instrumentation – plus the wonderful voices of the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles at the close of the track – all combine to create a passionate, buoyant exploration on the complexities and joy of finding your first queer love. (KC)

Miya Folick – ‘Alaska’
Following on from her previous single ‘La Da Da’, LA-based songwriter has shared another beautifully vulnerable offering here. ‘Alaska’ is inspired by her fear of potentially losing her relationship, but she pacifies this pain with the realisation that she would cope if that sadly became a reality. Her raw lyricism, emotive vocals and gentle instrumentation soothe these difficult thought processes, making ‘Alaska’ a tender and cathartic offering. (KC)

Heff VanSaint – ‘Weavers Fields’
Originally from Aberdeen, London based artist Heff VanSaint has just released her new EP Best Days Gone. Of the release, she explains: “It’s not as hopeless as the title suggests. I guess it’s a metaphor for where I am in my life. It starts off very misty eyed and full of longing for what’s gone and then through reflection regains a kind of optimism that is dogged in its hopefulness.” A lovely sentiment, and it is a really beautiful collection of tracks – and I think perhaps I have a particular soft spot for this one as it definitely has shades of The Boss, which is always a good thing in my books. (ML)

Waxahatchee – ‘Much Ado About Nothing’
The latest single from Katie Crutchfield – aka Waxhatchee – ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ flows with the lilting Americana twang and stirring raw emotion that I love so much. The first taste of new music from Crutchfield since her much-acclaimed album Tigers Blood earlier this year, it’s another exquisite offering from one of my absolute favourites. (ML)

Clara Mann – ‘Stadiums’
Having supported the likes of Bill Ryder-Jones and Bat For Lashes, London-based artist Clara Mann has now shared a beautiful new single. Reflecting on the both the beauty and difficulties of loving someone whose passion lies in being creative, ‘Stadiums’ offers a beautifully folk-strewn ballad, flowing with a delicate musicality and the sparkling subtle allure of Mann’s vocals. (ML)

Natalie Fée – ‘Daughter Of Nature’
‘Daughter Of Nature’ is the debut single from Bristol based environmental activist, author and musician Natalie Fée. It’s the eponymous track from her upcoming debut album, which is set for release in 2025. Natalie has expanded her preexisting love of nature through her indie-folk musings, and hopes that this will be a new form of connection to the environment for her listeners too. (KC)

Mark Trecka, Midwife – ‘Witch’s Hat’
Add this plaintive collaboration between Parisian sound artist Mark Trecka and Colorado multi-instrumentalist Midwife to your Halloween playlist NOW! It’s a haunting blend of the pair’s other-worldly vocals, moody electronics and twitchy percussion, which Trecka hopes will resonate with those who are “dreaming and celebrating the other side in this thinning veil season.” I love it. (KC)

Joh Chase ft. Brittany Ann Tranbaugh and Natalie Carol – ‘Gossamer Thread’
The debut collaborative single from LA based songwriter Joh Chase, Brittany Ann Tranbaugh and Valley Queen’s Natalie Carol, ‘Gossamer Thread’ offers a stirring slice of Americana reflecting on themes of interconnectedness, fragility and resilience. Shimmering with a catchy, lilting musicality, a heartfelt raw emotion ripples throughout, demanding multiple listens. ‘Gossamer Thread’ is out now via legendary label Kill Rock Stars. (ML)

WATCH: Marlody – ‘Runaway’

Marlody is a singer-songwriter from Kent signed to Skep Wax Records. Her acclaimed debut album I’m Not Sure At All came out last month, and ‘Runaway’ is the third single off the record; a delicate and enchanting song that will leave you wanting more. 

‘Runaway’ opens with warm organ keys flowing; the soothing allure drew me in immediately. Marlody’s clear and present vocals come in next, taking centre stage and demonstrating this is a no-frills, lyric and vocal-driven song. Marlody’s voice is beautifully soulful, you can hear the feelings ejected into the lyrics, poignantly reflecting on “being on the brink of oblivion: contemplating the beauty of nothingness but stepping back just in time”. The stirring words convey a sense of regret and longing, giving the song a melancholic feel tinged with a glimmer of hope. 

Although ‘Runaway’ remains pretty stripped-back in instrumentation and production, the vocal production captures every detail which makes you feel more connected to the words, immersed in its raw emotion. Some very subtle drums enter later on and satisfying vocal overlaps and harmonies give the track another moment of satisfying interest. It’s refreshing to hear a track that isn’t overloaded with sounds and noises, and allows the vocal to take precedence. 

Accompanying the song is a music video which shows a blurred figure from behind, walking through different pastoral scenes; a stunningly atmospheric visual which perfectly conveys the overall feel of the lyrics. Watch it now:

To hear this captivating voice is person, Marlody has upcoming gigs over summer in London and Kent including a date at London’s prestigious Bush Hall on the 20th May. Grab a ticket and check out the rest of her album, I know I will.

I’m Not Sure At All, the new album from Marlody, is out now via Skep Wax Records.

Ella Patenall
@ellapatenall

LIVE: Ailbhe Reddy – Moth Club, London 18.04.23

“I’m a one trick pony” joked Ailbhe Reddy to her attentive crowd at Hackney’s Moth Club last week. Referring to the similar content of the songs that make up her latest album, Endless Affair – “this one’s about being hungover” – Reddy’s self deprecating remarks and tender, clear vocals charmed her listeners at the East London venue.

Opening her set with bittersweet anthem ‘Between Your Teeth’, which is taken from her debut album Personal History, Reddy was backed by a full band for the majority of her show. Pausing briefly between songs to share personal anecdotes, including her memory of the disastrous last time she played piano live – “I covered a little song called ‘Imagine’, don’t know if you’ve heard of it? It didn’t go well” – Reddy’s headline performance made up for her past mistakes.

With a setlist full of tracks from her second album Endless Affair, Reddy delivered great renditions of ‘Inhaling’, ‘Shoulderblades’, ‘Last To Leave’ and the hugely relatable ‘Shitshow’, on which she scrutinizes her drunken reflection. On record, Reddy’s poetic, vulnerable lyrics are balanced alongside her wry humour, and this translated well in a live setting too. Whether Reddy was learning to “take love where it’s planted” on the beautifully sincere ‘Bloom’, trying to get under and ex’s skin on ‘ILYW’ (‘I’m Losing You’re Winning’), or simply owning up to being ‘A Mess’, she managed to retain these key elements of her craft under the spotlight.

Songs from her debut album, Personal History, also made the cut, including ‘Looking Happy’ and the title track, on which Reddy passionately repeated the lyric “I don’t want to go on dates / and hear personal history / I don’t want to share my own / unless it’s you listening”, which proved to be a real highlight of the set.

Whilst Reddy clearly relished playing with a full band behind her, there were moments when the collective volume of the instruments overpowered her vocal. This was atoned for at the end of the set, when she played her final three songs solo. Closing the night with the emotive ‘Pray For Me’, which was dedicated to her late Grandmother, Reddy’s crowd listened intently as she shared stories about the “wordless promises” she made to her relative in the latter stages of her life. It was a poignant and powerful note to end the set on, and one which will ensure fans keep coming back to see Reddy play live again.

Follow Ailbhe Reddy on bandcampSpotifyTwitterInstagram & Facebook

Photo credit: Niamh Barry

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

ALBUM: Ailbhe Reddy – ‘Endless Affair’

“My God look at the state of me / this is so embarrassing” sings Irish songwriter Ailbhe Reddy, scrutinising her drunken reflection on ‘Shitshow’, the opening track to her latest album, Endless Affair. Following on from 2020’s debut full length release, Personal History, on her new record Reddy finds the sweet spot between romantic melancholy, unfiltered shame and wry humour, as she re-frames her fractured memories of nights spent partying in her early 20s and various fluctuating loves and infatuations.

Written and recorded between January 2019 and October 2020, Reddy paired up with producer Tommy McLaughlin again to co-produce Endless Affair. She relished the opportunity to create a truly rounded sound on the record, which maintains the raw spirit of her debut, but showcases a development in her intuition for writing songs that continue to tap into both a personal and universal vein.

Whether she’s admiring the unique way the light defines her partner’s body on ‘Shoulderblades’, or feeling the walls closing in on ‘Last To Leave’, Reddy’s skill for revisiting a moment and making it more poignant – or more painful – than before is the lifeblood of Endless Affair. “It’s not just your drink you’re spilling / to anybody who will listen” she observes on the latter, over gentle beats and considered instrumentation, softening the awkward reality of the situation. It’s a relatable reflection on wanting to atone for potentially embarrassing behaviour – whether personally, or vicariously.

Reddy presents her emotions with endearing and at times excruciating honesty, learning to “take love where it’s planted” on the beautifully sincere ‘Bloom’, revealing the rawness of the wounds left by a breakup on ‘Damage’, and remembering a period of painful apathy on ‘Inhaling’. She explores all these things with charm, wit and impressive grace. This is especially true of ‘Pray For Me’ – dedicated to her late Grandmother – and moving ode ‘Motherhood’, which the songwriter nurtured and developed multiple times throughout the album’s recording process.

Whilst tenderness flows through the veins of Endless Affair, it’s also permeated with moments of recklessness and humour. This is epitomized especially by Reddy’s half-hearted attempts to verbally get under an ex’s skin on ‘ILYW’ (‘I’m Losing You’re Winning’), and the the rolling rhythms and energetic riffs on ‘A Mess’. A reflection on an early, chaotic relationship, the track is a buoyant rumination on the cyclical nature of bad habits and a lively effort to move past them. Whilst the repetition of the titular lyric ‘A Mess’ could sting if it was delivered differently, Reddy claims it as a lighthearted label, accepting that youth and inexperience are all part of the learning process when it comes to forming healthy relationships.

Ultimately, Endless Affair is a patient, earnest reflection on personal growth and a heartening reminder that we’re all just ‘Amateurs’ trying to make sense of the bruises that mysteriously materialise on our bodies the morning after we’ve had too much of a good time. It reaffirms Reddy’s astute songwriting sensibilities and is a tonic for any extended emotional hangover.

Follow Ailbhe Reddy on bandcampSpotifyTwitterInstagram & Facebook

Photo credit: Niamh Barry

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut