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

FIVE FAVOURITES: King Isis

Multi-instrumentalist King Isis – whose name pays homage to their great-great-grandmother Omega King, one of the first Black opera singers in Chicago – seems to thrive in the uneasy space between indecision and taking action. The Oakland-based artist explores the gaps between these feelings on their upcoming debut EP, scales, which is set for release on 29th March via Dirty Hit/No Matter. Through a mix of shimmering guitar sounds, driving beats and relatable lyrics, King Isis balances feelings of frustration and apathy alongside buoyant melodies in order to overcome the barriers holding them back, whether they’re self-inflicted or otherwise.

An ardent believer in the empowering and healing nature of music, King Isis uses their artistry to enrich the lives of others too. They volunteer teaching music classes for low-income communities in Los Angeles, and have worked with the FreeStudio Program of Rikers Island, which creates a safe creative space for incarcerated youth and the children of incarcerated adults. 

We think one of the best ways to get to know an artist is by asking what music inspired them to write in the first place. We caught up with King Isis to ask about their “Five Favourites” – five songs that have inspired their song-writing techniques. Check out their choices below and scroll down to watch the video for their latest single ‘taste of u’.

 

1. King Krule – ‘Czech One’
This song has been one of my favorites for a looooong time. I can’t recall exactly where I heard this for the first time, but sometime in college sounds right. King Krule has consistently been my favorite artist for the longest, specifically for the instrumental arrangement and the authenticity of his voice. This song is definitely different from a lot of his tracks, as it’s driven by keys instead of guitar, but the minor, moody melodic chord progression that carries the track has a special place in my heart. It feels like a dream to me. I feel like a lot of King Krule’s songs – including this one – have influenced the chords and shapes I use in songs and in my guitar practice.

2. Lauryn Hill – ‘I Gotta Find Peace of Mind’
Whenever this song comes on in my car, I gotta listen to the full 9 minutes. Her lyrics really resonate with me on this one. I feel like this song has influenced me specifically with lyric writing and strong melodies. Also her performance. I think a lot of what draws me to certain songs/artists and what I strive to do with my music is delivering authenticity through song. imperfections create perfect moments. The guitar is fairly simple, kinda going between two chords, yet is still super captivating because of her vulnerability both in her lyrics and performance. She’s repeating what appear to be simple phrases, but it carries so much meaning in how she shares these words. I think it brings me a sense of hopefulness and peace in moments of calamity. Her delivery and the repetition of certain phrases has definitely inspired how I create and share music. If you haven’t heard this song, listen!

3. Yves Tumor – ‘Gospel for a New Century’
I heard this song for the first time around the drop of this project. I started listening to Yves Tumor during college and was kinda infatuated with everything they were doing. I think what initially drew me to their music was the instrumental – I love a good bassline. When I’m listening to new music, I’m definitely drawn to the instrumental first, that’ll hook me in and eventually I’ll start hearing what they’re saying with their lyrics. If the music itself doesn’t catch my ear, you probably won’t catch me listening to it. I think Yves Tumor’s music in general and this song specifically has helped me be more open in my sound, they continue to inspire with their artistry. I have a couple songs on my next project that are influenced by the grunge-y, crunchy, darker melodies that flow through Yves Tumor’s music.

4. Hiatus Kaiyote – ‘The Lung’
I have a super distinct memory attached to the first time I heard this song. I was a sophomore in college, going through changes, discovering love, learning a lot about myself as a person. I was in my partner’s dorm room during a shroom trip and I fell in love with the magical energy of this song. I didn’t know what Nai Palm was saying for a long time – and honestly still don’t know what she’s saying – but that introductory guitar line instantly captivated my attention. And then she comes in with some infectious harmonies that still bring the same feelings it brought me the first day I heard it.

Ever since then, I’ve been a huge fan of Hiatus Kaiyote and Nai Palm. I think this song specifically inspired me to explore more harmonies within my songs and voice. In this song, her voice felt more like another instrument, moving in tune with the drums and other instruments in ways that still hold me more than the lyrics. I think that also inspired me to play with my voice more, explore the different ranges, sounds, and places my voice can exist in song.

5. Kanye West, Kid Cudi, 070 Shake – ‘Ghost Town’
I don’t remember the first time I heard this song but I included it in this list because everytime I hear it, I still wanna scream and cry with 070 Shake at the end. I love the rest of the song too, but when she comes in with “and nothing hurts anymore I feel kinda free,” it takes me out of whatever else I’m feeling and makes me feel like I can keep pushing through it all, like I can keep going. Something about this song feels familiar, like it’s all gonna be ok. In a similar way to how Lauryn Hill’s ‘Peace of Mind’ makes me feel, 070 Shake’s part of the song makes me feel hopeful, reignited, and alive. I think this song encourages me to dive deeper into writing and into myself, to continue to find freedom in creating music.

Thanks to King Isis for sharing their favourites with us!

Watch their video for ‘taste of u’ below

Follow King Isis on bandcampSpotifyTwitterInstagram & Facebook

Photo Credit: Richard Mwanthi

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

PLAYLIST: March 2023

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of indie & alternative anthems, alt-pop tunes and electronic sounds for your listening pleasure. We skipped February’s edition of the Playlist, so March is packed with loads of new music! Take some time to scroll through our track choices below and then press play at the end of this post.

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

Fraulein – ‘Pet’
Is it even a GIHE Playlist if we don’t include a Fraulein track? Since Mari first introduced Joni & Karsten to the GIHE team in 2020, we’ve been fans of everything the grunge duo have released, including this new track ‘Pet’. It was a pleasure to have them in the studio chatting about it on our February Soho Radio show, which you can listen back to here.
(Kate Crudgington)

Hot Wax – ‘Treasure’
Full of buzzing basslines, commanding beats and raucous guitar sounds, this track from Hastings trio HotWax flicks between melodic verses and riff-heavy breakdowns, providing listeners with a welcome rush of blood to the head. The band are gearing up for their own mini UK tour this month, before joining The Pearl Harts as main support in May. (KC)

Brix Smith – ‘Fast Net’
The awesome latest single from rock legend Brix Smith, ‘Fast Net’ is propelled by a fierce energy and gritty punk-fuelled spirit. Racing with pummelling hooks alongside Smith’s soaring honey-sweet vocals and immersive charisma, it offers a raging reflection on facing up to your vulnerabilities. ‘Fast Net’ is taken from Smith’s debut solo album, Valley Of The Dolls, out now. (Mari Lane)

Hannah Jadagu – ‘What You Did’
I love this hazy guitar tune from Texas-based musician Hannah Jadagu, who only recently appeared on my radar. Taken from her upcoming debut album Aperture, which is set for release on 19th May via Sub Pop, Jadagu’s bittersweet vocals and reverb-laden riffs are totally infectious. I can’t wait to hear the record in full. (KC)

Lunch Machine – ‘Pipedream Graveyard’
On ‘Pipedream Graveyard’, Belfast-based alt rockers Lunch Machine blend the angst of 90s grunge and melodic pop sensibilities to push past feelings of apathy. Marking their first piece of new music in five years, the track is a grunge-infused take on the futility of planning for the future whilst the planet is slowly collapsing around us. (KC)

Earthlung – ‘Joy¿’
Full of sardonic spoken-word style vocals, cutting lyrics and distorted riffs, this single from Brighton-based band Earthlung is a search for meaning and relief amidst the mind-numbing everyday tasks we undertake in order to keep living our best lives. (KC)

English Teacher – ‘Song About Love’
Out now via Speedy Wunderground, ‘Song About Love’ is the latest single from Leeds band English Teacher. As the sultry smooth vocals of front woman Lily Fontaine flow alongside chiming hooks and steady beats, it offers a wonderfully infectious exploration into the romance that can be found in the mundane; a whirring ode to “doing the chores, instead of doing someone else.” Watch the fantastic, Sims-inspired, video for ‘Song About Love’ here. (ML)

cruush – ‘Stick In The Mud’
“I guess you can say our music has the sweet elements of having a crush on someone, but the screeching of an industrial car crusher…” explains cruush’s vocalist Amber Warren. Say no more, Amber, I love it! This track is taken from the Manchester-based shoegaze band’s upcoming EP Wishful Thinker, which is set for release on 14th April via Heist Or Hit. (KC)

Red Sun Alert – ‘Huge’
Taken from their recent EP Assume Power, this track from Cork-based post-hardcore band Red Sun Alert is an angst-ridden banger. Their new record is full of raging riffs, relentless beats and anthemic vocals, so definitely check it out if you like the sound of this. (KC)

Problem Patterns – ‘Who Do We Not Save?’
The first piece of new music since their visceral 2022 anthem ‘Y.A.W‘ (Yes All Women), I’m a big fan of Belfast-based DIY punks Problem Patterns’ latest single. Released via Alcopop! Records who the band have recently signed to, ‘Who Do We Not Save?’ takes aim at the incompetent Tory government and their continued attempts to privatise the NHS. Giving their listeners a space to release their pent up frustrations, fears and disappointments is a core value of Problem Patterns’ music, and with this track the band have provided another cathartic aural antidote to offset the anxiety of the uncertain times we’re currently living through. (KC)

SPIDER – ‘America’s Next Top Model’
Written in response to the backlash she received and the whitewashing she witnessed on popular online platforms, SPIDER chooses to thrive in the face of adversity on her new track, ‘America’s Next Top Model’. Taking aim at her critics via abrasive riffs and candid lyrics, the London-based, Irish musician & producer has channelled her vitriolic energy into another empowering anthem and accompanying video, which acts as a defiant cry for better black representation in alternative music scenes. (KC)

Momma – ‘Bang Bang’
New York City four-piece Momma are back – with a bang – on their latest single. This track was co-written by band members Etta Friedman and Allegra Weingarten when they both caught Covid-19 last year. Making the most of their time in isolation, the pair got drunk together and ended up writing a fun song about great sex, with ‘Bang Bang’ being the result. All of Momma’s songs are mega catchy and this one is no exception. (KC)

Lilies In My Brain – ‘Blue Sky’
Inspired by everyone from Alkaline Trio, to Angel Olsen and Wet Leg, South London-based four-piece Lilies In My Brain create shimmering indie-pop anthems. This track is taken from their album, 21 = 2a + 7, which the band released back in 2021. They’re currently working on their second album, which they’re planning to release later this year. (KC)

Perlee – ‘Lampshade’
Inspired by everything from the nature of unconditional love to the banality of capitalist society, Berlin-based Irish band Perlee are preparing to release their debut album, Speaking from Other Rooms on 21st April. This track is lifted from the record, and its full of glistening guitars and dreamy vocals. (KC)

Lunar Vacation – ‘Only You’
Following the release of their debut album in 2021, ‘Only You’ is the latest single from Atlanta-based Lunar Vacation. Rippling with beautifully lilting melodies, it shimmers with a stirring emotion and sparkling, cinematic grace, offering an irresistibly effervescent slice of indie-pop with shades of the likes of Alvvays and Best Coast. (ML)

Lusa Morena – ‘Where’s The Spark (If Not In You)’
Having wowed us with the fierce charisma of their live show at The Shacklewell Arms last year, London-based five piece Lusa Morena have recently released a twinkling new single. Reflecting on society’s frequent dismissal of – and stigma around – feelings of depression or mental health struggles, ‘Where’s The Spark’ is a beautifully moving ballad, oozing sweeping, glossy riffs alongside front woman Bárbara’s rich, luscious vocals. (ML)

Aisha Badru – ‘Lazy River’
Flowing with a lilting energy, ‘Lazy River’ reflects on the journey of emotional healing and the time that this can take. Rippling with the shimmering grace of Badru’s vocals and a twinkling folk-strewn musicality, it oozes an exquisite stirring splendour. Learning To Love Again, the upcoming new EP from Aisha Badru, is set for release in June. (ML)

JFDR – ‘Spectator’
I notice something different each time I listen to this beautiful track by Icelandic experimental songwriter JFDR. Her tender voice and concise, gentle lyrics compliment the glimmering synths perfectly. ‘Spectator’ is lifted from her upcoming album Museum, which is set for release on 28th April via Houndstooth Records. Speaking about the track, JFDR explains “‘Spectator’ is an anthem for the codependent, a lullaby for the ones slightly codependent and for those who have never felt it; a mirror into the raw thought process of someone deep in the trenches of it.” (KC)

Midwife & Vyva Melinkolya – ‘NMP’
I never tire of listening to Midwife’s melancholy sounds, and this new collaborative effort with Vyva Melinkolya is no exception. ‘NMP’ is taken from the duo’s upcoming 5-song album, Orbweaving, which will be released on 12th May via The Flenser. The record is described as “a web like structure – a gauze of sorrow and visceral connective thread” that combines their experiences of hopelessness, calling on a higher power, being alone, and the sublime horror of the natural world. I can’t wait to hear it. (KC)

LANA DEL RABIES – ‘Prayers of Consequence’
The opening track to her recent album STREGA BEATA – which loosely translates as “Blessed Witch” – I love this gloomy, evocative track from Lana Del Rabies. A creator of corrosive, brooding experimental sounds, the Phoenix-based producer and multimedia artist’s new record is a cathartic medium for her innermost thoughts on the human condition, grief and navigating tragedy. You can listen to the album and read about some of the music that inspired her to write it in our Five Favourites feature here. (KC)

MANDY, INDIANA – ‘Pinking Shears’
A brittle, abrasive blend of beats, noise and bittersweet French vocals, this track from Manchester-based four-piece MANDY, INDIANA seethes with a palpable frustration. The track is taken from their upcoming debut album, i’ve seen a way, which is set for release on 19th May via Fire Talk Records. (KC)

DEBBY FRIDAY – ‘Hot Love’
Taken from her upcoming debut album, GOOD LUCK, which is set for release via Sub Pop on 24th March, ‘Hot Love’ is another industrial-tinged, explosive electronic banger from DEBBY FRIDAY. The Nigerian-born, Toronto-based artist continues to provide the soundtrack for messy nights on the dancefloor, and the impact that the intoxicating and toxic people we meet in the hedonistic process. (KC)

ARXX – ‘God Knows’
The latest single from absolute faves, Brighton’s ARXX, ‘God Knows’ offers a perfectly heartfelt and instantly catchy anthem. Embracing their love of all things pop, it veers away from the more gritty sound of previous offerings whilst maintaining the duo’s distinctive emotion-strewn power. Of the track, they explain: “We really pushed ourselves to step into Dua Lipa’s shoes. We were able to live our Cher dreams and dive into the world of auto tune and swoopy synths.” ARXX’s upcoming debut album, Ride or Die, is out on 31st March – pre-order here. Catch ARXX live on tour over the next couple of months (I can’t wait to catch them at Rough Trade East on my birthday!) (ML)

Gabi Garbutt and Du Blonde – ‘Panic’
A perfect collaboration between Gabi Garbutt and acclaimed artist Du Blonde, ‘Panic’ is propelled by a swirling post-punk energy alongside sugar-sweet pop melodies as the two vocals fuse together with a shimmering charm, creating a truly blissful, instantly infectious, indie-pop anthem. Watch the wonderful DIY video for ‘Panic’ here. (ML)

Tiiva – ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ (Wheatus Cover)
Taking a classic 00s anthem and putting their own euphoric spin on it, London-based producer Tiiva’s cover of Wheatus’ ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ is a celebration of queer love. Full of quirky synths and dreamy vocals, the track reflects Tiiva’s own feelings about coming-of-age as a queer person. “I wanted to cover something that I could sing about and be like, ‘yeah that’s me, that’s how I feel’,” Tiiva explains. “The lyrics feel hyper real, my first crush on a girl, feeling invisible in my queerness and wanting to be accepted, to be cool. I feel like this song is such an anthem but also so fun, celebrating how to just be yourself and enjoy it, that’s what the song means to me, and I wanted to share that.” (KC)

Panic Pocket – ‘Mad Half Hour’
The first taste of their upcoming album of the same name, Panic Pocket’s latest single ‘Mad Half Hour’ offers a joyous ode to Spice Girls legend Geri Haliwell, oozing all the playful tongue-in-cheek energy that we’ve come to know and love from the London duo. An instantly catchy slice of fizzing punk-pop, it will have you singing along on first listen; so, don your thigh high boots, scream ‘Girl Power!’ and relish in the nostalgic bliss of this witty anthem. (ML)

Jen Cloher – ‘Mana Takatāpui’
This poignant single from Australian artist Jen Cloher, ‘Mana Takatāpui’ offers a blissful celebration of the indigenous Polynesian people of Aotearoa, New Zealand, the Māori LGBTQ+ community. Showcasing Jen’s trademark luscious soothing vocals alongside a shimmering musicality, it builds with an uplifting energy to a truly joyous unifying anthem. I Am The River, The River Is Me, the upcoming new album from Jen Cloher, is out now via Milk! Records / Marathon Artists (ML)

Girl Ray – ‘Everybody’s Saying That’
Reflecting on themes of new love and self-doubt, ‘Everybody’s Saying That‘ is the latest single from London trio Girl Ray. Swirling with a disco-inspired energy, oozing the band’s colourful charisma and uplifting charm, I just love its funk-fuelled hooks and sparkling danceable allure – a perfect uplifting anthem, that will elevate your spirits, leaving you ready to hit the dancefloor/roller-disco/bedroom with a revived sense of optimism. (ML)

New Track: lobby – ‘in the wall’

in the wall’ is the debut track from new London supergroup lobby – a collaboration made up of Lottie Pendlebury (Goat Girl) and Toby Evans-Jesra (leather.head), with trusted friend Josh Gormley on drums. As a fan of their two other bands, I was intrigued to hear this new project. 

‘in the wall’ opens with a clean ’90s midwest emo styled-guitar riff followed by a satisfyingly driving drum beat on the toms. It’s like a warm embrace and I’m instantly captivated. Pendlebury and Evans-Jesra’s soft honey-like vocal harmonies enter before she drops out and Evans-Jesra continues with a low vocal drawl, reminiscent of The National’s Matt Berninger, with a hint of Elliot Smith.

A beautifully atmospheric track, it blends folk and alternative rock – creating warm summer vibes with a hint of nostalgic melancholy, bringing to mind artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Big Thief. There are ethereal synth lines intertwining between the vocals and a fiddle-like violin part, giving it a folky flavour until – half way through the track – a sax and synth are introduced, offering the listener a pleasant surprise and adding to the already textured soundscape. The song becomes more chaotic, lifting it to an enchanting new dimension. 

The track was recorded and mixed by Jamie Neville Neville (Pumarosa, PVA) at Teeth Studios in South East London. On recording the songs Evans-Jesra explains:

We recorded this song in 2021 with Jamie at Teeth Studios, a place we were really drawn to after hearing our friends in Gentle Stranger’s record. It had a really unique live improvised and kind of erratic sound that felt fitting for Lobby. It’s an old song of mine that Lottie and Josh brought a really fresh and creative energy to.” 

‘in the wall’ is a strong debut from lobby, who have already played gigs at iconic London venues like The Shacklewell Arms and Ivy House. Their music blends genres and times, and I will be keeping a close ear to the ground for their next release and future gigs. 


Ella Patenall
@ellapatenall

Photo Credit: Josh Evans-Jesra