Track Of The Day: Little Pale – ‘The Way You Used To Be’

A bittersweet reflection on life before technology took over; London-based newcomer Little Pale has shared her debut single ‘The Way You Used To Be’. It was her sultry remix of The Stone Roses’ classic track ‘I Wanna Be Adored’ first caught our attention, but her debut single is a wonderful example of her ability to write electro-pop tunes laced with melancholy.

Speaking about ‘The Way You Used To Be’, the songwriter explains: “It’s a reminiscing of the old, and comment on the new. Since the rise of tech, things have become so saturated, and while it definitely brings more opportunities, it does give me a longing for a simpler time”. Little Pale – so-called due to her stature and pallor – has overcome self doubt and feelings of anxiety to create her own sounds, and we’re excited to see what else she releases over the coming months.

Listen to ‘The Way You Used To Be’ below and follow Little Pale on Instagram for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Arlo Parks – ‘Cola’

Newcomer Arlo Parks has shared her debut single ‘Cola’ and it’s a slow-burning, soulful track with lyrical bite. The eighteen year old poet, singer, producer & rapper demonstrates her confessional writing style beautifully here, with beats as steady as her calm, stylish vocals.

On ‘Cola’, The London-based singer tackles the relatable theme of “bad love”. Arlo explains: “‘Cola’ is a reminder that betrayal is inevitable when it comes to pretty people that think flowers fix everything”. Her sharp observations are delivered in tender, care-free style, making it easy to leave the track on repeat. Flowers may not be able to fix everything, but if ‘Cola’ is anything to go by – Arlo’s vocals certainly can.

Listen to the track below or stream it here. Follow Arlo Parks on Facebook for more updates.

Photo Credit: Charlie Cummings

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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EP: Tina Boonstra – ‘My Concrete Heart (Will Beat Again)’

Inspired by the likes of Wolf Alice and Arcade Fire, London-based artist Tina Boonstra writes in a vulnerable yet determined vein. Her debut EP My Concrete Heart (Will Beat Again), released on 2nd February via 7Core Music, is a collection of moving, honest songs that will school listeners in empathy and introspection.

The understated ‘Prodigal’ opens the record, quietly showcasing Tina’s measured but powerful vocals. It leads into the soothing ‘I Think I See You Now’ which plays out “as steady as my heart beats / as certain as the sunrise.” Tina’s musical style may have been intended for the halls of churches (she was raised in a Christian missionary family), but it’s clear from these tracks that her sound was meant to echo further.

It’s easy to surrender “skin and bone” to the sound of ‘Occupy Me’ as it gently builds into another three minutes of hymn-like escapism. Following track ‘Concrete Heart’ is a complete change of pace, with pounding drums, heavier guitar riffs and a melodic chorus that breaks through like the “perfect love” Tina sings of. It feels like an aural emotional release, ringing with the relief you experience when you find someone worth opening up to again.

‘Only A Human’ changes the EP’s direction once more, as Tina explores the isolation of another character: a teenage boy with a suicide bomb strapped to his chest. It’s an unexpected turn and a thought provoking exploration of empathy, culminating in the honest lyric “you’re not to blame now / you’re only a human.” The gentle ‘Castle’ closes the record. It’s a carefully curated piano-led ode to a fortress of love and support and a calm ending to this soft but tempestuous debut.

Speaking of her EP, Tina admits: “I wanted to sing about faith and doubt and the very real struggle to feel anything apart from completely numb.” We’re sure listening to My Concrete Heart (Will Beat Again) will make others feel more again too.

Listen to Tina’s EP on Spotify here, and follow her on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Olivia Nelson – ‘Hideaway’ (ft. Jarreau Vandal)

Start your weekend right with the majestic, soulful sounds of London song-writer Olivia Nelson. The 21-year-old stepped on to the scene last year sharing her sound on singles ‘Cleopatra’ & ‘Up All Night’, and now she’s revealed her latest single ‘Hideaway’.

‘Hideaway’ is a buoyant R&B infused tune that proves this “millennial soulstress” is set for big things in 2018. With production from Soulection’s Jarreau Vandal, Olivia’s ability to bind her smooth vocals with her love of contemporary pop, funk & soul arrangements makes her stand out from the crowd.

Listen to ‘Hideaway’ below and follow Olivia Nelson on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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