GIHE: Personal Highlights of 2024

We’ve already shared our Albums & EPs Of 2024, Tracks Of 2024 and our final Soho Radio show of the year, but now the GIHE team have put together a round up of some of their music related highlights from the past twelve months.

From the festivals we attended, to our monthly GIHE gigs (especially at The Cavendish Arms), to the guests that made our monthly Soho Radio shows continue to feel like a total joy and privilege to host: the GIHE team were grateful to feel connected to our friends and followers which is something that our Personal Highlights of 2024 reflect.

Huge love to everyone who has listened in to our radio shows, read our reviews & features or attended one of our gigs this year. Take care of yourselves and we’ll see you all in 2025. Read below for a recap of some of our best bits of the year…

GIHE night of Queer Country at Sebright Arms with The Dumb Blondes, pink suits and Trouble Wanted

Whilst every gig that I’m lucky enough to host is special in its own way, this year I had the opportunity to branch out a little from our usual line-ups, and organise a night of ‘Queer Country’ at Bethnal Green’s Sebright Arms. Headlined by the world’s best Dolly Parton tribute band/supergroup, The Dumb Blondes – consisting of members from Fightmilk, Panic Pocket and Charley Stone – who brought their own sparkling energy to all the singalong anthems, the evening as a whole just felt really joyous; filled with all the best people and best vibes. Opening the night, Margate duo pink suits delivered their own wonderfully queer renditions of country classics, plus a few countrified punk anthems, complete with banjo, harmonica and spoons! And then Trouble Wanted brought all their fierce riotous energy and fantastically playful allure. It was all so wonderful that I’m definitely thinking of making a queer country night an annual GIHE event, so do keep your eyes peeled through 2025!
(Mari Lane – Managing Editor)

GIHE being able to host gigs at The Cavendish Arms

Again, although I don’t like to play favourites with our gigs – finding a venue that seems to perfectly fit our ethos makes a real difference to not only my enjoyment of the whole experience, but really helps to put my mind at rest that both the bands and audience are being looked after in the safest, most inclusive space. So, this year, having the opportunity to regularly host gigs at The Cavendish Arms in Stockwell has been such a privilege. Not only is it nice to be south of the river, but the venue really is the most lovely, cosy, accessible space with the most helpful staff, great sound, tasty pizza and best of vibes. Plus, there’s a cat called Karen. What more could you want?

In September we hosted a dreamy night with the Baby Seals, Charley Stone and Skutterfly there and then we were back again in November for a really special time celebrating brand new queer punk-pop supergroup FETCH’s debut gig with Jemma Freeman and the Cosmic Something and First Timer’s Alumni Lip Stain. Huge thanks to Shirley, Dom and the team for having and for being such a joy to work with. We can’t’wait to be back at the gorgeous venue for plenty more events in 2025, starting with Wormboys, Schande and Tomboy Grandpa on 23rd January – tickets here! (ML)

Whitelands on Soho Radio

London shoegazers Whitelands already made our Albums & EPS of 2024 list with their superb debut record, Nightbound Eyes Are Blind To The Day, but they deserve a second mention here. The band came into the Soho Radio studio to chat to us in February on the same day that they received a copy of their album on vinyl. Etienne, Jagun, Michael and Vanessa looked so content holding the physical iteration of all their hard work in their own hands, and they spoke about Whitelands’ journey from First Timers Fest to signing with iconic label Sonic Cathedral with equal parts gratitude and enthusiasm. I’ve seen Whitelands play live four times this year and they are becoming firm favourites of mine. You can listen back to our show with them here.
(Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)

Schande on Soho Radio

I have Mari to thank for introducing me to alt-rockers Schande. They played our first post-covid gig at The Victoria in Dalston supporting Currls and I remember being so impressed by their swirling, reverb-heavy riffs. Each time Mari has booked them to play for us since, I’ve been equally as impressed, so it made sense to finally invite lead vocalist and guitarist Jen on to our Soho Radio show to talk about all things Schande. Jen is such a huge supporter of GIHE and her enthusiasm for new music matches our own. It was a joy to finally have her in the studio with us chatting about Schande’s debut album, Once Around, the inspirations behind the record and just generally gush about how much we all love music. My off-air highlight was when we tried to pay Jen a compliment by telling her she was incredibly cool, and her response was “I’m not a cool girl, I say sorry to chairs when I walk into them.” It still makes me laugh now. Listen back to the show here. (KC)

Supersonic Festival

Having been a longtime admirer of Supersonic – which has been running for 21 years – I was delighted to finally be able to attend the Birmingham-based festival in person for the first time this year. Described as “championing experimental and adventurous music,” my encounter with Supersonic was immersive and fascinating. Punk four piece THE NONE melted my eardrums. Gazelle Twin’s theatrical performance of her paranormal-inspired fourth album, BLACK DOG, sent shivers down my spine – but it wasn’t just the eclectic line up that impressed me. I found the community aspect of Supersonic Festival and the natural friendliness and curiosity of festival goers really striking. I felt this especially at the Decolonise Fest zine making workshop, and at the creative networking brunch where I met some truly lovely people. It was endearing to witness an unwavering level of commitment manifest itself in so many different ways across the weekend at Supersonic Festival. Read my full review of the event here. (KC)

Deer Shed Festival

Having fallen in love with Deer Shed when I attended for the first time back in 2022, and then going on to have another dreamy weekend at the North Yorkshire festival last year, I was very glad I got to go again this year. Highlighting a real family focus, whilst hosting a range of exciting new artists, it oozes the warmest of vibes and – being smaller in size than most other festivals – creates a space that feels comfortingly intimate; an inclusive safe haven for artists and fans of all genres and ages.

This year, in addition to being able to enjoy incredible performances from the likes of CMAT, Los Bitchos, Picture Parlour and The Go! Team, I also had the pleasure of DJing at the In The Dock Stage, playing tunes to a tent that ended up being full of people for the Silent Disco on the Friday night. Lurking in the shadows without being noticed is generally more my vibe, so needless to say I was quite nervous about it. But, despite the cursor key on my laptop deciding to stop working at just the wrong time, causing a few clunky ‘mixes’(and with most of my set clashing with Liverpool legends The Coral on the main stage), it was really lovely to see so many people dancing and singing along to the music I was playing. Noticing the number of young people who seemed to be enjoying it – making up dances with their friends and getting excited by certain songs – was particularly heartwarming and I’m really grateful to have had the opportunity to do it. So, massive thanks and love to Deer Shed for letting me unleash my danceable queer tunes onto the crowd (and hopefully my laptop cursor won’t break next time!) Read more about how wonderful the festival was here. (ML)

Interviewing Los Bitchos

Following the success of their 2022 debut, Let The Festivities Begin, London based Los Bitchos released their fantastic new album, Talkie Talkie, in August. Known for their ability to fuse together layers of colourful instrumentation to create joyous cacophonies, the album combines elements ranging from Turkish psych and Cumbian Guacharaca rhythms, to funk-fuelled hooks and the racing excitement of comic book-inspired storylines, to create a thrilling, fun-filled collection; oozing a rousing sonic euphoria throughout.

Ahead of the album’s release and having been blown away by their live set at Deer Shed Festival, I was lucky enough to catch up with Serra and Agustina from the band. We talked about the club concept of the album (“… there’s something in there for everyone. Different rooms with different themes, and everything’s fabulous!”), their love of making fun videos, the iconic experience of playing Glastonbury last year, friendly Americans, and their desire to create safe and inclusive queer spaces at their gigs. One of my favourite bands of 2024, it was really lovely to have the opportunity to speak to Los Bitchos, and I’m very excited to experience more of their joyous live shows in 2025. Read the full interview here. (ML)

Kae Tempest at Koko

Whilst other people were out in the cold watching explosions in the sky, on the evening of Tuesday 5th November I was lucky enough to be inside the warmth of legendary Camden venue KOKO having my mind blown and my heart set alight by the incredible Kae Tempest. I think it was the fourth time I’ve seen them, and I instantly sensed a shift in their presence, a change from the other times I’ve seen them live over the years; a subtle, genuine joy and sense of ease emanated throughout the whole performance. It was so clear how much it meant to them to be able to be there, to be able to be truly themselves, and share that with us. Treating us to a set of strikingly poignant songs from over the last ten years, Tempest oozes an immersive euphoric energy throughout and I come away feeling a sheer sense of delight at the joy I have witnessed; heartened by the empowering and unifying queer energy of the night, I’m left with a subtle sense of hope that – despite how terrifying the world may be right now – through coming together as a community we can find happiness and strength. Thank you Kae Tempest for sharing your journey with us; for being you, and for giving us this hope that is so needed right now. Full review of the show here. (ML)

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour (aka Get In Her Eras)

Lots of people are surprised when I reveal that I’m a fan of Taylor Swift. I’ll admit that I’ve been reluctant to admit it in the the past too, but this year, having seen her perform live for the first time on her record-breaking Eras Tour, I cannot stop talking about how wonderfully life-affirming it was to be part of a crowd who were united by their passion for pop music.

As a teenage girl, I felt a weird unease about openly enjoying pop. It wasn’t considered “cool” and it wasn’t accepted as a valid answer when people asked what your favourite type of music was. I rejected it for a long time and in the process I discovered an amazing array of new alternative genres and found some of my favourite bands. But, what I’ve realised now at the age of 34, is that it’s not actually a crime to love more than one genre of music. Not only that, but it’s also more than okay to unashamedly enjoy pop music.

I was privileged enough to be able to attend the Eras Tour in Lisbon on my 34th birthday in May and again in London at Wembley in June. I was surrounded by women and girls who felt comfortable enough to share compliments, stories and friendship bracelets with each other whilst singing in unison to songs that have provided them pure emotional release over the past 18 years. Whether you love or hate Taylor Swift, you cannot deny that she has offered millions of women and girls the opportunity to embrace their girlhood and truly feel their feelings through her infectious narrative-driven songwriting. That is something I think is absolutely priceless (unlike my tickets, which I used some of my savings to pay for.)

The Eras tour also brought Get In Her Ears some attention too! Our ethos was mentioned in an article about Taylor’s Edinburgh show in The Herald newspaper and I was interviewed for The Evening Standard’s front page feature about her London shows about my own experiences of attending the tour. Huge thanks to my friends Rachel, Vicky and Mel for securing tickets and sharing the Eras experience with me too. (KC)

Gossip at All Points East

Finally getting to see Gossip at All Points East on 25th August, having been a mega fan for nearly twenty years, really did exceed all expectations. The empowering energy and fiercely immersive charisma of Beth Ditto is unmatched and it was an experience filled with tonnes of queer joy and overwhelming emotion. “I’ll hold back tears / Move in the right direction / Face my fears / Move in the right direction” – hearing this song live just hit particularly hard. Other highlights from the festival that day included Sleater Kinney, Say She She and headliners, The Postal Service. (ML)

Amyl and the Sniffers at The Roundhouse

One of my many gig highlights of the year! You know what, I think this tells you a lot about my 2024 – I really lent into the dancing. It was the one thing that really brought me a lot of joy over the last couple of months. So, my knees will just have to deal with it. I saw Amyl and the Sniffers at the Roundhouse and they were incredible, such a great gig. So much energy and good vibes and a big shout out to Doto who came with me & got matching merch!
(Tash Walker – Digital Editor)

Launching the GIHE monthly newsletter

One final plug for the year…if you haven’t signed up to our newsletter already, click here! We promise not to spam you with updates – it’s just one email a month that rounds up all of our gig dates, radio endeavours and features on our website. (KC)

Keep your eyes peeled for our Ones To Watch in 2025 feature, which we’ll be publishing on our website before the end of the year…

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INTERVIEW: Los Bitchos

Following the success of their 2022 debut Let The Festivities Begin, London based Los Bitchos are now ready to release their brand new album, Talkie Talkie, this Friday 30th August via City Slang. Known for their ability to fuse together layers of colourful instrumentation to create joyous cacophonies, the new album combines elements ranging from Turkish psych and Cumbian Guacharaca rhythms, to funk-fuelled hooks and the racing excitement of comic book-inspired storylines, to create a thrilling, fun-filled collection; oozing a rousing sonic euphoria throughout. 

Whilst Let The Festivities Begin very much did what it said on the tin, the new album picks up and develops its celebratory mood: “The first album was about getting the party started…”, synth and keytar player Agustina Ruiz reflects, “… and now (with Talkie Talkie) it’s more like, let’s continue the party!”. 

I catch up with Ruiz and lead guitarist Serra Petale a week before the new album is due for release, and they’re clearly very excited to finally share it with the world after touring and promoting their debut for the last few years. Centred around the concept of a club that the band are inviting you to – “… there’s something in there for everyone. Different rooms with different themes, and everything’s fabulous!” – Talkie Talkie showcases how Los Bitchos have honed and developed their sound. Discussing how the album differs from its predecessor, Petale explains: “I feel like we, as musicians, are probably a bit more experienced by this point; we went in knowing more about how we wanted to record the songs…” Reflecting on how the song ideas were clearer and more developed this time around, she continues, “Recording the first album, we were just kind of really starting out, and now we’ve got that under our belt, and we’ve had a lot more studio experience as well, which has been pretty helpful. Now (with Talkie Talkie), we just wanted to keep going and keep evolving. You don’t really want to make the same album twice.”

Whilst Petale does the majority of the songwriting, the process of recording and performing is always very much a collaborative process for the band: “I often start by writing all of the parts, because that’s how I can best form the song… ”, she reflects, “… then, of course, things might develop and change… But this is good because you want people to put their own touches onto their parts. And then sometimes that difference is what makes the song all the more rich.” Initially meeting roughly eight years ago, Petale and Ruiz, later joined by band mates Josefine Jonsson (bass) and Nic Crawshaw (drums), clearly work well as a team, and their closeness as friends is evident when listening to their joyous creations; this element of collaboration being something which they all really value. “It’s so important to make sure that everyone feels creatively expressive. We are very much a band, and everyone is so integral…”, Petale shares when asked about the recording process, “I mean I love songwriting, I think it’s my favourite part of being in a band, so I personally need that creative output. But it’s really interesting to see the development of the songs; like perhaps I’ve just put down an idea on my computer, and then when we go to play it, it’ll inevitably change again. And that’s the fun of it.”

With such a unique and eclectic range of sounds apparent throughout their songs, Los Bitchos find it hard to pick out any specific influences, but rather attribute what inspires them more to the mood that they aim to create through their music: “You just get so inspired by bands or songs that you love and that make you feel a certain way. And I think a lot of what inspires me comes from wanting to emulate those same feelings.” If their aim is to emulate feelings of pure ecstasy and blissful abandon, then Los Bitchos have certainly succeeded in what they set out to do; and this distinct sense of fun and carefree swirling energy particularly shines through in their videos: “We just really love making videos!”, Ruiz admits in response to me gushing over how much I love their recent visual for ‘Kiki, You Complete Me’, “We have all these ideas that just kind of come out of nowhere. Then we have Tom (Mitchell), and we’re just like ‘Tom, we want to do this’, and then he goes and makes it look really cool. But we all really enjoy the process. We’re super involved in everything.” Petale adds: “We just get to dress up and be the most ridiculous characters. I sometimes can’t believe this is my job – it’s so fun!”

The fun that the band are having is something you’ll know all about if you’ve ever seen them perform live; seeing them at Deer Shed Festival this summer was pretty wonderful, and they’ve played many festivals over the last few years, but one experience will always stick in their minds: “Glastonbury!”, Petale and Ruiz exclaim in unison when asked to pick a highlight. Reflecting on their experience playing the legendary festival last year, Petale reminisces, “It was iconic. I remember that moment when we out onto the Park Stage, and we saw so many people there. I remember just being like, ‘Oh my God, is this what it’s like?!’… It was an incredible feeling. Incredible! And it was so nice to experience that together as a band.”

Los Bitchos’ enjoyment of live shows isn’t limited to festivals, however. Set to head out to the States soon to play a run of headline shows, ahead of embarking on a UK and European tour later this Autumn, they have fond memories of the last time the played North America: “It’s so much fun playing in the US. We have friends in almost every city, so it’s always a good time.”, Ruiz begins, before recalling a particularly lively night in Dallas. “Yeah…”, Petale agrees, “… whenever we’ve gone to the US, people are so friendly! Like, super willing to talk to you. It’s just really, really nice.” Despite their love of a good time, maintaining some downtime and self-care remains important to the band whilst out on tour. Agustina, for instance, always takes a book with her to read on the road – “It’s so important to me. Whatever kind of book I’m in the mood for – like, for this US tour, I’m going to take one about the Tudors.” For Serra, however, it’s all about skincare – “… You know when you come out of a gig and you’re so disgusting (which happens to me a lot, because I sweat so much), and then you come into your room, and you can just wash, and it’s like, it’s just a little bit of comfort. And I enjoy it.”

Having the opportunity to go out on tour and have fun on the road isn’t something that Los Bitchos take for granted, and they appreciate how different things may have been for them had they been a band a few decades ago: “Comparing now to, say, the ‘70s, when being a woman in the music industry must have been hell, I think things are definitely better now…” Ruiz muses, “There’s still more changing that needs to be done, but it has changed. It is more accepting…” Reflecting on how increased acceptance and visibility for women and queer artists, particularly over the last ten years, has improved the industry, Petale adds: “A lot of artistry is queer in itself… And I think something really positive now is that there is more of a push to accept yourself and for people to accept you as you are. And I think that it’s really wonderful to see so many queer artists. And I love that term because it brings a lot of people together… Giving visibility and housing a place of acceptance for queer artists is just absolutely essential. And I love that about music, and I love that about artistry.” She goes on to emphasise that at Los Bitchos gigs, they aim to create a safe and inclusive space for all: “We would always say that everyone is always welcome at our shows, and you should just feel that you can just be yourself. That’s paramount.” A band after our own hearts for sure!

Huge thanks to Serra and Agustina for making time to chat to me. I can’t wait for the new album, and very much hope to be able to be a part of the immensely joyous experience of seeing Los Bitchos live again soon! And, if you haven’t had the chance yet, you really must get down to one of the upcoming dates (or if you have before, you probably already have tickets as you’ll be aware of how much fun it is!). After their US tour next month, they’ll be travelling around the UK for a load of headline dates in October. Find all information and tickets here. And, if you can’t wait for then, they’ll be celebrating the release of Talkie, Talkie, with a special DJ set at Someday in Finsbury Park this Friday 30th August (nab a free ticket here), and then playing a one-off in-store show at Rough Trade East on 3rd September. 

Talkie, Talkie, the brand new album from Los Bitchos, is out this Friday 30th August via City Slang. Pre-order here.

Photo Credit: Tom Mitchell

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LIVE (Photos) Deer Shed Festival 2024 (Day 2, 27.07.2024)

Having fallen in love with Deer Shed when I attended for the first time back in 2022, and then going on to have another dreamy weekend at the North Yorkshire festival last year, I was very glad I got to go again this year. Highlighting a real family focus, whilst hosting a range of exciting new artists, it oozes the warmest of vibes and – being smaller in size than most other festivals – creates a space that feels comfortingly intimate; an inclusive safe haven for artists and fans of all genres and ages. Whilst providing a child-friendly environment, this does not take away from the quality and array of performances on offer for everyone to enjoy. Although I’d say I’m in the minority of attendees who does not have children (or isn’t a child themselves!), I in no way feel this to be hindrance – there’s still plenty of adult fun to be had, just in perhaps a slightly less intense, and more safe, environment than most other festivals. Which is no bad thing, in my opinion! 

Amongst those performing, a fantastic amount of female, non binary and queer performers are represented, and. I was lucky enough to catch lots of these over the weekend – a good balance of artists I already knew and loved, and those who I had not had the chance to see before. Following our thoughts about Friday evening at the festival, find some words and photos about our highlights of Saturday below…

Waking up to the sound of children kayaking along the stream on Saturday morning at Deer Shed feels pretty idyllic; almost as idyllic as it does to sit in the sunshine whilst the glistening Geordie folk tunes of Frankie Archer float through the crowd at the Lodge Stage for our first music of the day. From songs endorsing lie-ins, to tales of peacocks showing respect to the hens in their lives, Archer treats us to her beautifully lilting offerings; seamlessly fusing together traditional folk melodies and storytelling with sparkling electronic soundscapes.

Having been scheduled to play earlier in the morning, London-based Blue Bendy now take the afternoon time slot of Chalk, who weren’t able to make it up to Topcliffe in the end – something that front person Arthur Nolan playfully draws attention to by introducing the band as the absentees they’ve replaced: “Hi, we’re Chalk”. This playful, somewhat whimsical, attitude remains apparent as the set goes on; as the swirling, shimmering cacophonies created by the other five band members interweave with the seething raw emotion of Nolan’s vocals, a subtle tongue-in-cheek air lingers throughout. Oozing a stark, poetic realism with a droll charm, each fuzzy soundscape immerses the ever-growing crowd, and – personally (no offence to Chalk) – I’m glad of the band’s later time slot; it’s meant I’ve been able to watch their full set, nicely lubricated by a half of Brass Castle Sunshine IPA, and discover a new favourite band.

I’ve heard a lot of good things about Picture Palour, and so am pretty excited to be able to catch them on the main stage whilst the sun continues to shine on this glorious Saturday afternoon. And they don’t disappoint. Oozing an alluring swagger as they take to the stage, the Manchester indie-rockers maintain this engaging confidence throughout the entirety of the set. Whilst front person Katherine Parlour’s vocals ripple with a smooth romanticism and crooner-level charm reminiscent of Tranquility Base era Alex Turner, with each offering they build with a soaring gritty splendour alongside fierce hooks from guitarist Ella Risi. One of the most charismatic stage presences I’ve witnessed for a long time, Parlour and co. deliver their epic, cinematic anthems to a captivated crowd, no doubt sparking adoration and inspiration in many young fans (and some old ones, like me).

I’m not sure why it’s taken me three years of coming to Deer Shed to visit to the Wilderwild stage, but I’m grateful to have discovered it in time to catch a gorgeous set from London-Cornwall songwriter Lily Lyons. With an endearing charm, each glistening offering flows with a lilting musicality as her soulful jazz-infued vocals resonate with an exquisite grace. With songs artfully inspired by Wendy Cope poems and Mark Rothko paintings, Lyons treats us to a blissfully uplifting thirty minutes.

After having a bit of a dance to the deep groove of Baba Ali as the duo emanate swathes of immense coolness, we stay under the cover of the In The Dock stage for Personal Trainer. Pretty much the opposite of the previous band, the seven members of the Dutch collective take to the stage in a flurry of frenzied energy. Complete with trumpet, saxophone and extra percussion, their quirky indie offerings combine twinkling harmonies with a gritty emo edge as front person Willem Smit writhes and bounces around the stage with a refreshing enthusiasm. With a vivacious spirit, the whole band ooze a swirling colourful chaos with each enlivening song, and I’m utterly transfixed by their jubilant charm.

BC Camplight offers a nice accompaniment to our vegan hot dogs before we head back into the In The Dock stage for London-based international band (and GIHE faves) Los Bitchos – one of the bands I’ve been most looking forward to seeing all weekend. Making their entrance to ‘Heaven Is A Place On Earth’, they go on to create a pretty heavenly atmosphere inside the jam-packed tent; emanating a swirling joyous charm and colourful charisma throughout. Propelled by racing melodies, funk-fuelled hooks and jangling rhythms, they treat us to “some oldies and some newbies”, their playful eccentricity and effervescent energy illuminating the intricately woven layers of sound. From epic drum offs to dancing together in sync, and from songs about Tequila to “penguins fluttering around on a beach”, Los Bitchos take us on a thrilling fun-filled journey; leading us to discover a rousing sonic euphoria we didn’t know we needed. 

All in all, a beautiful day of live music was had. Stay tuned for photos of, and words about, of Day 3 at Deer Shed, plus some special thoughts about the kids’ activities at the festival from next generation GIHE gal Orla….

Words: Mari Lane / @marimindles
Photos: Paul Dawes / @GRNDglass

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Track Of The Day: Well Yeah – ‘Ritmo’

As a fan of instrumental act Los Bitchos, I was excited to discover Well Yeah – a band led by their former guitarist Carolina Faruolo. Describing their latest release ‘Ritmo’ as “Manchester meets Latin America”, I was intrigued. It’s their second single since their debut ‘Hello’, a track combining atmospheric guitar lines and a classic latin pop rhythm. 

‘Ritmo’ starts with a lush synth pad and Santana-style guitar lead, making the Latin American feel immediately obvious. Flowing with a lounge-inspired, chilled out energy, it provides the perfect accompaniment for the the unusually warm English weather we’re having right now. 

As the opening two minutes introduce you to the track’s swirling refrain, it soon builds as Well Yeah cleverly and subtly give us a change in tempo and energy, bringing the song fully to life in a burst of vibrant musicality. The bass steps up to a funkier and more energetic groove, the drums intensify and a rich Hammond organ enters, creating a funk-fuelled retro vibe reminiscent of ’90s rave culture and ’60s psychedelia. 

The song continues at this pace before a moment of quiet where just the bass plays, before hitting us with an colourful climax of synth horns, funky bass and latin rhythms all fused together with polished production. The animated drive of the track brings to mind a fun-filled amalgamation of Primal Scream’s ‘Loaded’, The Happy Mondays, and Peruvian Cumbia band Los Detellos.

Ultimately, instrumental music needs to work harder to keep people engaged, and Well Yeah are certainly a band who can pull it off. If you like this track, give their B-side ‘Magic’ a listen too and cross your fingers to for some gigs in the near future!   

‘Ritmo‘ is out now via Strong Island Recordings and was recorded live in Well Yeah’s own studio in Brunswick Mill, Manchester.

Ella Patenall
@ellapatenall

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