LISTEN: LIINES – ‘Holding On’

The first new single from Manchester’s LIINES since 2021, ‘Holding On‘ blends the post-punk grit that they are known for with a raw emotional depth that draws you into the vulnerability of the track. A song about hope and desperation, the ache in the delivery makes it impossible to ignore how those two sensations can often be two sides of the same coin.

The song broadly centres on a connection that has shifted into dissatisfaction; not going into specifics, the lyrics focus on feelings of anguish. The verses are simple and direct, narrowing in on the physical sensations that go hand-in-hand with the emotions at the core of the song, leaving them at the forefront of your mind as it leaps back into the powerful choruses. Zoe McVeigh’s vocals ache with the emotion of the song, as the repeated lines “… and I’ll wait for you” are delivered with a tone that shifts as the feelings behind them shift with the passage of time. It starts out confident that the wait won’t be too long or arduous, then becomes increasingly forlorn as that confidence wavers, until it is finally belted out in a desperate plea for that confidence to return; clinging to the last of the hope as desperation takes over.

Throbbing bass and drums create the foundation for the track. Combined, they create a heartbeat that begins with a consistent but fairly gentle rhythm, then ramps up to with a fierce energy as the song reaches its most intense moments. Wailing guitars match the intensity in the vocals perfectly, until at last the instruments fade away allowing the vocal cry to ring profoundly out into the silence.

Keep your eyes and ears peeled for more from LIINES throughout 2024!

Kirstie Summers
@ActuallyKurt

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WATCH: Loose Articles – ‘I’d Rather Have A Beer’

Following acclaim from the likes of Craig Charles on BBC 6Music and John Kennedy at Radio X for last year’s EP Chaos, and set to share the stage with Foo Fighters this summer, Manchester band Loose Articles have now announced the release of their debut album later this year.

Our first taste of the album, ‘I’d Rather Have A Beer‘, roars into existence with fuzzy guitar riffs and a bouncy, upbeat rhythm that is instantly catchy. 

The lyrics, delivered in an amazingly dry Mancunian accent, begin reflectively. The opening lines reminisce about the diets and parties of youth, narrowing in on the way teenage girls shape their lives and themselves with the primary aim of impressing boys who wouldn’t make the same effort back. The high energy beat and sense of humour in the vocals give a clear impression that these memories are invoked with some fondness, but nonetheless that they are best left in the past.

The music drops away for the chorus to really drive home the key message of the track: “Now that my thoughts are clear / Instead of you / I’d rather have a beer”. It directly addresses every unsatisfying hook-up from their past and makes it clear that whatever influence they used to have is long gone. Their opinion doesn’t matter, they’re not getting what they want, they are being left behind with the other regrets.

The song as a whole is a warning – about relationships that aren’t going anywhere and people who won’t make the same effort for you that they expect from you. It’s about investing your time and energy into something that has no chance of ever paying off. A reminder to stick with the people who love you and have your back, and to cast aside the time-wasters in favour of a nice drink. It recognises the lingering impact of early connections with the line “high school foolishness affects you when you’re older”, but reminds you that you’re not alone.

There is a real feeling of solidarity about the song. You can feel a bond forming with the band over the shared experience of frustration and the hard lessons you learned from the naive decisions you made in your youth. The joy of the racing musicality invites you to laugh about those embarrassing moments from before you knew better, knowing that you make better choices now.

A perfect, post-punk ode to prioritising your own self worth, having fun with with your pals (over a nice pint) and moving on with your life. Watch the wonderfully chaotic new video here:

Kirstie Summers
@ActuallyKurt

Photo Credit: Sinead Ferguson

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Track Of The Day: Nikki & The Waves – ‘E.L.C’

As a cord-loving Northerner, I had high hopes for this song by the Manchester-based Nikki & the Waves. And woah, ‘E.L.C.’ (exceptionally lovely corduroy) delivers! From the catchy opening chords to sounds of the band dissolving into laughter towards the end, the joy just pours out of this lo-fi electro-pop gem. 

‘E.L.C.’ is supposedly a celebration of the ordinary; the ‘beige’ things in life that we can take for granted. But the infectious bassline, funk-tinged production and irresistible chorus that celebrates every indie kid’s favourite fabric give it an otherworldly quality that’s anything but mundane.  

Front-person Nikki’s sweeping vocal elevates the song further, making ‘E.L.C.’ a radio (and dancefloor!) friendly tune that’s as much a pop banger as an indie floor-filler. With shades of The Orielles, it sparkles wonderfully with heaps of potential. 

‘E.L.C.’ is taken from Nikki & The Waves’ new EP, songs to play tennis to, which is produced by Joel Patchett (The Orielles) and set for release this Friday 24th June. Also, we cannot wait for Nikki & The Waves to headline for us at The Victoria on 12th August (with support from BAXTR and Panic Pocket) – get your tickets here.

Vic Conway
@thepicsofvic

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