PLAYLIST: November 2022

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of indie tunes, guitar anthems and electronic sounds for your listening pleasure. Take some time to scroll through our track choices below, and make sure you press play on the Spotify playlist at the end of this post.

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

 

Big Joanie – ‘Sainted’
HUGE congratulations to GIHE faves Big Joanie on their nomination for Best Alternative Music Act at this year’s MOBO Awards! This groundbreaking new category also features our faves Nova Twins, who wrote an open letter to the MOBO Awards back in 2020, asking the panel to include an alternative category. This is a massive and hard won achievement, respect and solidarity to all those who engineered this much needed change! To celebrate, we’ll be playing this spooky Big Joanie tune, lifted from their superb new album Back Home, on repeat. (Kate Crudgington)

Currls – ‘Nerve’
Taken from their brand new debut EP Hello My Name Is, Currls’ latest single ‘Nerve’ is a perfect slice of gritty, scuzz-filled garage-rock. Propelled by the band’s trademark empowering energy and soulful allure, it leaves you longing to catch them live and dance along in joyous unity with fellow fans. And it just so happens that this is something you can do next Thursday 1st December at Shacklewell Arms! We’re hosting Currls’ London EP launch, with support from Collars and Hypsoline – tickets on Dice now. (Mari Lane)

Bad Sidekick – ‘I Ain’t Sick’
You may have noticed that in December we’re hosting not one, but two, gigs! The second sees brooding Bristol band Bad Sidekick headlining for us on 9th December. They’ve recently released an epic debut album Daily Lottery, but I couldn’t resist including this track from their 2018 EP – I just love its raging energy, frenzied, reverb strewn riffs and Cooper’s fiercely powerful vocals. Bad Sidekick will be headlining the Shacklewell Arms on 9th December with support from Alien Chicks and Cosmic Ninja – tickets on Dice now. (ML)

The Pearl Harts – ‘More’
Loving this new single from London-based duo The Pearl Harts! It sounded great list night at their sold out gig at Blondies too. The track is lifted from their upcoming album, Love, Chaos, which is set for release in early 2023. (KC)

Django Jones and The Mystery Men – ‘Bad For You’
Described as “music written for the restless”, this is the debut single from Sheffield post punk trio Django Jones and The Mystery Men. Loving the brooding intensity of this one. (KC)

Grandmas House – ‘How Does It Feel’
Unsurprisingly, we love this new tune from GIHE faves Grandmas House. It’s a bi-lingual blast of angst, pairing frontperson Yasmin Berndt’s French vocals with drummer Poppy Dodgson’s English vocals as “a call and response between two people about the feelings of confusion you go through when breaking up.” (KC)

Panic Shack – ‘Meal Deal’
This recent single from Cardiff’s Panic Shack reflects on the realities of the cost of living crisis as working people are increasingly undervalued and underpaid, whilst musically its swirling punk spirit and tongue-in-cheek lyrics uplifts and energises. A fun-filled, yet meaningful, indie-pop banger. Baby Shack, the latest EP from Panic Shack, is out now. (ML)

Human Interest – ‘Mixing Paint’
The latest single from London duo Human Interest reflects on the darkest crevices of the mind with a fizzing post-punk energy. Oozing the band’s trademark gritty allure and the sweeping power of Tyler Damara Kelly’s vocals, ‘Mixing Paint’ cements Human Interest as my favourite new band right now without a doubt. (ML)

Ideal Host – ‘The Conflict’
A sardonic cacophony that explores the antagonistic nature of the everyday routine, I love this single from Ideal Host. Led by Heather Perkins and Sean Hughes, both former members of the band Slowcoaches, the pair have returned to work together and evolve their sound under this new moniker. The band are planning to release their debut album in early 2023 and will be playing a string of live dates too. (KC)

M(h)aol – ‘Asking For It’
We’ve been following Irish post-punks M(h)aol (pronounced “male”) for a while now, and this track has always been a favourite of mine. Fueled by a palpable rage against rape culture, the band have re-released this track alongside the news of their debt album, Attachment Styles, which is due on 3rd February via TULLE Collective. Watch the poignant accompanying video directed by bassist Zoë with input from vocalist Róisín here. (KC)

New Pagans – ‘Karin Was Not A Rebel’
Following on from their stunning debut album, The Seed The Vessel The Roots and All, Belfast’s New Pagans have announced that they’ll be releasing their second LP, Making Circles of our Own, on February 17th via Big Scary Monsters. ‘Karin Was Not A Rebel’ is the first taste of what’s to come, celebrating the overlooked artist and designer Karin Bergöö Larsson, one of the foundational modern interior designers. I can’t wait to hear the band’s new record early next year! (KC)

The Empty Page – ‘Dry Ice’
Reflecting on pre-lockdown nightlife, this new single from Manchester’s The Empty Page soars with a dark energy and gritty allure, evoking feelings of nostalgia for that woozy joy of nights soaked in a smokey, sweaty haze. And it’s impossible not get utterly immersed in Kel’s sweeping vocals as they swoon with a haunting power alongside a riotous grunge-tinged musicality. (ML)

ARXX – ‘The Last Time’
The latest single from absolute long-term faves ARXX, ‘The Last Time’ reflects on feelings of heartbreak whilst referencing queer TV show Euphoria. An uplifting yet emotion strewn fizzing pop anthem, it oozes a shimmering synth-soaked musicality and catchy driving energy whilst maintaining the duo’s gritty, colossal power. It was absolutely wonderful to catch ARXX in all their empowering, endearing charm at The Social this Wednesday! ARXX’s long awaited debut album Ride Or Die is set for release very soon – pre-order here. (ML)

Collars – ‘Rainbows’
Providing main support at the Currls EP launch at Shacklewell Arms next Thursday, Collars are fast becoming a new favourite with their energy filled, fuzz-strewn catchy indie-punk offerings. Delivering rich impassioned vocals alongside jangling hooks and driving beats, I cannot wait to see this duo live! (ML)

Ailbhe Reddy – ‘Shitshow’
We’re big fans of Irish songwriter Ailbhe Reddy here at GIHE, so we’re thrilled to hear that her new album, Endless Affair, is due early next year on 17th March. “’Shitshow’ came from a lyric I played with for a few months which was ‘my god, look at the state of me, this is so embarrassing'” Ailbhe explains about this latest single. “It’s about looking back on a night out with regret while also addressing and apologising to an ex-partner about my antics. The first verse is to myself and the second verse is to someone else. It’s kind of a tongue in cheek examination of a bad hangover.” Hard relate to that one. Check out the excellent accompanying video for ‘Shitshow’ here. (KC)

Kierst – ‘How To Be’
This poetic rumination on a past relationship features on Brooklyn-based songwriter Kierst’s debut EP, Thud. Inspired by her memories of moving between people and places, the record is a heartfelt reflection on “how bizarre a thing a relationship really is.” (KC)

Dayydream – ‘Wasn’t’
A tender reflection on the transient nature of emotions and our attachments to other people, this track is lifted from Glasgow-based songwriter Chloe Trappes aka Dayydream’s debut EP, Bittersweet. Filled with delicate guitar strokes, dreamy vocals and affecting lyrics, Trappes ruminates on distance and desire across the record and the way these things can shift our perspective towards ourselves, and to others over time. I really recommend giving it a listen. (KC)

Queen Colobus – ‘5/9’
South London based indie-jazz collective Queen Colobus’ latest single is taken from their recent EP Think Fast, and I just can’t get enough of its blissful hooks, luscious swooning vocals and glistening laid-back beats. A wonderfully woozy euphoric soundscape. (ML)

Σtella – ‘Nomad’
Athenian Σtella has released ‘Nomad’ taken from her album Up and Away, which was released earlier this year in June. I’ve only just come across her now for the first time, but her music is beautiful, described as “vintage-flecked pop to the pangs and raptures of love.” This track is simply beautiful, and as with many of the tracks on the album, uses traditional Greek instruments (bouzouki and kanun). Be prepared to be swept away to the Greek seas. (Tash Walker)

Prima Queen – ‘Butter Knife’
Produced by The Big Moon, this bittersweet offering from London-based duo Prima Queen is a reflection on the cruel nature of Alzheimer’s disease. Blending spoken-word verses and softly sung choruses with gentle guitars and percussion, the track is poignant and personal lament to slowly losing a loved one. (KC)

Blonde Maze – ‘When You Move’
Another utterly euphoric creation from my most played artist over the last few years, ‘When You Move’ comes from a collection of equally dreamy tracks that the New York based artist has released recently. Oozing an immersive, shimmering splendour, it offers a comforting embrace in audio form, as rippling waves of electro hooks sparkle with an exquisite majesty alongside heartfelt vocals. Blonde Maze never fails to soothe and uplift with her blissful creations. (ML)

Maria BC – ‘ROF’ (Rachika Nayar remix)
Ohio-born songwriter Maria BC has shared a remix EP of their beautiful debut album Hyaline, and it’s just as dreamy and poetic as their original record. Featuring No Home, Rachika Nayar, Nina Keith, Lucy Liyou, and Ragana, the altruistic ambient-folk sounds are a perfect distraction from life’s more stressful moments. (KC)

paun – ‘Earth Timeline’
Berlin-based paun released this eclectic ambient track earlier this year in addition to being featured in the first Éclat Various Artists compilation. It’s been in my ears for most of this month, so definitely check out the rest of paun’s work on bandcamp if you’re into this. (KC)

Babyfather, Tirzah – ‘1471’
‘1471’ is the second collab between Dean Blunt under his alias Babyfather and Tirzah, the first being her track ‘Recipe’ off of her album, Colourgrade. Always thirsty for more Tirzah content me! (TW)

HOLDA SEK – ‘At Twenty’
This is the debut single from the London based HOLDA SEK, made with producer Caezar. I can’t stop listening to this song, very catchy beats which drill down through your ears into your brain. (TW)

Tempers – ‘Unfamiliar’
New York City duo Tempers specialise in a sleek strain of low-lit poetic synth pop, I got to see them in London at studio 9240 and they were fantastic. This is their lead single from their album New Meaning, which was released earlier this year via Dais Records. (TW)

Twin Rains – ‘Nothing in my Purse’ (Secret Sign Remix)
Inspired by the concept of death and possession, I’m a big fan of this shadowy remix of Toronto-based duo Twin Rains track ‘Nothing In My Purse’. Re-worked by Secret Sign’s Phil Baljeu, a Toronto video artist & longtime friend and collaborator of Twin Rains, the track is an industrial-shoegaze tinted gem. (KC)

DOUBLE HELIX – ‘Rat Rave’
I first heard this track at the hand of Kate, so I’m going to dedicate this one to you mate. Double Helix were another of the bands that I saw at Studio 9294, alongside the likes of Tempers and Curses. A pretty epic live performance, some serious shoulder shuffling from me. (TW)

LibraLibra – ‘Frenemies’
The new single from total faves LibraLibra, ‘Frenemies’ reflects on the comfort we may find in fake or damaging ‘friendships’. Lulling us into a false sense of security with a sweeping orchestral intro, it builds with a colossal magnificence as front woman Beth’s vocals simmer with a sultry allure, before exploding into a riotous anthem seething with dark undertones. And LibraLibra were absolutely spectacular, as always, supporting other faves ARXX at The Social this Wednesday. (ML)

 

PLAYLIST: May 2022

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of guitar tunes, indie gems & immersive electronic sounds for your listening pleasure. Take some time to scroll through our track choices below and make sure you hit play on the Spotify playlist at the end of this post.

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

 

VERO – ‘She’s Scared Of Everything’
I can hard relate to this aptly titled track from Stockholm-based trio VERO, who have released their debut album, Unsoothing Interior, today! (6th May). The band feel the fear and do things their own way via swirling guitars, moody vocals and angsty lyrics and I’m a big fan of everything they’ve released so far. I can’t wait to give the vinyl a spin.
(Kate Crudgington)

Deep Tan – ‘Rudy Ya Ya Ya’
The latest single from London trio deep tan, ‘rudy ya ya ya’ offers a bizarrely witty ode to the former mayor of NYC. Maintaining all the wonderfully wacky yet seductively dark sentiment we’ve come to know and love from the band, it’s beset with haunting, glitchy hooks and sweeping, sultry vocals, resulting in a strangely addictive, fizzing cacophony. diamond horsetail, the upcoming new EP from deep tan, is released digitally today (6th May) and physical copies will be available on 22nd July. (Mari Lane)

Momma – ‘Speeding 72’
New York-based Momma just keep releasing alternative banger after alternative banger, and this track ‘Speeding 72’ is no exception! It’s taken from their upcoming album Household Name, which is set for release on 1st July via Lucky Number. (KC)

Ghum – ‘Some People’
The latest single from long-term faves, GHUM, ‘Some People’ reflects on the fear of hurting someone who you may have fallen out of love with. Rippling with a seductive ethereal allure and dark hypnotic splendour, a colossal grunge-tinged anthem is created. I’m super excited that Ghum’s debut album is set for release on 17th June via Everything Sucks. (ML)

Bad Waitress – ‘Spit It Out’
Following the release of their debut album No Taste last year, Toronto-based four-piece punk rock band Bad Waitress are back with a new single ‘Spit It Out’. Showcasing the band’s gritty, fierce energy and empowering drive, it’s a wonderfully raucous, punk-fuelled anthem. And I cannot wait to finally see Bad Waitress live at Moth Club, supporting Gustaf, next Monday 9th May! (ML)

Real Big Sky – ‘Jess’
I love this reverb-heavy, atmospheric guitar tune from Gothenburg four-piece Real Big Sky. The track blurs powerful riffs with melancholic vocals to create a commanding four minutes of brooding indie noise. Keep your eyes peeled for updates on Real Big Sky’s self-titled debut album, which is set for release in July. (KC)

Bestfriend – ‘Someplace Else’
Following last year’s debut EP, places i’ve lived, LGBTQ Vancouver/Toronto based bedroom-pop duo Bestfriend have now announced the release of their upcoming new EP, due out in the summer. Ahead of the EP, they recently shared an utterly dreamy new offering. Reflecting on the optimistic feelings of a new crush, ‘Someplace Else’ oozes a lush, ethereal soundscape as sugar-sweet harmonies flow with a shimmering, uplifting energy. (ML)

Martha Rose & GRIP TIGHT – ‘Never B Mine’
I am loving this collaboration from Martha Rose and GRIP TIGHT which has such a soft sadness to it. (Tash Walker)

Jelly Crystal & Seinabo Sey – ‘I Tryyy’
A truly delightful piece of music from Swedish artists Jelly Crystal and Seinabo Sey. Serving as a fervent love song, with those beautiful vocals from Seinabo Sey soaring over the top of the synthy crescendos. It’s the latest single to be taken from Jelly Crystal’s forthcoming EP, ILY, which is out in June. (TW)

Shivum Sharma – ‘Overload’
This was my Track Of The Show on the May edition of our Soho Radio show, from Indian Irish artist Shivum Sharma. I am loving it! (TW)

Hannah Holland x Planningtorock – ‘Planningtobeams’
A collab from two of our faves here at GIHE, Planningtorock and Hannah Holland. What a tune! looking forward to hearing this on our Spring dancefloors. (TW)

Nikki & The Waves – ‘The Phone Song’
The new single from Liverpool band Nikki & The Waves, ‘The Phone Song’ instantly hits you with its jangly, quirky energy. Propelled by an uplifting, vibrant groove, it flows with fizzing hooks and Nikki’s lush, sugar-sweet vocals, as voicemails from those closest to the band – spanning Hong Kong to America – are interwoven into the funk-fuelled musicality. Complete with swooping trombone solos, sparkling harmonies and a relatable witty lyricism, it showcases all there is to love about Nikki & The Waves. (ML)

Secret World Orchestra ft. Circe – ‘It’s All Over’
Taking musical and lyrical cues from Circe’s previous single ‘Mess With Your Head‘, Secret World Orchestra aka Jules Konieczny (who is one half of alt-pop duo APRE) has extrapolated on her original piece and created ‘It’s All Over’. It’s a tender electronic musing on the fluctuating nature of love, designed to capture that end-of-the-night feeling on a lonely dancefloor. (KC)

Grawl!x – ‘Hopelessness’
Grawl!x’s first new music since 2010, ‘Hopelessness’ showcases the band’s newly expanded line-up with front person Maria Micheal Machlin’s lush vocals at the forefront. Flowing with a twinkling, ethereal splendour, it’s an utterly dreamy offering oozing both a joyous energy and reflective vulnerability. A thoughtful, yet uplifting, ode to hope and honesty. Spring, the upcoming new EP from Grawl!x, is set for release later this month via Reckless Yes. (ML)

Beauty Sleep – ‘I Love It Here, I Hate It’
The latest single from Belfast duo Beauty Sleep, ‘I Love It Here, I Hate It’ is a perfectly shimmering slice of stirring alt-pop. Juxtaposing lush melodic grooves with a rich orchestral splendour, a sweeping, utterly dreamy soundscape is created. (ML)

Ethel Cain – ‘American Teenager’
This Ethel Cain song is absolutely lushhhh and I cannot wait to hear her full album, Preacher’s Daughter, when it’s released on 12th May via her own imprint Daughters Of Cain. Please check her out. Her gorgeous, moody sounds will melt the ears right off the side of your face. (KC)

Queen Kwong ft. Roger O’Donnell – ‘On The Run’
I remember interviewing Queen Kwong before her in-store show at Rough Trae East back in 2018 and being dazzled by her live performance. Her sound has evolved beautifully since then, and I’m loving this moody cut ‘On The Run’, featuring The Cure’s keyboard player Roger O’Donnell. This track is taken from Queen Kwong’s upcoming album, Couples Only, which is set for release on 12th July. (KC)

Bloomsday – ‘ISO’
This earnest, poignant musing from New York duo Bloomsday extrapolates on vocalist Iris Garrison’s journey to become “acquainted with their body and the inner parts of their experience” and to “learn to like themselves and what came with being in transition.” This track is taken from Bloomsday’s debut album, Place To Land, which is set for release on 10th June via Bayonet Records. (KC)

Amaroun – ‘Orchid’
Amaroun’s latest release is a celebration of self-love and queerness. ‘Orchid’ is about slow-motion growth, in Amaroun’s words “It’s a pledge to my lover to bend and grow together, entwined but independence, embracing all our differences. It’s a story of taking your time and staying in the present, a reflection of a beautiful moment.” (TW)

Art Moore – ‘Snowy’
‘Snowy’ is the debut single from new collaborative project Art Moore – aka Taylor Vick (Boy Scouts), Sam Durkes and Trevor Brooks (Ezra Furman’s band). This track is inspired by loss and loneliness, described as “that feeling that someone is right next to you, but you know they can’t be.” (KC)

Kindred Fawn – ‘Silver Blanket’
The new solo project from GIHE faves Naz & Ella’s Ella Patenall, Kindred Fawn has shared her beautiful new single. Inspired by Patenall’s comfort in listening to the shipping forecast, ‘Silver Blanket’ combines rich aural textures with reflective pastoral musings to create a captivating, melancholic soundscape. (ML)

Ydegirl – ‘I Need This’
‘I need this’ by Copenhagen-based artist Ydegirl, taken from her 2019 self-titled debut album which I have only just discovered. Some lovely chamber art-pop for you all. I’m looking forward to Ydegirl’s music weaving into my ears more over the coming year. (TW)

Maria BC – ‘Betelgeuse’
“Betelgeuse is about coming to terms with one’s role as a victim, bystander, and perpetrator,” explains Maria BC. Through tender vocals and atmospheric guitar sounds, Maria ruminates on the nature of anticipation, abandonment and disappointment, but despite its melancholy context, the track is an oddly comforting listen. ‘Betelgeuse’ is taken from Maria’s debut album Hyaline, which is set for release on 27th May via Fear Of Missing Out records here in the UK. (KC)

Hercules Love Affair, ANOHNI – ‘Poisonous Storytelling’
I was so excited to hear the news that ANOHNI has teamed up again with Hercules & Love Affair, their last collaboration happening back in 2008. This is the latest single from In Amber, producer Andy Butler’s first Hercules & Love Affair album in five years, which also features Siouxsie and the Banshees drummer Budgie. Speaking about the track, ANOHNI explains that this song is an attack on misinformation that permeates the news cycle and social media: “We must be careful with new narratives, because everyone is rotted out from poisonous storytelling.” Hopefully this will not be the last we hear from ANOHNI. I have everything crossed to be able to see them live at some point again in my life. (TW)

Erasers – ‘A Breeze’
The new single from Perth-based ‘dungeon synth’ duo Rebecca Orchard and Rupert Thomas – aka Erasers -, ‘A Breeze’ evokes the raw beauty of their native landscape of Western Australia oozing an immersive ethereal splendour and poignant, layered musicality. ‘A Breeze’ is taking from Erasers’ hypnotic latest album, Constant Connection. (ML)

Zola Jesus – ‘Desire’
I am so happy to see that Zola Jesus is releasing new music! This powerful track ‘Desire’ is taken from her upcoming album, Arkhon, which is set for release on 24th June via one of my favourite record labels, Sacred Bones. Her voice makes my heart ache (in the good way) and it’s showcased in all its glory on this emotive and poignant track. (KC)

 

Track Of The Day: Maria BC – ‘Good Before’

An atmospheric rumination inspired by the joy you can find in a moment of spontaneity, Maria BC has shared their latest single ‘Good Before’. Taken from their debut album Hyaline, which is set for release on 27th May via Fear Of Missing Out records in the UK, the track is an uplifting, ambient offering that sees the songwriter embrace a sudden influx of new inspiration.

Following on from their dreamy debut EP Devil’s Rain (2021), on Hylaine, Maria BC has created another tender collection of songs that “Let the world wash over you…rather than trying to pin it to one single thing.” This immersive quality was captured beautifully on previous single ‘The Only Thing’ but ‘Good Before’ filters these tendencies through a slightly poppier lens, whilst retaining their soothing vocals and tentative guitar picks.

“I wrote ‘Good Before’ in 2019, before any of the other songs on Hyaline — and before any of the songs on Devil’s Rain, for that matter,” Maria explains. “I put it away for a while because I thought it was too poppy, but eventually I got over that. Now it holds a special place in my heart. Some of the lyrics came to me on the highway, when the sun was starting to rise, and I was running on no sleep, just Dunkin’. It’s unusual for lyrics to come to me ~in the wild~ like this. I like to block out time to sit in a spot and write. That’s just my style. When inspiration comes to me out of nowhere, I’m immensely grateful.”

Listen to ‘Good Before’ below.

Follow Maria BC on bandcampSpotifyInstagramTwitter & Facebook

Photo Credit: Ulysses Ortega

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Track Of The Day: Maria BC – ‘The Only Thing’

A gentle musing on relinquishing yourself to the feeling of being in love again and having that feeling reciprocated, Maria BC has shared their latest single ‘The Only Thing’. Taken from their debut album Hyaline, which is set for release on 27th May, the track is a disarming, tender reflection on the serenity that sets in once you are fully “seen” by your partner in a new relationship.

Following on from their dreamy debut EP Devil’s Rain (2021), on Hylaine, Maria BC has created another tender collection of songs that “Let the world wash over you…rather than trying to pin it to one single thing.” This immersive quality is captured beautifully on ‘The Only Thing’, through Maria’s tentative guitar picks, atmospheric beats and soothing vocals.

“The track is about allowing yourself to be seen fully by another person. When you find they aren’t afraid, you realise you shouldn’t be either,” Maria explains about their new single. “It took me a bunch of tries to finish the arrangement for this one. It felt too sparse, while the song is about that full, effervescent, sun-is-coming-up feeling of new love. I spent several weeks adding parts and scrapping them — you know, getting nowhere. Then, at some point, I realised the refrain of another song I was working on had the same chord progression as ‘The Only Thing’ refrain. I turned that into a kind of counter-melody, Liz Fraser style, and I think it tied the whole thing together.”

The new track is accompanied by a beautiful video, shot by Olivia Q. Pintair and choreographed and Performed by C Green. Watch it below.

Follow Maria BC on bandcampSpotifyInstagramTwitter & Facebook

Photo Credit: Ulysses Ortega

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut