Track Of The Day: Berries – ‘Wall Of Noise’

Following last year’s raucous extended play, Live Sessions from Big Smith Studios, Berries have further embraced their influences – pulling from the indie pop melodies of Wolf Alice, the scuzzy distortion of The Breeders, and the raw punk rock power of Sleater-Kinney – releasing the anthemic ‘Wall of Noise‘; a frenetic track that thematically explores the unwanted static that so many of us find interfering with our own thoughts.

These feelings of insecurity and isolation are tackled by the London-based trio – Holly Carter on guitar/lead vocals, Lauren Cooper on bass/backing vocals, and Lucie Hartmann on drums/backing vocals – with lyrical angst and meticulous, yet raw instrumentation; an honest introspection into mental health with propulsive basslines, angular guitar riffs, infectious drum grooves, and a vocal twang. “The wall of noise / Threatens to leak all the things we don’t see / Distorted voice / Blink and it’s gone but for now it lives on.”

In the music video, the band are confronted with repetition – an endless amount of stairs – representing common obstacles that Holly, Lauren, and Lucie approach differently each time, by either “running straight at them, cautiously, following others, courageously or alone”.

Berries promise that their forthcoming debut LP will explore mental health extensively, based on personal experience. If the record is anything like ‘Wall of Noise’, we can expect a confident combination of riff-driven melodies, layered noise-rock and a “fuck you” punk rock attitude.


Recorded and mixed at Big Smith Studio, the debut album from Berries is set to be released this Summer through Xtra Mile Recordings.

Ken Wynne
@Ken_Wynne

kenwynne1 Comment

Track Of The Day: Prima Queen – ‘Invisible Hand’

A melancholy, but cathartic indie tune that gently explores the raw and un-nerving nature of depression, London-based band Prima Queen have shared their latest single ‘Invisible Hand’. Released via Nice Swan Recordings and produced by The Big Moon, best friends Louise Macphail and Kristin McFadden tenderly muse about the metaphorical hands that feel as if they’re dragging you down during periods of poor mental health via their swirling guitar sounds, candid lyrics and soft vocals.

Following on from their previous single ‘Chew My Cheeks‘, also produced by The Big Moon, on ‘Invisible Hand’ Prima Queen articulate a difficult but relatable emotional state with grace and humility. “The song was written at a time when I was struggling with my mental health,” the band explain. “It’s about the experience of blaming yourself for your lows and the exhaustion that comes with trying everything in your power to feel better. Depression is never your fault or your choice – it’s this outside force that isn’t you”

Moving through the motions with impressive elegance and composure, despite the sensitive nature of the track’s lyrics, Prima Queen have crafted a comforting tune that’s both poignant and easy on the ears. They allow listener’s a moment to acknowledge the difficulties of living with depression, without draining their energy or clawing at their mental health, like the ‘Invisible Hands’ the duo sing of throughout the track.

You can catch Prima Queen live supporting Wet Leg and Dream Wife on a handful of their upcoming UK tour dates, and at The Great Escape Festival in Brighton in May.

Listen to ‘Invisible Hand’ below.

Follow Prima Queen on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

LISTEN: Brimheim – ‘This Week’s Laundry’

A stirring, intricately observed guitar tune about trying to cultivate a “normal” routine during a time of deep vulnerability, Danish alt-pop artist Brimheim has shared her latest single ‘this week’s laundry’. Taken from her upcoming album can’t hate myself into a different shape, which is set for release on 28th January via W.A.S Entertainment, the track flows with her tender vocals and confessional lyrics, which chime with relatable melancholy.

“The song is an inner monologue about keeping up appearances,” Brimheim explains. “Attempts at adjusting very mundane things in life to feel in control. The collection of specific actions in the song – like buying frozen beans, sorting laundry, and skipping lunch – are all somewhat failed approximations of normalcy and balance. In reality, they just thinly veil existential loneliness and insecurity. It’s someone trying to convince themselves and everyone around them that they’re fine, when they are actually barely keeping it together. It’s like they’re live action role playing as a responsible adult. The lyrics list all these things to point out their banal absurdity as well as their relatability.”

With realistic lines like “I put on foundation for my trip across the street / I am getting a new bag of frozen beans / ‘cause that’s a good way to sneak some greens into a meal / although fresh would be ideal” – Brimheim’s rich guitar sounds and exquisite emotional resilience shine through on ‘this week’s laundry’. She pulls herself back from the brink with an understated confidence, providing comfort for listeners who may be living through a similar experience.

Listen to ‘this week’s laundry’ below.

Follow Brimheim on bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram & Facebook

Photo Credit: Hey Jack

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

Premiere: LORI – ‘I’m Still Here’

Known to us as the magnificent front-woman of rockers Weekend Recovery, songwriter LORI has now announced her debut solo EP, set for release next month via Criminal Records.

The second single to be taken from the EP, and the collection’s title track, ‘I’m Still Here’ offers a reflection on LORI’s recent mental health journey. Propelled by swirling, electro-infused hooks, LORI’s emotion-strewn crystalline vocals soar throughout with an empowering sentiment. Oozing a sweeping subtle power and shimmering emotive energy, it’s a perfectly heartfelt alt-pop gem; a much-needed stirring message of resilience and self-love. A huge step away from the ferocious punk-pop of Weekend Recovery, ‘I’m Still Here’ channels LORI’s distinctive impassioned spirit in a sparkling new direction.

As LORI reiterates the refrain “I’m still here. I survived”, I can’t help but feel extremely grateful that she got through everything to be where she is today; offering this deeply moving, and instantly catchy, survivor anthem.

Listen to ‘I’m Still Here’, for the first time:


‘I’m Still Here’ is out tomorrow, 27th August. LORI’s solo EP of the same name is set for release on 3rd September via Criminal Records. Catch LORI live:

6th Sept: Sidney & Matilda, Sheffield
7th Sept: Hope and Anchor, London
8th Sept: The Prince Albert, Brighton
9th Sept: Dead Wax Digbeth, Birmingham
10th Sept: Chameleon Arts Cafe, Nottingham
11th Sept: Santiagos, Leeds
12th Sept: Retro, Manchester

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Keira Anee

mariangelicalaneLeave a comment