Track Of The Day: BATTS (feat. Sharon Van Etten) – ‘Blue’

Soaked in nostalgia for a far away place, the new single from Melbourne artist Tanya Batt – aka BATTS – is a lusious treat for the ears. Having previously toured with Sharon Van Etten in 2019, the pair have a unique bond, so BATTS felt Van Etten to be the perfect musical partner when writing ‘Blue’ in her mother-in-law’s home. 

BATTS speaks of being drenched in grief while writing ‘Blue’, feeling her days heavily passing as she watched Antiques Roadshow on loop. In many ways, ‘Blue’ encapsulates both those feelings of reflection and sorrow with a stirring splendour: “I wish I could see the blue babe, but all I do is feel the blue”, BATTS sighs. It is with the weight of the world that she seems to muster up her strength to poignantly sing in a beautifully hushed disposition. 

The vulnerability of ‘Blue’ is tangible while its resonant lyrics hang in the air, gently floating along as the folk-inspired track progresses. Warm, honey-like guitar tones coat the track with a vintage sparkle while minimal percussion pulls BATTS’ melodies along with just enough speed. With delicate instrumentation and captivatingly satisfying harmonies between BATTS and Sharon Van Etten, it sounds as if it could have been produced decades ago with its retro folk-strewn musical authenticity.

The vintage feel of ‘Blue’ paired with a euphoric build in the final chorus feels like a refreshing brush of wind coasting across your cheeks. BATTS and Sharon Van Etten have created a warm, comforting space that feels like returning to your childhood home.

Watch the stirring new video for ‘Blue’ now:

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

Photo Credit: Lisa Businovski

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Track Of The Day: Real Big Sky – ‘Jess’

A reverb-heavy, atmospheric guitar tune permeated with enigmatic lyrics and swirling, crashing percussion, Gothenburg four-piece Real Big Sky have shared their latest single ‘Jess’. Taken from the band’s self-titled debut album which is set for release this summer, the track blurs powerful riffs with melancholic vocals to create a commanding four minutes of brooding indie noise.

Originally created as a distraction for multi-instrumentalist Sara Kleppe (You Break, You Buy, Gold Baby) during the Covid-19 lockdowns here in the UK in 2020, Real Big Sky began life as a solo project which Kleppe worked on at home in her bedroom in Hackney. Making good use of her time during an unpredictable year, Kleppe picked up her old electric guitar and began working out songs and sounds that would eventually form the eight tracks on Real Big Sky’s album. Kleppe relocated back to her native Sweden in 2021, and now Real Big Sky have now blossomed into a full band made up of her friends and family members.

With the help of friend & long-term collaborator Luca Romano – who also played drums and was on recording, mixing and production duties for the record – Real Big Sky’s sound is now fully fleshed and ready to be released into the world. The band’s debut single ‘Long Lost’ was a heavy lullaby which aimed to soothe the sting of loneliness, but their latest offering ‘Jess’ feels darker and more introspective – whilst still retaining the cathartic, moody essence of Real Big Sky’s sound.

Listen to ‘Jess’ below.

Follow Real Big Sky on bandcamp, Spotify, Facebook & Instagram

Photo Credit: Johanna Kleppe

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Nikki & The Waves – ‘The Phone Song’

Having recently been recommended Manchester band Nikki & The Waves by Chester trio Peaness when interviewing them for our last radio show on Soho Radio, I was excited to hear that they’ll be releasing a new EP in June. Having originally formed in Liverpool, the band have played esteemed venues such as The Cavern Club and charmed audiences at Isle Of Wight festival and Sound City, and look set to bring their joyous energy across the country throughout 2022.

Taken from the upcoming EP, new single ‘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. Oozing a blissful, shimmering allure – with shades of an eclectic array of influences, from early hip-hop to Lily Allen – it comes complete with swooping trombone solos, sparkling harmonies and a relatable witty lyricism, showcasing all there is to love about Nikki & The Waves. The perfect effervescent bank holiday jam to shimmy along to in the blazing sunshine (we can hope…).

Produced by Joel Pratchett (The Orielles, King Krule), songs to play tennis to – the upcoming EP from Nikki & The Waves – is set for release on 17th June.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Track Of The Day: Piney Gir – ‘Alchemy Hand’

The iconic Piney Gir proves why she’s been dubbed “the indie Dolly Parton” with her latest single, ‘Alchemy Hand’. It’s a retro slice of psychedelic garage rock, which showcases Piney’s supernatural talent as a singer and songwriter. 

Opening with a woozy, nostalgic organ-style whirr, the song builds to a brilliantly proggy chorus which gives it a spooky 1960s feel. Think Aleister Crowley and Marianne Faithfull messing with an Ouija Board! When you add Piney’s distinctive, bluesy vocal into the mix, it’s nothing short of perfection. 

Piney’s confident, beautifully crafted lyrics explore spirituality which further adds to the song’s dreamy, mystical energy. And when she sings “I put a spell on you,” you believe her. It’s instantly bewitching. With ‘Alchemy Hand’, Piney Gir shows she can truly make magic. 

‘Alchemy Hand’ is out now Reckless Yes and an EP of the same name is due in June.

Vic Conway
@thepicsofvic

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