Track Of The Day: Alice Hubble – ‘Power Play’

In a shadowy universe of glitchy instrumentals, London-based synth-pop artist Alice Hubble has invited us into her euphoric unravelling in her cathartic track ‘Power Play’. Described as “the closest thing (she’s) written to a protest song”, Hubble shares her piece on the #MeToo movement in the form of emotive electronic music.

Through both Hubble’s revealing lyrics that detangle the disparities of sexism and gender-based violence, and her strategic sonic choices made throughout the track, ‘Power Play’ feels like an alleviating climb to a significant release. Hubble achieves this by not shying away from anger and draws from it accordingly. Channeling the relationship between grief and strength, leaving each their own corners.

In anticipation of a new album coming later this year, Hubble’s ‘Power Play’ provides a taste of the mellow, comforting vocals to come, as well as the captivating magnitude of the synth tones that will surround them. It is clear that Hubble’s songwriting stems partly through the voicing of her synths themselves, creating a melodic bath within her approach that is as intricate as it is natural. Interweaving this swirling musicality with the poignant sentiment of the lyrics, Hubble’s ‘Power Play’ stands on its own two feet as it immerses itself firmly in your ears with its empowering, ’80s inspired drive.

‘Power Play‘ is out now via Happy Robots.

Jillian Goyeau
@jillybxxn

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Track Of The Day: The C33s – ‘Benzodiac’

Named “the future” by BBC 6Music’s Chris Hawkins, The C33s are back and leave no listener’s head unturned in their latest surf-rock plea to tackle life’s harsh realities riff-first. It’s been a long roadmap, two lockdowns and one cancelled Christmas since last year’s single ‘Harpurhey Hostility‘ took a political dive into Mancunian society’s most disenfranchised, but The C33s are back with new track ‘Benzodiac’ – the newest addition to their bible of uncompromising home-truths.  

‘Benzodiac’ is the first single and the title track from the 3-piece punk outfit’s new EP and was fuelled by the band’s frustration at the closure of the live gig scene last year. For that reason, it’s production clings as close as possible to the raw live experience, taking the Californian genre to dizzy new heights before slamming you back down to a gritty-garage reality that the band have best described as “concrete surf-rock”. 

The single is explained by the band as “a frank observation of addiction, renewal and rebirth”, but prepare to be anything but sedated as an intoxicatingly slick and progressive guitar riff provided by Cav Green pulls you in, making it the perfect soundtrack for your favourite desert cult-classic film. We are thrown into epic surroundings with urgency as this track builds with Judy Jones storming in raucously on the kit whilst Ste Phillips fuels the anticipation with an exhilarating and palpitating bass line, meeting the perfect use of a tantalising reverb and echo-inducing delay during Cav’s guitar solo.

What’s exciting about this track is Cav’s move to a more spoken-word style vocal like that of The Damned’s 1977 release Damned Damned Damned, while the delivery of lyrics like “the universal will just to become” resemble the more recently fashioned passionate and punchy vocal of Idles’ frontman Joe Talbot. Not to forget Judy’s rousing dual harmonies throughout and her first-class punk yelp that creates the ideal sought after abrupt cliff-hanger ending to this single that paves the way for a future that is The C33s.

The new from The C33s, also entitled Benzodiac, is set for release in August on Rare Vitamin Records, and will available to purchase on 10” vinyl, CD and cassette.

Lauren Roberts
@robauren

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Track Of The Day: IDestroy – ‘G.O.D’

Having received acclaim from the likes of BBC Radio 1, BBC 6Music and Radio X for their debut album We Are The Girls, Bristol trio IDestroy are back to blast into our ears with an immense new single.

Reflecting on the complications of social media, ‘G.O.D’ is propelled by a seething energy and fierce raucous power as frenzied beats and swirling, riotous riffs race alongside the gritty, raging vocals. An empowering rock anthem that fizzes with a ferocious, angst-driven majesty, it’s a totally infectious offering that demands multiple listens. Of the track, the band explain:

“G.O.D was inspired by the disconnect between people’s online status versus reality. It represents the conflict of exaggerated or elaborated attitudes and behaviours through social media, which is a juxtaposition against their lived experiences.“

Watch the new video for ‘G.O.D’ here:

‘G.O.D‘ is out now.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Track Of The Day: Sophie Kilburn – ‘Movements’

Sophie Kilburn’s anthemic new release is sure to cause a ‘movement’. Whether it takes you driving down a palm-tree lined highway, dressed in a biker jacket with the wind blowing in your hair, or dancing the hazy night away in a club, the music is beautifully transformative. The inspired and confident first instalment from Kilburn’s debut EP, ‘Movements’ is filled with an infectious euphoria, providing an exciting insight into what’s to come from the artist.

Bold and assured, Kilburn’s vocals emphasise the empowering nature of the music. Explaining the concept behind the track, she explains:

“… This song is all about a relationship that has broken down. When your gut is saying something is wrong but neither of you are saying anything. You know you are losing them, but you’re still besotted… It is about overcoming the fear of something ending and voicing your feelings in order to regain control of the situation…”

‘Movements’ is a supremely well-crafted indie-pop song; whilst Kilburn delivers captivating vocal hooks, driving rhythms roll alongside synths and guitars in a sleek and beautifully polished production. 

Self-described as the “English Haim sister from a Northern mister”, Sophie Kilburn’s sound harks back to Americana and influences of the late 1970s, with a modern twist. Born from a challenge on social media, set by fans, to write a song with the word “hip-thrusts”, ‘Movements’ was then developed by Kilburn into this utterly blissful banger

We love what we’ve heard so far from Sophie Kilburn and we’re really excited to hear what comes next with the debut EP!

My Room Made Public, the debut EP from Sophie Kilburn, is set for release in July this year.

Jazmine Kelly
@surfjaz

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