Track Of The Day: Flock Of Dimes – ‘Two’

Warm bubbling tones in a pool of instrumental excellence create a delicate scene in Jenn Wasner’s – aka Flock of Dimes’ – latest single. In anticipation of Head Of Roses, her upcoming album, she shares ‘Two‘ as a taste of her progressive pop universe.

With experimental sounds bursting throughout the entire production of the track, it is hard to pin down the genre-fluid creation Flock of Dimes has created with ‘Two’. Moments of modulated synth hold the rhythmic basis of a pop-anthem, yet its surrounding alternative production accents reflect an art-pop/indie influence. The exchange between these two elements is interwoven with an elegant grace at the hands of Flock of Dimes, resulting in a soothing treat for the ears. 

Within this enchanting soundscape, however, strong vocals do not take a backseat. As Wasner’s lyrics hold their own with a unique tonal power, they ooze shades of the subtle power of Florence Welch, flowing with a grounded weight that is both captivating and empowering all at once.

With a freeing story behind ‘Two’, Wasner has shared with us a piece of her heartbreak that fits into each of our own unique worlds with its chiming, emotion-rich power. If this latest offering is a candid of what’s to come in Head of Roses, we are certainly in for a fulfilling record.

‘Two’ is accompanied by a poignant artistically crafted new video, directed by Lola B Pierson and Cricket Arrison, which visually explores the layers of artifice that we wrap ourselves in to make it through the day. Watch here:

Head Of Roses, the upcoming record from Flock Of Dimes, is set for release 2nd April via Sub Pop. Pre-order here.

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

Photo Credit: Graham Tolbert

 

#ThrowbackThursday: GIHE w/ TABS 05.09.19

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown in the UK, we’re unable to make it into the Hoxton Radio studio to broadcast our weekly live new music show from 7-9pm. Instead, we’re sharing previous GIHE radio show recordings as #ThrowbackThursday sessions, so you can still enjoy 2 hours of new music tunes & chats with some of our favourite artists each week.

Today, we’ve picked our September 2019 show with London-based musician TABS. Tash, Kate and Mari spoke to her about her EP Love Like This, the amazing Butch, Please! night she organises at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern and how her experiences within the music industry pushed her to produce and release her own music. She also played some special acoustic versions of her new songs.

Listen back to the show below.

Tracklist
M.I.A. – Paper Planes
GHOST CAR – Awkward
Keren Illan – Take Her down
ESYA – Nothing
The Txlips – The Lost Ones
Annie Taylor – 17 Days
Junk Whale – Chestburster
Emzae – As This Day Fades To Another
Lola – Care
Freja Frances – Catching Fire
False Idols – Hurricane
Shamir – Straight Boy
Errunhrd – Easier
Daniele Andrade – Wet Dreams
BABEHEAVEN – Seabird
**TABS live acoustic session & interview**
Campbell L. Sangster – Lil’ Sis’
Esmé – Ella
Blushing – Control
She Drew The Gun – Trouble Every Day
Lu.Re – Night Soul
Mexican Radio – Night of the Nihilist
Common Holly – Joshua Snakes
HAWXX – You’re No God
Tape Runs Out – Knife
Queen Latifah – UNITY

Track Of The Day: Grandmas House – ‘Always Happy’

A thumping post-punk anthem that seethes with sardonic wit, Bristol-based trio Grandmas House have shared their latest single ‘Always Happy’. Released via Brace Yourself Records, the track is a raucous juxtaposition of the confident image we project externally to others, when internally we often feel the complete opposite.

Formed of Yasmin Berndt (vocals, guitar), Poppy Dodgson (vocals, drums) and Zoë Zinsmeister (bass), Grandmas House combine gritty guitars, powerhouse percussion and visceral vocals to create their corrosive, commanding sounds. Formed in late 2018, the band were busy cutting their teeth on the UK gig circuit before Covid-19 put an abrupt stop to live music. The trio decided to use their time in lockdown constructively, quickly writing and recording new material, including their new single ‘Always Happy’.

“The song is wrapped in sarcasm based on our experiences of being perceived as a certain person, particularly on stage where we are overconfident, exaggerated versions of ourselves,” the band explain. “[It’s] a song we wrote about the social anxiety we all experience in some way or another, particularly concerning social media which gives the chance to easily convey a polished, perfect life which is often misleading – it’s not daily life, but snippets of the best parts. It was one of those songs that just came together so quickly as we were all completely on the same wavelength concerning the meaning of it.”

Through Berndt’s raspy, sarcastic vocals, Zinsmeister’s smouldering bass lines and Dodgson’s distinctive drum strikes, the trio smash through the false perceptions that happiness or contentment are permanent states of being. This welcome dose of cynicism will be accompanied by another equally infectious track ‘Small Talk’ on the band’s upcoming cassette release on 12th March.

Listen to ‘Always Happy’ below.

 

Follow Grandma’s House on bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook

Photo credit: Belle Whittington

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

LISTEN: Francis of Delirium – ‘Let It All Go’

A frantic, grungy guitar tune that confronts the feeling of being uncomfortable in your own skin, Francis of Delirium have shared their new single ‘Let It All Go’. Taken from the duo’s upcoming EP Wading, which is set for release via Dalliance Recordings, the track is a cathartic burst of energy that sees songwriter Jana Bahrich shake off the self-doubt that starts to creep in when you feel inferior in a large social group.

“’Let It All Go’ chronicles a full commitment to isolation. It imagines me on a night out, drunk and babbling on about how sad I am,” Bahrich candidly explains. “Nobody wants to be around that person. At the heart of this song, away from all the craziness, is a desire to accept change and find acceptance within myself, letting go of holding onto any pain or hurt.” Through her commanding mix of loud-and-quiet vocals and her melodic guitar riffs, Bahrich pushes through these anxieties and purges her feelings of unease with gritty flair.

The track is accompanied by a superb claymation video which Bahrich created herself. It’s cut-and-paste style and fast-paced editing reflect the feelings of angst and apprehension she sings about.

Watch the video for ‘Let It All Go’ below.

Follow Francis Of Delirium on bandcampSpotify, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

Kate Crudgington
@kcbobcut

Photo Credit: Lynn Theisen