Track Of The Day: HMS Morris – ‘Partypooper’

Having previously beguiled our ears with singles such as ‘Poetry’ and ‘Babanod’, as well as wowing us with their live show at The Finsbury a couple of years back, Welsh indie-psych outfit HMS Morris have now shared an exuberant new track.

Sounding as wonderfully wacky as the name suggests, ‘Partypooper’ is a response to the mental highs and lows of being a musician. Offering an uplifting brass-led fusion of sounds alongside front woman Heledd’s quirky playfulness and vibrant energy, it’s a colourful, latin-infused cacophony, set to bring some sunshine to the dreariest of Autumn days. Of the track, Heledd explains:

A great deal of us struggle with a little internal partypooper, a malignant imp who likes to wait until we’re at our happiest before screwing up her mean little face and blowing mightily on her shit-horn of doubt and regret, leaving our ears ringing and our confidence in tatters as she skips gleefully away.”


‘Partypooper’ is out now via Bubblewrap Collective. 

 

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Five Favourites (Drummers): Eilis Frawley

We’ve been big fans of Berlin-based classically trained percussionist Eilis Frawley for some time now, especially since she took our breath away playing live for us at Notting Hill Arts Club last year. With recent single ‘Stats’, she offered arresting beats set against bold, Krautrock-infused spoken word, as the lyrics addressed hard-hitting stats, highlighting the everyday injustices facing women today. Tackling issues such as period poverty, FGM, domestic violence and other vital issues, it’s a beautifully striking and necessary listen. As is the entirety of her just released EP Adult Life

We think one of the best ways to get to know an artist is by asking what music inspires them or influences their writing. So, we caught up with Eilis to discuss the five (well, six, actually!) drummers that inspire her the most.

Here are 6 of my favourite drummers/percussionists, all from different scenes with totally different playing styles but all 100% owning what they do.

Fleur Green
Fleur Green was my first percussion teacher, when I was 16. She was tough, in the best way. I spent just one year learning from her before she moved abroad, but I’ll never forget her discipline, especially to her own artistic practice. She led by example and was highly committed with a no bullshit attitude. From the very beginning she instilled in me a diligence towards music I’ve carried through the years. She’s such an inspiration. She’s back in Adelaide now and performs under Fleur Green.

Chi Fukami Taylor
Chi Fukami Taylor was the first female drummer I saw perform on a big stage – and she completely nailed it. It was 2007 and she played with The Go! Team at Falls festival in Victoria. She had so much groove, and it was the first time I witnessed someone playing drums and singing. I’m still shocked people can sing in tune and play drums, that’s alot of brain power.

Seol Kim
Seol Kim – Known as Snow is one half of Oh Chill (57) from Seoul. I had the pleasure of sharing the bill with her multiple times in Seoul and also in Berlin. Snow does not mess around. Another singing drummer, she’s a hard hitter, her timing is impeccable and her grooves always leaving you wanting more. She’ll keep you on your toes.

Sara Neidorf
Sara is a Berlin drummer. We share the same practice space, and no-one sounds like her. You always know when she’s in the building. Her fills are outta control. She’s fast, dynamic and playful. She’s involved in scenes I’m not too familiar with but hearing her play alone is already a treat! Aptera is one of her projects I’ve seen live, and wow the skill! Highly recommend looking into what she’s doing, especially if you’re into heavier music.

Valentina Magaletti
Valentina Magaletti is the only person on this list who I haven’t met, or seen play live, BUT I’m so impressed by her playing, she crosses over so perfectly from pop drummer to experimental percussion wizard. She’s behind so many great projects but I recently discovered Tomaga and it’s a total stand out! Go listen to them.

Mindy Abovitz
Mindy Abovitz has to be on this list as well, for not only pursuing drums as a self taught drummer, but for creating TomTom Mag, connecting female* drummers all over the world and changing the media representation of drummers. She’s outstanding.

Massive thanks to Eilis for sharing her choices with us!

Adult Life, the new EP from Eilis Frawley, is out now via Reckless Yes. Listen now. And watch the recent video for the poignant ‘Stats’ here:

Photo Credit: Janina Gallert

Track Of The Day: LIME – ‘Fever’

A fuzzy, disco-infused indie tune that softly probes at the absurdity of modern life, Brighton-based band LIME have shared their latest single ‘Fever’. Filled with dance-able beats and catchy lyrics, the track is a dive into the mind of generation Z, playfully questioning their efforts to impress each other via jangly guitars and grooving bass lines.

“Why should I get up when I’d rather be in bed?” asks LIME’s lead vocalist Chloe Howard at the beginning of the song. It’s a sentiment that resonates stronger during the current UK lockdown, but the slinky saxophone and jazzy electronics soothe the sting of this reality. Howard’s rhetorical questions – “Why should I do my make-up when it’s all inside my head?” and “Why should I be up when the rest of us are down?” – have a relatable buzz, and her sardonic delivery is underscored by the band’s buoyant percussion.

Formed of Howard (vocals/guitar), Leila Deeley (guitar), Tippi Morgan (bass) and Annabel Whittle (drums), LIME met whilst studying in Brighton. Like many bands, their plans to play shows to crowds this November have been cancelled, but they will be sharing a live session alongside Katy J Pearson recorded at the Battersea Arts Centre for The Close Encounter Club on 19th November (more details on how to subscribe here.)

Listen to ‘Fever’ below.

 

Follow LIME on bandcamp, Facebook, Spotify, Twitter & Instagram for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Premiere: Flor And The Sea – ‘Kings & Queens’

Originally founded in 2015 as a five piece, and now starting to become known for their immersive live shows, Munich-based duo Flor And The Sea have now announced the release of their new EP Kings & Queens. 

Lead single and title track ‘Kings & Queens’ offers a twinkling ethereal soundscape. Propelled by driving electro-strewn hooks and the soaring splendour of Chaem’s vocals, it builds with pulsating beats to an anthemic slice of ambient indie-pop with shades of the likes of Portishead. An instantly captivating offering set to uplift on first listen with its shimmering vibrant energy.

Listen to ‘Kings & Queens, for the first time, now:

Kings & Queens, the new EP from Flor And The Sea, is out now. Listen here.

 

Mari Lane
@marimindles