Video Premiere: Tribes Of Europe & Barbara Stretch – ‘The House You Built For Us’

Having previously garnered support from the likes of BBC 6Music, BBC Wales and Amazing Radio, Tribes Of Europe have returned with an energising new single to lift our spirits. The alter-ego of Fenland-based Martin Elsey, for this current project he is joined by musicians Andy Gangadeen (Massive Attack, Chase & Status, Jeff Beck) and Chris Taylor (Poison Girls), as well as the distinctive soulful vocals of jazz-punk icon Barbara Stretch.

Oozing an instantly infectious Northern Soul-infused groove and a vibrant uplifting spirit, ‘The House You Built For Us’ confronts the patriarchy with a colourful force. Propelled by the luscious, silky smooth allure of Stretch’s vocals alongside whirring keys and the sunny sway of a big band musicality, the track also features Ely Fallen Angels choir, adding a gospel-tinged euphoric energy. A perfect dose of empowering sparkling joy that we need now more than ever.

Of the track, Elsey explains:

“It seems there have always been a few men who have lusted after power and wealth, and there’s been a much larger group of men that have revered and followed them. In the process we screw the planet over and the poor get poorer, and with globalisation it’s gone into freefall. If we want to survive then society has to evolve. Men need feminism. We all need feminism. No question.”

Made in collaboration with Cambridge sound and vision artist, Jellica, watch the new, Ceefax-inspired, video to ‘The House You Built For Us’ now:

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Track Of The Day: Mourn – ‘Call You Back’

An edgy, relatable exploration of the anxieties around answering the phone; MOURN have shared their latest single, ‘Call You Back’. Released via Captured Tracks, the band have managed to turn their feelings of unease into an instantly gratifying, cathartic guitar tune.

Boldly opening with the repeated lyric “I’d rather die”, the Catalan three-piece are quick to communicate their dread about a seemingly easy task, but then confess on a more personal note: “before letting you know how I feel about you.” MOURN are adept at tapping into universal insecurities, providing a personal angle, and deconstructing them through indie guitar hooks and powerful vocals.

Since the release of their 2019 album, Sorpresa Familia, MOURN have undergone a lineup change (drummer Antonio Postius left the band), and severed ties with their former Spanish label. It’s fair to say the band have done a lot of growing up, and this is reflected in their current single. “I admire you, and it’s hard to realise that you might be wrong” the band admit on ‘Call You Back’, rooting their lyricism in a more mature reality.

The accompanying video for ‘Call You Back’ was (ironically) shot on the band’s smart phones, as they were unable to create the music video they had planned due to Spain’s current lockdown. The result is an inventive, witty set of visuals that communicate the band’s desire to escape their anxieties. Watch the video below, and follow MOURN on Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Photo Credit: Cristian Colomer Cavallari

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Track Of The Day: Scarlet – ‘Friends’

Scarlet are punching away lockdown loneliness with their latest post-punk single ‘Friends’ – dedicated to our NHS frontline heroes, and anybody who finds themselves struggling in this present situation. 

Scarlet have heavily reinforced their DIY ethos by pulling together their limited resources in order to create a unifying, energising anthem complete with a pulsating bass-line. Although the single reflects upon the emotional upheaval of isolation, we are not left to dwell on the negatives for too long, as it is difficult to resist bouncing along to the kicking riffs and soaring vocals of Jessie Robinson.  

The accompanying homemade video also does much to raise our spirits as Get In Her Ears favourites such as Salvation Jayne and Tiger Mimic, to name a few, showcase their moves with vigour. Within the space of just a few minutes Scarlet have proven with their latest hit that, despite isolation, we are all still united and making memories with one another is definitely still possible. 

Watch the uplifting new video for ‘Friends’ here:

Nicky Lee-Delisle
@Nicky___Lee

Photo Credit: Asupremeshot

LISTEN: Tora – ‘Call Your Name’

A captivating exploration of inequality and unbalanced power dynamics; Tora has shared her latest single, ‘Call Your Name’. Produced by Courage, the track is a soulful blend of steady beats, saxophone sounds and smooth vocals that prove Tora has a talent for commanding listeners attention.

Self-described as “empathy with a sharp tongue”, Tora’s music is as edgy as it is enigmatic. On ‘Call Your Name’, she shuns the idea of seeking validation from others, delivering her own story with her soft, yet powerful vocals. “They don’t write stories ’bout women like me” she sings; determined to shake up the narrative and write her own.

Following on from her previous singles ‘Vein’ and ‘Pisonia Prologue’, ‘Call Your Name’ is another example of Tora’s ability to coolly observe injustices, and transform them in to captivating tunes. Listen to ‘Call Your Name’ below and follow Tora on Instagram & Spotify for more updates.

 

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut