LISTEN: Fran Lobo – ‘Brave’

An atmospheric ode to women who thrive in the face of adversity; Fran Lobo has shared her latest single, ‘Brave’. Lifted from her EP of the same name, which is set for release on 19th June via Slow Dance Records, Lobo blends electronic and orchestral elements together to create her stirring soundscape.

A singer, songwriter, producer, DJ, choral composer & sound artist; Lobo has extensive and impressive experience in multiple areas of the music industry. The North East London artist takes inspiration from both the club scene and the choral scene to create her own music, and ‘Brave’ is a strong example of how she seamlessly mixes these genres together.

Speaking about her new single, Lobo explains: “This was a mantra to myself, to stay brave because there is no other choice in the face of our world and diminishing relationships. The world moves on and we have no choice but to move with it. It is also a comment on the intense expectations on women; what to be and what not to be.”

Her message also applies to the current crisis we are all living through: “I wanted to dedicate this track to key workers and those working hard to keep us safe. My Dad works in a care home where there has been little PPE and going to work has felt like an everyday risk, to honour the brave people working in these conditions, I’m donating 50% of band camp revenue to Age UK.”

We’re impressed by Lobo’s kindness and positive energy during this difficult time. Listen to ‘Brave’ below and download the track from bandcamp in order to donate to Age UK.

Follow Fran Lobo on Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Photo credit: El Hardwick

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Temples Of Youth – ‘Suburbia’

From The Kinks to David Lynch, Arcade Fire and Hanif Kureishi – the space between the city and the country has been occupying creative minds almost since its creation, with its blend of comfort and conformity, its security and secrets, kept behind double-glazing. Now it’s the turn of Winchester-based duo Temples Of Youth to turn their gaze on ‘Suburbia’, with pretty good timing, given that we’re almost all stuck in our residences right now.  

Where previous TOY releases have hewed more towards dream pop – such as last year’s ‘Rose Tinted’, or the chillwave/synthpop of 2017’s self-titled EP -, ‘Suburbia’ has the feel of stylised, passionate rock-pop with its Cult style guitar openings, straight out of the Billy Duffy playbook, and underlying synth chords. That drive doesn’t let up, either, in the minor key vocal harmonies by members Jo and Paul, or the song’s structure, with its two lyrical verses followed by a choppy riff middle eight, that falls away and lets the track finish with synths that rise like the start of a new day. 

Lyrically, the song is deceptively simple, with most lines containing monosyllables but evoking a story rich with mystery and emotion: “Meet me in suburbia / A place to live / A place to hide… Now there’s no turning back.”

Perhaps what’s most impressive here, as with all TOY releases, is that despite the band’s DIY ethos, ‘Suburbia’ sounds the equal in its production to anything you’re likely to hear threatening the charts. With a new EP due to be recorded at some point later this year, pandemic-permitting, it seems inevitable that Temples of Youth will be heard in homes up and down the land, before too long.

 

John McGovern
@etinsuburbiaego

 

 

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LISTEN: MAITA – ‘Someone’s Lost Their Goddamn Wallet’

“We’re all goners”, Maria Maita-Keppeler joyfully sings on MAITA‘s latest single, ‘Someone’s Lost Their Goddamn Wallet’. Lifted from the band’s debut album Best Wishes, (set for release on 15th May via Kill Rock Stars), the track is a light-hearted musing on the inevitable, and relatable human fear of death.

Formed of Maita-Keppeler (principle songwriter, guitars), Matthew Zeltzer (electric guitar), Nevada Sowle (bass), and Cooper Trail (piano/drums); Portland-based MAITA caught our attention with their tenderly frustrated sounds on single ‘Can’t Blame A Kid’ earlier this year. On new track ‘Someone’s Lost Their Goddamn Wallet’, the band cover a dark subject with buoyant guitar riffs and an energetic, catchy chorus.

Maita-Keppeler explains the context of the new single further: ‘Someone’s Lost Their Goddamn Wallet’ was inspired by my experience with college parties. Every weekend at some grimy house filled with young, drunk people, I would have that moment late at night where I stared into the crowd and remembered that death was waiting for all of us, regardless of how alive we felt. In those moments, everything would suddenly seem insignificant, and we became so naive and small. I wanted to hide the gravity of this truth within a song that felt vibrant and full of life, just as these dark truths were hidden for me within nights of intoxicated revelry. The song carries a different weight for me today, in the midst of this new Covid reality, where the dark truth seems more exposed than ever, and the quest for joy feels more urgent, almost desperate.”

The track is also accompanied by a video filmed during the current lockdown period, and features footage of the band’s friends and family. Watch the video for ‘Someone’s Lost Their Goddamn Wallet’ below and follow MAITA on Spotify and Facebook for more updates.

Pre-order your copy of MAITA’s debut album, Best Wishes, here.

Photo Credit: Ingrid-Renan

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Problem Patterns – ‘Big Shouty’

Raging against inequality and the patriarchy, Belfast punks Problem Patterns have shared their latest single, ‘Big Shouty’. It’s a loud, no holds barred anthem that grapples with the frustrations of being told your “place” as a woman, in both the music industry and society in general.

Realising that four voices are louder than one, Problem Patterns opt out of the traditional band “front person” format, encouraging each member to step up and share their views. Together, Alanah Smith, Bethany Crooks, Beverley Boal & Ciara King use their collective talents to create riotous, energetic, feminist punk sounds and ‘Big Shouty’ is a shining example of this. It’s a brief, bold listen; speeding by in just under two minutes.

Based on the band’s own personal experiences, each verse tackles some of the sexist bullshit that Problem Patterns have come up against during their time together. Ciara’s verse recalls a recent incident where the band where listed as “best bands with lady bits”, Alanah speaks about the joys of “mansplaining” and Bev shares her feelings of rage towards those who abuse their powers and deny basic human rights. Drummer Bethany underscores all this righteous anger with her thumping beats.

Check out the video for ‘Big Shouty’ below.

Follow Problem Patterns on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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