LISTEN: Mavica – ‘No It’s Not’

“What the hell am I in to?” asks London-based, Spanish songwriter Mavica on her latest single, ‘No It’s Not’. Lifted from her EP, Send Me To The Water, out now via Hidden Track Records; the track is an exploration of uncertainty in the face of unexpected change.

Originally from Cartagena in Spain, Mavica (aka Marta Casanova) blends elements of indie, pop, and folk to create her emotive, smooth sounds. Since the release of her debut EP Gone in 2019, she’s performed at Mad Cool and Vida Festival, as well as supporting the likes of Roo Panes, Blanco White, and Alice Phoebe Lou on their tours. Now, with her second EP, Mavica is concentrating on moving forward, and accepting that change isn’t always a bad thing.

Following on from previous single ‘Ada Road’, ‘No It’s Not’ is another tentative, honest offering from the songwriter. Cautious beats and gentle guitar sounds underscore Mavica’s clear, emotive vocals, helping her to reach a moment of clarity.

Speaking about the track, Mavica explains further: “It’s a song shrouded in honesty, where I admit I haven’t been good to myself and that expectation will often let you down. But it’s good to acknowledge this and move on. Through this I realise that my work is a time machine that I can use to look backwards in order to arrive at some point of understanding where I was and where I am at now, accepting change is can only be good”.

Listen to Mavica’s single below, and follow her on Spotify and Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: Little Pale – ‘Don’t You Know U’

If you’re yearning for an online world without filters and false narratives; Little Pale‘s new single ‘Don’t You Know U’ will help to lift your spirits. The South East London artist has created an alt-pop tune gently criticizing the damaging effects of social media, and the impact it’s having on our mental health.

“Got a feeling, streaming for you”, muses Little Pale, over clicking beats, poppy synth textures, and grooving bass lines. Her soft vocals reflect the ease with which social media users can be seduced by the never-ending “shiny, spicy, pixel fortunes” they’re presented with on their feeds.

Little Pale explains the premise of the track further: “I wrote this song last year about social media being this new aesthetic asset to a lot of people. My recent songwriting has been inspired by technology that aids our communication, as for more introverted souls, constant “Online” is not always something that is fully welcomed! The point I’m making is definitely not original, but lyrically, I wanted to portray how this cultural shift has caused people to seek validation virtually, and that such thrills can cheapen the complex originality of the individual into a sort of sameness. I think this is especially true for the younger generation and I hope that the music video that is to accompany this song in the coming weeks reflects that.”

We hope that Little Pale’s new single provides a distraction for anyone feeling a little overwhelmed online at the moment. Listen to ‘Don’t You Know U’ below, and follow Little Pale on Spotify & Facebook for more updates.

 

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: Catbear – ‘Love And War’

If you’re caught between wanting to move on from a past relationship, but you can’t stop thinking about your ex while in lockdown; Catbear‘s latest single ‘Love And War’ will lift your spirits. The track is a catchy electro-pop offering designed to distract you from thoughts of your past loves.

Formed of Zoe Konez and Sarah Smith, Catbear are a DIY duo who make danceable, 80s inspired, synth-soaked bangers. The LGBTQ proud pair record and produce all of their music from Konez’s home studio in London, and released their debut album Beast of the Night in 2018. New single ‘Love and War’ is lifted from the record, and according to the band, it’s “the soundtrack to your quarantine daydreams of the ex you love to hate.”

The duo explain the track’s premise in more detail: “’Love and War’ is a reminiscence of a doomed love affair. When you knew all along it was destined to end, but there’s something magnetic, irresistible that pulls you along through it; and even at the end you can still look back fondly at the lustful wrestle towards the inevitable implosion”.

Listen to Catbear’s new single below, and follow the band on Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

 

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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EP: Stef Fi – ‘Girlhood’

A poignant reflection on grief, growth, and grappling with the repercussions of a racist world; Stef Fi has shared her debut EP, Girlhood, via Sistah Punk Records. Best known as the vocalist & guitarist of black feminist punk band Big Joanie, Stef Fi (aka Stephanie Phillips) has shared four alt-punk tracks that provide “sketches of a girl” resisting hate, and trying to find hope in the harshest of realities.

Mellow opener ‘What Remains’ broods with quiet intensity, setting the pensive, yet resistant tone of the EP. “Open wide and swallow divine” Stef directs, over steady beats and ominous guitar riffs. Her punk attitude breaks through on following track ‘Nowhere’. The quiet, uncertain lyrics of the verses contrast well with the distorted riffs and defiant words in the chorus.

“This town will be the death of me”, muses Stef on the eponymous ‘Girlhood’. The song was inspired by the footage of police attacking a young black girl at a Texas pool party in 2015. Extrapolating on what the victim may have felt, Stef delivers the line “I had spoken then I saw, I knew it was my time to fall” with calm resignation and maturity, powerfully contrasting with the violence the young girl experienced. It’s a jarring listen, but one that’s delivered with care and gentility.

‘The Garden’ closes the EP, with its rolling riffs, rumbling percussion, and more of Stef’s yearning vocals. Despite being rooted in inequality, Stef Fi’s Girlhood is a considerate, tender offering that showcases her talent as a songwriter, and as a woman who is dedicated to spotlighting the struggles of others.

Order your copy of Stef Fi’s debut EP on bandcamp. Follow her on Twitter for more updates.

Photo Credit: Nick Paulsen

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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