Track Of The Day: Gazel – ‘The Night Concierge’

Gazel closes the final chapter to her debut album Gazel’s Book of Souls with the delightfully eerie video to accompany her single, ‘The Night Concierge’.

Stepping into the lobby of a seemingly deserted hotel, we meet not only the Night Concierge in question, but also the various characters which he morphs into. This tableau of life, created by the incredible acting talent of Jared Morgan, invites us to observe the unravelling action as the characters busy themselves with their own day to day activities. Gazel herself steps through the shadows, contributing to the mystery as the unseen but omniscient narrator. 

‘The Night Concierge’ beautifully concludes the narrative of Gazel’s Book of Souls, a bold debut which masterfully blends philosophical theories with electro-beats and mystical melodies. As we rapidly rewind and fast-forward through the abandoned hotel, seemingly caught in the Twilight Zone, we can only begin to imagine what tales of wonder that Gazel will conjure up next for us. 

Nicky Lee-Delisle 
@Nicky___Lee

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LISTEN: Hannah Cameron – ‘Backsliding’

“I want to teach a lesson I don’t want to learn” Melbourne artist Hannah Cameron reluctantly muses on latest single, ‘Backsliding’. Released via AWAL, this latest offering sees Cameron delicately, yet candidly hold herself accountable for past mistakes.

With a sound described as “indie noir”; Cameron weaves elements of folk, blues and indie in to her music to create her emotive, beguiling sounds. “I want to start a fire just to feel the burn” she sings, over brooding guitar, steady beats, and cinematic strings; pulling listeners in to her vivid narrative.

“In July last year, I wrote a song every day for a week”, Cameron explains. “‘Backsliding’ was the first song to come out of that writing period, and it’s about finding yourself in the same situation or the same relationship over and over again, and realising that it’s a choice you’re making. It’s about taking responsibility and making yourself accountable for your decisions and your actions.”

It’s this self-awareness that marks Cameron as an intriguing, relevant songwriter. When she’s not busy writing and performing her own material, she plays with various Melbourne-based bands and musicians; including On Diamond, Clio, Grand Salvo, Brain Romance, Brian Campeau and Husky Gawenda. These combined experiences prove Cameron’s adaptability, and ingenuity as a musician.

Listen to ‘Backsliding’ below, and follow Hannah Cameron on Spotify and Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Something Leather – ‘Trip To The Sun’

A smouldering, psych-tinged, existential exploration of where we are, vs where we want to be; Brighton three-piece Something Leather are pushing the boundaries with their latest single, ‘Trip To The Sun’. Released via We Can Do It Records, the track is loosely inspired by the character of Icarus from Greek mythology.

Formed of Phillie Etta Jane (vocals/organ), Greg Pass (guitar) and Mike Nussbaum (drums), Something Leather have been cutting their teeth on the London & Brighton live circuits for a few years now. Their dark creations are a captivating blend of old and new sounds; the vintage organ that Phillie plays combines perfectly with Greg’s distorted guitar noises, and Mike’s rhythmic drum beats.

The band articulately describe the context of new track ‘Trip To The Sun’ as “a sarcastic take on the “Fall of Icarus”. It deals with our constant desire to escape from a deadly routine, and the fear that pushing too far might consume you. It has a frenetic pace, western B-movie shootout feel and layers of post-punk and psychedelia on top.”

Something Leather are set to release their debut EP Midnight Reverie on 17th April, and we’re psyched to hear more of their altruistic, alternative sounds. Listen to ‘Trip To The Sun’ below, and follow Something Leather on Spotify & Facebook for more updates.

Photo credit: Jessie Morgan

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Five Favourites: TOPS

Having just released their new album I Feel Alive, Montreal band TOPS create shimmering, atmospheric offerings, compellingly combining modern dream pop with shades of synth-driven ’80s soundscapes.

We think one of the best ways to get to know a band is by asking what music inspires them or influences their writing. We caught up with Jane Penny and David Carriere from TOPS, who have shared their “Five Favourites” – five albums that they’ve found particularly influential. Check out their choices below, and make sure you take a listen to the new album!

Jane’s Choices:

Berntholer – My Suitor
I was obsessed with this album’s title track when we were making the first TOPS record. They’re an avant-pop/post-punk band from Belgium. There’s something so provocative in the way Drita Kotaji sings English with a French accent. That and the minimalist production combine to make it into this catchy pop song, I love it. It’s a song I’ve been returning to a lot lately.

China Crisis – Flaunt The Imperfection
When David and I got together to make I Feel Alive we realised we’d both been obsessing over this band. He has this on vinyl and we’d listen to it while we made coffee before heading to the basement to work. I love the production, the feel is good, the songwriting is timeless. They’re a British new wave band, and yet this album is produced by Walter Becker from Steely Dan. I love all their records, but this one has a special place in my heart. Marta, who plays keyboard in TOPS, saw them live recently. I guess they still play shows! She said they sounded great.

Prefab Sprout – From Langley Park To Memphis 
Prefab were extremely formative for TOPS. When the band started we were brought together by a shared love of their record Steve McQueen. I chose From Langley Park to Memphis though, because it’s their most TOPsy record, and the most similar to our new album I Feel Alive. The first song is a bit of a stinker, but it also contains the words “Hot Dog, Jumping frog, Albuquerque”?! which is so entertaining. The second song ‘Cars & Girls’ is a certified hit. The production on this album is impeccable. The synths are super glossy, everything is light and groovy. It’s upbeat, great sound palette. ‘Nightingale’s’ is my personal favourite, especially this 12” remix. This is a record to put on when you’re hanging out at home and want something smooth and casual, with the occasional opportunity to giggle at the cheesiness of it.

David’s Choices:

Missing Persons – Spring Sessions M
Big fun, absolute slay masters bringing punk and glam energy to the mainstream with the proclivity of prog perfectionists. All fronted by fashion forward, proto-Gwen Stefani, truth teller Dale Bozzio. Just gets me going.

Gil Scott Heron and Brian Jackson – 1980
To me this is a retro-futuristic funk masterpiece! Extremely groovy tunes paired with Gil’s warmth and subdued delivery are the perfect setting for these songs about personal pressures, societal woes, and fears of the future.

Massive thanks to Jane and David for sharing their Five Favourites! I Feel Alive, the new album from TOPS, is out now via Musique TOPS.

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