EP: Stars and Rabbit – ‘Rainbow Aisle’

Stars and Rabbit will take you places. The perfect antidote to our stressful, fast-moving world, the duo, lda Suryani and guitarist Didit Saad offer lush, dreamy escapism on their new album, Rainbow Aisle. The album’s kitsch, happy tunes and sweet, sweet melodies transport you to a psychedelic world of rainbows, unicorns and sparkly booze. It’s a world of pure joy that makes the every day seem amazing.

Quirky opener ‘Little Mischievous’ draws you in with its crunchy, Foo Fighters-esque guitars. An ode to shaking off the shackles of good behaviour, the song criss-crosses between rock ‘n’ roll and slow, languishing dream-pop. 

Meanwhile standout ‘Any Day In The Park’ is an irresistible slice of ’60s-style pop. Saad’s retro guitars set the tone for Suryani’s distinctive vocals, which celebrate the simple pleasure of a day outdoors. “There is so much heart at the park,” she sings, bathed in beautiful, happy harmonies.

‘Illusory Utopia’ feels similarly retro. A slow, jazzy dream of a song, it’s boosted by sugar-coated keyboards and “ba-ba-ba” backing vocals that make you shimmy in your seat, longing for sunny days and super-strong cocktails.

‘I Don’t Wish To Carry You Anymore’ is more melancholic, but no less beautiful. A torch song reflecting on a break-up, its simple, stripped back guitars place Suryani’s beautiful vocal front and centre. And then there’s a proper ‘wave your lighter in the air’ moment, as she sings, “Oh, Dear, I miss you too…”, boosted by swooning backing vocals. It’s epic and beautiful.

Already building a following in their native Indonesia, Stars and Rabbit hope to make an impact internationally with this record. And they’ve certainly made one on me. Rainbow Aisle is going to soundtrack my summer.

Rainbow Aisle is out now on Green Island Music.

Vic Conway

Photo Credit: Robby Suharlim

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LISTEN: Tina Boonstra – ‘Out Of My Depth’

Tina Boonstra is the pop-rock star we’ve been needing since the end of the noughties. Her new track, ’Out Of My Depth’, is one to keep you on your toes, as she reflects on trying to keep it together.

Punchy bass and percussion set the scene, keeping it simple and sweet, yet with an added grit. The first chorus is artistically contrasting as the instruments continue to support Boonstra minimally, whilst she sings “I’m out of my depth…”

As the song progresses, you gradually go deeper and deeper into Boonstra’s emotions, as the instrumentals backing her up become more and more complex. Soft harmonies tie you in, and bold guitar chords take you under. And, just when you think she’s coming up for air, another wave hits you with the final chorus.

Needless to say, if I ever need to let off some steam, Tina Boonstra is the girl I’m turning to… And with her next show coming up in April, you will most likely see me there.

 

‘Out Of My Depth’ is out now. Catch Tina Boonstra live on the following dates:

20th March – Green Note, London (supporting Alessi’s Ark)
29th April – The Shacklewell Arms, London (supporting Annabel Allum)

Robyn Emerson

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Track Of The Day: Why Bonnie – ‘Voice Box’

The latest full-band project from Texan artist Blair Howerton, Why Bonnie released their debut Water back in 2018 and have now returned, announcing their upcoming EP Voice Box, set for release next month. 

Title track and lead single, ‘Voice Box’, oozes sunny uplifting vibes as shimmering hooks and Howerton’s rich, luscious vocals flow with a soaring emotion. With shades of the twinkling surf-rock of the likes of Alvvays or Best Coast (which is no bad thing in my books), it’s a truly dreamy offering fuzzing with a dazzling, effervescent charm.

Of the upcoming EP, Howerton explains:

“It encapsulates a disconnect between my inner and outer world, and not being able to express myself authentically because of that. But, ultimately knowing I will crash and burn if I don’t.”

Voice Box, the upcoming EP from Why Bonnie, is out 10th April via Fat Possum Records.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Track Of The Day: Belako – ‘Tie Me Up’

Having previously blown me away with their immersive live show supporting Queens Of The Stone Age in Finsbury Park last year, Basque Country band Belako have now announced their new album, set for release in May.

Taken from the album, new single ‘Tie Me Up’ is filled with gritty, swooning vocals and immense swirling hooks, resulting in a super catchy alt-rock anthem. With shades of early noughties indie, it showcases the poignant raw power and majestic musicality that this Spanish band are capable of creating. 

Of their upcoming new album, Plastic Drama, the band explain:

“‘Plastic Drama’ searches for the real meaning of things in a world that translates everything into assembly lines, manufacturing and the exploitation of living beings,” say the band. “It’s about the harsh reality our generation is facing and the only good use of new technology, which is the ability to spread the word and call for action. The title of the album has another message, as it also reminds us the first world issues we’ve come so keen to complain about. We can only hope for a more responsible human legacy”.

Plastic Drama is set for release in May, and you can catch Belako live at The Great Escape on 13th and 14th May.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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