NEW TRACK: Twin Rains – ‘Laws Of The Universe’

A sweeping, cinematic rumination on the impact our actions have after we’re gone, Toronto-based dream-pop band Twin Rains have shared their latest single, ‘Laws Of The Universe’. Following on from their previous release ‘You’re the Only One’, the track is a heady, swirling interpretation on personal legacy, inspired by a key episode of the hit TV show, Succession.

Formed of Jay Merrow, Christine Stoesser and live drummer Greg Smith, Twin Rains write, record and produce all of their own music. Signed to Rough Trade Publishing, the band create emotive, psych-tinged, synth-soaked sounds that have been licensed for use on TV shows and movies. Their potent blend of Christine’s soft vocals with noisy, distorted guitar sounds makes for immersive listening, and their latest track ‘Laws Of The Universe’ spotlights this songwriting skill. The single also marks the first time that Twin Rains have used strings on a track, performed by Toronto musician Jessica Deutsch.

“Inspiration can come from anywhere,” explains Christine about ‘Laws Of The Universe’. “The concept of this song was prompted by an episode of Succession, the one where Kendall speaks at his father’s funeral, saying basically: ‘Yeah we know he wasn’t a nice person—but look at what he accomplished.’ So one moment I’m watching TV and the next I’m in deep contemplation because I found this to be such a profound philosophical debate: what’s more important? Your life and how you treat the people and places in it, or your legacy?”

Contemplations like this have inspired many of the the tracks on Twin Rains’ new LP, which they have been busy working on. Look out for more details on the release in the near future.

Watch the video for ‘Laws Of The Universe’ below.

Follow Twin Rains on bandcamp, Spotify, Facebook, Twitter (X) & Instagram

Photo Credit: Shane Chiasson

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Five Favourites: Supersaurus

Self described “non-binary fronted indie-pop girl band”, London-based Supersaurus’ influences range from MUNA to The 1975, and with acclaim from the likes of BBC Radio 1 and BBC Introducing, they’re really starting to hone their place as esteemed creators of sad-pop bangers. Reflecting on queer love and being part of the LGBTQ+ community, latest single ‘Let U Down‘ offers a swirling electro-pop energy as it soars with instantly catchy singalong refrains and a shimmering emotion-strewn splendour.

We think one of the best ways to get to know a band is by asking what music inspires them. So, to celebrate ‘Let U Down’, we caught up with each member of Supersaurus to ask about the music that has inspired them the most. So, read about their favourite albums – there’s four of them, so actually only four choices this time, but we’ll let them off! Have a read and make sure you take a listen to ‘Let U Down’ now!

Tayla’s Pick:

Pale Waves – Unwanted
There’s actually so many albums that I could choose from for so many different reasons either because they have a personal nostalgic meaning to me and/or they’re just purely no skip albums for me. But if I was to pick one at this very moment in time I’d have to go with Pale Waves – Unwanted. I’ve been a fan of their music for a while, ever since I first heard ‘Change’ a while back and then recently just suddenly had the urge to binge listen to all their stuff again after seeing them at Truck Festival. When I get obsessed with a song or an album trust me, that’s going to be on repeat for a good few weeks at least and the songs on this album really made me feel a lot, which is mainly what I look for. Don’t get me wrong, I love lyrics and all that but for me to really be obsessed with a song it’s got to make me feel a certain kind of way – and this album does just that. If I’d have to pick a favourite off the album I’d probably go with either ‘Lies’, purely for the insane amount of energy and the cool guitar riff, or ‘Reasons To Live’, which – ironically after saying that the lyrics aren’t the main reason that draws me into a song – the lyrics for this one did just that. An all round banger album for me – plus they’re sick live, which makes listening to their stuff even better.

Lauren’s Pick:

Kings Of Leon – Come Around Sundown
Come Around Sundown is an album I’ve come back to again and again since I was about 17. I never get tired of listening to it from start to finish, and it remains one of the select few albums I keep in my car. Originally, it had this new feeling of reflection that Kings Of Leon managed to write into their songs, a sense that you’ve been here before even though you’ve never heard it. Now it’s got the added nostalgia of driving around town with college mates (as well as many other KoL albums). I was introduced to the album by an old band mate, and I remember us being amazed at the ending of ‘The End’ – the beautiful, almost mystical keys that seem never ending but a perfect fit. Musically, the album has influenced my drumming to be more creative, following rhythms of different band members more than just the bass. It’s also a great lesson in playing what is necessary for the song. Some of the tracks on the album have huge choruses, but Nathan never goes over the top. 

Bec’s Pick:

Caroline Polachek – Desire, I Want To Turn Into You
I have a strong attachment to this album, mainly because of the way I felt when I first heard it. I was hooked, instantly. It was kind of fated to be a pretty significant album for me. The day it was released (Valentine’s Day), I was driving back from a weekend in Wales with my girlfriend to watch Caroline perform; the weather was pretty shocking but kind of added to the atmospherics of the album, and I was about eight songs deep when I realised that I could listen to this album, on repeat, forever. ‘Blood and Butter’ started and, if I am being honest, I was shook to my very core – bagpipes! She had only gone and done it. From that point on, it became my favourite album. Accidentally, Caroline has ended being my most seen live act, she was my last gig before lock down and the first one out of it. And, with each iteration, she has added more to her live show; this last time watching her with a full live band really brought this album to life. The opening track from the album, ‘Welcome To My Island’, exploded to life with loud guitars and thumping drums, and I just beamed… This is what music is all about. The past few years I’ve really been getting into more electronic indie pop music, and this album still uses a lot of live instruments, including guitars. Which for me is key – live is king. This album is full of incredible left of centre pop moments which lean into catchy hooks without being cheap. ‘Bunny Is A Rider’ is a perfect example of not taking yourself too seriously, but landing the finish. Dido, Grimes, and Bagpipes. Sold.

Benji’s Pick: 

Jimmy Eat World – Clarity
I kinda can’t not pick Clarity by Jimmy Eat World. It’s the only album that can make me sad and happy at the same time. It’s a weird one, because it’s my favourite album but I really don’t listen to it very often; it makes me feel too much, and I could do without that! But it’s a masterpiece, more albums should open with a ballad. It was either this or Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge by My Chemical Romance, but I think Clarity has the edge.

Massive thanks to Supersaurus for talking about their favourite albums with us!

‘Let U Down’ is out now, and we can’t wait to hear more from this lot!

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WATCH: Projector – ‘And Now The End’

Written as a response to a breakup scenario, but inspired by the general state of chaos that we currently live in, Brighton trio PROJECTOR continue to evolve their sound on their latest single, ‘And Now The End’. Accompanied by a beautifully shot video – the second in a trilogy of Cold War inspired films – the band question “Who do you think is winning now / and does it really matter anyhow?” via visceral riffs and cutting lyrics.

Ricocheting between spite and apathy at a disorientating pace, ‘And Now The End’ is permeated by brooding bass lines, sardonic vocals and gritty guitar FX. Together, these elements reflect the nihilistic attitudes that people often indulge in when they feel powerless in the face of overwhelming adversity. On the track’s writing process, bassist and vocalist Lucy Sheehan comments: “I was listening to Massive Attack’s Heligoland a lot, I wanted those bass lines that sounded like they could almost be a synth line, and guitars that could be noise samples.”

“Ed’s guitars are mostly noises created by dropping a Carl Martin Headroom on the floor,” Sheehan continues, “[and] as with all our stuff, Joy Division’s the major influence. That said, this wasn’t a cerebral process. We wrote ‘And Now The End’ in about half an hour, it came naturally. That’s why I think it’s probably the aesthetic signifier of the major piece of work we’re shortly about to announce…”

In the lead up to this news, Projector have announced their biggest UK tour to date, which kicks off in 2024. Fans can access tickets early in a pre-sale at 10am on Wednesday 4th October by signing up to PROJECTOR’s email list. The remaining tickets will be on general sale at 10am on Friday 6th October on the band’s website.

Watch the video for ‘And Now The End’ below.

Follow Projector on Spotify, Twitter (X), Facebook & Instagram

Projector UK Tour Dates 2024
22nd Fed – The Bodega, Nottingham
23rd Feb – The Green Door Store, Brighton
29th Feb – The Attic, Glasgow
1st March – The Castle, Manchester
2nd March – The Royal Oak, Leeds
22nd March – The Lanes, London
23rd March – Signature Brew, London

Photo Credit: Bridie Cummings

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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WATCH: Yay Maria – ‘L’Appel Du Vide’

Derby’s Yay Maria is back with ‘L’Appel Du Vide’ – a sunny bubblegum bop that fizzes with energy. While the song packs a proper electro pop punch, the lyrics are at odds with this lightness. Exploring themes of addiction and trauma, they are unafraid to discuss darker and more challenging issues. And, at a time when the trans and non-binary communities are subject to such hostility in the UK, it’s more important than ever to draw attention to these realities.  

While it doesn’t shy away from darkness, you’d be mistaken if you thought ‘L’Appel Du Vide’ was a sad song. Joyous and defiant, this is an anthem to empower and excite people. It’s accompanied by a fully animated music video, which brings together beautiful psychedelic colours, unexpected mythical guests, and a healthy dollop of northern deadpan humour! The effect is irresistible.

Along with the rest of her upcoming EP, Maria says that ‘L’Appel Du Vide’ is something of a love letter to the Queer community. She says: “I made this EP for Queer people in the sense that I feel there is a lot of negative coverage of the trans & queer community currently. So I wanted something that was just for us. Something that is audibly enjoyable whilst talking about real stuff.” 

The result is a real gift to anyone who might need it. It’s a song that’s going to mean the world to people. And this is a musician that’s going to mean the world to people too. In Yay Maria, we have a figurehead; a cheerleader who encourages the community and its allies to keep fighting and have fun. 

‘L’Appel Du Vide’ is taken from Yay Maria’s upcoming EP, Superbia, which will be released on 20th October via I’m Not From London records. Pre-order here.

Vic Conway
@thepicsofvic

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