EP: Tape Runs Out – ‘Talking Through Walls’

In a glistening manner, indie/electronic band Tape Runs Out take listeners down a lively new exploratory path in their newborn EP, Talking Through The Walls. Like cutting a crisp corner, the wind of the EP’s overturning tone provides a sense of urgency throughout this twinkling release that allows intricacy a spotlight, and quietness its space. In Talking Through The Walls‘ opening track ‘Make It Work’, the feeling of nostalgia is set for the record that stands parallel with the smell of untouched stories. With a shoegaze-strewn, dream-like element to the sonic landscape, Tape Runs Out lay out a bed of travel where moments of swelling synth and shiny guitar can be immortal. 

The freshness of Talking Through The Walls resides in Tape Runs Out’s ability to introduce folk sounds and timbres that ever so unexpectedly fit the band’s sonic language. ‘Ice Cream Soup’, found halfway through the release, bends in ways sounding both digital and analog as synths mimic a traditional guitar slide. There is a distinct and quirky charisma embodied in what Tape Run’s Out have stumbled upon here.

Ending the EP with lullaby-like elegance, ‘My Childhood Hands’ is an emotionally enduring mural painted with background samples that sound like home. As the pulsing keys initiate the song, here there remains room for listeners to have their own moment with the piece before the tremolo begins to shift the song’s footing. As the drifting instrumentation builds, listeners shuffle along picking up tiny yet significant elements that gradually layer in the mix like a story. This tasteful font in which Tape Runs Out have written their EP so strategically in, illustrates the band’s attention to detail. Talking Through The Walls is an instrumental adventure worth the conquest. 

Talking Through Walls is out now via Kuang Grade Recordings. Listen on Spotify.

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

EP: ARXX – ‘Wrong Girl, Honey’

Following up their last EP, Daughters of Daughters, garage rockers – and GIHE faves – ARXX returned in November with Wrong Girl, Honey. A jamming blend of early ’90s influence and thoroughly modern melody, their second EP is a highly-listenable peek into the Brighton duo’s repertoire.

I feel dead lucky to be able to say I’ve seen ARXX play live several times. I’m going to be honest: I see a lot of bands. I even see a lot of bands I really enjoy, but ARXX are on another level. Last May, I caught them playing a packed VANS store during The Great Escape, and people were streaming out of the door, beers-in-hand.

When a band can impress you live as well as on a record, you know you’re onto something wild, and beautiful, and immense.

Wrong Girl, Honey opens with the anthemic power-chord-driven ‘Iron Lung’, a track that packs fifty punches into three minutes. Guitarist and singer Hannah always delivers unforgetable riffs while drummer, Clara, gives it her all on the skins. Every track on the EP is memorable and vast, widely building in tension throughout, before leaving you with ringing ears and a desperate craving for more.

The EP closes with a change of pace with ‘The Storm’, a song that opens with just Hannah and a palm-muted guitar. Conjuring feelings of long-gone 1950s dance halls, of unfilled dance cards and swing, with lyrics examining what it means to be young and in loss (“I wish I was more than this), it only adds to the brilliance of this band.

Wrong Girl, Honey is an expansive exploration of not just a tribute to the riot grrrls who came before, but a band who knows music and knows how to speak to a new generation of girls who know their worth. Girls ready to fight for it.

 

Wrong Girl, Honey is out now. Listen on Spotify, or buy on Bandcamp now.

Em Burfitt
@fenderqueer

Video Premiere: I, Doris – ‘Just Some Doris’

Following their debut release ‘The Girl From Clapham’, and with support from the likes of Radio X and Resonanace FM, London DIY pop queens and pioneers of ‘mummycore’, I, Doris are back with a new single to see out the year with some much-needed feminist cheer.

The band’s self-proclaimed ‘theme song’, ‘Just Some Doris’ addresses how women are so often seen to be “all the same”, whilst oozing an uplifting, jangly energy and twinkling vocal harmonies. With a no-frills tongue-in-cheek wit, I, Doris reflect on how the opinions of women over a certain age are seen to have no consequence – “Just some Doris, you can just ignore us…” – all the while, juxtaposing a vibrant, sunny spirit with the sexist reality of a patriarchal society. Addressing a very real issue with a refreshing sense of sarcasm and catchy, upbeat tunes, it’s the perfect antidote to all our feelings of despair right now. So, get some Doris in your ears and stand up to the bigots.

Of the track, the band reflect:

If we were darts players, this song would be our entrance music at the Frimley Green Country Club. We should totally be darts players.

Watch the brand new DIY video for ‘Just Some Doris’, which was filmed while the band were over in New York earlier this year:

‘Just Some Doris’ will be available on Bandcamp and all major streaming services.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Keira-Anee Photography

Track Of The Day: Small Man Society – ‘Songs I Write About You’

Self described as “The kinda band you wanna take home to meet your Mum”, Small Man Society blend indie melodies and down to earth humour on their debut single, ‘Songs I Write About You’.

Accompanied by a video that shows the band joyfully grooving around the office during their 9-5, ‘Small Man Society’ casually laments the tricky situation between dating and becoming “official”, and all the awkwardness in between. Jangly guitars, catchy lyrics and upbeat vocals all blend together to create a care-free tune designed to distract you from feeling crushed by your crush.

Formed of Mother Trigg (guitars/lead vocals), Dapper Dill (guitar/vocals), Mrs Field (drums), and Shed The Sexy (bass), Small Man say their interests are Gordon Ramsay, existential chat, long walks, reading books and breaking hearts. If any of that appeals to you, we suggest you watch their video for ‘Songs I Write About You’ below.

Follow Small Man Society on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut