Track Of The Day: th’sheridans – ‘Luka’

Following last year’s career-spanning compilation, featuring tracks from over a decade on the scene, indie-pop faves th’sheridans have now returned with a delightful brand new release.

A cover of Suzanne Vega’s 1987 poignant country-pop classic, ‘Luka‘ is propelled by spangly, strummed hooks and an immersive scuzzy whirr. Whilst maintaining all the heartfelt twinkling emotion of the original as it tackles the song’s affecting theme of child abuse, th’sheridans have managed to add their own unique fuzzy musicality and a delicately melancholic sense of reflection. With a shimmering sense of nostalgia, they have created a wonderfully effervescent rendition; oozing a beautifully lilting grace and captivating charm.

‘Luka’ is accompanied by an original b-side, ‘Proving Yr Humanity‘. Fuelled by a raw, impassioned emotion and stark, stripped-back musicality, it’s a short, sharp blast of folk-infused, stirring and socially aware “critical pop for radical purposes”.

The artwork for this release is by beloved cult comics artist and illustrator Vanesa R. Del Rey.

‘Luka’ / ‘Proving Yr Humanity’ is out now via Eatery Records.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Track Of The Day: Ghost Car – ‘Conch Pearl’

With a chaotically wonderful feminist energy, London-based international punk quartet Ghost Car debut their latest spunky single ‘Conch Pearl‘. Continuing on their garage-pop path, Ghost Car come out eager with an undeniably grungy, racing drive that is sure to have you head-banging on first listen.

Reminiscent of The Runaways as well as LA based social-pop band LavaLove, ‘Conch Pearl’ feels both old and new when it comes to the track’s disposition. Whimsical, swinging vocals give Ghost Car a vintage ’60s energy, draped over overdriven, explosive rock guitar that oozes a fierce, raw emotion. And what is baked out of these juxtaposing influences feels glamorous and cathartic.

‘Conch Pearl’ is captivating and quick-witted from its start with a riff-driven intro that sets the rest of the track off to the races. Rolling drums stop for nobody, fuelling the track with a frenzied urgency. Ghost Car ask “What do you see?” as a repetitive, punk refrain that feels intimidating in the best way possible. Of the track, the band explain:

“It’s a feminist commentary on women/queer community being ‘shrunk down’ to fit a mould. The idea of a conch shell closing up, closing yourself off to the world vs opening up. We wanted to use the obsession with the pearl to represent the possession that is sometimes manifested towards women, something all of us have experienced first-hand at some point in our lives”.

This latest offering from Ghost Car is tough, empowered and dainty all at once. As ‘Conch Pearl’ oscillates, the song’s build never loses motivation – adding in more guitar, increasingly energized drums and layers of niche vocal yelling sounds to bring the track to a roaring climax. It does not let go of you – and keeps you utterly immersed for its whole ride. A short, sweet blast of glistening post-punk energy.

Truly Trash, the debut album from Ghost Car, is set for release on 28th October via One Little Independent Records.

Jill Goyeau
@jillybean

Photo Credit: Patrick Smith

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PREMIERE: DIVES – ‘Say’

Having formed back in 2016 at Pink Noise Girls Rock Camp and since shared stages with the likes of Courtney Barnett and L.A. Witch, Vienna trio DIVES have recently received acclaim for their beautiful recent session for NPR, and have now announced the release of their upcoming new album, following 2019’s debut Teenage Years Are Over.

Taken from the album, brand new single ‘Say‘ reflects on repeated patterns of behaviour in relationships, as it flows with a wonderfully scuzzy allure and rich, honey-sweet vocals. With shades of the sparkling zest of Alvvays or Lunar Vacation, a luscious slice of fuzz-filled surf-rock is created, propelled by jangly hooks and a shimmering lilting musicality. Instantly catchy, and impossibly uplifting, ‘Say’ offers a perfectly blissful end-of-summer anthem, glistening with a rippling sunny energy and immersive effervescent haze.

Of the track, the band explain:

“It’s about going in circles with one person over and over again, discussing the same topics, and reaching the limits of the relationship as you realize you can’t get out of the cycle even though you like each other so much.”

Watch/listen to ‘Say’ for the first time below:


‘Say’ will be available on all streaming platforms from tomorrow, 1st September. And Wanna Take You There, the upcoming second album from DIVES, is set for release 14th October via Siluh Records.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Marie Haefner

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Track Of The Day: Aderyn – ‘Playground’

‘Playground‘ is the latest single from South Wales indie-pop artist Aderyn, recent ‘Artist Of The Week’ on BBC Radio Wales. It’s a fun, summery and infectious pop song with a rock edge, recorded in LA with Bobby Bloomfield (who’s previously worked with the likes of 50 Cent and Linkin Park). 

The production is clean and polished with many engaging pop hooks and a cool, fizzing musicality propelled by the tight and energetic rhythm section. Aderyn sings blunt and playful lyrics following a recent breakup, delivered full of attitude and sass; sometimes sung so fast she’s almost rapping. She’s mastered immersive lyrical storytelling, allowing you to picture the scene in your mind – a story that many will relate to and cathartically sing along with in the chorus.

Musically, the song is built around fuzzy, slightly distorted riffs giving it a rocky edge, bringing to mind artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Soccer Mommy and Pale Waves, whilst incorporating swirling guitar chops, synth hooks and vocal harmonies.

Of the track, Aderyn explains:

“Playground was written just after a break-up. I was definitely in the ‘anger’ state of mourning the relationship when I wrote this song. I often joke at my gigs that singing this song live is a form of free therapy for me”. 

‘Playground’ is accompanied by a vibrant music video, showcasing Aderyn’s cheeky charisma and colourful energy as she sings directly into the camera at a sunny seaside theme park, at one point holding a pink smoke flare to amp up the attitude and fun. Watch here:

You can catch Aderyn live at  Sŵn Festival, Cardiff on the 22nd October. Find info about this and other tour dates via her Instagram .

Ella Patenall
@ellapatenall

Photo Credit: Hannah Tottle

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