LISTEN: Sick Day – ‘Overexposure’

A sonic exploration of insecurity, whether rational or otherwise, Chicago-based guitar band Sick Day have shared their latest single, ‘Overexposure’. Taken from their upcoming EP of the same name, which is set for release in March 2024 via Substitute Scene Records, the track is a swirling, grungy reflection on feelings of self-doubt, and the way that this affects us as we move through the world.

Formed in 2019, just before the Covid-19 made sick days perpetually relevant, Sick Day consists of songwriter and vocalist Olivia Wallace, drummer Ryan Donlin, bassist Kaity Szymborski and cellist Chaepter. Together, the band create emotionally charged guitar tunes about the everyday struggles of life, romance, and as the band put it themselves: “the general difficulties of being alive.” They deliver these sentiments wrapped in infectious pop rock melodies and relatable lyrics, with their latest single ‘Overexposure’ being a prime example of these talents.

“‘Overexposure’ evokes feelings of anguish, turmoil, self-doubt…a reclusive state where everything feels bigger than usual and you begin to doubt your perception of the world around you,” explains bassist Kaity. “Is everything out to get me? Probably not. But in a death by a thousand cuts, you begin to pin yourself as the common denominator, and thus amorphously the cause of your daily struggles…It makes me think of the state of mind when ordinary daily occurrences and minor inconveniences can topple you over because of your own inner turmoil. A sort of breaking point that sends you spiraling inwards, doubting yourself and your perception of reality”

Despite this melancholy context, the single and the band’s upcoming five track EP, Overexposure, will provide a cathartic, buoyant space for listeners to spiral in solidarity. Listen below.

Follow Sick Day on bandcamp, Spotify, X, Instagram & Facebook

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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NEW TRACK: Fears – ‘11249’ (ft. Jemima Coulter & Ailbhe Reddy)

An affecting, lo-fi offering that gently celebrates the authentic joy of truly existing in the moment, Dublin-born, London-based interdisciplinary artist Constance Keane aka Fears has shared her latest single, ‘11249’. Taken from her upcoming second album, affinity, which is set for release on 22nd March via TULLE, the track is an exquisite blend of tender vocals, raw lyricism and tentative beats.

Following on from her recent single ‘4th of the 1st’ – a poignant reflection on emotional resilience and self-soothing – Fears has created another deeply moving offering on ‘11249’. Written whilst she was visiting New York city back in February 2023, the new single sees her reflect on the life-affirming realisation that her present emotions powerfully contrast with those of her past. The track also features fellow musicians Jemima Coulter on brass and Ailbhe Reddy on accompanying vocals.

“Sometimes, you encounter things that hit you so hard, [that] you think ‘wow, so if I had actually died a few years ago when I tried to, I’d never have gotten to see and experience this’” Fears explains about the feelings that underscore her new track. From her softly delivered, striking opening lyric “Sometimes I remember that I tried to die”, through to her hopeful closing lines – “So I call my Mum, cry on the pier / Think about how it feels to still be here / with two feet on the ground / When I look how far I can see clear / overwhelmed that I didn’t disappear / when I tried to drown” – Fears quietly, yet defiantly marks a truly impressive personal milestone.

Much like her debut album Oíche, on her upcoming second record, affinity, Fears continues to create emotive, elegant and enlightening soundscapes. This time however, she spotlights her ability to find peace in the often chaotic settings around her. Written and recorded between London, New York, and Dublin, across 10 tracks she shares stories of human connection in its strongest and most fragile forms, something which her new single ‘11249’ beautifully highlights.

The track is accompanied by a video, filmed at Fears’ birthday party and directed by her close friend and M(h)aol bassist Zoe Greenway. Watch it below.

Fears Irish & UK Tour Dates 2024
Wed 3rd April – Dublin, IE – Sugar Club
Wed 1st May – London, UK – Oslo Hackney
Fri 10th May – Glasgow, UK – The Hug & Pint

Pre-order Fears upcoming album, affinity, here

Follow Fears on bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram, Twitter (X) & Facebook
Follow TULLE on Instagram & Twitter (X)

Photo Credit: Niamh Barry

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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NEW TRACK: Kim Gordon – ‘I’m a Man’

Following on from her recent single ‘BYE BYE‘ – an eclectic combination of dense beats, brooding basslines and bruising reverb – renowned musician and visual artist Kim Gordon has shared her new track, ‘I’m a Man’. Taken from her upcoming second solo record, The Collective, which is set for release on 8th March via Matador Records, this new cut is a potent blend of grinding guitar FX, slow, sinister beats and Gordon’s distinctive vocals.

Recorded in her hometown of Los Angeles, Gordon continued to collaborate with producer Justin Raisen (Lil Yachty, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Charli XCX, Yves Tumor) on The Collective, with additional production from Anthony Paul Lopez. The follow up to her acclaimed 2019 debut solo album, No Home Record, on her new full length offering Gordon has retained her idiosyncratic style, remaining eclectic and ambiguous across each of the eleven tracks. She has captured a rumbling, intoxicating sense of unease which is translated both sonically and visually – first with her single ‘BYE BYE’ and now with her latest release ‘I’m a Man’.

Throughout the track, Gordon cogitates on the ways in which capitalism is redefining and ultimately diminishing the role of “traditional masculinity”, pitted against a chaotic backdrop of disarming noise. These ruminations are also reflected in the accompanying video, directed by Alex Ross Perry and starring Gordon, her daughter Coco Gordon Moore and Conor Fay. ‘I’m A Man’ is another exhilarating creation from a musician who immerses herself wholly into all aspects of her art. Watch the visuals for it below.

Pre-order Kim Gordon’s new album, The Collective, here

Follow Kim Gordon on bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram, X & Facebook

Photo Credit: Danielle Neu

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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NEW TRACK: Vanessa Bedoret – ‘1/2’

An idiosyncratic soundscape that dismantles the binary opposites of selfishness and selflessness, London-based French experimental violinist and performer Vanessa Bedoret has shared her latest single ‘1/2’. Lifted from her upcoming debut album, Eyes, which is set for release on 8th March via Scenic Route, the track is a beguiling blend of shape-shifting string work, eclectic field recordings, echoing beats and soft vocals.

Inspired by the duality of those who are selfless and those who are self-centered, Vanessa seeks to find harmony between these two states on ‘1/2’. Her instinctive ear for emotive instrumentation is something that suffuses her upcoming debut full length record, Eyes. Using her distinctive strings as a foundation, she urges listeners to reflect on their own emotions and experiences throughout the record, with her considered sounds facilitating this process.

Vanessa’s journey with music started in her early years. Her classical music training began at age 6, but by the time she was in her late teens, she was playing guitar in punk bands. From black metal to opera, and eurodance to IDM, Vanessa is inspired by a myriad of genres, all of which have elevated her understanding and intensified her experimentation with music as a solo artist.

Having recently played at Cafe Oto in East London supporting Mark William Lewis, Vanessa is now preparing to play as part of a string trio supporting ML Buch and Astrid Sonne on the 27th and 28th February (tickets here). She will also be playing a solo set at Loki in Brixton supporting Voice Actor on 7th March (tickets here)

Listen to ‘1/2’ below.

 

Pre-order Vanessa Bedoret’s debut album, Eyes, here

Follow Vanessa Bedoret on bandcamp, Spotify, Soundcloud & Instagram

Photo Credit: Buster Grey

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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