WATCH: Beach Riot – ‘Wraith’

Following acclaim for previous singles ‘Wrong Impression’ and ‘Sofa Surfer’ from the likes of BBC 6Music’s Tom Robinson and BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunders, Brighton’s Beach Riot have announced the release of their upcoming debut album, Subatomic Party Cool, due out later this month. And now the fuzz-pop quartet have shared a new video for album track ‘Wraith’.

On an energized excursion, it casts an invigorating spell as it coasts through the best sounds of pop-rock, indie and fuzz. It feels like pure adrenaline, a roller coaster taxi taking you on your way to something awaited for, serving as a fantastic anticipatory track for the band’s upcoming LP. Gothic, echoing guitars open the track with an eeriness as Jonny Ross’ high hat leads the way. It is with urgency that the track takes off at the speed of light and throws itself into the wind. 

Anchoring the sonic storm is Cami Menditeguy’s vocal melody that is striking in its swirling power from its start. A melodic catchiness comes effortlessly, but the real power emerges from the lyrics, as the band’s distinctive harmonies burst with intention and purpose. With dark thematic undertones, Beach Riot’s disposition seeks nostalgia from acts like PJ Harvey, but meets that yearning with a pop-rock energy with shades of Arctic Monkeys’ AM.  

Beach Riot have a knack for building infectious tunes as their skeleton – so, anything they choose to dress it with is never anything short of complimentary. ‘Wraith’ is a wrath of fuzzy determination; a push against gravity and a motivation for change.

Of the track the band comment:

“… it’s a song about your life force being slowly drained away in a fading relationship and there’s nothing you can do about it but watch and brace yourself.”

Watch the new video for ‘Wraith’ here:

Subatomic Party Cool, the upcoming debut album from Beach Riot, is set for release 17th September via Alcopop! Records. Pre-order here. And you can Beach Riot live on their rescheduled headline tour throughout November and December, tickets here.

Jillian Goyeau
@jillybxxn

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LISTEN: Daisy Coburn – ‘My Paradise’

Having previously released music with her project Daisy Dares You and with years of experience playing in various other bands, last year innovative artist Daisy Coburn released her debut solo EP, and has now shared her new single, ‘My Paradise’. A festival ready stomp-through-the-woodlands-until-you-find-a-magical-clearing type listen, it’s utterly enchanting as airy chimes weave through swirling guitars and trundling bass, creating a beguiling indie track which is as whimsical and eerie as Alice heading down the rabbit hole. 

As Coburn’s vocals whisper, we’re treated to the unique, celestial Tinkerbell-like quality of her voice: delicate without being fragile, emanating light while a darker mischievousness lingers too (making the accompanying press image of Daisy bathed in absinthe green light pleasingly fitting). 

Her self-written lyrics are a call to get up and discover yourself, to stop making the same mistakes. Her admission that “my paradise is that you’d think twice” is particularly poignant advice given the knowledge that her career has seen a decade’s worth of iterations – you may remember her from various outfits including The Duke Spirit. 

While there are nods to her history, there’s an unrelenting sense of Daisy’s evolution as an artist. Having left the industry as a teenager, her return is wise, well crafted and extremely welcome. As ever, it’s refreshing to hear an artist truly find her sound and it’s with great excitement we await forthcoming EP Cut The Demon.

Tutku Barbaros
@tutkubarbaros

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Track Of The Day: Aisha Badru – ‘The Way Back Home’

Having previously charmed our ears with the soothing sounds of last year’s ‘Soil’s Daughter’ and 2018’s poignant debut album Pendulum, singer-songwriter Aisha Badru has now announced her upcoming new EP, set for release in December.

Ahead of the EP’s release, new single and title track ‘The Way Back Home’ offers an endearing reflection on relationships, and the age-old realisation of “if you love something, set it free”. Flowing with twinkling, folk-inspired hooks alongside Badru’s rich, soulful vocals, it oozes an immersive, heartfelt emotion. Propelled by a gentle, lilting energy and shimmering grace, a sweeping majestic splendour ripples throughout this beautifully stirring ballad as its poignant lyricism swirls throughout. A simply exquisite, evocative creation that’ll soothe the ears with its resplendent, uplifting allure.

Of the writing of her upcoming EP, Badru shares:

“I knew exactly what to say without thinking about it. It was as if I was writing exactly from my heart.“

‘The Way Back Home’ is accompanied by a beautifully hand-crafted lyric video, directed and animated with intricate illustrations by Tash Tully. Watch it here:

The Way Back Home, the upcoming EP from Aisha Badru, is set for release on 3rd December.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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WATCH: Fortitude Valley – ‘Baby, I’m Afraid’

‘Baby, I’m afraid’ might be the soundtrack to the rest of my summer. Following previous single ‘Cassini‘, it’s the latest offering from the wonderful Durham band Fortitude Valley and, once again, they’ve given us another perfect pop banger.

As far as break-up songs go, ‘Baby, I’m Afraid’ is anything but a weepie. It’s as bouncy as it is bittersweet, reminiscent of Weezer at their very best (and by that, I am, of course, talking Pinkerton). While the lyrics, about the last days of a relationship, are tinged with sadness, they’re lifted by the spiky guitar riffs and pure punk drums, which collide brilliantly with front-person Laura Kovic’s shoegaze-inspired, bubblegum vocals. The result is truly euphoric.

Of the track, Kovic explains:

“This is a break up song. It’s two people feeling that the vibe is off, but not communicating. It’s about feeling insecure, over analysing little things and assuming the worst rather than actually speaking to the other person.”

Like Fortitude Valley’s earlier singles, ‘Baby, I’m Afraid’ is a total earworm too. Just what is this witchcraft?! After only a few listens, it’s wedged itself firmly into my brain and into my heart, but, you know what? I’m fine with that.

Watch the new video for ‘Baby, I’m Afraid’ here:

The debut album from Fortitude Valley is set for release on 29th October via Fika Recordings. Pre-order here.

Vic Conway
@thepicsofvic

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