WATCH: Lunar Vacation – ‘Mold’

With a twinkling new excursion, Atlanta-based band Lunar Vacation share their new single ‘Mold’ in anticipation of their debut album Inside Every Fig Is A Dead Wasp, which is set for release in October.

Setting the scene with choral vocals and synth pads that hold the power to stretch for days, ‘Mold’ is captivating from its start, casting off into a dream sequence breathing honest lyrics on the art of balance. Catchy riffs nudge the track into its snappy rhythm and develop Lunar Vacation’s indie-rock disposition into irresistible, danceable dream-pop. Modest, detail oriented drums keep the track swirling, sustaining ‘Mold’s luscious yet driving guitars and honey-sweet vocals. However, it is the chemistry between players that seals the effortless breeze and nonchalant feel of Lunar Vacation. 

A sense of closeness seeps through every crack of ‘Mold’s mix. Its world remains “changing with the seasons” as the track unravels through warm sing-along choruses, and signs off with a sonic shift that hits like winter in slow motion. Reminiscent of the dreamy soundscapes of Snail Mail or Alvvays, Lunar Vacation elegantly share a melancholic experience packaged in a lush, sparkling soundscape.

‘Mold’ is accompanied by a quirkily psychedelic, Wes Anderson-inspired new video. Watch it here:


Inside Every Fig Is A Dead Wasp, the upcoming new album from Lunar Vacation, is set for release on 29th October via Keeled Scales.

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

Photo Credit: Violet Teegardin

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WATCH: Cherym – ‘We’re Just Friends’

Following their luscious and totally infectious last single ‘Listening To My Head’, and receiving acclaim from the likes of John Kennedy and Frank Turner, Derry trio Cherym have now announced their upcoming new EP, Hey Tori, set for release in September. And, ahead of the EP’s release, they have now shared a vibrant new video.

Propelled by buoyant beats and jangling hooks, ‘We’re Just Friends‘ is a heartfelt reflection on life and love, particularly from the perspective of non-heteronormative couples. Oozing a swirling, danceable energy and all the honey-sweet punk-pop vibes you could ever desire, it’s a wonderfully fuzzy burst of bubbling, sugar-coated nostalgia. Another instantly catchy, and utterly uplifting, offering that harks back to my favourites of the early noughties in all the best ways.

Of the track, drummer Alannagh Doherty explains:

“This is a song we wrote after spending some time thinking about life and some of the positive aspects of it, like relationships we’ve had that we can look back on, or the relationships that have yet to come. It’s a cheesy tune about being in a very wholesome relationship with your soul mate… There is a wee bit of irony in the title because in most wlw (woman-loving-woman) relationships—or any non-heteronormative relationships—people will always presume you’re ‘just friends’ so that’s where the idea came from.”

Watch the super cute animated video for ‘We’re Just Friends’ now:


Hey Tori, the upcoming EP from Cherym, is set for release on 30th September via Alcopop! Records. Pre-order here. Catch them live on their UK tour in October – more info here.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Y-Control Photography

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Track Of The Day: Dawn To Dawn – ‘Care’

Montreal based trio – Tess Roby, Adam Ohr and Patrick Lee – aka Dawn to Dawn – are due to release a full length LP in spring 2022 and are drip feeding singles throughout this year as an advance taster – ‘Care’ is the latest of these. It’s a gentle and stylish ode to the sheer joy felt when dancing away summer nights.

The track opens with laidback synths treading lightly over a chilled-out drum loop. First impressions are that this is either the song that you dance to at 3am in the club once the DJ has their flow on and the dance-floor is in full swing, or the song in your headphones the next morning as you make your way home. Roby’s shimmering vocals act as an extra textural layer rather than a front and centre feature of Dawn to Dawn’s sound. Long, warm, and breathy, the delivery is so sensual and relaxed you can almost hear the sunrise. The lyrics are minimalist, depicting a dance-floor crush walking away in the sunrise as the encroaching light cuts off the chance to catch up to them. 

Dawn to Dawn have also created a stunning video clip to go with the track. Shot on 16mm, it has the feel of a ’70s/’80s home video and depicts three friends dancing wildly in the studio, driving the streets in early morning sunlight, sharing a glass of wine. Scenes are non-chronological and recreate the sense of lost time so familiar to anyone who has had a massive night out dancing with friends. 

Watch the new video here:

‘Care’ is out now  and is available on bandcamp.

Kate Sullivan
@katesullo

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WATCH: Meggie Brown – ‘Dusty Smells’

Having already been championed by the likes of Alex Kapranos, and The Guardian – who named them as ‘One To Watch’ at the beginning of 2020 -, North London-based artist Meggie Brown has now shared the first song taken from their upcoming new EP.

‘Dusty Smells’ is an anthem for anyone wrangling with their identity or trying to find their place in the world. Brown’s delivery is pure poetry, almost like spoken word, as they share a nostalgic take on identity. The lyrics transport us to a trashy old working men’s club, somewhere in suburbia, which allows us to reflect on who we are. It’s proper storytelling, amplified by super-sleazy guitars, primal drums and a trippy, art-rock outro that celebrates little nuggets of our collective memories – like skin on custard and getting all dolled up to show that you’re a fully functioning adult.

There’s such originality here; Brown’s vocals and lyrics sparkle, and the music feels fresh and exciting. When Brown sings “Why do I bother?” it feels like a revelation – something to liberate and inspire anyone who’s ever struggled to fit in.

Of the track, Brown – who recently came out as transgender – explains:

“Coming to terms with one’s gender identity has been both beautiful and challenging during this lockdown. When I wrote and recorded ‘Dusty Smells’ and the EP I wanted them to match through sound how non-binary those emotions and realisations were… True to the circumstance, Dusty smells is very nostalgic trying to connect the old ways with the new, the feeling of home, the smells and associations whilst trying to understand our place as young adults, why do we bother?“

‘Dusty Smells’ is accompanied by an immersive, artfully created, video, directed by Myfi Mountfordand produced by Creature Fleur. Watch it here:

HOME, the upcoming EP from Meggie Brown, is set for release later this year.

Vic Conway
@thepicsofvic

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