NEW TRACK: O Hell – ‘hard times’

Following on from their previous single ‘It Heals So Quick‘ – a compelling extrapolation on sexuality, ritual and sacrifice – Brighton-based artist and producer Lucy Sheehan aka O Hell has shared their latest offering, ‘hard times’.

Influenced by a love of the eclectic sounds of PJ Harvey, Massive Attack and Mark Lanegan, O Hell’s music sees them explore and deconstruct themselves over brooding electronics, twitchy beats and crystalline vocals. On ‘hard times’ they continue this dismantling, taking cues from the often restricting views we have about love and the way in which it evolves over time.

“I have a hard time forgiving you sometimes / and a hard time loving you less” confesses Sheehan in the chorus, their simplistic words made more potent by their clear, emotive vocals. Underscored by atmospheric beats, evocative synths and idiosyncratic samples, O Hell tenderly navigates the uncertain territory between romantic and platonic love, dismissing the idea that we need to burn bridges, whilst also acknowledging that we need time to recover from the end of a relationship in order to remain close to someone.

“I wrote the chorus in about five minutes, but then George and I kicked it around for weeks before he moved to San Diego,” O Hell explains about the conception of ‘hard times’. “Ben and I visited him there in North Park a few months later, and maybe it needed a bit of that Californian sunshine, ‘cus we finished it as soon as we got back. We started adding on little samples and field recordings that started to provide the verses’ glazed fairground atmosphere. One is a phone recording of when my friend and stylist Abi were being accosted by some council bloke trying to fine us. That’s on there…the sound of Brighton in the summer. That adult fairground atmosphere is definitely there lyrically too, maybe in response to San Diego itself, all the gas station watermelon and donuts.

“The whole thing is a bit of a collage,” Sheehan ultimately reflects. “What I wanted to say in the chorus is: get back to what love really is, ‘cus it’s way bigger and better than the bullshit possessiveness we’re told it needs to centre around. It might change state, it might morph between romantic and platonic, or everything in between – but fuck all the drama off, if you love someone, let that love take its course. It was always bigger than the first label you smacked on it anyway.’

O Hell’s poignant message is enhanced by the accompanying DIY road trip video for ‘hard times’, which Sheehan, filmed, directed and edited by themselves. Watch it below.

Follow O Hell on Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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PLAYLIST: August 2023

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of indie & alternative tunes, guitar anthems, alt-pop gems and electronic sounds for your listening pleasure. Take some time to scroll through our track choices below, and make sure you press play on the playlist at the end of this post.

Follow GIHE on Spotify to hear all of our previous playlists too.

Human Interest – ‘Step On’
Following the success of previous singles ‘Mixing Paint’ and ‘Cool Cats’, and with recent acclaim from the likes of Steve LaMacq on BBC 6Music, East-London band Human Interest have now announced the release of an upcoming EP later this year. Combining a fierce post-punk drive with a fuzzy, lilting energy, lead single ‘Step On’ reflects on “appreciating the duality of yourself and your friends” and builds with an anthemic power to a swirling slice of infectious indie-pop. ‘Step On’ is out now via Nice Swan records.
(Mari Lane)

CLT DRP – ‘I See My Body Through You’
Following on from their incendiary anthems ‘New Boy‘ and ‘Nothing Clever, Just Feelings‘, this is the latest banger from Brighton feminist electro-punks CLT DRP. Taken from their upcoming second album, Nothing Clever, Just Feelings, which is set for release on 8th September via Venn Records, the track is a dynamic, corrosive rumination on objectification and how it can affect our own identity and self worth. By combining quieter verses with a blistering chorus, CLT DRP reflect the tumultuous emotions and lack of control that can come from feeling exposed and viewed through a skewed and restricting lens.
(Kate Crudgington)

Chroma – ‘Don’t Wanna Go Out’
Having just announced the release of their debut album, and with news of an exciting support slot with (my most watched band in the world) Foo Fighters next year, Welsh band Chroma are definite ones to watch right now, and so we couldn’t be more thrilled that they’ll be headlining our night at Shacklewell Arms next Friday! (8th September). To celebrate the news, they’ve shared ‘Don’t Wanna Go Out’, a fierce new single reflecting on feelings of FOMO and propelled by the band’s distinctive raw, relentless energy. An instant earworm that I can’t wait for East London to mosh along to very soon! Ask For Angela, the debut album from Chroma, is set for release on 20th October via Alcopop! Records. Nab tickets to see them live on 8th September along with wormboys and UrgentSea here. (ML)

Duvet – ‘Girlcow’
‘Girlcow’ is the latest single from Manchester post punks Duvet, who are gearing up to to release their split 7″ ‘Girlcow/Sweaty Dog’ on 29th September via Fear of Missing Out Records. I love their sleazy, chaotic sound on this track, which the band say is “a bit of fictional story telling about a confident cowboy pursuing a play girl bunny type character,” explored from both perspectives. (KC)

Gender Chores – ‘Dysphurious’
A reflection on coming out as non-binary – a subject that’s very close to Northern Irish punks Gender Chores’ hearts – ‘Dysphurious’ offers a truly uplifting dose of punk-pop, oozing a fierce colourful spirit. Filled with scuzzy hooks and a refreshingly honest lyricism, it’s an empowering ode to freeing yourself from the constrictions of conventional gender ‘norms’; an energising boost of confidence to be your true self in the face of adversity. (ML)

Femegades – ‘Depleted’
Following their debut EP Pornsick and last year’s ironically entitled Not All Men, punk-rockers Femegades are back with a gloriously riotous new single. Reflecting on society’s expectation on women to be – and want to be – perfect, happy mothers, ‘Depleted’ rages with a snarling energy and fierce, raw power. (ML)

ALT BLK ERA – ‘Misfits: SOLAR’
Combining jagged electronics and racing beats with their raging lyrics, genre-defying sister duo ALT BLK ERA have created another alternative statement of self autonomy on ‘Misfits: SOLAR’. Taken from their upcoming EP, Freak Show, which is set for release on 1st September, the track is a frenzied anthem fuelled by their antagonistic, youthful spirit. (KC)

The Dead Zoo – ‘Hoover Damned’
Having recently wowed us live at our last gig at Shacklewell Arms in July, London-based The Dead Zoo have now shared an uplifting new single. Propelled by a scuzzy energy reminiscent of brit-pop bands of the ‘90s, ‘Hoover Damned’ oozes catchy hooks and swirling harmonies, accompanying the sultry allure of front woman Kaoru’s gritty vocals. Of the track, Kaoru explains: “I wanted to write about a world where women are as free to make mistakes and walk away as men traditionally have…” Produced by James Aparicio, ‘Hoover Damned’ is out now via Rock Noir Recordings. Watch the new video here. (ML)

Deerhoof – ‘My Lovely Cat!’
Following the release of their 19th album earlier this year, I was lucky enough to experience the utter magic of legendary avant-garde sound creators Deerhoof last week. And when I say ‘magic’, I’m not exaggerating… The pure immense cacophonies they’re able to create are a spectacle to behold; their frenzied colourful energy like nothing I’ve ever seen. ‘My Lovely Cat!’ is probably my favourite track taken from the latest album (which is sung entirely in Satomi’s native Japanese), not only because of its cute, relatable title, but I just love its swirling sonic brilliance and joyous drive. Miracle Level, the latest album from Deerhoof, is out now via Joyful Noise. (ML)

HAVVK – ‘Expiry’
The new single from Irish based trio, and GIHE faves, HAVVK, ‘Expiry’ channels a seething raging energy, ‘Expiry’ reflects on society’s expectations of women to ‘age gracefully’, whilst giving a middle finger to these restrictions on how you should dress or behave. I just love how its fierce sense of urgency is propelled by the raw power of lead singer Julie’s distinctive celestial vocals. (ML)

Shaene – ‘june’
This melancholy song from Leeds-based songwriter shaene is lifted from her self-produced debut album, time lost / time regained, which is set for release on 1st September. The track is a reflection on her fluctuating relationship with their Dad, which she is reminded of on Father’s Day each year during June. As with her previous single ‘sad’, shaene filters these conflicting feelings through a soft, shoegazey lens, which makes for sad-yet-sweet listening. (KC)

GENN – ‘Calypso’
GIHE favourites GENN are gearing up to release their debut album, unum, on the 6th October, and this track ‘Calypso’ is lifted from it. The track showcases the truly versatile sound of the Brighton-via-Malta art-punk quartet, who totally blew us away with their live performances at The Great Escape Festival earlier this year. (KC)

Ideal Host – ‘The Resolution’
A tender, synth-led rumination that showcases the evolving nature of their sound, this is the third single from Ideal Host. Led by Heather Perkins and Sean Hughes – who are both former members of the band Slowcoaches – Ideal Host are dedicated to making music on their own terms. ‘The Resolution’ acts as a bookend to the band’s previous single ‘The Conflict‘, exploring the softer side of their brooding, intuitive songwriting. Ideal Host are currently writing and recording their full length album, which they plan to release and tour next year. (KC)

O Hell – ‘hard times’
The chorus to this O Hell track hit me right in sternum. Her direct lyrics, clear vocals and evocative electronics make for captivating listening. Speaking about ‘hard times’, O Hell explains: “What I wanted to say in the chorus is: get back to what love really is, ‘cus it’s way bigger and better than the bullshit possessiveness we’re told it needs to centre around. It might change state, it might morph between romantic and platonic, or everything in between – but fuck all the drama off, if you love someone, let that love take its course. It was always bigger than the first label you smacked on it anyway.” (KC)

Hinako Omori – ‘cyanotype memories’
A mood-lifting soundscape that offers listeners a moment of respite in an uncertain world, I love this single from London-based artist and composer Hinako Omori. Taken from her upcoming album, stillness, softness…, which is set for release via Houndstooth on 27th October, the track is an ode to surrendering yourself to the unknown and finding peace within that process. (KC)

Mint Field – ‘El Suspiro Cambia Todo’
Having just announced the release of their upcoming new album, Mexican psych duo Mint Field have now shared a dreamy new single. Flowing with a whirring, hypnotic grace, ‘El Suspiro Cambia Todo’ (The Sigh Changes Everything) offers a spellbinding soundscape, enchanting the ears with its glistening splendour. Of the track, the band explain: “Sighing is the desire for melancholy. It denotes that something is happening. Sometimes we just need to sigh to let go. Sighing is something we do unconsciously but it says a lot about what is going on inside our mind.” Aprender a Ser, the upcoming new album from Mint Field, is set for release on 27th October via felte. (ML)

Amaroun – ‘Dopamine’
Taken from her upcoming EP of the same name, which is set for release on 29th September, ‘Dopamine’ is the latest single from ‘GIHE favourite Amaroun. Inspired by “the minuscule euphoric moments that keep her ADHD brain hooked throughout the day,” this track oozes with Amroun’s trademark alt-pop style. (KC)

CHIKA ft. Charlie Wilson – ‘Can’t Explain It’
I’m a bit late to the party, but recently loved watching ‘Ladies First’, a short (not long enough!) docu-series on Netflix about and by women in hip-hop. As well as featuring a number of artists I already know and love – such as the legendary Queen Latifah and contemporary rappers Rapsody and Tierrra Whack – it also introduced me to a few that I’d not come across before. One of these was Alabama-born MC/rapper CHIKA, who spoke at length about her position as a queer woman in the industry. I just love her driving energy, gritty allure and refreshingly honest lyricism, and urge you to check out this celebration of queer black love, as well as her epic recent album Samson. (ML)

Mykki Blanco – ‘Holidays In The Sun’
I can’t get enough of the funk-fuelled energy and infectious uplifting spirit of the new single from pioneering artist Mykki Blanco. “A feel good summer anthem about lazy summer days swimming in the sea, hopping from one music festival to the next, feeling good about life and living la dolce vita soaking up the sun.”, its only negative is that it does make me quite desperate for a holiday in the sun myself… Mykki Blanco’s upcoming new album, Postcards from Italia, is set for release on 22nd September via Transgressive, and keep your eyes peeled for an exclusive interview with them on our website very soon! (ML)

Aderyn – ‘Distraction’
Reflecting on the restlessness one can feel during the summer break, ‘Distraction’ is the latest single from South Wales artist Aderyn. Propelled by shimmering hooks and a driving punk-pop energy, it showcases Aderyn’s honey-sweet vocals and ability to create instantly catchy, emotion-rich singalong anthems. Aderyn’s debut EP, Sea Glass, is set for release on 14th September. (ML)

Catherine Moan – ‘Jawbreaker’
Angel Jefferson aka Catherine Moan is back with this new single which marks a “new era” of her electro-pop project. ‘Jawbreaker’ is written from the point of view of “someone who feels replaceable, hard to love, and ultimately feels damaged by another’s actions” – all underscored by buoyant 80s-inspired synths and Catherine’s bittersweet vocal. (KC)

SOFT LAD – ‘The Human Condition’
“This song came as a result of the worst hangover of my life!” explains Sophie Galpin aka SOFT LAD about this single – respect to her for telling it like it is! The multi-instrumentalist, who also plays in Self Esteem’s band, encourages her listeners to treat those closest to us with kindness; all underscored by her buoyant beats, melodic riffs and clear vocals. (KC)

Cutty – ‘Overdrive’
This is the latest single from Hull-based duo Cutty, who formed after meeting at their local dive bar. Amy and Kev explain that ‘Overdrive’ is a crowd-pleasing favourite when they play it live at local gigs, so it made sense to record it and share it for everyone else to hear too. (KC)

Sirene – ‘Don’t Let Me Fall (Out Your Mind)’
With acclaim from the likes of Deb Grant on BBC 6Music, Yorkshire-born, London-based artist Sirene released her debut album last year, and has now shared a poignant new single. Reflecting on the desire to consistently do your best for the ones you love, ‘Don’t Let Me Fall (Out Your Mind)’ is a beautifully stirring ballad, showcasing Sirene’s distinctive rich vocals and an exquisite twinkling emotion. (ML)

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PLAYLIST: April 2023

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of indie & alternative anthems, industrial soundscapes, alt-pop and electronic tunes for your listening pleasure. Take some time to scroll through our track choices below, and make sure you press play on the playlist at the end of this post.

Follow GIHE on Spotify to hear all of our previous playlists too.

 

Whitelands – ‘Setting Sun’
I’m really into London band Whitelands at the moment! Formed of Etienne, Jagun, Vanessa and Michael, I just love their scuzzy, shoegaze-infused soundscapes, and ‘Setting Sun’ showcases their ability to create the stuff of truly captivating sonic dreams. They’ll be playing in Brighton at The Great Escape Festival in May, so make sure you catch them if you’re lucky enough to be going! (Mari Lane)

Hypsoline – ‘With You Gone’
Having completely fallen in love with Hypsoline when they played for us, supporting Currls back in December, I’m now super excited that they’ll be returning to charm us again – for their first ever London headline show – on 19th May at The Shacklewell Arms. Support comes from The Ethical Debating Society and Rom Coms. Grab your tickets here. (ML)

Circe – ‘Riot Of Sunlight’
GIHE favourite Circe has shared her new single ‘Riot Of Sunlight’, which is taken from her upcoming EP, Drawing Wings From The Light, set for release on 19th July. Inspired by her love for Jez Butterworth and Mark Rylance’s critically acclaimed play Jerusalem, it’s a commanding, delightfully disorientating blend of dizzying synths and seraphic vocals, all delivered with her distinctive and vivid charm.
(Kate Crudgington)

Twin Rains – ‘You’re The Only One’
This apocalyptic reflection on love from Toronto-based Twin Rains is the first piece of new material from the duo since 2021. Full of intoxicating riffs and smooth vocals, it’s a potent blend of dream pop and psych rock with an electronic edge, and I can’t stop listening to it. (KC)

Draag – ‘Demonbird’
LA electro-shoegazers Draag release their debut album Dark Fire Heresy today (28th April), and this swirling sonic headrush is lifted from it. Speaking about the track, frontperson Jessica Huang explains: “‘Demonbird’ was a major breakthrough in my personal journey unpacking spiritual abuse in my past. Becoming the Demonbird character in the video was a way for me to find some sort of justice for the women who were silenced and discarded in the purity culture of my particular religious upbringing…It’s a relief that it doesn’t have the same power over me anymore.” Draag’s new record is well worth your attention. Listen to it here. (KC)

Fraulein – ‘Brand New’
GIHE faves Fraulein are back with this aptly titled new single, taken from their upcoming EP, Pedestal, which is set for release on 30th June. Speaking about the track, Joni and Karsten explain: ‘Brand New’ is the closing track on the EP, and it’s essentially the conclusion to the more negative emotions explored on the first half (‘Pet’, ‘Three’). It’s about trying to start fresh, leaving all that behind, and just feeling free to be yourself, even though it’s frightening and you feel so vulnerable when you do it.” We can’t wait to hear their new record in full. Pre-order your copy on limited edition cassette here. (KC)

Ezra Williams – ‘Bleed’
Cork-based songwriter Ezra Williams is set to release their debut album, Supernumeraries, on 18th June via AWAL, and this track ‘Bleed’ is the first single lifted from the record. It’s a hazy, melancholic tune that explores the artist’s feelings of disconnection and isolation in relationships. We’re big fans of Williams’ indie pop sounds here at GIHE and I’m looking forward to hearing Supernumeraries in full. (KC)

O Hell – ‘It Heals So Quick’
Following on from their previous singles ‘pixel‘ and ‘I Watch The Women‘ – which made our Tracks Of The Year list in 2022 – Brighton-based artist and producer Lucy Sheehan aka O Hell has shared their latest offering, ‘It Heals So Quick’. Underscored by their desire to explore the duality of past and present, and the inner processes of emotional relapse and recovery, O Hell delivers their extrapolations on sexuality, ritual and sacrifice with compelling and gritty conviction. (KC)

Alien Chicks – ‘Candlestick Maker’
Mari & I were part of the sold out crowd at The Lexington watching Alien Chicks play their biggest headline show to date earlier this month, and they were absolutely electric. The Brixton-based trio, formed of Martha, Stefan and Joe, smashed through a setlist of their potent punk-inspired anthems, including this track ‘Candlestick Maker’. We’ve been obsessed with them since they played a GIHE gig for us at The Shacklewell Arms in December last year, and that’s why we named them as ‘Ones To Watch’ at the end of 2022. Go and see the band play live at The 100 Club in November this year. It’s the perfect venue to hear and see what they’re all about. Grab a ticket now. (KC)

CLT DRP – ‘New Boy’
Brighton Feminist Electro-Punks CLT DRP’s latest single is a visceral, incendiary anthem exploring the conflicting thoughts in the aftermath of a breakup. Released via Gallows’ label Venn Records, who the band have recently singed to, ‘New Boy’ is a rush of potent emotion, from it’s candid opening line about barely affording therapy, to its various cathartic, noisy breakdowns. The track is lifted from CLT DRP’s upcoming album, which is set for release later this year. (KC)

jellyskin – ‘Bringer Of Brine’
I love this new banger from Leeds-based duo jellyskin. Taken from their upcoming debut album, In Brine, which is set for release on 9th June via Wrong Speed Records, the pair combine their eccentric ideas with throbbing percussion and commanding electronics to create their techno-inspired, industrial sounds. (KC)

Calva Louise – ‘Feast Is Over’
Having been a big fan of international band Calva Louise’s fierce, sparkling energy for some time now (and even witnessing their luminous charm live across the pond in New York last year), I was excited to hear that they’ll be releasing a new EP soon. Over The Threshold will not only offer an insight into how the band’s distinctive sound has developed with a heavier, cathartic metal-infused rage, but will also be accompanied by the release of a third person video game produced by Stratera Games. An innovative move from Jess Allanic and co, inspired by her own love of Sci Fi and fantasy, which is also evident in the accompanying graphic novel the band created alongside their 2019 album Rhinoceros. Ahead of the EP’s release, the band have shared a fiercely riotous new single, ‘Feast Is Over’ – reflecting on overcoming the challenges of life, it’s an immense, raging call to arms. (ML)

Dream Phone – ‘Bad Girls’
Having been completely blown away by Oxford duo Dream Phone when they played live for us supporting Me Rex last month, I was thrilled to hear they’ll be releasing their debut EP in May. Lead single ‘Bad Girls’ offers a joyous ode to Buffy and Faith (from the best TV show ever, Buffy The Vampire Slayer), celebrating friendship and discovering your “bad side” as Jenny Bell and Hannah Watts’ sparkling charisma and vibrant energy shine through. Showcasing the duo’s ability to combine quirky voice augmentation with infectious, synth-driven glitch-pop soundscapes, it harks back to the innovative layering and sampling of Kathleen Hanna’s solo Julie Ruin record; oozing a euphoric riot grrrl inspired drive, whilst maintaining Dream Phone’s trademark playful allure. The self-titled debut EP from Dream Phone is set for release on 19th May via Divine Schism. (ML)

Jemma Freeman & The Cosmic Something – ‘Huge’
The latest single from London psych rockers Jemma Freeman and the Cosmic Something, ‘Huge’ channels the mindset of a child with ADHD. Rippling with fizzing hooks as the swirling power of Jemma’s truly distinctive vocals soars, it builds with a sparkling psychedelic allure to an immense, colourful cacophony. Showcasing the raw emotive majesty that this innovative artist is able to create, ‘Huge’ offers an epic, frenzied anthem. (ML)

Tokky Horror – ‘Toilet’
It was a total pleasure to chat to producer Zee back in March about Tokky Horror’s upcoming EP, KAPPACORE, which is set for release on 12th May via Venn Records. Lead single ‘Toilet’ is a blend of drum & bass beats, manic riffs and surprisingly vulnerable lyrics, inspired by Zee’s own experiences of finding their feet within activist scenes in music and queer spaces. Alongside dual vocalists Mollie Rush and Ava Akira, Zee will be bringing the riotous Tokky Horror show to Blondies in East London on 18th May. Full tour dates and interview here. (KC)

Duck – ‘Happy Back’
The new single from GIHE faves, Duck, ‘Happy Back’ offers an anthem for anyone awkward and self-deprecating who needs a bit of love. A wonderfully fizzing cacophony, propelled by whirring hooks and a scuzz filled goodness, it’s the first release from the band’s upcoming third album and was recorded at Make Noise Studios in Sheffield with engineer/co-producer Tom Henthorn. (ML)

Hand Habits – ‘Something Wrong’
The latest single from Hand Habits – one of my most listened to artists at the moment, and someone who’s collaborated with legends like Perfume Genius – ‘Something Wrong’ is an utterly captivating offering. Propelled by a majestic dark energy, an utterly dreamy soundscape is created; instantly immersing the listener in its haunting, emotion-strewn grace. Sugar The Bruise, the upcoming mini album from Hand Habits, is set for release in June. (ML)

Hazel Mills – ‘Enclosure’
‘Enclosure’ is the first single to be lifted from Bristol-based multi-instrumentalist Hazel Mills’ upcoming EP, The Embrace, which is set for release on the 19th of May. A beautiful blend of lilting synths, altruistic beats and evocative vocals, Mills has created a gentle hypnotising soundscape that feels more affecting each time it’s listened to. (KC)

Mere Child – ‘Not Good Enough’
Written, recorded and produced in her “poorly soundproofed kitchen/conservatory”, independent artist Aimee Herbert aka Mere Child’s latest single is a tender, atmospheric ode to persevering in the face of adversity. A poignant reflection on a difficult time, ‘Don’t Let Me Go’ shimmers with its melodic guitars, earnest lyrics and Herbert’s soft, clear vocals, which provide a lullaby-like comfort. (KC)

Prima Hera – ‘Michigan’
Described as “a classic tale of unrequited love, strewn across the highways of middle America,” this is the latest single from Sheffield-based musician Prima Hera. Full of her lush vocals, yearning lyrics and sultry reverb-drenched piano, ‘Michigan’ is a rumination on an unbalanced romantic relationship, filtered through Prima Hera’s seductive melancholy-pop lens. (KC)

Midwife & Vyva Melinkolya – ‘Miss America’
‘Miss America’ is another heavy-yet-heavenly collaboration from GIHE fave Midwife and new fave Vyva Melinkolya. This single is lifted from the duo’s upcoming 5-song album, Orbweaving, which will be released on 12th May via The Flenser. The record is described as “a web like structure – a gauze of sorrow and visceral connective thread” that combines their experiences of hopelessness, calling on a higher power, being alone, and the sublime horror of the natural world. I can’t wait to hear it. (KC)

HUSSY – ‘Blew’
This is the title track on South London-based musician Sophie Ellison aka HUSSY’s latest EP, which she released earlier this month. On Blew, she extrapolates on her inner thoughts and existential crises, whilst looking outward to the wider social contexts of why she feels the way that she does. Ellison delivers these ruminations over atmospheric, grungy guitar sounds and via her clear, brooding vocals. (KC)

The White Roses – ‘This Town’
On their brand new single, Yorkshire-based indie rock four piece The White Roses try to capture “the difficulty of what it’s like to be a young person growing up in a small town.” Full of urgent riffs and direct lyrics, the band try to work through feelings of anxiety and apathy about being left behind, whilst ignoring the “small talk” and trying to make something of themselves. (KC)

Alex Lahey – ‘They Wouldn’t Let Me In’
The latest single from Australian artist Alex Lahey, ‘They Wouldn’t Let Me In’ reflects on the isolation felt during her teenage years, as a queer person growing up. Inspired by the Netflix series Heartstopper, it oozes a comforting, heartfelt catharsis as Lahey puts into words those tough moments many queer teens experience as they try to adapt to a seemingly non-inclusive world: “I spent a lot of time thinking about my own experiences growing up as a queer teenager, being excluded from conventional romantic rites of passage, feeling like I couldn’t relate to anyone around me.” The Answer Is Always Yes, the upcoming album from Alex Lahey, is set for release on 19th May via Liberation. (ML)

Pool Kids – ‘That’s Physics, Baby’
The latest single from Florida band Pool Kids, ‘That’s Physics, Baby’ harks back to the beloved emo-strewn sounds of the early noughties. With acclaim from noughties royalty Paramore’s Hayley Williams, I just love its fizzing energy, swirling impassioned drive and catchy hooks. Pool Kids have just released their self titled second album via cult label Big Scary Monsters, and you can catch them live at The Sebright Arms on 10th May. (ML)

Heart Shaped – ‘Felt’
Following on from her previous release ‘No Contact’, Houston-born, Belfast-based songwriter Heart Shaped has provided her listeners with another cinematic slice of dream pop on ‘Felt’. Inspired by the self-deception that can underpin some romantic relationships, it’s an effervescent, uplifting offering full of soothing vocals, hazy guitar sounds and tender lyrics. (KC)

Sorry Girls – ‘Prettier Things’
Montreal duo Heather Foster Kirkpatrick and Dylan Konrad Obront aka Sorry Girls are set to release their new album in June, and continue to charm our ears with their lilting heartfelt offerings. Reflecting on being honest with yourself, ‘Prettier Things’ oozes a glistening splendour as Heather’s crystalline sugar-sweet vocals ripple with a stirring emotion throughout. A truly blissful soundscape, luring the listener in with an immersive twinkling grace. (ML)

Fern Veh – ‘Galaxies’
Fern Veh are a Leeds-based solo-project-turned-five-piece band headed by Ada Fae Gilfoyle, who create sounds that flow in an dreampop-indie-post-rock vein. They’re currently working on their debut album, and this track ‘Galaxies’ is the first single from the record. Described as “an intimate and atmospheric love song”, it’s a gentle, dreamy tune. (KC)

Divide and Dissolve – ‘Blood Quantum’
I’ve been following doom instrumentalists Divide and Dissolve since they released their second album, Abomination, back in 2018, so I was thrilled earlier this month when the duo announced that they’ll be releasing their fourth album, Systemic, on 30th June via Invada Records. This single ‘Blood Quantum’ is the first taste of what’s to come. “This music is an acknowledgement of the dispossession that occurs due to colonial violence,” explains Saxophonist and guitarist Takiaya Reed. Takiaya also credits the duo’s 2021 album, Gas Lit, for laying the foundation for their new sounds: “Because of what was built with Gas Lit, Systemic is able to express itself.” I can’t wait to hear it. Watch the striking accompanying video for ‘Blood Quantum’ here. (KC)

 

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NEW TRACK: O Hell – ‘it heals so quick’

Following on from their previous singles ‘pixel‘ and ‘I Watch The Women‘ – which made our Tracks Of The Year list in 2022 – Brighton-based artist and producer Lucy Sheehan aka O Hell has shared their latest offering, ‘It Heals So Quick’. Underscored by their desire to explore the duality of past and present, and the inner processes of emotional relapse and recovery, O Hell delivers their extrapolations on sexuality, ritual and sacrifice with compelling and gritty conviction.

After years spent touring and recording music in alternative bands around the UK (including Brighton trio PROJECTOR) Sheehan ventured into fresh sonic territory under their new moniker O Hell back in 2021. Influenced by a love of the eclectic sounds of PJ Harvey and Mark Lanegan, Sheehan’s music sees them explore and deconstruct themselves over brooding electronics, twitchy beats and crystalline vocals. On ‘It Heals So Quick’, they continue this dismantling, taking inspiration from Irish modernist literature as well as their own experiences.

“The song was inspired by the novel At Swim-Two Birds by Irish author Flann O’Brien,” Sheehan explains. “Aside from being completely surreal and hilarious, I love how it pushes together gritty modern life in contemporary Dublin with the strange, colourful mythology of ancient Ireland, Gleann-na-nGealt – or ‘the valley of the mad’ – I guess I was exploring my past through that structure, where the past and present are always intertwined.”

‘It Heals So Quick’ is also accompanied by a captivating video, which Sheehan directed and edited by themselves. “I was interested in the idea of human sacrifice, and how ancient cultures prepared willing victims with a combination of love and cruelty,” they explain about the context of the visuals. “Some victims were force fed hundreds of sloe berries, had their hair cut off, were dressed in their best clothes…I wanted to explore that strange duality.”

Watch the video for ‘It Heals So Quick’ below.

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Photo Credit: Bridie Florence Cummings

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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