PLAYLIST: January 2022

New year, new playlist! The Get In Her Ears team have put together an eclectic mix of indie anthems, guitar tunes, alt-pop tracks & immersive electronic sounds for your listening pleasure. Take some time to scroll through our track choices below and make sure you hit play on the Spotify playlist at the end of this post.

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

Ronnie Spector – ‘She Talks To Rainbows’
Hearing news of Ronnie Spector’s passing last week hit hard. A truly innovative musical icon, she inspired generations of women in music, whilst The Ronnettes were one of the first ‘girl groups’ to receive worldwide acclaim. Sadly also famous for being a survivor of serious physical and psychological abuse from her husband of six years, producer Phil Spector, I think it’s important we remember Ronnie for the incredible musical gifts she’s left us with. I just love the sparkling, soulful splendour and whimsical grace of this lesser known beauty, ‘She Talks To Rainbows’. (Mari Lane)

Girl Ray – ‘Murder on the Dance Floor’
Girl Ray’s cover of this 2001 classic by Sophie Ellis-Bextor… Need. I. Say. More. (Tash Walker)

Bas Jan – ‘Sex Cult’
The latest single from London experimental collective Bas Jan (founded by Serafina Steer and featuring members of Jenny Moore’s Mystic Business and Jarv Is), ‘Sex Cult’ offers a glistening cacophony propelled by a quirky energy and captivating allure. Reflecting on society’s attitude towards polygamy, it radiates a celestial joy as crystalline voices come together in unity to create something quite euphoric. Baby You Know, the new album from Bas Jan, is out 28th January via Lost Map Records. (ML)

ML Buch – ‘I’m a Girl You can Hold IRL’
This song is taken from Danish electro-pop musician ML Buch’s album Skinned which came out in 2020, but I spent a lot of the winter break listening to it so thought I’d share it with you all in 2022. I love its futuristic techno electro tones and all the FEELINGS. (TW)

SEA CHANGE – ‘Is There Anybody There’
Created during a time of intense loneliness during the middle of lockdown, this atmospheric offering from Norwegian producer Sea Change gives me goosebumps. Blossoming from a place of empathy, it’s one of many evocative tunes that feature on her upcoming album, Mutual Dreaming, which is set for release on 11th February via Shapes Recordings. (Kate Crudgington)

Brimheim – ‘This Week’s Laundry’
A stirring, intricately observed guitar tune about trying to cultivate a “normal” routine during a time of deep vulnerability, I love this single from Danish alt-pop artist Brimheim. Taken from her upcoming album, can’t hate myself into a different shape, which is set for release on 28th January via W.A.S Entertainment, the track flows with her tender vocals and confessional lyrics, which chime with relatable melancholy. I had the pleasure of interviewing Brimheim about her new record and her love for Queen Avril Lavigne earlier this month. Read our chat here. (KC)

Midwife – ‘2020’
This is a gloomy (but great) track about the year we’d all rather forget: 2020. Taken from Midwife aka Madeline Johnston’s third album Luminol, which was written & produced during quarantine last year, ‘2020’ is her cover of The Offspring’s 1997 track ‘Gone Away’, which I didn’t know until the person who recommended Midwife to me sent me a link to the original song. I know she’s been around a while, but I’m newly obsessed with this track & her album.  (KC)

Wu-Lu – ‘Times’
My new obsession, I recently came across South London multi-instrumentalist and producer Wu-Lu courtesy of Mary-Anne Hobbs on BBC 6Music. Creating a wonderfully eclectic smorgasbord of immense sounds, I just love how Wu-Lu manages to fuse together dark, Deftones-esque punk with a gritty, hip-hop inspired edge. I cannot stop listening to this track right now, which features drums by Black Midi’s Morgan Simpson. (ML)

Pearly – ‘Silver Behind The Mirror’
An agitated, sultry dose of cinematic heavy rock, I’m a big fan of this single by Ohio-based trio Pearly. Taken from their upcoming album Silver of The Mirror, which is set for release on 11th February via Eto Ano Recordings, the track is a smouldering slice of “stoner rock” that heaves with heady desire. (KC)

SASAMI – ‘Say It’
This industrial-tinged “rage dance anthem” from SASAMI is 100% a bit of me. Taken from her upcoming album Squeeze, which is set for release on 25th February via Domino, SASAMI explains: “I feel like when I hear this song I see a hot femme with a mystical flamethrower engulfed in emotional blue flames throwing elbows alone in an industrial dance club in outer space.” Mate, same. (KC)

HALINA RICE – ‘Sunken Suns’
What do I love more than dreamy songs full of feelings? The answer is obscure electronica! My latest listen comes from London-based artist Halina Rice, as part of a new project where she is embarking on creating new worlds in her music. Of this track Halina explains, “I wanted to create something dark and strange and emotive. The track emerged after days spent generating sounds through synths and noise generators. I put a mass of effects on the sampled vocals and they seemed to develop a life of their own – like a half-heard transmission from another world.” LOVE IT. (TW)

Gemini Aaliyah – ‘Moonrise’
Leeds-based artist Gemini Aaliyah says her single ‘Moonrise’ is the beginning of her “fucked up fairy tale where the ghetto meets the goth girl,” and that’s something I’d like to openly support. She channels her angst through yearning vocals and brooding beats, finding solace in the idea of re-birth and reinvention through her lyrics. Gemini Aaliyah will be playing at Drown U Out Festival at Leeds University Union on 19th February, alongside two of my other favourites Ho99o9 and Bob Vylan. (KC)

Queen Cult – ‘Calm’
Following acclaim from the likes of BBC Introducing for their debut single ‘Shindigger’ and support for their resonant latest single ‘A Song About Consent’, Queen Cult’s latest single ‘Calm’ flows with luscious, heartfelt vocals before building to a sweeping, fiercely impassioned proclamation to stand up to the patriarchy. Once again showcasing the Cheshire band’s knack for creating epic pop-rock anthems with a poignant sense of intent, ‘Calm’ cements Queen Cult’s place as definite ones to watch in 2022. The debut EP from Queen Cult is set for release on 28th January. (ML)

Peaness – ‘How I’m Feeling’
Having just announced the release of their debut album, Chester trio Peaness have shared a new taster of what’s to come from the LP. Propelled by uplifting, jangling hooks, latest single ‘How I’m Feeling’ reflects on the feelings of self-loathing and melancholy that can come from being stuck in an unfulfilling job and offers a glistening sense of hope that, with a bit of determination, you can make a positive change. I just can’t get enough of Peaness’ glossy, honey-sweet sounds and sunny, playful energy. World Full Of Worry, the debut album from Peaness, is set for release on 6th May. (ML)

SPRINTS – ‘Little Fix’
Another absolute banger from Dublin four-piece Sprints. Taken from their upcoming EP A Modern Job, which is set for release on 11th March via Nice Swan Records, ‘Little Fix’ is full of powerhouse vocals, crashing drums and racing riffs. The track is inspired by vocalist Karla Chubb’s experience of imposter syndrome, as she explains: “plagued by insecurities, imposter syndrome and gender stereotypes, ‘Little Fix’ is the culmination of all my fears – the, sometimes self-applied pressure that as a woman in music, I can’t just be good, I have to be great.” Even with these anxieties, Karla and her bandmates have created a candid, intensely cathartic offering with this track. (KC)

Worse Off – ‘You Belong Here’
I love this track by excellently named New York pop punk duo Worse Off. They sent me their EP You Win Some, You Lose…A Lot, in December last year and I was headbanging away to their tunes at my desk. Definitely check them out, their EP is up on bandcamp and Spotify. (KC)

Tits Up – ‘Macho Bullshit’
Having released their debut EP Greatest Tits, at the beginning of the month, Liverpool band Tits Up are ready to blast into your lives with their immense riot grrrl inspired energy and unapologetic honesty raging against the patriarchal society in which we live. Fuelled by a frenzied punk spirit, ‘Macho Bullshit’ hits you with its riotous, angst-driven force, offering an empowering statement of intent. (ML)

Bitch – ‘You’re The Man’
Set to release her debut album next month, queer electro-pop artist Bitch prides herself on being “like Joni Mitchell set to a click track… It’s neon pink, in your face, ready to hex you with its brilliance.” Latest single ‘You’re The Man’ exudes a driving, gritty energy as sizzling synths race alongside dense drum-machine beats, creating an empowering reflection on letting go of negative forces and reclaiming your inner voice. Bitch’s perfectly named debut album Bitchcraft is set for release on 4th February via legendary label Kill Rock Stars. (ML)

Combo Chimbita – ‘Yo Me Lo Merezco’
The title of this warm, joyful track from New York-based Latinx quartet Combo Chimbita roughly translates as “I deserve it”. The track and accompanying video are a celebration of self-love, spot-lighting prominent queer and trans performance artists, including Teresa Karolina who stars in the visuals. ‘Yo Me Lo Merezco’ is taken from Combo Chimbita’s upcoming album, IRE, which is set for release on 28th January via ANTI. (KC)

Flamango Bay – ‘LA’
The latest single from San Francisco trio Flamango Bay, ‘LA’ reflects on the band’s recent move to the city. Propelled by sunny, jangling melodies, it’s a dreamy slice of indie-pop that glistens with an irresistible, effervescent charm. The Fool, the upcoming debut EP from Flamango Bay, is set for release on 13th May via 0800-Moshi-Moshi. (ML)

Babeheaven – ‘Don’t Wake Me‘
This band never disappoint. ‘Don’t Wake Me’ is Babeheaven’s latest gently soothing release. Just lovely. (TW)

KEYAH/BLU – ‘Til Bliss’
This is the latest single by South London rapper KEYAH/BLU who I would encourage you all to go and check out if you aren’t familiar with already. (TW)

Skylu – ‘Foreign Concept’
A tune for the stolen hours, this is the debut single from Skylu, whose voice you may recognise from Bamboo Smoke. (TW)

Lucy Barton – ‘Starlight’
The latest single from singer-songwriter Lucy Barton, ‘Starlight’ offers a sparkling reflection on gaining awareness of our self-crippling subconscious thoughts. With a subtle immersive power, the track speaks of breaking free from this internal narration, allowing us to discover the beauty that exists in life. I’m a big fan of Barton’s soaring, glitchy musicality and emotion-strewn honey-sweet vocals, and can’t wait to hear more from her. (ML)

Carmel Smickersgill – ‘Questioning’
The latest single from modern classical artist Carmel Smickersgill, ‘Questioning’ offers a truly captivating and uniquely intriguing soundscape. Mentored by acclaimed musician Anna Meredith, Smickersgill prides herself on creating immersive ‘outsider pop’, and I just love this track’s whirring grace and celestial, ethereal energy, reminiscent of GIHE fave Jenny Hval. Smickersgill is releasing her debut EP in April. (ML)

Novaa – ‘You Can F With Me’
‘You Can F With Me’ by Berlin based alt-pop singer-songwriter Novaa is taken from her forthcoming album due in early 2022. This is a song about the things that people asked and told her as a victim of sexual abuse and rape. Love and solidarity to anyone who relates to that track and remember that the best thing you can ever do for anyone who has been a victim, is to listen, be kind and give them space and support to heal. (TW)

Zannie – ‘Mechanical Bull’
This is the latest single from New York-based songwriter Zannie, who’s recently signed to iconic riot grrrl label Kill Rock Stars. They remind me a little bit of Phoebe Bridgers on this track and I’m excited to hear more from them this year. (KC)

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Track Of The Day: Peaness – ‘What’s The Use?’

Originally planned for release in summer 2020, ‘What’s The Use?‘ is the latest single from Chester trio Peaness, taken from their debut album due out in 2022.

It drops in bright and makes its statement immediately: What’s the use? Throughout, the track is upbeat and fun, with bouncy strings, a fast beat and cheery-sounding vocals. It’s an addictive and absorbing sound that is impossible not to bop along with.

The lyrics, on the other hand, do not share the same sense of limitless joy. Instead, they go into quite a bit of detail about how it feels to be thoroughly depressed. The song acutely describes the feeling of a sigh that carries the weight of the world in it. The refrain “Can I just stay in bed?” repeats and repeats until you can’t escape the utter lack of motivation to get up and engage with the world. Finally, the eponymous “what’s the use?” carries the overwhelming feeling of all the inescapable pressure that won’t leave you be, even when you do manage to drag yourself out of bed.

I absolutely adore the juxtaposition of the two massively contrasting styles between the music and the lyrics, it’s so delightfully nihilistic. It encapsulates a relatable sense of freedom that comes with accepting that, actually yeah, things are pointless sometimes.

The song has been released alongside a video compiled of phone footage of various shenanigans shot on the band’s previous tours. It matches the music in terms of its fast pacing and general sense of joy, and adds another layer of complexity to the content. You see the band on their adventures, in nice restaurants, at landmarks, at funfairs, playing gigs, practicing, stroking their pets. It feels like an immensely powerful comment about what depression can look like, about how you can seem like you’re living your best life while all your lowest feelings are still very much present.

You can feel how the past eighteen months have shaped the song. Even without the context of the pandemic, the full piece feels incredibly meaningful. When you add in the global trauma we all share right now, it becomes all the more powerful, as the clips and music become happy memories experienced from that all-consuming bed in the lyrics.

‘What’s The Use?’ is a brilliantly constructed song and so, so catchy. The 2022 album can’t come soon enough.

‘What’s The Use?’ is out now via the band’s own label, Totally Snick Records. Catch them live at their biggest ever London headline show at Oslo on 18th November. Tickets here.

Kirstie Summers
@ActuallyKurt

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PLAYLIST: May 2020

At Get In Her Ears, we’re still sharing all the new music we can in order to distract you from the day-to-day reality of lockdown life. Our May playlist is filled with some electronic stunners, a couple of grunge-infused ragers, and the occasional tentative jazzy tune. Take some time to scroll through our track choices below, and make sure you hit play on the Spotify playlist at the end of the page.

Jessica Winter – ‘Sad Music’ 
This latest single from Jessica Winter hits your ears with its full force of pop beats, electronica and snappy synths. At a time like this, I’m loving the unifying lyrics and pulsing vibes of this track, which tells you upfront to lean into the expression music gives you, as Winter explains: “This song was born out of a particularly bad day and how music was a saviour at that time”. Jessica Winters’ debut EP will be released on 22nd May. (Tash Walker)

Beckie Margaret – ‘God’
Released via Cool Thing Records, Beckie Margaret’s latest single is a truly beautiful reflection on what it feels like to be caught in the grasp of a love that’s not reciprocated. I reviewed the track for The Line Of Best Fit, so if you want to read 200 words on how emotional she makes me, you can click here. (Kate Crudgington)

Temples Of Youth – ‘Suburbia’
The new single from GIHE faves, Temples Of Youth, ‘Suburbia’ is another truly majestic offering from the Winchester duo. An utterly dreamy soundscape oozing a twinkling emotion and mystical allure, as heaving synths are interwoven with fuzzed out hooks, whilst the beautifully rich vocals of Jo Carson soar. (Mari Lane)

Tora – ‘Call Your Name’
This is the second release from new R&B artist Tora. ‘Call Your Name’ focuses on confronting the conflicting unbalanced power dynamics that she sees in the world, a truly empowering call to arms that will get you moving whilst raging. Love it. (TW)

Allegra Krieger – ‘Rot’ 
‘Rot’ is the latest release from Brooklyn based Allegra Krieger, aptly named for a song about toxic apathy, originally inspired by the climate crisis. Kriege says it’s a tale of “someone who has assimilated into a culture of wanting and taking without reparation,” which mirrors the human arrogances exposed by the COVID-19 crisis. I love the grunge rock tone to this single. (TW)

Tired Lion – ‘Waterbed’
When I grow up, I want to be a guitar-wielding, chain-smoking Nun – just like Tired Lion’s front-woman Sophie Hopes in the accompanying video to this track. ‘Waterbed’ is a grunge-infused goodbye to the past, and a bold leap into the band’s future sound. (KC)

Diet Cig – ‘Who Are You?’
Flowing with Alex Luciano’s luscious honey-sweet vocals, infectious jangly melodies and all the twinkling energy you could ever need, ‘Who Are You?’ is a delectably catchy slice of dreamy indie-pop from Diet Cig. Juxtaposing an emotion-strewn lilting charm and subtle gritty angst, it’s a shimmering, sunny delight; perfectly uplifting isolation listening. Diet Cig’s new album, Do You Wonder About Me? is out now. (ML)

MOURN – ‘Call You Back’
An edgy, relatable exploration of the anxieties around answering the phone; MOURN’s latest single is an instantly gratifying, cathartic guitar tune. Released via Captured Tracks, the Catalan-based trio are adept at tapping into universal insecurities, providing a personal angle, and deconstructing them through indie guitar hooks and direct vocals. (KC)

Ganser – ‘Lucky’
Ganser’s music has garnered comparisons to 90s noise-makers Fugazi, Shellac, and Sonic Youth. Their jolting rhythms, confrontational vocals, and manic riffs fuse together to create defiant, jarring tunes; and new single ‘Lucky’ is a sturdy example of this. (KC)

Scrounge – ‘Etch’ 
Not a new song, but a darn good one. ‘Etch’ by Scrounge got me through one of my lowest moments during this lockdown. The infectious drums, catchy chorus and memories of seeing them live dragged me out of my cloud and reminded me of the importance of music in dealing with life’s challenges. Thank you Scrounge – I owe you. x (TW)

Alice Bag – ‘Spark’
The new single from prolific punk legend Alice Bag, ‘Spark’ is propelled by gritty hooks and a punk-fuelled frenzied energy, as the raw power of Bag’s vocals rage with a passion, asserting “Hell no, I’m not dimming my spark!” An uplifting burst of empowering strength in the face of adversity; a wonderfully vibrant and super catchy celebration of queer culture and the joy that comes with being able to express your true self. (ML)

Stef Fi – ‘Nowhere’
Lifted from her debut EP, Girlhood, Stef Fi’S single ‘Nowhere’ is a lo-fi dose of grunge-infused punk. The quiet, uncertain lyrics of the verses contrast well with the distorted riffs and defiant words in the chorus. Best known as the vocalist & guitarist of black feminist punk band Big Joanie, Stef Fi’s (aka Stephanie Phillips) debut shows “sketches of a girl” resisting hate, and trying to find hope in the harshest of realities. (KC)

Gulls – ‘Shame Shame Shame’
Propelled by thrashing beats and a driving, riotous force, ‘Shame Shame Shame’ could not have come to our ears at a better time. A spot on social commentary, rallying against fascists and the insidious alt-right, it oozes a frenzied impassioned energy that we need now more than ever, asserting that we will not tolerate intolerance. A perfect slice of angst-driven punk; a truly necessary listen right now. Gulls were also due to be playing for us tonight at The Finsbury – we really hope to be able to book in the Brighton band again in the future. (ML)

Peaness – ‘Kaizen’
Another band I was supposed to be seeing live this week, at The Lexington on Wednesday, I had been super excited about catching the sunny, jangly melodies and sparkling uptempo energy of Manchester/Chester trio Peaness. Oozing their trademark ‘Pea-positivity’, ‘Kaizen’ is the perfect antidote to these strange and scary times. If you’d like to help venues like The Lexington keep afloat while so many events are being cancelled right now, find out more about The Music Trust’s #SaveOurVenues campaign here.  (ML)

Jemma Freeman and the Cosmic Something – ‘Keytar’ (I Was Busy)
Jemma Freeman and the Cosmic Something were due to be headlining for us tonight (Fri 8th May)at The Finsbury, and – as with all the gigs we’ve had to cancel recently – we’re super gutted that it’s had to be postponed. They have wowed us with their magnificent charisma and immense psych-infused offerings live before, and it would have been such an honour to have them return, this time at the top of the bill. (ML)

CLT DRP – ‘Like Father’ (Sit Down Remix)
Having previously completely blown us away with their live set at The Finsbury, Brighton trio  CLT DRP have now returned to blast into our ears with a seething new offering. A magnificent, whirring electro-punk cacophony that addresses the complexities of family ties, ‘Like Father’ is driven by a swirling, impassioned energy, oozing a poignant breathtaking force, showcased perfectly in this immense frenetic remix by fellow Brighton faves Sit Down.(ML)

Notelle – ‘Alive’
Self-described as “nightmare pop”, Nashville-based Notelle blends hushed vocals, warped beats, and seething synth textures to create her claustrophobic sounds. Based on her own experiences of toxic relationships and gas-lighting, ‘Alive’ is Notelle’s most personal release to date. (KC)

Stainwasher – ‘Chems’
Swedish artist Stainwasher is not one to shy away from darker states of emotion. With ‘Chems’, she’s crafted another dark, alluring lullaby that broods with bittersweet anxiety. (KC)

Lorana – ‘Am I’ 
‘Am I?’ is the latest single from self-produced artist Lorana, who sings about her love for music and questions if this love is too big. Her upcoming EP, Here In Between, was written after leaving her small Belgian hometown of Alken for the big London city. In order to reflect this lyrical narrative into her sonic identity, she recorded samples both at home and in London, which are woven throughout all the songs. ‘Am I?’ is a truly touching and beautiful offering, which is a pleasure to listen to as the vocals and samples pour in and out of your ears. (TW)

GEISTE – ‘Moonchild’ 
‘Moonchild’ is the fourth single leading up to GEISTE’s debut EP, Utopia, released on 22nd May. This is a track that hits you with its fullest force. It’s such a an empowering listen, building and building with the tribal drums and feverish samples before colliding into the chorus. ‘Moonchild’ is about not feeling like you fit with people and finding your crowd of misfits, stronger and wilder people that are not defeated by life – which is certainly relatable right now. (TW)

Anna Leone – ‘Wondering’ (TW)
‘Wondering’ is the first release from Anna Leone in two years, and it was definitely worth the wait. Slow and intense, she draws you into her world with such raw emotion, that you’re left feeling as though you’ve had a personal invitation into her thoughts.

Speaking about the new track, Anna says: “I’ve been going back and forth recently trying to decide whether I should start releasing new songs. My music is very much about isolation and being disconnected, and I’ve been kind of questioning if that‘s the energy I should put out into the world right now. I think ultimately though, the songs are also about healing, and I can only hope that that’s what people take away from them. I’ve been dealing with depression and anxiety for a long time and this album is sort of the culmination of all those feelings. I still can’t listen to it all the way through without crying, which is painful but also a good thing, I think. It feels cathartic.” It’s so important that we hear music like this right now, remembering it’s ok to not be ok, but more importantly that we are not alone.

Listen to, and follow, the full playlist here:

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Track Of The Day: Peaness – ‘Kaizen’

Following last year’s ‘Breakfast’, and support from the likes of Huw Stephens, John Kennedy and BBC 6Music’s Marc Riley, Manchester/Chester based trio Peaness have now returned to our ears with their new single ‘Kaizen’.

An instantly catchy blast of hope, it’s propelled by jangly hooks and an uptempo energy, as sugar sweet vocals and twinkling harmonies flow. A reflective and honest dose of ‘Pea-Positivity’, ‘Kaizen’ is the perfect antidote to these grim January days. Of the track, the band explain:

“It’s a song to remind myself that with every act of kindness and every crime, we affect the future, and that those choices go on to shape others, and our beautiful planet, long after we’re gone. The word ‘Kaizen’ is a Japanese word that literally translates to ‘change for the good’, and that’s what we’re hoping for.”

Watch the Japanese pop culture-inspired new video for ‘Kaizen’ here:

Peaness are about to embark on their biggest UK tour to date. Catch them live:

27th January – Leicester, Firebug
28th January – Birmingham, The Hare and Hounds
29th January – Guildford, The Boileroom
30th January – Brighton, The Prince Albert
31st January – Southampton, Heartbreakers
1st February – Oxford, The Wheatsheaf
7th February – Manchester, Soup Kitchen
8th February – Leeds, The Lending Room
28th February – Bristol, Ritual Union (w/ Marika Hackman + more)
6th May – London, The Lexington

 

Mari Lane
@marimindles

 

 

 

 

 

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