PLAYLIST: April 2018

Another month, another brand new playlist brimming with fresh music! We’ve been (gladly) overwhelmed by the amount of brilliant new sounds bursting in to our ears this April, and we wanted to share our favourites with you here. Whether you’re in to the idustrial/electronic beats of Zola Jesus, the anti-fascist punk glory of Dream Nails, or if you’re breaking in to “mumble rap” with Tierra Whack…there’s something here for your listening pleasure. Scroll down to the playlist below & enjoy! 

 

Zola Jesus – ‘Bound’ 
Artist & Producer Zola Jesus has shared an eclectic set of new tracks & remixes on Okovi: Additions, and ‘Bound’ is one of many sonic treats on this project. This release follows her 2017 critically acclaimed album Okovi (via Sacred Bones Records), and features remixes by a diverse cast of artists including; Johnny Jewel, Katie Gately, Wolves in the Throne Room, and Joanne Pollock. I’ve had this track on repeat since I first heard it in March, and I’m happy to stay ‘Bound’ by Zola Jesus’ sounds. Read our review of the album here. (Kate Crudgington)

Wendy Rae Fowler – ‘Svengali’ 
Having previously worked alongside the likes of Queens Of The Stone Age, Mark Lanegan and UNKLE, American artist Wendy Rae Fowler has now released her new solo album, Warped. Taken from the album is the utterly bewitching ‘Svengali’. Filled with sweeping layers of sound and the cinematic grace of Wendy’s vocals, it’s a truly captivating creation. Read our review of Warped here. (Mari Lane)

Rhye – ‘Please’
I was lucky enough to get tickets to see Rhye perform in London this week, back in our ears after a four year hiatus.  What a treat. When they played this track I felt like I was melting into Heaven’s floor (apt), so incredibly gentle, sensual and intimate. I can never get enough of the gender-fluid vocals of Mike Milosh, now more so than ever. (Tash Walker)

Girls Names – ’25’
Taken from their upcoming new album, Belfast’s Girls Names’ new single ’25’ is a brooding, shoegaze-reminiscent sonic delight. Filled with sweeping, reverb strewn layers of synth-heavy sound and the dark, swooning vocals of Cathal Cully, it oozes a twinkling, ethereal haze alongside eerie undertones. An intensely captivating offering, it’ll have you hooked on first listen, and desperate to hear the album in full. Stains On Silence, the new album, is out 15th June. (ML)

Henry Green – ‘Another Light’ 
I recently reviewed Henry Green’s debut album Shift, and I felt like every track was a helpful reminder to inhale, exhale, and try to exist in the moment. His gentle electronics and intuitive lyrics have helped me to slow down (whilst still moving at full speed) this month, and I’d recommend him to anyone that needs a ‘Shift’ in perspective. (KC)

Black Gold Buffalo – ‘Magnets’
Keziah Stillwell’s vocals blaze in full glory on the mesmerising ‘Magnets’, which is a swirling fusion of bass, guitar & electronics that prove Black Gold Buffalo have a knack for writing atmospheric dark-pop songs. Their debut album is released today via their own label Buff Rekkids, and we’ve been swooning over it ever since. Read our review here. (KC)

Lamb – ‘Gabriel’
I was recently reminded of Lamb after we put together our alternative Best of British playlist this week. Gabriel is a solid blast from my past taken from their album What Sound released back in 2001, which was my soundtrack of that summer.  Listening to Rhodes’ distinctive and emotive vocals wavering over the top of a medley of string samples and gentle beats, this song marks the beginning of my love for electronic music. 15 going on 16 and very sexually confused. All the feelings, all the emotions and all the hormones in the world. (TW)

Maria Kelly – ‘Small Talk’
Filled with smooth, celestial vocals and folk-tinged melodies, Irish artist Maria Kelly’s ‘Small Talk’ is a majestic, emotion-strewn offering. Written during a storm blackout in her hometown, the song parallels the nature of a storm with her own feelings of social anxiety. Double A-side ‘Small Talk’/’Dark Places’ is out 27th April via Veta Records. (ML)

Fenne Lily – ‘On Hold’
Since I saw her live at The Islington pub a few months ago, Fenne Lily’s sad but sublime music has played on my mind (as has her sharp wit and dry sense of humour). ‘On Hold’ is the title-track from her debut album (released today), and it makes my spirits sink and soar whenever I listen to it. The accompanying video is a charming ode to small acts of kindness too. (KC)

Courtney Barnett – ‘Never Tear Us Apart (Rehearsal Room Recording)’
A beautiful stripped back cover of INXS’ ‘Never Tear Us Apart’ by Courtney Barnett. I love this simple recording of her performance, finding myself completely entranced by our Aussie fav. This song was released for an Apple commercial in support of marriage equality – here here. (TW)

Sit Down – ‘Honeysucker’
Oh. My. Word. There’s no force on earth that could make you sit still or indeed Sit Down to the sound of this Brighton duo (pictured above). The pair released their knockout debut EP Cheap Luxe at the end of March, and ‘Honeysucker’ is my go-to track. Filthy, furious, and sweet as hell. Read the full review here. (KC)

Queen Zee – ‘Victim Age’
It was Transgender Day of Visibility on 31st of March (thanks to Tash for informing me), so it feels apt to support Queen Zee and all that she and her band mates stand for. They’ve been taking down trolls and tearing up stages across the country with their live shows, and I can’t wait to see them again at their sold out Sebright Arms show on April 26th. Long live Queen Zee! (KC)

Dream Nails – ‘Vagina Police’
“Your body is not your own, you are public property…” Dream Nails front-woman Janey rages in the refrain of our favourite Feminist Punk Witches’ ‘Vagina Police’. Oozing the poignant message that women are not allowed to have control over their own bodies, it races with the band’s trademark punk-fuelled energy and the riotous power of Janey’s seething, impassioned vocals. Another formidable offering that proves once again why we need Dream Nails in our lives, and makes us even more excited to see them live at The Finsbury for GIHE on 13th April! (ML)

Tierra Whack – ‘Mumbo Jumbo’
A twisted reflection of mumble rap and hip-hop, I cannot get this song out of my head and I especially love the ambiguity around what she’s saying, making it so much easier for me to join in.  Quietly. Mumbo Jumbo came out last year but I was recently introduced to her in the wake of her outstanding performance at SXSW. Soooo godamnnnn gooood. Need I say more? (TW)

BARQ – ‘Sassy Mouth’ 
One half of their new double A-side, Dublin band BARQ’s ‘Sassy Mouth’ is inspired by the courage and resilience of Ireland’s Repeal The 8th movement and the perils of online debate. Oozing the soaring power of front-woman Jess Kav’s soulful vocals alongside immense funk-fuelled beats, it’s a powerful, and empowering, call to arms. (ML)

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Tracks Of The Year 2017

As Time Magazine recently called it, 2017 is the year of The Silence Breakers, and us Get In Her Ears girls are here to support the women who are making all the right kinds of noise.

It has been increasingly difficult to absorb and process daily news stories about women and girls who have been sexually assaulted and raped by powerful men who (wrongly) assumed they would get away with it. Women from all walks of life started to use the #MeToo campaign to document their experiences of sexual harassment and assault earlier this year, and since then perpetrators have been called out, shamed, and fired – though few have apologised for their actions.

Whilst we can’t seem to stem the flow of pain caused by stories of inherent societal sexism, or the tories’ budget cuts to vital women’s services here in the UK, we can provide some respite in the form of some of our favourite immensely talented, informed, brilliant female musicians. These are the women who rocked our world in 2017 – we’d be lost without their precious anthems. Take a look at our top tracks below…

The Nyx – ‘Fire Breathing Lady’
Exuding their intense, raucous energy The Nyx deliver immense, electrifying offerings. Fuelled by a seething passion, ‘Fire Breathing Lady’ hits you with its fierce, empowering force like nothing you’ve heard before. I’ve had this track on repeat throughout the year – its thrashing power having seen me through the trials and tribulations of 2017, and marking these exceptional women out as a real force to be reckoned with. So, turn up the riotous sound of ‘Fire Breathing Lady’ and celebrate your womanly powers in all their glory. (Mari Lane)

Nova Twins – ‘Mood Swings’
Driven by devious and distorted basslines, Nova Twins (aka Amy & Georgia) have unmatchable attitude and instinct for writing anarchic anthems, and ‘Mood Swings’ is a warped reflection of swift emotional shifts that will be buzzing around your brain long after it’s stopped playing.
(Kate Crudgington)

Sink Ya Teeth – ‘If You See Me’
‘If You See Me’ was the debut single from Sink Ya Teeth who signed to James Endeacott’s 1965 Records this year. The track is drenched in addictive beats and nods to post-punk royalty ESG. A particular highlight for me was watching Sink Ya Teeth perform this live at one of our Finsbury nights; catch them if you can, these guys are worth seeing live. (Tash Walker)

Lizzo – ‘Water Me’
I’ve been in love with (queen) Lizzo for some time… I was completely obsessed with the uplifting wit of her 2014 track ‘Batches And Cookies’. And I’ve been equally head over heels with this year’s ‘Water Me’. A super empowering anthem, it’s filled with immense hooks and the completely infectious, invigorating chorus as Lizzo repeats “I am my inspiration”. Lizzo explains of the track: “It’s about needing nourishment, it’s about being loved for who you are. We’re celebrating black beauty and the meaningful freedom of water.” So, nourish yourself, inspire yourself, and fall in love with Lizzo’s ‘Water Me’. (ML)

Smerz – ‘Because’
Low slung rhythms, crunching beats and those ever so distinctive vocals, Because in short is some of the best obscure techno-pop around. Copenhagen based duo delivering distorted electro tracks, a perfect mix of minimal futurism and experimental nostalgia. I’m so into this track, it makes me feel like I want to don a heavy orange bomber jacket, an East 17 style beanie and head down to some industrial rave in a warehouse and two-step the night. (TW)

Dream Wife – ‘Let’s Make Out’
It was difficult to choose a specific Dream Wife track this year, as both ‘Somebody’ and ‘Let’s Make Out’ were equally as catchy and important as each other. Whilst ‘Somebody’ addresses victim-blaming and the shame around sexual assault, ‘Let’s Make Out’ is a shamelessly confident anthem about acting on your own consensual desires. I was fortunate enough to be on set during the video shoot, and it was a real joy to watch the band and their friends dance around at fake prom, living their best lives. (KC)

Queen Zee – ‘Boy’
I’m hooked on Liverpool punk sass-perts Queen Zee. ‘Boy’ is the first track of theirs that reached my ears, and it’s an anthem for trans-gender rockers and their allies who refuse to be oppressed by transphobic or homophobic attitudes.(KC)

The Orielles – Sugar Tastes Like Salt
In case you haven’t noticed, The Orielles have had the title of my favourite band for a while now. I named them as Ones To Watch last year, and it seems they’ve lived up to that title – having wowed crowds at festivals this summer (including a wonderful set at Green Man), become a BBC 6 Music favourite and received acclaim from the likes of The Guardian , as well as many other esteemed publications.

Though I’m a fan of everything they have to offer, this year’s ‘Sugar Tastes Like Salt’ is a truly epic creation. Racing with pounding beats, scuzzy hooks, jangly melodies and woozy vocals, Sid, Esmé and Henry show they’re capable of greatness with this dreamy offering. At just over eight minutes long, it truly is an anthem in every sense of the word. An anthem heralding the arrival of The Orielles into the ears of masses. The band’s first release on Heavenly Recordings, ‘Sugar Tastes Like Salt’ is a magnificent, clattering cacophony; a frenzied fusion of sounds that takes you on a musical adventure into the minds of its creators. (ML)

Madame So – ‘Black Is Beautiful’
London-based promoters LOUD WOMEN released their first compilation CD this year (buy a copy here), and Madame So gifted them with this superb track. ‘Black Is Beautiful’ is a poignant song about race, identity, and doing things for yourself. Her lyrics and unique voice move me each time I listen (and I love her reference to The Cure). (KC)

Amparo – ‘Reset’
If I could…I would have chosen everything that Amparo has released this year, constantly creating such beautiful dreamy soundscapes but if forced (and I am being forced) I’d go with ‘Reset’. A firm favourite of mine taken from Amparo’s EP Isolated Islands which has a melodic-chill atmosphere created with the idea of being enjoyed whilst exploring the outdoors. Absolutely excellent listening. (TW)

 

Beckie Margaret – ‘At Home (Where I Write)’
Cool Thing Records introduced me to Beckie Margaret in late 2016, and I’ve been mesmerised by her ever since. She has such a pure, faultless voice and it was a pleasure to interview her before her debut London show at The Waiting Room in October of this year. This is her second single, following on from ‘Cars & Catacombs’ and it’s totally divine. (KC)

Noga Erez – ‘Dance While You Shoot’ 
A sheer force to be reckoned with, if ever there was one, Tel Aviv artist Noga Erez has blown me away with her immense arrival into our ears (and eyes at Visions Festival!) this year. An utterly compelling performer, she oozes an hypnotic elegance as she delivers the glitchy, sweeping cacophony of ‘Dance While You Shoot’. In this utterly infectious track, Erez combines a magnetising grace with with a fiery, frenzied power; cementing herself firmly as one of the most exciting artists around, and a simply stunning performer. (ML) 

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PLAYLIST: December 2017

The most wonderful time of the year is fast-approaching, and we’ve got no time to mess around (with the exception of the work Christmas party, those festive drinks tomorrow night, and that gig next week). Us Get In Her Ears grrrls have put together the best selection of treats since your Nan dished out the speciality Christmas-size box of biscuits. Lose yourself in the punk sass of Queen Zee, the important (and catchy) activism of Gaptooth & Sisters Uncut, the divine escapism of Black Gold Buffalo, the beautiful sounds of Amparo & Bjork and many, many more…

Queen Zee – ‘Idle Crown’
Hot on the heels of their last single ‘Fly The Pink Flag’, my absolute favourites Queen Zee have released brand new track ‘Idle Crown’; and it’s a riotous, hostile, smartly executed three and a half minutes of Marilyn Manson-esque garage punk. Released via the band’s own label (Sasstone Records), the Liverpool band have yet to record something I don’t instantly fall in love with. (Kate Crudgington)

Gaptooth (feat. Sisters Uncut) – ‘They Cut We Bleed’
 A tribute to, and raising money for, Feminist direct action group Sisters Uncut – a charity who protest the life-threatening cuts to services for domestic violence – Gaptooth’s ‘They Cut We Bleed’ rages against the government with a frenzied, impassioned energy and empowering force. With shades of the likes of Le Tigre or MEN, it oozes whirring beats, glitchy electronic melodies and colourful uplifting vibes; the perfect call to arms that we need now more than ever. As Gaptooth says: “All these sexist, racist cuts, we don’t need ’em”. Watch the powerful video for ‘They Cut We Bleed’, featuring Sisters Uncut, here. (Mari Lane)

Sink Ya Teeth – ‘If You See Me’
‘If You See Me’ was the debut single from Sink Ya Teeth who signed to James Endeacott’s 1965 Records this year. The track is drenched in addictive beats and nods to post-punk royalty ESG. A particular highlight for me was watching Sink Ya Teeth perform this live at one of our Finsbury nights; catch them if you can, these guys are worth seeing live. (Tash Walker)

Anteros – ‘Love’
My eyes and ears are blossoming in to heart-shapes at the “effervescent pop” sounds on Anteros’ latest single ‘Love’. Produced by Charlie Andrew (Alt-J, Marika Hackman, Bloc Party), The London-based band channel Blondie and The Cardigans on their brand new ode to the all encompassing universal emotion. (KC)

Sonia Stein – ‘Do You Love Me?’
 ‘Do You Love Me?’, the new single from London based artist Sonia Stein, oozes gloriously sunny, uplifting ‘80s pop vibes, catchy hooks and rich luscious vocals. Of the track, Stein explains: “Do You Love Me is a song that is quite a bright and light approach to a feeling that’s a bit darker and heavier…” The track’s accompanied by a fantastic Vogue-inspired, pastel-filled video, which you should definitely feast your eyes on now. (ML)

Amparo – ‘Reset’
 If I could…I would have chosen everything that Amparo has released this year, constantly creating such beautiful dreamy soundscapes but if forced (and I am being forced) I’d go with ‘Reset’. A firm favourite of mine taken from Amparo’s EP Isolated Islands which has a melodic-chill atmosphere created with the idea of being enjoyed whilst exploring the outdoors.  Absolutely excellent listening. (TW)

Black Gold Buffalo – ‘Pearls Deep’
If you’re in search of musical escapism, you’ll find it in Black Gold Buffalo’s latest track ‘Pearls Deep’. Written on a stormy night in a tower block somewhere near the A10, the East London band have said the single is about “wanting to escape a brooding mood in the city, to just get up and go somewhere and nowhere.” It’s the first single to be taken from the band’s long-awaited debut album, which is due to be released in March 2018. (KC)

Gold Baby – ‘Feed It!’
 In addition to featuring members of some of our favourite bands (like Long Teeth), newcomers Gold Baby create their own hugely infectious offerings. Filled with all the jangly melodies, sumptuous vocals and whirring scuzzy goodness you could ever desire, debut single ‘Feed It!’ is a sunny-sounding slice of indie-rock ruminating on the times in life where we feed it (“the little voice of misery”). A solid gold debut that leaves us eager for more. (ML)

Polo – ‘Gold Horizons’
 I was introduced to this track by Mari, so shout out to her for that. This has got to be the catchiest track of the year for me, which makes a change from my normal graveyard, self-deprecating morose electro. Press play for Polo. It’s worth it. (TW)

Björk – ‘The Gate’
One of my 2017 New Year’s Resolutions was to listen to more of Bjork’s music, so the release of her tenth studio album Utopia has arrived just in time for me to fulfil that promise. It’s a superbly produced, delicately sung, gem of an album that brought a tear to my eye on first listen. ‘The Gate’ is a particular favourite because it blends vulnerability and strength in a delightfully idiosyncratic way. (KC)

The Go! Team – ‘Mayday’ 
If you’re anything like me, and Thunder Lightening Strike provided the soundtrack to many a teenage night out, you’ll be as excited as I am to hear The Go! Team’s magnificent new single ‘Mayday’. A morse-code inspired, soul-infused belter of a track, it races with all the frenzied energy and playful joy that we’ve come to know and love from the band – an instant ear worm, and essential dance-inducing addition to any festive party playlist. (ML)

Smerz – ‘Because’
Low slung rhythms, crunching beats and those ever so distinctive vocals, Because in short is some of the best obscure techno-pop around. Copenhagen based duo delivering distorted electro tracks, a perfect mix of minimal futurism and experimental nostalgia.  I’m so into this track, it makes me feel like I want to don a heavy orange bomber jacket, an East 17 style beanie and head down to some industrial rave in a warehouse and two-step the night away. (TW)

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INTERVIEW: Queen Zee & The Sasstones

Since we first heard the warped pop sounds of Queen Zee & The Sasstones, all we wanted to do was lay in a bath tub full of red wine and listen to their EP, Eat My Sass – watch the video for single ‘Boy’ below and you’ll feel the same. We had a quick chat with front person Queen Zee about how the band started out, what inspired their latest recording and the mix of “adoration and bemusement” they receive from live crowds…

Hello Queen Zee & The Sasstones. For anyone who doesn’t know, can you tell us how the band came to be?
Myself and Em met at a black metal show for both our solo projects. I uploaded some demos six months later under the Queen Zee moniker, Em didn’t like them but said we should start a band anyway…

Your latest EP Eat My Sass is out now. What kinds of reactions have you had from fans and critics about the EP? 
It’s been great, as a collection of songs they’re old and new, so it’s great to finally get those older songs out there while also showcasing our new material like ‘Boy’.

On a surface level, you can throw yourself around to the EP completely carefree on a dance floor, but your lyrics – especially on ‘Boy’ – highlight the dangers faced by trans people who have been the subject of trans and/or homophobic abuse. Do you write from experience?
I think all trans people are exposed to the abuse written about on ‘Boy’. On one level, yes ‘Boy’ comes from my resentment to how I’ve personally been treated. But I’m nothing special, all trans people experience the same hate.

Is the EP your way of dealing with and shouting back at those who have tried to silence or physically hurt you?
Art is in general, my art is my catharsis. It’s my rage, my passion, my love, my hate. So on some level, yes it’s my aggression. 

Your video for ‘Boy’ looks incredible. Tell us a little about the shoot: How much red wine did you consume? Would you recommend bathing in it to your fans?
Not enough wine. It was a very fun day, we were very tipsy. I wouldn’t recommend it though, the bathroom still stinks. We did it so fans don’t have too.

I’m a big fan of Courtney Love, and I noticed your reference to her on ‘I Hate Your New Boyfriend’. Are you a fan of her too?
Yeah I’m a huge Hole fan, ‘Violet’ is my jam.

You’re currently touring the UK and you played Reading & Leeds Festivals earlier this year too. What reactions have you had from the crowds so far?
It’s a mix of adoration and bemusement. Reading & Leeds was fun, people go feral when you put them in a field for three days.

Can you name a gig that was particularly memorable?
Playing with Venom Prison was fun, they’re a great death metal band. So this metal fan base turn up, loads of big dudes with beards and Neurosis shirts and we’re like “fucckkkkk” in our sparkly leggings absolutely bricking it. Two songs in the crowd’s going mad, the kit got crowd surfed, lapping it up, ended  up being one of the best shows we’ve ever done. Hopefully we’ll get to do a Venom Prison / Queen Zee tour one day.

As a blog dedicated to promoting women and non-binary artists in new music, we’d like to know if there are any female-fronted/non-binary artists you could recommend to us?
I really dig Babe Punch, who are our buddies from Nottingham. The new Marmozets record is a killer as well, we’re off on tour with them this month.

Finally, what’s next for Queen Zee & The Sasstones?
Wrap up this tour and head off for some studio time. Which may or may not result in more music next year…

Thanks to Queen Zee for answering our questions. Follow the band on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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