EP: Rookes – ‘Liminal’

Rookes is a solo electro-pop project based in London. She has just released her second EP, Liminal, using ’80s synth sounds as a frame for her powerful voice, reminiscent of the best of the Eurythmics or Yazoo. This sets the scene for a four track EP, in which Rookes explores her own love experiences during two years of exploration of her queer identity across the London dating scene. 

‘Salvage’ is a slow, shimmering start dealing with post-breakup feelings, becoming more urgent and uptempo with the chorus, whereas ‘New Lovers’ has an eerie ’80s feel, with spiralling synths. However, the synths gain a harder edge as the song goes on, expressing the fear of a dangerous love (“do me no harm”). 

Lead single, ‘Liminal’, is catchy and poppier, where a lover is asked to take a romantic risk; suggesting both hope and caution, it’s a beautifully uplifting ballad. ‘Constellations’, however, closes the EP on a poetic note, oozing a dreamy warmth alongside soaring strings and shimmering synths.

This EP is polished, dramatic, and features intriguing songwriting. And you can dance to it! The emotions and experiences are completely relatable in songs centred on looking for love; finding it (but not being ready), and then losing it again. A stirring collection that will leave you wanting more of Rookes’ glistening soundscapes. 

Liminal is out now. Stream on all online platforms.

Fi Ni Aicead
@gotnomoniker

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Premiere: Party Fears – ‘Dog Star’ (Rookes Remix)

What better news of a Thursday than to find out that two of your favourite artists have teamed up for an epic new release… ? And that’s the case today, as we have the honour of sharing the brand new remix of Party Fears‘ track ‘Dog Star’, by electro pioneer Rookes.

With eight years’ live experience under her belt (including two gigs for yours truly!), Rookes is set to release her second EP Liminal later this year, and is known for creating immersive electro-pop soundscapes. Party Fears have also wowed us live, and initially formed in South Korea by Irish native Maggie Devlin. Now Berlin based with co-founder Eilis Frawley, they continue to create their unique, jangling art-pop sounds.

This latest edition of ‘Dog Star’ oozes whirring, glitchy hooks and luscious layers of sound, creating a sweeping, glistening soundscape complete with throbbing bass-lines and showcasing the allure of Devlin’s captivating vocals. Interweaving a range of sonic elements to create an anthemic, majestic wall of sound, the remix adds an eerie, propulsive energy to the already soaring power of the original, leaving you utterly spellbound.

Listen to Rookes’ remix of ‘Dog Star’, for the first time, here:

 

‘Dog Star’ is out tomorrow 16th August. Make sure you also keep an ear out for Rookes’ upcoming EP, Liminal, and Party Fears’ next single ‘Ok. No Problem’, set for release in early Autumn.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

 

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Get In Her Ears Live @ The Finsbury w/ Crumbs, 10.05.19

Following a host of amazing bands playing for us lately, including Mammoth Penguins, ARXX, Wolf Girl, Sit Down and Fightmilk, we were back at The Finsbury on Friday with another dream of a line-up, for a jam-packed night of the best new music from awesome womxn.

Kicking things off is Birmingham born, London-based artist Rookes. Oozing a sparkling, magnetising charisma, she takes full command of the stage, delivering her electro-infused anthemic pop, as the subtle power of her shimmering vocals flows into our ears.

Next up, London duo Sophie Peacock and Natalie Healey – aka Panic Pocket – treat our ears to their twinkling indie-pop. Interspersing each uplifting ditty with charming cat-filled tales, it’s impossible not to be instantly cheered whilst singing along to their infectious, synth-filled melodies and refreshing, tongue-in-cheek wit.

Having not seen third band of the night live before, I was not prepared for just how intoxicatingly powerful Charismatic Megafauna‘s performance would be. Delivering their unique, percussion-filled electro-punk, all-the-while swapping instruments, they blast out empowering, patriarchy-smashing anthems, covering topics from sexual abuse, to diet foods and female ejaculation. Completely breathtaking.

Headliners Crumbs continue to wow the packed-out venue with their fiery post-punk. With funk-fused basslines, scuzzy hooks and impassioned vocals, they ooze a gritty, buoyant power which has the whole crowd buzzing and bouncing with enthused energy.

Massive thanks to the four bands and artists who played for us on Friday; you were all absolutely incredible. It was such a great night filled with amazing live music and the best of vibes! And make sure you don’t miss our next night at The Finsbury on 14th June with headliners CLT DRP.

 

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Veta Records & Get In Her Ears LIVE @ Servant Jazz Quarters w/ HAVVK, 06.12.18

Having just launched their utterly compelling and intensely poignant new single ‘Always The Same’, last Thursday GIHE faves HAVVK headlined East London venue Servant Jazz Quarters. To celebrate the release, the band’s label Veta Records, with a little bit of help from yours truly, put on a night filled with great vibes, awesome women and – of course – the best live music.

Kicking off the night’s music is Birmingham born, London based artist Rookes. Delivering her rich, sweeping vocals alongside shimmering melodies and infectious swirling loops, she treats our ears to anthemic pop anthems with her distinctive sparkling charm. 

Second band of the night After London have already wowed us once with their live show at The Finsbury earlier this year, but tonight they succeed in completely blowing us away. With an immense energy and alluring charisma, they deliver their gritty alt-rock with the soaring power of front woman Francesca’s vocals taking an empowering hold.

Gracing the stage to headline this intimate venue, HAVVK make their welcome return to their London fans with a subtle captivating power. Powered by front woman Julie’s trademark celestial vocals, the band treat us to offerings old and new. From the sparkling emotion of tracks such as ‘Take It Away’, to the grittier edge of latest single ‘Always The Same’,  each and every moment spent with HAVVK is one of exquisite, spine-tingling splendour.

Huge thanks to all involved for making the night so special! Catch some more of the best live music at The Finsbury this Friday 14th December, with Fightmilk, Handsome Eric, Hanya and Candy Cane!

Words: Mari Lane / @marimindles
Photos: Jon Mo / @jonmophoto

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