GIHE: Tracks Of 2024

With another hard-going year behind us, we’ve continued to seek comfort in new music released by our favourite hard-working and talented artists. There’s been an immense amount of incredible new music released, so we want to shed some light on some of the tunes that got us through the hard times, accompanied the good times & generally saw us through 2024.

To start our annual end of year round-ups, we’re sharing our ‘Tracks Of 2024’ ahead of features on our favourite albums, ‘Personal Highlights’ and ‘Ones To Watch 2025’. Have a read about some of the tunes we’ve been loving the most, and make sure you hit play on the accompanying playlist to hear just how fantastic they all are! Then, please do follow the artists you love on all platforms – download their music, buy their merch, go see them live and continue to spread the word about how wonderful they are!

ARXX – ‘Crying In The Carwash’
Here at GIHE we make no secret of our immense adoration for the Brighton duo. And this year has been a pretty wonderful one for Hanni and Clara – we could not be happier for them doing so well and living their dreams. They’ve released an incredible album, played Glasto, been on tour with Fletcher and sold out a load of dates on their own headline tour of Europe. Kate and I were lucky enough to catch them at Lafayette last month, and it was such an uplifting and emotional night – they put on a fantastic show, and just seem to get more and more incredible every time we see them. We can’t wait to see what 2025 brings for these faves. Good Boy, the latest album from ARXX, is out now via Submarine Cat Records.
(Mari Lane – Managing Editor)

Circe – ‘Blue Love’
I have been OBSESSED with this song from dark-pop artist and GIHE fave Circe since she released it in March. ‘Blue Love’ is intense, candid and sultry – a BIG FEELINGS anthem that sets my cells alight every time I hear it. Circe described this offering as “Karen O produced by The Cure during their Disintegration era” and I wholeheartedly agree. ‘Blue Love’ is all about being love bombed and dealing with fuckboys, swirling in the ashes of disappointment and rising from them in defiance. I can’t get enough of it and it was a pleasure to hear it live when Circe played it at Camden’s Electric Ballroom when she supported The Midnight. Full review of the show here
(Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)

Tom Rasmussen ft. Romy – Never Look Back
A definite highlight of 2024 for me was seeing Tom Rasmussen finish their UK tour at KOKO, it was an incredible show and you really felt it. I also got to see Romy play at Drumsheds for the False Idols event in November, and my knees are still not back to normal. I just could not stop dancing.
(Tash Walker – Digital Editor)

Freak Slug – ‘Spells’
Freak Slug, aka Manchester artist Xenya Genovese, has definitely been one of my favourite new discoveries of 2024. Having released her debut album, I Blow Out Big Candles, in November, her music combines her glistening sultry allure with a fizzing quirky energy, and this track is an instant earworm that had me hooked on Freak Slug the first time I heard it. I’m hoping to finally catch this exciting new artist live at Moth Club on 22nd May next year. You can nab your own tickets for her Spring tour here. (ML)

Tusks – ‘Adore’
I love this evocative single from London-based electronic artist Tusks. It’s lifted from her her third album, Gold, which she released in April via One Little Independent Records. Inspired by a variety of contrasting experiences and emotions, the record is a dynamic, intricate musing on the shifting nature of love, time and change. (KC)

Blonde Maze – ‘Beside You’
I’m not sure a year goes by that I don’t include New York artist Blonde Maze on my highlights of the year, and there’s a reason for that. She continues to make truly exquisite soundscapes that never fail to soothe and captivate, and this single from March this year is no exception. There is just something about the twinkling grace, swirling energy and blissful uplifting energy that I find completely immersive and utterly cathartic. Having been a mega fan since she was one of the first guests on our radio show nearly ten years ago, I’m so grateful to all that Blonde Maze creates; euphoric sonic journeys to ease the stresses of every day life. (ML)

Ideal Host – ‘Dust Collector’
Created during a four day residency in a converted water mill in Llangollen in Wales, this single from indie band Ideal Host is their poppiest offering to date. I love the way Heather’s soft vocals blend seamlessly with the band’s buoyant riffs, lilting electronics and catchy beats. (KC)

Fears – ‘4th of the 1st’
This single from Dublin-born, London-based interdisciplinary artist Fears is a poignant reflection on emotional resilience and self-soothing. Taken from her second album, affinity, which she released in March via her own label TULLE, ‘4th of the 1st’ delicately dismantles the duplicitous and intrusive thoughts that follow in the aftermath of a complicated breakup. I’m a big fan of everything that Fears does and it was lovely to have her back in the studio as a guest on our Soho Radio show again this year. Listen back to our chat here. (KC)

Roller Derby – ‘Dreams’
Hamburg duo Roller Derby are set to release their debut album next year, and this year they’ve shared four gorgeous singles as a taster of the exquisite atmospheric dream-pop that they’re able to create, including the glistening splendour of ‘Dreams’. They headlined for us at the beginning of the year, selling out the Shacklewell Arms with such a beautifully immersive set. And we can’t wait to have them play for us again next May – at The Lexington on the 9th and at The Rossi Bar in Brighton on the 10th. Tickets here. When The Night Comes, the upcoming debut album from Roller Derby, is set for release on 28th February 2025. Pre-order here. (ML)

afromerm – ‘reciprocity’
This single from London-based artist and GIHE favourite afromerm is about the duality of balancing our inner and relational worlds; getting lost in thoughts, versus present, reciprocal care with those we love – a powerful concept that she treats with such grace and gentility. ‘reciprocity’ will feature on her debut three track EP, which is set for release in the near future. I love everything that afromerm creates and I can’t wait to hear more from her. (KC)

Breymer – ‘When I Get Through’
Having released their latest album When I Get Through in October, Minnesota born artist Sarah Walk – aka Breymer – creates sweeping indie-pop anthems, oozing a raw emotion and stirring heartfelt splendour. Exploring their relationship with gender and identity, the album marks the first since they recently changed their artist name – from Sarah Walk to the more androgynous Breymer – to reflect how they feel about themselves after their recent top surgery. Interweaving lush layered vocals and a shimmering textured musicality, it reflects on a personal journey of self-discovery with a stark honesty. A truly exquisite collection. (ML)

Dogviolet – ‘Violets’
Having played their first ever gig for us back in 2022!, this year’s ‘Violets’ was the first proper single from Dogviolet. And it was worth the wait. I love the soaring celestial splendour they are able to create and felt honoured to help them promote their special single launch show at The Victoria in October – a night of beautiful music, and beautiful scents, as they’d decorated the venue with purple flowers! I’ve been lucky enough to see them live numerous times this year – as well as their single launch show, they kindly stepped in and played at our gig at New River Studios supporting Kara Delik, I saw them at The Lexington supporting other faves Berries, and they played Croydon festival Cro Cro Land -, and I’m excited to see them many more times in 2025. (ML)

Glixen – ‘Lust’
Arizona-based shoegazers Glixen have been one of my favourite new music discoveries this year. They’ve released a string of excellent singles throughout 2024, but ‘Lust’ is the standout one for me. It’s an intoxicating blend of reverb, crashing cymbals and hypnotic vocals. I’m really looking forward to hearing their new EP, Quiet Pleasures, when it’s released in February next year. (KC)

Pink Milk – ‘You Will Follow Me to Hell’
A gorgeous piece of goth-rock-electronica from Swedish act Pink Milk here. It’s taken from their excellent album, Night On Earth, which is inspired by dystopian science fiction fantasies and marks a heavier, darker new era in sound for the band. Their gloomy, cinematic soundscapes are a real sonic delight. (KC)

Slung – ‘Fire To Burn’
I was gutted to miss Brighton four-piece Slung when they played a GIHE gig in May at Sebright Arms. They’ve released a handful of heavy, brooding singles this year and ‘Fire To Burn’ is my favourite. It’s inspired by witchcraft and more specifically, bassist Vlad’s own ancestor who was regarded as a ‘superwitch’ in her village. She was initially perceived as a healer, but eventually she faced persecution from those who once sought solace in her remedies. I Love Katie Oldham’s vocals on this track, they’re the perfect mix of gritty and theatrical. (KC)

Lambrini Girls – ‘Company Culture’
A track about being under appreciated, sexually harrassed and never able to win in the workplace as a woman or queer person, ‘Company Culture’, from punks on the rise Lambrini Girls, was one of a string of equally raging singles this year. Showcasing the Brighton band’s fierce racing energy and ferocious sense of urgency, it cements them as a true formidable force to be reckoned with. Having seen them take the music world by storm in 2024, I can’t wait to FINALLY catch Lambrini Girls live at Brixton Electric next April. (ML)

The Menstrual Cramps – ‘Abortion’
“I’ve had an abortion, no I’ve had two / If you don’t like it, then fuck you!” Straight to the point, as always, Bristol faves The Menstrual Cramps shared this raging, honest and utterly necessary pro-choice anthem at the beginning of the year. Written in response to archaic laws being imposed against women who seek abortions, both in the US and here in the UK, it showcases the band’s ability to create a perfect balance of unifying joy and rage that has never felt more urgent. (ML)

NEXT TO NADA – ‘Moths’
If you’ve ever wondered what it would look like if a punk band shot their debut music video on a narrowboat, wonder no more! London based “sludge rock” four piece NEXT TO NADA filmed the accompanying visuals for their single ‘MOTHS’ inside of one, reflecting the chaotic but ultimately enjoyable nature of modern life. The track is taken from the bands’ debut EP, WHINE // MOTHS – a collection of grinding-yet-gleeful anthems designed to release the pent up frustrations of everyday life. (KC)

Pigeon Dog – ‘Jumpy Cow’
Combining the brooding intensity of grunge with the infectious groove of post-punk, Pigeon Dog’s ‘Jumpy Cow’ is anchored by a funky, driving guitar riff, compelling you to move while immersing you in its shadowy atmosphere. The low, raspy vocals deliver a hauntingly melancholic melody that lingers long after the song ends, leaving you craving another listen. (We caught Pigeon Dog supporting Dogviolet at their single launch show in October – a new favourite for sure!) (Ella Patenall – Contributor)

Hello Mary – ‘0%’
It took me about 10 seconds of listening to ‘0%’ for me to decide that I loved New York trio Hello Mary. This track captures their dynamic blend of grungy riffs, unpredictable beats and defiant vocals perfectly. It features on the band’s second album, Emita Ox, which they released in September. I caught Hello Mary’s set at The Windmill in Brixton and I was equally as impressed by their live rendition of this track. (KC)

adults – ‘Trouble’
South London’s adults have been one of my faves for a few years now and so I was super excited about the return of their trademark jangly melodies and scuzzy energy this year, showcased perfectly in this stirring track. I was lucky enough to catch adults live supporting Fightmilk (more on them later) with Tugboat Captain at Paper Dress Vintage last month – a pretty dreamy night of live music. ‘Trouble’ is taken from …In The Big League, a split EP from adults and Oxford band Spank Hair, which is out now via Fika Recordings. And I’ve heard that there will be plenty of new music to come in 2025 – I can’t wait. (ML)

Sacred Paws – ‘Another Day’
After a five year hiatus, we were excited that London / Glasgow duo Sacred Paws returned to our ears last month. We love everything that Ray Aggs does; we were honoured to have them headline one of our gigs earlier this year, and the revival of this project with Eilidh Rogers came as a very welcome surprise. Flowing with the duo’s trademark lilting and uplifting energy and distinctive sparkling harmonies, ‘Another Day’ introduces a heartfelt folk-strewn sound with the inclusion of banjo played by Ray’s father. Apparently there’s more new music on the way next year, and we cannot wait! (ML)

Dream Phone – ‘Fogo’
Having been utterly brilliant supporting Ray Aggs for us back in April, Oxford duo Dream Phone are one of my favourite new discoveries of the last couple of years. With its playful riot grrrl-inspired spirit, ‘fogo’ showcases all there is to love about them; listening to its scuzzy layers of shimmering musicality, I feel instantly uplifted by its infectious quirky allure and blissfully danceable energy. Watch the accompanying homemade video for ‘fogo’ here and make sure you catch Dream Phone live as soon as possible! (ML)

Zamilska ft. huskie – ‘Odyssey’
I’ve been following Polish electronic artist Zamilska through GIHE for a while now, and she never fails to impress me with her eclectic soundscapes. This track ‘Odyssey’ features on her album, United Kingdom Of Anxiety, which she released in October via Untuned Records (her own label). It’s an intoxicating post-apocalyptic tinged record that totally enraptures the senses. Zamilska also supported Kim Gordon on her European tour this year. I hope 2025 is just as prosperous for her. (KC)

NikNak ft. AGAAMA – ‘Pandora’s Box’
An absolute A-STAR collaboration here between experimental producer & DJ NikNak and electronic artist & songwriter AGAAMA. ‘Pandora’s Box’ is lifted from NikNak’s album, Ireti, which she released in May via Accidental Records. I was so excited to hear new music from AGAAMA too, who’s EP, Wandering Worlds, was a favourite of mine back in 2022. Check out the accompanying Sci-Fi/AI inspired visuals for ‘Pandora’s Box’ here. (KC)

Huge thanks to all the artists and bands creating the wonderful tunes that have got us through this year! Listen to our Tracks Of 2024 playlist now, and please be sure to check them out and support their work (listen/download/buy in places other than Spotify)!

And keep an eye out for our Albums & EPs Of The Year, 2024 Highlights & Ones To Watch for 2025…

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Track Of The Day: Trash Kit – ‘Horizon’

Having wowed us at one of our first nights at The Finbsury, Rachel Aggs (Sacred Paws, Shopping), Rachel Horwood (Bamboo) and Gill Partlington (Bas Jan), aka Trash Kit, have been firm favourites for some time. And now, following 2014’s Confidence, they’ve announced their upcoming new album, and shared a video for its uplifting title track, ‘Horizon’.

Inspired by how people interpret the planet and Aggs’ love of guitar music from Zimbabwe, ‘Horizon’ oozes a shimmering effervescent joy and swirling sparkling energy. Interweaving twinkling hooks, jangly beats and funk-fused bass lines, its cascading sun-filled vibes build to a wonderfully life-affirming climax and rejuvenating euphoric haze.

Of the track, Rachel Aggs explains:

The song is quite literal, thinking about the edge of the earth – how people interpret the planet, how you can sometimes forget the enormity of the world and the universe and how small that can make you feel.”

Filmed by Upset The Rhythm at Brimham Rocks in North Yorkshire, the joyous new video for ‘Horizon’ is the perfect accompaniment to the track’s radiant energy. Watch it here:

Horizon, the upcoming new album from Trash Kit, is out on 5th July via Upset The Rhythm. Pre-order here.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

PLAYLIST: February 2019

It’s a brand new month and that means we’ve got a brand new playlist of new music to share with you. Take some time to scroll through our words and hit play on the Spotify link at the bottom of the page…

Queen Zee – ‘Loner’
GIHEs faves Queen Zee released their debut self-titled album last week, and this single was lifted from the record just before it dropped. It’s an in-your-face anthem that takes the piss out of being a solitary, socially inept loser. Zee’s vocals dominate this track which is filled with swirling guitar noise and non-stop percussion. Mari & I will be watching Queen Zee live at The Lexington on Valetine’s Day this year, and we can’t wait to grab a copy of this glorious record, and we’d encourage you to do the same! (Kate Crudgington)

Scrounge – ‘Crimson’
Total faves Scrounge have just released their ferocious new single ‘Crimson’. Ever since they completely blew us away with their epic energy-fuelled set at our gig at The Windmill last summer, we’ve been struggling to put into words just how impressive we find their refreshingly original sound. Propelled by Luke’s intense pummelling beats and Lucy’s trademark gritty snarl, ‘Crimson’ creates a frenzied swirl of sound that’ll wrap itself around you with a racing sense of urgency. With shades of the soaring majesty of Sonic Youth, whilst retaining the duo’s utterly unique and colossal genre-blending sound, I just can’t get enough of ‘Crimson’s wonderfully discordant whirring cacophony. (Mari Lane)

Le Butcherettes – ‘Give Up’
Taken from their new album bi/MENTAL released last week, this knockout single from Le Butcherettes laments the many struggles surrounding grief. Front woman Teri’s passionate vocal delivery and the infectious rolling rhythms on this track make it a real blood-pumping affair you can’t sit still to. (KC)

Sacred Paws – ‘Brush Your Hair’
Having won the 2017 Scottish Album Of The Year Award for their debut Strike A Match, Glasgow-based duo Sacred Paws have become firm favourites over the last couple of years. Now, with their vibrant, jangly melodies flowing seamlessly alongside lush harmonies and thrilling, racing beats, new single ‘Brush Your Hair’ has secured their place in our hearts once again. And, with the band’s trademark utterly infectious uptempo energy and colourful charisma, ‘Brush Your Hair’ is set to brighten your February on first listen. (ML)

Arlo Parks – ‘Super Sad Generation’
Arlo Parks has shared her beautiful follow up to single ‘Cola’ with the aptly named ‘Super Sad Generation’. It’s a heartfelt tune that speaks about going through the motions, trying to make emotional sense of what’s in front of you. (KC)

Mags On Earth – ‘Tulip Stone’
Influenced by her constantly changing surroundings and by the pressures associated with youth and living in the moment; Mags On Earth has shared her beautifully dreamy single ‘Tulip Stone’. The song was recorded with producer Jose Manuel Cubides in London, and deals with “wondering what else life could be looking like right now, and the pressure of spending your youth in a certain way and how time keeps passing”. (KC)

Amahla – ‘Dorothy’s Verses’
Exploring what truth is through the story of her grandmother, Amahla’s ‘Dorothy’s Verses’ flows with rich, impassioned vocals alongside luscious sweeping hooks, creating a truly dreamy – and deeply stirring – offering. Having played legendary venues such as The Jazz Cafe and The Roundhouse, and garnered support from the likes of BBC Radio 1 Extra and 6Music’s Tom Robinson, I really can’t wait to hear more from this innovative artist. (ML)

NAVA – ‘Ritual’
Milan-via-Iran based project NAVA’s new single is a blend of Persian-dance inspired beats, industrial elements and hypnotic vocals. I like this band’s obscure image and sound, so I’ll be keeping tabs on them for the rest of 2019. (KC)

Miss Jacqui – ‘These Walls’
I was only recently introduced to songwriter and poet Miss Jacqui when Amahla featured this track on her guest playlist for us; and it was love at first listen. With poignant, heartfelt lyrical storytelling set to glitchy beats and a twinkling soundscape, ‘These Walls’ is an essential listen. Having performed at the 2012 Paralympics ceremony, she’s only officially started releasing tracks last year, and I’m so glad she has. An exceptional voice that we need in our ears now more than ever. (ML)

Heather Woods Broderick – ‘Where I Lay
‘Where I Lay’ is the utterly cinematic new single from Oregon’s Heather Woods Broderick. With its sparkling beauty and the subtle soaring power of Woods Broderick’s vocals, it’s impossible not to become utterly captivated. Of the track, she explains explains: “’Where I Lay’ is really a poem about the impermanence of all things. So many of our questions will remain unanswered but if we slow down and appreciate things as they are it can provide a simplicity and an ease that inspires wonder amidst the chaos.” ‘Where I Lay’ is taken from Heather Woods Broderick’s new album Invitation, out on 19th April via Western Vinyl. (ML)

Hubert’s Friend – ‘Shipping Forecast’
Filled with gritty, blues-driven riffs, meandering desert-rock groove and the soaring soulful vocals of front woman Elly Lock, I just can’t get enough of this new single from London’s Hubert’s Friend. With regular appearances on the London gig scene, Hubert’s friend have now got through to the  quarter finals of Isle of Wight Festival Emerging Talent competition, so it definitely seems they’re headed for big things this year. (ML)

LIVE: Indietracks Festival, 27/07/18 – 29/07/18 (PART 1)

With our ongoing disappointment at the lack of diversity on the majority of mainstream festival line-ups this year, I was particularly excited to have found out about Indietracks Festival (thanks to a number of bands I know who all highly recommended it) – one that refreshingly, consistently, champions DIY bands and artists of all genders and genres. And, I wasn’t to be disappointed; the weekend – set in the idyllic Midland Railway Centre near Ripley in Derbyshire – exceeded all expectations.

After one of the hottest, and longest, drives of our lives, we finally arrived. Hurriedly setting up our tent at the best campsite we’ve ever been to (Golden Valley Camping and Caravan Park), I was relieved to make it to the site just in time to catch first band of the weekend, the ever lovely Worst Place. Having previously charmed us at one of our events at The Finsbury (a little bit of theme throughout the weekend…), they soon spread their contagious, effervescent joy with their truly dreamy, sparkling brand of infectious indie pop, with shades of the sunny energy of Best Coast or Alvvays. And, with their youthful charisma and witty rapport with the crowd (“Don’t swear in front of the kids… Actually, it’s ok, they’re cool festival kids!”), they’re simply impossible not to love.

Following a tasty – and reasonably priced – pint of local beer, next up are another band who never fail to make me smile: Sacred Paws. Treating us to one delectable, danceable delight after another, front woman Rachel Aggs bounces across the stage with a whirring energy as their vibrant melodies flow seamlessly alongside lush harmonies and thrilling, racing beats. As the whole front field fills with smiling faces and buoyant bodies, I’m left grinning cheek to cheek at the utterly uplifting experience of seeing one of my favourite bands live on a sun-filled evening, surrounded by like-minded people and good vibes a plenty.

One of the few bands of the weekend that I haven’t seen live before, Friday’s headliners The Lovely Eggs blow me away with their immense, raucous offerings. Slightly more cynical, yet no less great, than the evening’s previous acts, vocalist/guitarist Holly Ross fast becomes my new hero. With a refreshing honesty and spot-on wit, her between-song banter (and necking of bottles of water) is matched only by the wonderfully eccentric energy and vibrant riotous delivery of each and every track. Leaving me desperate to make seeing them live a regular occurance, the duo’s insightful and charismatic lo-fi psych sounds are the perfect end to the perfect start of this perfect festival.

After a little boogie to some bangers, thanks to Des Was A David Bowie Fan DJs in the indoor stage (I literally ran inside to the sound of Le Tigre being played), we head back to the tent to prepare ourselves for another day of blissful sounds.

Being one of the first to arrive on site on Saturday, we have some time to spend with the owls and parrots (yes, there are owls and parrots at this festival!), before heading to the indoor stage to check out Belfast-based Strange New Places. With their luscious, folk-tinged punk pop offerings, reflecting on mental health and queerness (and Conor Oberst lyrics), they’re a truly gorgeous way to start a Saturday, and a band I’ll definitely be hoping to hear a lot more of in the future.

Another band who’ve graced our Finsbury stage and wowed me with their immersive live performances numerous times, GIHE faves Ghum kick things off on the outdoor stage with a bit of their unique gothic energy. Simply captivating as always, they treat us to a set of songs old and new, drawing in an attentive and intrigued crowd as their sweeping splendour oozes from the stage. As a wave of pride comes over me, it really is wonderful to see these women take on a festival for the first time and absolutely nail it! As front woman Laura’s magnetising charisma draws you in, and the band’s sweeping atmospheric dark-pop floats into the ears with a majestic grace, Ghum prove they’re a band who deserve to be heard – and have most certainly made some new fans with this stunning performance.

Although I was actually meant to be heading to the church next, we end up back in the indoor stage (it’s where the beer is), and happen upon Happy Accidents – a happy accident, if you will! And I couldn’t be more glad we did. With their instantly uplifting pop-punk offerings and delicious harmonies, they’re a true delight to have accidentally come across. Having waited four years to play the festival, they encourage us to “keep the head-nodding going” throughout, and how could we not? They’re just so buoyantly head-nod inducing with their shimmering creations. And, when asked to boo for the camera for a video they’re making, I find it quite impossible – sorry guys, if there’s someone in the crowd with a big stupid grin on their face, it’s probably me, it’s just the effect you have!

After a short break to enjoy some of the fantastic vegetarian food on offer at the festival, Colour Me Wednesday treat our ears to their luscious honey-sweet harmonies, sunny, twinkling energy and instantly catchy jangly melodies. Priding themselves on their DIY feminist ethos, they succeed in brightening up a drizzly afternoon with their truly enlivening offerings and empowering spirit.

I pull myself away from Colour Me Wednesday to catch some of the dreamy sounds of Nightflowers. Over the last few weeks I’ve been totally addicted to their infectious latest album Wild Notion, and so it’s a delight to be able to sing along to it live. Fronted by the dazzling sparkle of Sophia Pettit, the band deliver a set filled with a vibrant energy and perfect, shimmering indie-pop.
 

Although there’s only a certain number of adjectives to describe just how wonderful all the bands at Indietracks were, I’m going to continuing using them more in part two of my review of the weekend (featuring Dream Wife, Dream Nails, Sink Ya Teeth, Girl Ray and more…) Coming very soon!

Mari Lane
@marimindles