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

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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)

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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

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Albums Of The Year 2017

Although some might say we now live in an age dominated by single tracks – as streaming services like Spotify and Soundcloud take over our listening habits – here at Get In Her Ears we still enjoy losing ourselves in a flowing collection of songs by the same artist. There’s nothing quite like the excitement of discovering your new favourite album or EP.  

2017 has seen us spoilt for choice for great albums by great people; from St Vincent’s incredible comeback with ‘Masseduction’ to the enchanting, spine-tingling splendour of Aldous Harding’s ‘Party’; from the haunting magic of the legendary Bjork’s ‘Utopia’ to the twinkling, introspective grace of Adult Mom’s ‘Soft Spots’. There’s been some crackers.

However, as promoters of new music, we’ve decided to pick our favourite albums/EPs of the year from some of the most deserving, most amazing upcoming/DIY artists we know.

Sacred Paws – ‘Strike A Match’
I think it’s fair to say 2017 hasn’t been the best of years, but just one listen of London-Glasgow duo Sacred Paws’ Strike A Match will uplift in an instant, making everything seem just a little brighter. Fronted by the sunny charisma of Rachel Aggs, Sacred Paws have not only provided a soundtrack to our year, but have also left us grinning from cheek-to-cheek and full of joy upon seeing them live at Visions Festival in the summer.

Filled with one delectable, danceable delight after another, the Scottish Album Of The Year award winner oozes a unique jangly joy throughout. With each track offering a contagious buoyant energy as vibrant calypso-inspired melodies flow seamlessly alongside lush harmonies and thrilling, racing beats, Strike A Match is the perfect antidote to 2017’s troubles. A wonderfully musically rich collection with all the reviving spirit and colourful charm you could ever need to see you into the new year. (Mari Lane)

H1987 – ‘Dreamlike’
Mysteriously named electronic artist and producer H1987 released Dreamlike earlier this year; and it’s an ambient, fluid, ethereal offering from this prolific talent.

Whilst the record is mainly instrumental, it manages to articulate emotions and states of mind that the most poetic of lyrics would fall short of explaining. It’s a soundscape for anxiety, distance, euphoria, reassurance – and equal parts cold and comforting. Like a pebble that breaks the surface of a placid lake, each track is a ripple that widens and spreads in to the next.

If film soundtracks or unusual electronic albums are your thing, then allow yourself the luxury of listening to Dreamlike in one sitting to feel the full effect. It’s the ultimate antidote for any stressful or long commute. Put your headphones in, and disappear. (Kate Crudgington)

Dream Nails – ‘Dare To Care’
As well as providing us with some of the most liberating and exciting live performances of the year – the assertion of their ‘Girls To The Front’ ethos at their gigs providing an empowering and necessary step towards creating safe spaces for women and non-binary people at music venues – Dream Nails have also released their completely fantastic debut EP.

Packing a punch with its seething force, Dare To Care is proof of why we need Dream Nails in our lives now more than ever. From ‘Joke Choke’ – a raging, discordant offering filled with a punk-fuelled fury about people who think it’s funny to make jokes about rape – and the fist-clenching power of ‘Tourist’s message against emotionally predatory men; to the uplifting, unifying sparkle of ‘Merkury’, and the ultimate, sex-positive break-up anthem ‘Lovefuck’, this EP provides a perfect and timely voice against the patriarchy.

A group willing to combine activism and music to form a unifying force against misogyny and inequality in society, Dream Nails succeed in inspiring and motivating girls everywhere to get to the front and make our voices heard. And we cannot wait to hear what our favourite Feminist Punk Witches have in store in 2018 to follow the empowering magnificence of Dare To Care. (ML)

LOUD WOMEN – ‘Volume One’
Featuring 21 tracks from a variety of DIY female musicians – with all profits going to Women’s Aid – LOUD WOMEN’s Volume One compilation album is a vital piece of energy-giving activism. With tracks from DOLLS, GUTTFULL, Bugeye and more; this eclectic mix of punk, indie, rock & alternative is perfect listening for any feminist activist – or any fan of quality DIY music.

The chorus on Madame So’s ‘Black Is Beautiful’ filled me with tearful hope the first time I listened. Petrol Girls’ ‘Touch Me Again’ has remained my angry, life-affirming, self-autonomous anthem. Deux Furieses brief but brilliant ‘Out Of My System’ is the punk remedy to any bad day. There really is something here for everyone. (KC)

H.Grimace – ‘Self Architect’
Having wowed us with their impeccable live performances at Green Man Festival and at our very own Finsbury night, this year H.Grimace followed 2015’s ‘I Am Material’ cassette and last year’s Royal Hush EP with the release of their debut album Self Architect. 

A collection of raw post-punk scuzz, the album swirls in its stirring darkness and shoegaze-inspired haze, the likes of which I haven’t been quite as addicted to since first losing myself in Sonic Youth’s Goo.

Whilst the blunt power of ‘2.1 Woman’s commentary on patriarchal society’s expectations of women to create perfect versions of themselves may be a personal highlight of the album, this record is a pure sonic delight from start to finish. From the seething, dreamy whirr of ‘Lipsyncer’, to the twinkling hum of ‘Land/Body’ and the jangly cacophony of its title track, Self Architect flows with a soaring, bewitching majesty and gritty power.

Combine these innovative musical creations with the compelling, cool swathe and raw honesty of exceptional front woman Hannah Gledhill, and you have one of the most exciting bands of 2017. (ML)

Rews – ‘Pyro’ (KC)
Like the phoenix that rises from the ashes of its own flames, REWS take the remnants of loves old and new, and turn them in to tunes that blaze with fun and furious style. Their debut album Pyro (released via Marshall Records) brims with a simultaneously dark and delightful energy, and it set our ears alight in all the right ways.

From the glittery, gritty goodness of single ‘Shine’, to the powerhouse break-up anthem ‘Miss You In The Dark’ – Pyro proves the REWS girls take everything in their stride; and they should take great pride in a debut that perfectly showcases their musical potential.(KC)

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