LISTEN: Chastity Belt – ‘Elena’

Dreamy, overlapping vocals and lush guitar sounds permeate ‘Elena’, the new single from GIHEs faves Chastity Belt. The track is taken from their fourth self-titled album which is set for release on 20th September via Hardly Art records, and Milk! records in Australia and New Zealand.

It’s a subtle, personal song inspired by the band’s love of author Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan novels, which they all read over the course of last year. Bassist Annie Truscott explains further: “We individually related to the ways in which the main character’s sense of self is inextricably linked to her desire for love and validation, both from lovers and friends. The overlapping voices on top of the whimsical wave-like instrumentals captures the universal feeling of having a conversation with yourself about yourself.”

After taking a break from band life and pursuing their own solo endeavours, it seems that Julia Shapiro (vocals, guitar, drums), Lydia Lund (vocals, guitar), Gretchen Grimm (drums, vocals, guitar) & Annie Truscott (bass) have been refreshed by their time apart, which ironically seems to have brought them closer together. The band co-produced their new album with Melina Duterte (aka Jay Som), which sees them sharing lead vocals on different tracks, and working with different instruments such as violin (played by Annie), cello, trumpet and keyboards.

“I feel like this record is a really good representation of who we all are, and I feel like we’re at a point where we’ve really come into our own” explains Julia. New single ‘Elena’ sounds like the sweetest taste of what’s to come from a band who value time, authenticity, and celebrating long-term friendship both on and off stage.

Listen to ‘Elena’ below and follow Chastity Belt on Facebook for more updates.

Pre-order your copy of Chastity Belt’s new self-titled album here.

Chastity Belt’s 2019 UK Tour Dates (with GANG)
Oct 13 – Bristol, UK @ Thekla
Oct 15 – Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club
Oct 16 – Manchester, UK @ YES
Oct 17 – Glasgow, UK @ Stereo
Oct 19 – Oxford, UK @ Ritual Union
Oct 20 – Cardiff, UK @ SWN Festival
Oct 21 – Brighton, UK @ Patterns
Oct 23 – Southampton, UK @ The Joiners
Oct 24 – London, UK @ Islington Assembly Hall

Photo by Beto Brakmo

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Palm Haze – ‘Floating’

Hazy, reverb-heavy guitars and drifting vocals permeate ‘Floating’, the new single from Vancouver-via-Brazil shoegaze duo Palm Haze. The track is taken from their upcoming album Rêve Bleu, which is set for release on 30th August via YHS Records.

Whilst Anna Wagner (vocals/bass) and Lucas Inacio’s (guitar/producer) music is clearly influenced by the likes of My Bloody Valentine, the duo also blend elements of alt-rock and trip-hop to create their luscious, swirling soundscapes. Their 2017 EP Tangy Dream was rated as DKFM’s third best shoegaze album, and their new record looks set to be a hit with fans and critics alike.

The band describe Rêve Bleu as “another story told by the unconscious”, and singles ‘Almost Soon’ and ‘Floating’ have already tapped in to the beauty in Palm Haze’s chaotic hive mind. Lucas explains further: “While Tangy Dream feels very tangible and achievable, Rêve Bleu will bring up chaotic emotions and thoughts, taking you much further from reality and closer to the wonders of uncertainty. Where could you go? What could you do? It’s a fantasy you fall on accidentally, revealing risky and forbidden paths. It’s the kind of dream you’re afraid of, but also tempted towards.”

We’re happy to drift along unconsciously with Palm Haze’s new sounds. Listen to ‘Follow’ below and follow the band on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Get In Her Ears x Teenage Dreams 01.08.19

Tash & Kate were back in the studio this week with loads of new music from the likes of Palm Haze, Empara Mi, Junaco, Ora The Molecule & Arthur Moon.

They reminisced about some of their fave tracks from their teenage years too, which included songs by Alanis Morissette, Nirvana, Sugababes, Avril Lavigne & The Joy Formidable.

Listen back:

@getinherears
@maudeandtrevor
@KCBobCut

Tracklist
Kate Bush – Wuthering Heights
Intaya – Guaguancó
Karen Ilnm – This morning, yesterday’
Cat Apostrophe – January
Palm Haze – Almost Soon
Empara Mi – Ditch
Ora The Molecule – Salé
Giovanna – Young Heart Player
Charlie Strange – I follow
Laélia – Flatline
Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit
The Joy Formidable – The Greatest Light Is The Greatest Shade
Alanis Morissette – You Oughta Know
No Doubt – Just A Girl
Sugababes – Overload
Avril Lavigne – Losing Grip
Linkin Park – Leave Out All The Rest
Sweat – BAD
RUNHA – Beings
Taobh – eile
Junaco – In Between (GIHE)
Arthur Moon – Reverse Conversion Therapy
BEA1991 – Loser Wins
JR – PAL
Lady Gaga – Applause
Sufjan Steves – Mystery Of Love

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WATCH: Montauk Hotel – ‘White Billboards’

Dublin four-piece Montauk Hotel have shared visuals to accompany their shimmering single ‘White Billboards’ released via Reckless Records earlier this year. The track is a reflection on the power of advertising in society and how the models featured within these adverts influence our choices, happiness and feelings of adequacy.

Through a montage of vintage advertising footage, the video gently questions whether a society with empty billboards would give people more freedom, or whether it would leave them lost and unable to regain a personal identity. Montauk Hotel’s luscious soundscape makes these poignant themes easier to reflect on.

Watch the video below and follow Montauk Hotel on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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