Track Of The Day: All Cats Are Beautiful – ‘Lucky Cloud’

all cats are beautiful. A perfectly true statement, and also the name of a rather lovely musical duo creating exquisite tunes to calm the ears. Following the whimsical allure of last year’s  ‘wishing i cld fit in ur backpack’, Elena and Kyle are back with another beautiful offering.

Paying homage to songwriter, cellist and queer icon Arthur Russell, ‘Lucky Cloud’ flows with dreamy, twinkling hooks and serene harmonies, creating a perfect, soothing respite from everything going on at the moment. Maintaining all the psychedelic grace of the original, the duo have added their own unique uplifting charm and shimmering musicality, creating a ray of glistening sunshine (or indeed a ‘lucky cloud) at a time when the rest of the horizon may be looking a little grey. So, take a deep breath, and bask in its swirling, resplendent splendour whilst remembering the wonder of Russell’s immersive songwriting.

Of the track, all cats are beautiful explain:
“… we took influence from the several different versions of the piece he created during his life to inform our own take on this sensitive, perfect little song.”

 

‘Lucky Cloud’ is available on bandcamp, with all proceeds split equally between Act Up New York, and the Terrence Higgins Trust – supporting people living with HIV/AIDS (to honour Russell who passed away in 1992 of an AIDS-related illness). all cats are beautiful’s full discography will be donating proceeds to these two charities until the end of the month.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Track Of The Day: Kermes – ‘Peeling Off The Rind’

Their first release since 2018’s album We Choose Pretty Names, Leicester queercore outfit Kermes has now shared a brand new double A-side to offer some much needed musical comfort in these trying times.

Propelled by scuzzy, swirling hooks and a shimmering, angst-driven energy, ‘Peeling Off The Rind’ reflects on feelings of unity and togetherness, and their importance in resistance. With front person Emily’s raw, seething vocals driving the track’s poignant, impassioned power, it’s a much needed slice of uplifting catharsis, with musical shades of the likes of ’90s emo-indie like My Vitriol. A totally necessary, inspiring, listen to start 2021, at a time when we must use our collective rage to come together to overcome the confines of capitalist society.

Having been due to play for us at The Finsbury in August last year, Kermes are fast becoming one of our most favourite bands, and we dream of the day when we can finally witness their live set, and dance together in a sweaty safe space, in joyous solidarity.

 

‘Peeling Off The Rind’ is out now, along with equally powerful double A-side track ‘Terms’, released exclusively on bandcamp as a digital release and limited edition cassette via Amateur Pop Incorporated.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Track Of The Day: Bait Bag – ‘Safe Word’

A riotous drop-kick to one of the worst years in global history, US riot grrrls Bait Bag have shared their latest single ‘Safe Word’. Full of sardonic lyrics and punk-infused riffs, the track is a vigorous farewell to 2020 and more specifically, to the last four years of tyrannous American politics.

Formed in the summer of 2018 by North Haven Island-based pals Fiona Robins, Claire Donnelly and Courtney Naliboff, Bait Bag are inspired by the sounds of Sleater-Kinney, Blondie and Le Tigre. They’ve channeled their collective energies into new single ‘Safe Word’, a track that encourages listeners to dance and swirl around in the ashes of this “dumpster fire” of a year.

“This is the song to blast at midnight with a glass of champagne and all your friends on Zoom,” the band explain. With its crashing percussion, energetic guitars and relatable lyrics – “Hey man, stop the world I wanna get off!” – it’ll be hard not to bop along with the grrrls as they enthuse about the exhaustion that came with the continuous flow of bad news this year.

With songs intended to “empower and excite, or at least give other frustrated people something to flail around to,” Bait Bag’s latest single is a strong opening track for the soundtrack of 2021.

Listen to ‘Safe Word’ below.

 

Follow Bait Bag on bandcamp, Spotify, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Catgod – ‘Sometimes I Care For You’

Having previously charmed us live at The Finsbury, as well as being the loveliest of guests on our radio show, Oxford sibling duo Cat Marriott and Robin Christensen-Marriot – aka Catgod – have now shared a beautiful new single.

The first of three singles to be taken from their upcoming album, ‘Sometimes I Care For You’ is an ode to the isolation we feel when we cannot express ourselves, and the heartache that can come from not knowing where you stand with your lover. Flowing with a stirring, heartfelt emotion, it’s propelled by the rich power of Cat’s soaring vocals alongside Robin’s twinkling harmonies, creating a truly captivating soundscape. Complete with additional sweeping musicality from Patrick Bolton, George Purnell and Casper Miles, ‘Sometimes I Care For You’ offers an utterly spellbinding taste of what’s to come from the Oxford band. 

 
‘Sometimes I Care For You’ is out now, and Born Again – the upcoming album from Catgod – is set for release in Spring 2021. To celebrate the single’s release, Catgod will be To performing a live stream concert at TAD studios tonight – ticket link here.

 

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Ian Wallman

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