Track Of The Day: Landshapes – ‘Drama’

GIHE faves, and one of the first guests that we had on our radio show back in 2015, Landshapes have recently announced their long-awaited upcoming new album, set for release next month.

Taken from the album, new single ‘Drama’ reflects on the imbalance of emotional labour that’s often seen between men and women. Propelled by a steady, jazz-infused bass-line, it soars with a whirring synth-filled musicality and sweeping electro-driven hooks as the lustrous distinctive power of Luisa Gerstein’s vocals flows. With an uplifting, shimmering energy, it’s an utterly spellbinding soundscape that’ll captivate on first listen with its majestic funk-fuelled groove. Of the track, Gerstein expands:

“(it’s about) the imbalance of emotional labour that can happen between men and women, and in those instances all the work women often have to do to manage and protect fragile egos. The choruses offer something a bit more sympathetic…”

‘Drama‘ is out now, along with accompanying single ‘Let Me Be‘. Both are taken from Landshapes’ upcoming new album, Contact, set for release on 20th November via Bella Union.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Coen Rees

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Track Of The Day: Middle Kids – ‘R U 4 ME?’

Like a wash of fulfillment that brushes your cheeks as you run through a field of wildflowers, Middle Kids’ ‘R U 4 Me?’ is an instant holiday. With a nostalgic groove that breathes with a contemporary sigh, Middle Kids have chiseled out a mastery of a sound for themselves that covers so much ground.

Vocalist Hannah Joy enthrals swirling emotions with her warm melodies and pondering lyrics that discuss the ways in which we talk to one another. Tone is everything, and ‘R U 4 Me?’ embodies the ease that we should grant each other through the comfort of their harmonious mix.

Perky acoustic guitar and samples of candid laughter sprinkle the indie-pop anthem with personal moments and shed a light on the chemistry between the band members. It is evident that this trio know how to play off of each other in the best way, without even thinking about it for a moment. Earnestness is the backbone of Middle Kids’ character and it shows. ‘R U 4 Me?’ is a communal experience and something that should be held so close at this time. Middle Kids are undeniably the escape the world deserves right now.

‘R U 4 Me?’ is out now via Lucky Number Records. Listen on Spotify.

Jillian Goyeau
@jillybxxn

Photo Credit: Daphne Nguyen

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Track Of The Day: M(h)aol – ‘Laundries’

A brooding reflection on the grim realities that “fallen women” faced in Ireland’s infamous Magdalene Laundries, inter-sectional feminist post-punk band M(h)aol (pronounced like “male”) have shared their first single after a five year hiatus, titled ‘Laundries’. Through scathing vocals, thudding beats and distorted riffs, the group ruminate on the cruel past of these oppressive institutions.

Currently based between Dublin, London and Bristol, M(h)aol are formed of Róisín Nic Ghearailt, Constance Keane, Jamie Hyland, Zoe Greenway and Sean Nolan. Together, the band aim to shake up the male dominated post-punk scene with their urgent, shadowy sounds and new single ‘Laundries’ is the perfect instigator for this pursuit.

Fueled by relentless, crashing percussion and candid lyricism, ‘Laundries’ acknowledges “the shame of our secrets / the stain of our days”, shedding light on the uncomfortable truth behind the brutal religious institutions, the last of which closed its doors in October 1996. The track acts as a poignant reminder to both Ireland and the rest of the world that challenging oppression and misogyny is a collective responsibility, and the only way we can prevent such cruelty from happening again in the future.

Listen to ‘Laundries’ below and follow M(h)aol on bandcamp, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: MIRI – ‘Just Breathe’

With acclaim from the likes of BBC 6Music, and performances for Sofar Sounds and supporting Laura Viers at Bush Hall, GIHE fave and previous radio guest host MIRI has recently shared a poignant new single.

Released to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Day earlier this month, ‘Just Breathe’ reflects on the negative impact some social media can have, whilst delivering a message of love and positivity. Propelled by a soothing, soulful splendour and emotion-strewn majesty, the soaring heartfelt power of Miri’s distinctive vocals flows alongside an uplifting musicality, oozing an endearing sense of hope. With resonant lyrics such as “You can call on me, I’ll be the safe space that you need”, it’s a stirring ode to self care and taking care of those you love, at a time when we need it the most. 

Of the track, MIRI explains: “Just Breathe is my message to anyone struggling mentally to please reach out for help. We are living in an incredibly stressful and intense time especially with the pandemic. It can all have a major impact on our mental health and wellbeing which is why it was important for me to release this track for WMHD.”

‘Just Breathe’ is accompanied by a beautifully calming video, directed by Kate Lane. Watch here:

‘Just Breathe’ is out now. Listen on Spotify.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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