Track Of The Day: Anna Wolf (ft. Pop Morrison) – ‘The Unfamiliar’

In an eerie-pop lullaby, Anna Wolf and Pop Morrison (Stereophonics) combine forces to create a captivating backdrop for independent horror film ‘The Unfamiliar’. Drawing on the simplicity of folk and the intriguing dynamics of art-rock, they have blended a tasteful concoction of genres to paint a bewitching track that shares an insightful whisper to its accompanying movie. 

Vocal delicacy reminiscent of Ingrid Michealson dances across silky acoustic guitar for fluttering majestic moments. By dispersing and leaving the velvety instrumental to hold its own, Anna and Pop make room for mystery and a quietness that seems to echo down a shadowed hallway. Winding is the track and stoic indie-pop is the vehicle driving this dark tune. 

Soft, cushioned percussion holds ‘The Unfamiliar’ afloat and steady in its progress even when tension builds lyrically through Anna’s ethereal images – “A cat caught their tongue” – but the silence is telling its own tale through Anna and Pop’s pulsing musicality.

‘The Unfamiliar’ is steeped in an eerie, murky shadow and magnificent sense of suspense, offering its own cinematic soundscape of apprehension and horror. 

‘The Unfamiliar’ is out now. Listen on Spotify.

Jillian Goyeau
@jillybxxn

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Track Of The Day: Francis Of Delirium – ‘Equality Song’

**TRIGGER WARNING: DISCUSSION OF RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT**

A candid, necessary dismantling of the ingrained sexism and toxic masculinity that permeates society, Luxembourg-based, Canadian-American duo Francis Of Delirium have shared their latest single ‘Equality Song’. Funded by Luxembourg’s Ministry of Equality to celebrate 100 years of women’s right to vote, vocalist & guitarist Jana Bahrich penned the poignant track in the wake of the Brett Kavanaugh hearings.

“Sometimes it feels like a fact of life / You’re born, get your period and you’ll get raped some time,” Bahrich states in the song’s cutting opening lyrics. Her message is made all the more startling by the strength and sincerity in her vocals, highlighting the systems that are “hindering our change” when it comes to openly discussing the inequality that women face on a daily basis.

“The song was written mainly out of anger, at how absurd it is that sexual abuse is so normalised, and the systems that are in place just essentially shit on anyone that comes forward with their story”, explains the 19 year old songwriter. “The Brett Kavanaugh hearings had just happened and then every week it felt like another story came out and it seemed like no-one cared. You grow up learning to be sceptical of other people and spend a lot of time in fear of the people around you. So, the song is meant to be lashing out about how broken structures and systems are”.

Bahrich’s anger is underscored by a desire to support those who speak up about abuse, which is why all proceeds generated from the first week of downloads of the single on Francis Of Delirium’s bandcamp page will go to Femmes en Detresse, a Luxembourg domestic abuse charity that provides protection and therapy.

Listen to ‘Equality Song’ below and follow Francis Of Delirium on Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Photo Credit: Lynn Theisen

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Ailbhe Reddy – ‘Looking Happy’

Transforming the crushing sadness that comes with seeing your ex “enjoying” their life on social media into a buoyant alt-folk gem, Ailbhe Reddy has shared her latest single ‘Looking Happy’. Lifted from her upcoming debut album Personal History, which is set for release on 2nd October, the track taps into the feelings of inadequacy we all experience when the FOMO unexpectedly hits whilst we’re scrolling through our ex’s newsfeed.

“We should all know by now that what people present online is a shiny happy version of events, but sometimes it’s impossible to have that logic when you’re hurting,” explains the Dublin-based musician. “Most people have probably ended up scrolling through the online profile of an ex and feeling like their life is full of fun parties and holidays, because that’s all people show of their life online.” Reddy’s willingness to expose these well known but often ignored behaviours is what makes ‘Looking Happy’ so painfully relatable.

Fortunately, Reddy has given fans a healthy dose of humour to offset the track’s sad context in the form of a child’s birthday party in the accompanying video for ‘Looking Happy’. “I’ve been to a lot of parties in my life where I feel bummed out but put on a happy face, so I thought it would be funny to have all these fun scenarios and look really glum,” she explains. “The blooper reel is definitely longer than the music video itself as it was incredibly difficult to keep a straight face on the bouncy castle!”

Watch the video for ‘Looking Happy’ below.

Follow Ailbhe Reddy on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Fightmilk – ‘If You Had A Sister’

With their upcoming new album set for release early next year, and following last single ‘I’m Starting To Think You Don’t Even Want To Go To Space’, GIHE faves and previous headliners for us at The Finsbury Fightmilk have now shared a brand new offering.

Perhaps more sombre in tone than previous releases, ‘If You Had A Sister’ oozes a twinkling, swirling melancholy and heartfelt lyricism whilst losing none of the band’s trademark catchy, emo-tinged indie-pop goodness. Propelled by the gritty, raw emotion of front person Lily’s yearning vocals alongside scuzzy hooks and perfectly interwoven musical layers, it offers a shimmering reflection on life and loss; showcasing a band that are continuously refining their sound and, in the process, consistently continuing to win my heart.

Of the track, the band explain:

“It’s a bit slower and quieter than the fast guitar pop of the last album, and it’s about all kinds of dark things – but if there was ever a time for songs you can do ominous slow dancing to, it’s 2020.”

 

‘If You Had A Sister’ is out now via Reckless Yes.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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