Track Of The Day: Amaroun – ‘Scarlet’

Following the poignant power of ‘Rise’ and following acclaim from the likes of BBC 6Music and BBC Introducing, GIHE fave Jay Brown – aka Amaroun – has now shared the latest in a string of singles that she’s releasing each month of 2020.

With each single so far touching on a different theme surrounding life as a queer woman, ‘Scarlet’ is a love song, reflecting on Jay’s “obsession” with  red-heads and the story of how her and her partner met. Oozing a gentle romanticism and subtle playful wit, it’s propelled by immense pounding beats and uptempo glitchy hooks as Amaroun switches between soulful refrains and fast-paced spoken-word lyricism. With a sunny, danceable groove and glistening energy, ‘Scarlet’ reflects Amaroun’s ability to tackle any genre and make it truly her own. An instantly uplifting slice of alt-pop, its luscious scintillating vibes will have you hooked on first listen.

Listen to ‘Scarlet’ now and keep your ears peeled for further releases from Amaroun throughout the rest of the year!

 

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Track Of The Day: Noga Erez – ‘NO News on TV’

A deceptively simple, buoyant exploration of how it might feel to disconnect from reality; Noga Erez has shared her latest single, ‘NO News on TV’. Erez penned the track during the covid-19 pandemic with her partner Ori Rousso, whilst continuing to work on her second album which is set for release later this year.

Polished production, catchy beats, and relatable lyrics combine to make ‘NO News on TV’ one of Erez’s most memorable tracks to date. She completed it without the usual distraction of emails, news and phone calls; and was therefore able to imagine a world with no access to “politics, money, grit, racism or violence.”

“I don’t wanna look at my phone anymore” she muses in the track’s opening line, fatigued by the constant flow of bad news. But rather than encouraging listeners to switch off from the world, Erez highlights that this apathy is an unhealthy privilege, and one that many communities do not have.

The Tel-Aviv based artist articulates why it’s so crucial not to turn away when we see injustice: “As I write these words people in America and all over the world are fighting for justice for the black community. It’s tragic and saddening that in this day and age we still have to deal with racism. But this fight is so extremely important, not just for the black community in the US but for any person who suffers from oppression and mistreatment.”

“I call this song ‘a children’s song for adults’ because it shows a naive, Utopian reflection of reality. I just needed to have a song like that. An escape song. [But] this isn’t time for escaping, it’s a time for confronting. Singing about how ‘everybody’s free’ right now is such an incredible dissonance for me. It says exactly what it needs to say: not everyone is free. Actually most of us aren’t, but some of us are literally, physically not free. And that has to change fast.”

Erez explores these themes in the beautifully shot video that accompanies the track, featuring an exquisitely decorated mansion and a devious bear playing drums. She elaborates on her characterisation and the visual metaphors she used: “I wanted to play a character that is very different from how I see myself, and the feeling of boredom playing a big part in a subconscious way throughout the video. The bear here is an intruder, a threat coming from the outside world and messing up the Utopia, and also salvaging the character from the underwhelming feeling of having no worries or trouble. Once she gets friendly and intimate with the intruder she instantly realises the outside world is too scary, too intense and she decides to get rid of it and go back to closing herself off from anything outside her beautiful, perfect boredom.”

Check out the video for ‘NO News on TV’ below and follow Noga Erez on Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: BAXTR – ‘Bloom’

With an explosively fresh energy and tight, popping instrumentals, London trio BAXTR unveil indie greatness in their debut single ‘Bloom’.

Inspired by ’80s retro-pop, BAXTR bring a fiery energy to the modern dance canvas and paint it with a melody that will immediately leave you reaching for repeat. The rich history of the trio’s closeness is evident throughout ‘Bloom’ –  a natural chemistry spins in circles and forms its own unique sonic charisma. This joyful tone is the glue of BAXTR’s witty sound and supports the band’s feel-good drums, sunny guitar riffs and sing-along vocals.

The bounce of ‘Bloom’ is undeniable, and embodies the spirit of a best friend pulling you into the sun “in the middle of June.” It is both the pick-me-up easy car ride and the quiet summer night in a backyard with your favourite people. BAXTR have removed anything melancholy about nostalgia in ‘Bloom’ and delivered us nothing but the good memories and the lightness of noughties pop music. It’s a reassuring boost in the form of a song – reminiscent, hopeful and contagious. 

 

‘Bloom’ is out now. Listen on Spotify.

Jillian Goyeau
@jillybxxn

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Track Of The Day: Healthy Junkies – ‘Some Kind of Girl’

**Trigger Warning: Discussion of sexual harassment in the workplace**

A riotous exploration of the multiple microaggressions that women endure on a daily basis while trying to stay focused in the workplace; Healthy Junkies have shared their latest single, ‘Some Kind Of Girl’. Lifted from the band’s fourth album, Delirious Dream, the track is informed by personal experience.

“I can hear the scream inside your eyes” seethes Healthy Junkies vocalist Nina Courson over crashing percussion and heavy riffs. ‘Some Kind Of Girl’ is based on Courson’s own experience of sexual harassment which she endured when she moved from France to London as a young woman. “There is very much a call for change in today’s society” she explains. “Truth, justice and non-acceptance of inappropriate behaviour are very much at the fore-front of this.”

The London-based band have shared an accompanying video for the track (directed by John Clay) that highlights the pervasive nature of sexual harassment, and how the effects last long after women leave the office. Watch the visuals below and follow Healthy Junkies on Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

If you need support or advice about sexual harassment please click here.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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