Track Of The Day: Hilary Woods – ‘Orange Tree’

A tentative exploration of inner fears, Hilary Woods‘ latest single ‘Orange Tree’ is an atmospheric, brooding affair. Taken from her upcoming second album Birthmarks, set for release on 13th March via Sacred Bones, the Irish musician has crafted another dark, beguiling soundscape that smoulders with quiet intensity.

“For me, ‘Orange Tree’ is a personal song acknowledging an inner fear of the unknown,” Woods explains. “It’s an exercise in overcoming, becoming more planted and rooted in the earth and in the body.” Woods’ thoughts are reflected in the accompanying visuals for the track, which she created and directed with Joshua Wright.

Written & recorded over the course of two years between Galway and Oslo, whilst Woods was heavily pregnant, Birthmarks looks set to be her most personal and powerful record to date. Inspired by the works of Norwegian experimental noise producer & filmmaker Lasse Marhaug, the images from post-war Japanese and wet-plate photography, to the secret life of trees; Woods’ far-reaching influences are what make her art so mesmerising and transcendent.

Watch the video for ‘Orange Tree’ below, and follow Hilary Woods on Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Hilary Woods EU/UK Live Dates 2020
April 19, Tilberg, NL @ Roadburn Festival
May 18, London, UK @ Cafe Oto

Photo credit: Joshua Wright

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Bad Honey – ‘Circles’

With hypnotically smooth vocals and a dainty yet crisp soundscape, London duo Bad Honey host an ethereal world in their new single ‘Circles’.

Bubbling percussion layered over stirring lyrics has “its own flow and takes it slow” in a way that feels just right leading up to the song’s enticing pre-chorus. This warm buildup pays off immediately with a sing-along chorus that is glossy and so earnest lyrically. Here, Bad Honey create a beautifully produced experience that still feels so raw because of their compelling emotional disposition.

‘Circles’ feels like an affectionate and intimate conversation between lovers or friends. “We fight together, we build strength from each other” says it all in this loving promise of a song. Bad Honey have truly touched upon a sweet sounding destination that is soulful and anthem-like with their catchy and alluring melodies. A comforting and gorgeous groove that’ll leave you hungry for more of Bad Honey’s sweet sweet sounds. 

 

Jillian Goyeau
@jillybxxn 

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Track Of The Day: Sharon Van Etten – ‘Beaten Down’

Dark synths, atmospheric keys, and sparse echoing beats permeate ‘Beaten Down’, the latest single from Sharon Van Etten. A poignant reflection on “love, patience and empathy”, Etten’s voice smolders throughout the track, which is accompanied by a beautifully shot black & white video, directed by Nicky and Juliana Giraffe (Giraffe Studios).

“‘Beaten Down’ is about making life-changing choices and remaining strong enough to see them through”, Etten explains. This subtle strength permeates the song, in which she transforms vulnerability into sounds that help to strengthen a backbone in the face of adversity.

“Upon hearing the song, our minds automatically drifted into stark black and white, fever dreams, dark silhouettes contrasted against a barren desert landscape”, explain directors Nicky and Juliana. The visuals feature both Etten, and twin dancing duo Allison and Veronica Huber. “Our intention was to give Sharon’s song and performance space to breathe and echo” they explain further. “It was important to us that the dancers were strongly connected.”

This connection between the sounds and visuals makes Etten’s latest single a compelling, intensely repeatable listen. Watch the video for ‘Beaten Down’ below, and follow Sharon Van Etten on Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Half Waif – ‘Ordinary Talk’

Following 2018’s critically acclaimed Lavender, Hudson Valley-based artist Nandi Rose, aka Half Waif, has now announced her upcoming new album.

Reflecting on the acceptance of finding the beauty in being like everyone else, ‘Ordinary Talk’ is filled with captivating glitchy hooks and rich soulful vocals that exude a stirring raw emotion, with shades of later Radiohead. A truly spellbinding slice of poignant alt-pop meditating on the heaviness of ordinary moments.

Of the track, Rose explains:

“Recognizing your own ordinariness can be depressing, or it can be a relief. In Ordinary Talk, I wanted to honour and celebrate my ordinariness as an incredible tool for making me feel less alone. The song is a reassurance that feeling bad – or ‘ill’ – isn’t something that needs to be corrected. There’s a depth of experience that comes from feeling emotions at their extremes. And it is, in fact, this vivid, varied messiness that makes us human and ordinary.”

Watch the striking, theatrical new video for ‘Ordinary Talk’ now:

The Caretaker, the new album from Half Waif, is out 27th March via ANTI records. 

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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