Track Of The Day: Cozy Slippers – ‘Not Hard To Say Goodbye’

Having started when Barbara Barrilleaux and Sarah Engel met at ‘Ladies Rock Camp’, a weekend event that brings women together to learn to play instruments and form bands, Seattle based Cozy Slippers have since recruited guitarist Steven Skelton and are now set to release their second EP.

Taken from the EP, new single ‘Not Hard To Say Goodbye’ is a perfect slice of jangly indie-pop. Filled with sweeping luscious harmonies and twinkling hooks, it oozes a gentle romanticism and sunny, heartfelt joy. A musically layered and lyrically rich offering, it’s guaranteed to brighten even the darkest of days.

 

Postcards, the new EP from Cozy Slippers, was mixed by Dylan Wall (Hibou, Tangerine, Craft Spells, High Sunn), and is out 20th April on Jigsaw Records.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Track Of The Day: Riè – ‘Benevolent Creature’

Having relocated to the UK following a successful career in Tokyo being signed to Sony Japan, Riè (pronounced ‘ree-ay’) delivers her pulsating new single ‘Benevolent Creature’.

With elements of inspiration from the likes of Björk, ‘Benevolent Creature’ deconstructs the way in which humanity faces up to its problems via pulsing, electronic beats. A melancholic piano score reels us into Riè’s world as subtle harmonies – coupled with distant violins – take us on a journey with her through otherworldly landscapes. As soon as the beat drops however, the fantasy transforms into a pulsating electronic anthem.

‘Benevolent Creature’ goes beyond the scope of traditional pop due to its powerful message -remaining strong to tackle our issues head on: “You don’t need to hold it back, pretend it’s fine when you want to scream out loud”, Riè tells us. The heightened pace of the bridge is suggestive of the anxieties we face in life, but as the tempo drops back down again, the listener is soothed once more. With ‘Benevolent Creature’ Riè demonstrates a gentle power which succeeds in lifting both our mood and our personal outlooks.

 

‘Benevolent Creature’ is out now. Catch Riè live at The Finsbury on 27th March.

Nicky Lee-Delisle
@Nicky___Lee

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Track Of The Day: Like Swimming – ‘Strike A Pose’

Quirky Swedish alt-pop trio Like Swimming (Claes Carlström -vocals, guitar; Ida Hedene- vocals, guitar; and Petter Wesslander- drums) return from the pop wilderness with their new single, ‘Strike A Pose.’ It is a politically charged electronic locomotive, steering towards the first part of a double EP: Resistance / Relations. The division of the album into a two part EP will see the band address their political frustration in the first part, Resistance, to make room for the ups and downs of personal battles in the second part, Relations, coming later this year.

As with previous offerings, ‘Strike A Pose’ blends an upbeat, danceable hook with eccentric, yet insightful, lyrics. It builds up from a synth-laden ’80s feel, with Ida’s strong vocals coming to the fore, allowing the song to strike its pose.

A sketch of an unthinking character as a political mouthpiece, the track builds as Ida’s searing vocals rise to the anthemic chorus – “I am the one you want, I am your poster boy. I am the shallow start of intellectual fall.” Full steaming ahead, the song presents the present political reality: “tell me your thesis in a thirty second piece…”

In less than three minutes we learn that shallow politics wins out – “you don’t stand a chance as I strike a pose” – as the song comes to a sudden halt leaving you wanting more. It all goes swimmingly well, and you can dance to its infectious beats while you reflect on its poignant theme.

 

Resistance, the upcoming EP from Like Swimming, is out on 20th April via DigSin.

Fi Ni Aicead
@gotnomoniker

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Track Of The Day: LibraLibra – ‘Animali’

The first single from vocalist Beth Cannon and multi-instrumentalist/producer Joe Caple – aka LibraLibra – ‘Animali’ is a vibrant and dynamic listen. Having just returned from touring with Simon Raymonde’s new venture, Lost Horizons (Bella Union), Cannon has received praise throughout her career, with comparisons to the likes of Kate Bush and Bjork, whilst Caple’s mastery of rhythm transcends simple percussion, as he creates majestic layers of sound.

A truly uplifting offering, ‘Animali’ oozes a ferocious power as a frenetic tension builds throughout. With shades of the likes of tUne-yArDs or MIA, the soulful splendour of Cannon’s vocals flow alongside tribal beats and a soaring, frenzied soundscape. A sheer sonic delight guaranteed to reinvigorate the senses on first listen from this exciting new project.  

Of the track, Cannon explains:

“‘Animali’ is an unapologetic war song in which I am ready to fight for equality. Since I can remember equality has been at most fleeting, if never fully achieved… I feel a shift in society right now, people’s eyes are opening and, now, more than ever, I feel a sense of community that we are ready to fight, ready to admit that the way we are perceived and treated can’t be our reality anymore.”

‘Animali’ is the first in a set of unique singles from LibraLibra to be released over the next year, with the debut album due to land in 2019.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

 

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