WATCH: deep tan – ‘xenomorph queen’

Having been a big fan of London’s deep tan for a few years now, I’m excited to see that – following last year’s diamond horsetail EP – they’re back with a brand new single, and new line-up, ahead of their live shows supporting QOTSA on tour next month.

Reflecting on themes of matriarchy, queer parenting and sapphic love, ‘xenomorph queen’ oozes all the discordant immersive allure that we’ve come to know and love from the trio. Instantly captivating the senses with its mystical ethereal majesty, it showcases deep tan’s ability to create their own truly unique brand of other-worldly angular post-punk.

Of the track, the band expand:

“‘xenomorph queen’ witnesses the real star of the alien franchise in a new context: in the throes of a lesbian romance. a sensual – but still punk – track about matriarchy, queer parenting and sapphic love, this close encounter offers a new, intergalactic perspective on #hotmilfsinyourarea #xenomilf”

‘xenomorph queen’ is accompanied by an animated new video; in equal parts playful and enthralling. Watch it now:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=URZQ5XjtpnE%3Fsi%3DnINfKYZTpj9QaphP

‘xenomorph queen‘ is out now via Practise Music.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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WATCH: Yay Maria – ‘L’Appel Du Vide’

Derby’s Yay Maria is back with ‘L’Appel Du Vide’ – a sunny bubblegum bop that fizzes with energy. While the song packs a proper electro pop punch, the lyrics are at odds with this lightness. Exploring themes of addiction and trauma, they are unafraid to discuss darker and more challenging issues. And, at a time when the trans and non-binary communities are subject to such hostility in the UK, it’s more important than ever to draw attention to these realities.  

While it doesn’t shy away from darkness, you’d be mistaken if you thought ‘L’Appel Du Vide’ was a sad song. Joyous and defiant, this is an anthem to empower and excite people. It’s accompanied by a fully animated music video, which brings together beautiful psychedelic colours, unexpected mythical guests, and a healthy dollop of northern deadpan humour! The effect is irresistible.

Along with the rest of her upcoming EP, Maria says that ‘L’Appel Du Vide’ is something of a love letter to the Queer community. She says: “I made this EP for Queer people in the sense that I feel there is a lot of negative coverage of the trans & queer community currently. So I wanted something that was just for us. Something that is audibly enjoyable whilst talking about real stuff.” 

The result is a real gift to anyone who might need it. It’s a song that’s going to mean the world to people. And this is a musician that’s going to mean the world to people too. In Yay Maria, we have a figurehead; a cheerleader who encourages the community and its allies to keep fighting and have fun. 

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Biqxj3OOnPk%3Fsi%3D7NBgYTPkTp5mtTRV

‘L’Appel Du Vide’ is taken from Yay Maria’s upcoming EP, Superbia, which will be released on 20th October via I’m Not From London records. Pre-order here.

Vic Conway
@thepicsofvic

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LISTEN: tall child – ‘Damaged’

tall child, formerly known as ZHA Gandhi and previously associated with projects like Buggs and Luce Rushton (fka TV Room), has now released their debut single ‘Damaged‘. With a full band now in tow, tall child is making a name for themselves in London, having played headline shows at iconic grassroots venues like The George Tavern and supporting artists like Bel Cobain at Matchstick Piehouse.

Their soulful vocals enter straight away and are then accompanied by dreamy ripples of clean electric guitar, whilst the haunting and captivating melody immerses your ears straight away. Bringing to mind artists such as Orla Gartland and Lucy Dacus, with the ethereal shades of Mitski, their vocals shine through with a subtle soulfulness.

Soon, a lush harmony enters with a folk-strewn depth and gentle jazzy drum beat, adding a pleasing rhythmic layer and progressing the song. With melancholic undertones, the vocals shimmer with emotion complemented by delicately plucked guitar – “maybe I should count my blessings ‘cos I’m not like you, I’m nothing like you”. The song is an “introspective exploration of a turbulent parent-child relationship”, reflecting on the idea that they are glad to have not inherited the toxic traits from their absent parent. A beautifully cathartic ballad, flowing with stirring emotion.

Of their songwriting, Zha notes:

“For me, this project is about pushing the boundaries of songwriting through the analysis of personal trauma and reflection. I wanted to create a space that merges all my musical influences into one to form a truly unique sound. I’m hoping that someone with a troubled relationship with a family member can relate to this song and that it reminds them of their autonomy...”

The song builds up in energy before being brought down for the bridge, offering a slower breakdown and some time for reflection. Awash with glistening harmonies, delicate cymbals and layered voices, it’s emotive but uplifting; an acceptance. It builds gradually but brilliantly before reaching a climax and ending back on a gentle chord. ‘Damaged’ really takes you on a journey and at a lengthy five minutes, it manages to hold your attention throughout its subtle twists and turns, with a heartfelt honesty.

As for what’s next, tall child will be playing more gigs – “taking up space as a queer black artist” – and further developing and carving out their original style. A single release listening party show followed by an upcoming EP is soon to be announced, so keep your eyes peeled! 

Ella Patenall
@ella_patenall

Photo Credit: Jody Evans

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WATCH: Bas Jan – ‘No More Swamp’

Following last year’s innovative Baby You Know, London collective – and personal favourites – Bas Jan have now announced a new album that’s set for release in November. Founded by Serafina Steer and featuring members of Jenny Moore’s Mystic Business and Jarv Is, the band have previously received acclaim from the likes of Marc Riley at BBC 6Music and Mojo Magazine, and will be playing a special live session for Riley and Coe tomorrow 20th September, ahead of their upcoming tour, which includes a few dates with Half Japanese.

Ahead of the album’s release, Bas Jan have shared an uplifting new single – title track ‘No More Swamp’. Reflecting on how the band’s lives have changed over the years, with shifting priorities and responsibilities, the track offers a jangly uplifting soundscape, showcasing the band’s trademark quirky energy and perceptive songwriting ability. Taking influence from the likes of Pet Shop Boys and Kate Bush, it ripples with a fizzing musicality, interweaving shimmering instrumentation to create a wonderfully danceable cacophony; a gently relatable and subtly empowering ode to getting older, oozing an immersive glistening allure.

‘No More Swamp’ is accompanied by a new fun-filled, B-movie-inspired, video, featuring costumes designed by Nat Sharp (aka Lone Taxidermist). Watch it here:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=_uRCsRWnIhY%3Fsi%3Dr6Fil4mDQFC4x-1J

No More Swamp, the upcoming new album from Bas Jan, is set for release on 10th November.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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