New Tracks: Lou Moon – ‘Driftwood’ / ‘Thunder’

‘Driftwood‘ is the perfect metaphor for a song that delicately floats along, conjuring up a warm summer’s evening by the ocean. It is one of two singles released by Welsh Bristol-based artist Lou Moon, taken from their upcoming debut EP Drifting I & II. 

‘Driftwood’ features a warm atmospheric guitar complemented by bright sparkling vocals that are brought to life with a touch of delay, whilst the piano chords sustained underneath give it further depth and body. The song is beautifully balanced and carefully delivered; you take in each word sung, bringing to mind the folky flavours of the likes of Laura Marling and This Is The Kit.

The earnest lyrics give a sense of freedom, as Moon explains: “It’s definitely comparable to the feeling of wanting to come out as queer all over again.” As someone who vividly remembers the weight of not “coming out” and the lightness of freedom following acceptance, this is a line that chimes with a stirring resonance.

Accompanying single, ‘Thunder‘, sounds more melancholic, based around rich strumming acoustic guitar. The similarly introspective lyrics about the vulnerabilities of relationships and using thunder as a metaphor for mental health are brought to life through lush vocal harmonies and fragile vocal delivery. The two songs perfectly complement each other. 

Moon describes the songs on the EP as “about relationships to the self, to others and to the natural world, as well as the fragility and intangibility of those things.” The songs were written and recorded over the last decade, with help from the musical friends and collaborators they found at university in London. They describe the project as an archival journey back into the experiences and emotions they’ve felt and the different people they’ve been over the last ten years. 

You can check out ‘Driftwood’ and ‘Thunder’ on Spotify, and keep your eyes peeled for the EP Drifting I & II, which is coming out later this year via Skivvy Records.

Ella Patenall
@ellapatenall

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Track Of The Day: Aderyn – ‘Playground’

‘Playground‘ is the latest single from South Wales indie-pop artist Aderyn, recent ‘Artist Of The Week’ on BBC Radio Wales. It’s a fun, summery and infectious pop song with a rock edge, recorded in LA with Bobby Bloomfield (who’s previously worked with the likes of 50 Cent and Linkin Park). 

The production is clean and polished with many engaging pop hooks and a cool, fizzing musicality propelled by the tight and energetic rhythm section. Aderyn sings blunt and playful lyrics following a recent breakup, delivered full of attitude and sass; sometimes sung so fast she’s almost rapping. She’s mastered immersive lyrical storytelling, allowing you to picture the scene in your mind – a story that many will relate to and cathartically sing along with in the chorus.

Musically, the song is built around fuzzy, slightly distorted riffs giving it a rocky edge, bringing to mind artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Soccer Mommy and Pale Waves, whilst incorporating swirling guitar chops, synth hooks and vocal harmonies.

Of the track, Aderyn explains:

“Playground was written just after a break-up. I was definitely in the ‘anger’ state of mourning the relationship when I wrote this song. I often joke at my gigs that singing this song live is a form of free therapy for me”. 

‘Playground’ is accompanied by a vibrant music video, showcasing Aderyn’s cheeky charisma and colourful energy as she sings directly into the camera at a sunny seaside theme park, at one point holding a pink smoke flare to amp up the attitude and fun. Watch here:

You can catch Aderyn live at  Sŵn Festival, Cardiff on the 22nd October. Find info about this and other tour dates via her Instagram .

Ella Patenall
@ellapatenall

Photo Credit: Hannah Tottle

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Track Of The Day: Ailsa Tully – ‘Salt Glaze’

Following acclaim for last year’s emotive EP Holy Isle from the likes of The Line Of Best Fit and Clash, as well as support slots with esteemed bands such as Another Sky, Welsh artist and GIHE fave Ailsa Tully has now shared a tender new single.

A poignant reflection on the time that Tully and her partner spent in her late Grandmother’s house during the January lockdown last year, and the accompanying feelings of nostalgia, acceptance and love, ‘Salt Glaze‘ flows with shimmering layers of instrumentation laying the foundations for Tully’s heartfelt crystalline vocals. Rippling with lilting keys and sweeping strings, it offers a glistening moment of reflection and gratitude as its gently harmonious musicality oozes a luscious heartfelt splendour and stirring emotion. A truly immersive soundscape emanating a comforting warmth and exquisite captivating grace.

Of the track, Tully explains:

“My Grandma passed away a few years ago and the house remained unchanged, it was like a museum of salt glaze ceramics and abstract art pieces which began to absorb into my creativity. This song is about that space and how my partner and I tried to make it feel like home during that period while also knowing that it wasn’t ours. It’s ultimately a song about acceptance, balance and letting things be…” 

Watch the beautifully endearing, home-recorded new video for ‘Salt Glaze’ here:

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Adam Whitmore

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Track Of The Day: Aderyn – ‘Yearning’

Following their energetic pop anthem ‘Scotty’, Welsh artist Aderyn newly adds ‘Yearning‘ to their fresh catalogue with melancholic spirit. Showcasing the project’s diversity early on, the track takes an introspective leap – diving past their pop-hit into a romantic indie-acoustic ballad. 

With a loose feel that leaves ample space to breathe and immerse yourself in the emotion, ‘Yearning’ is an endearingly intimate offering. Slow, minimal drums and cello lay a blanket as Aderyn’s acoustic guitar plays earnestly at the front of the mix. With such rawness, we feel that she is playing the song right in front of us – on her childhood bed where she wrote it. Sprinkled across the track, electric guitar leads romanticise the tone of ‘Yearning’ as Aderyn sings from the heart. There is certainly no shortage of vulnerability here as she sweetly pines for her crush without hesitation. “You’re pretty and it hurts right now”, she confesses as the track spins with a swirling emotional freedom. 

Of the track, Aderyn explains:

“...It is a song that encapsulates the feeling of pining for someone. That exquisite, aching pain. It was the first time I’d felt that way about a girl, and this is without a doubt the most vulnerable I’ve ever been in a song. All those feelings were so new, so raw”

‘Yearning’ is stirring in its simplicity, encapsulating the reality of the experience of wishing for someone with perhaps no resolution, nor closure. It’s sharply realistic, yet warming – a comfort song for romantics.

‘Yearning’ is out now. You can listen/download via bandcamp, along with an exclusive b-side demo track, ‘That Summer’.

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

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