Comic Review: ARXX – ‘Not Alone But Not With You’

The latest in our ‘Comic Reviews’ feature – where illustrator Sally-Anne responds to a new release with her wonderfully unique drawings – we check out the brand new single from total faves, Brighton duo ARXX. Following acclaim from the likes of John Kennedy, BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunders and BBC 6Music’s Steve Lamacq for latest catchy alt-pop anthem ‘Deep’, they have now shared another gritty, yet reflective, and unapologetically honest offering – ‘Not Alone But Not With You‘.

Arxx

Of the track, vocalist/guitarist Hanni explains:

“You know that sadness or guilt you feel when you’re surrounded by people you love but you are just missing that other person? Maybe it’s a loved one you’ve lost, maybe it’s a friend, maybe it’s a partner. This last year has been different for everyone but we’ve all had people we’ve missed.” 

‘Not Alone But Not With You’ is out now. Catch ARXX on their upcoming UK tour – tickets here.

Sally-Anne Hickman
@sallyshinystars

Photo Credit: Bridie Florence

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LISTEN: Teah Lewis – ‘Magnolia’

Sheffield-based singer-songwriter Teah Lewis has released ‘Magnolia‘ – a stunning new single, which blooms as beautifully as the flower it is named after. A perfect addition to your summer playlists, the music is bright and sensuous, blending modern folk styles with hints of electronica. 

Depicting the walk home on the morning after a night out, ‘Magnolia’ combines both the fresh brightness of spring and the hazy warmth of summer as Teah’s vocals flow with a soulful ease. Her music always feels effortlessly graceful and manages to capture something incredibly honest, and this track is no different. Led by her gorgeous vocal melodies and lilting guitar, ‘Magnolia’ builds steadily guiding you with ease along a musical journey. The understated bass and restrained percussion work to guide the journey. Before you know it, you realise you’ve been lifted into some otherworldly place. It’s utter bliss as the banjo, guitar, and harp weave around you, vocal and trumpets shine, hints of synthesisers and synth strings add a sprinkling of electronic ambiance, creating a magical atmosphere. It’s a truly ethereal experience.

The track comes together with the collaboration of Sheffield musicians, each bringing their own flair to the track: folk power-duo Kate Griffin (Mishra) and Manon McCoy (Shivelights) provide luscious banjo and harp accompaniment that flourishes in the spaces between the vocals, and Teah’s long-term collaborator, the composer Emily Compton, plays poignant trumpet melodies which add to the euphoria of the tracks’ crescendo. In addition to these musicians, Philippe Clegg (Oh Papa) plays bass, Josh Knight (I Set the Sea on Fire) appears on drums, and Ben Allen (Life Aquatic Band) features on the synthesizer and slide guitar. 

You can hear shades of legendary artists such as Joni Mitchell and Laura Marling in how ‘Magnolia’ is driven by infectious melodies and reflective lyrics, as well as harmonies as mellifluous as The Staves. If you are in need of a warm hug, ‘Magnolia’ will be able to provide the musical equivalent. It’s a beautifully crafted song that is sure to lift your mood.

Jaz Kelly
@surfjaz

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WATCH: She Drew The Gun – ‘Class War (How Much)’

Liverpool’s She Drew The Gun continue to storm out the blocks with the announcement of their upcoming new album Behave Myself, set for release in September. And now they have treated us to a poetic middle finger to the Tory government, seething with corruption, on the second single to be taken from the album – ‘Class War (How Much)’. 

The track gets rolling with a catchy bassline before the languid rhetorical refrain of “how much did you get paid for that?” kicks in – questioning the ethics of high-level nepotism in military contracts and PPE deals. Shiny synths cut through perfectly, pairing well with the accompanying animated ’80s arcade music video and humorously contrasting ‘Class War’s morose subject matter. She Drew The Gun’s singular half-spoken half-sung vocals are centre stage here alongside some playful electric guitar licks, boosting the witty wordplay of lyrics like “I’m a weapon of mass distraction”.

The Merseyside-based musician explains of the track:

“It’s about how much we let corruption go in plain sight and accept a politician’s answer when these people are at the front of a ruthless class war being waged against those of us who live on the wrong side of Capital.” 

‘Class War (How Much)’ joins the excellent ‘Cut Me Down’ as fiery, politically-minded tasters of She Drew The Gun’s increasingly exciting upcoming album – Behave Myself – set for release on 24th September via Submarine Cat Records. Pre-order here.

Leonie Bellini
@teenpeachmovie

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Track Of The Day: Anna Vincent – ‘Naxos’

Having previously charmed us fronting indie-pop outfit Heavy Heart (who headlined a dream of a gig for us at The Windmill a while back), and as a touring member of Happyness, after two decades making music London based Anna Vincent has now launched her first solo venture. With her debut album set for release in October on Max Bloom (Yuck)’s new label Ultimate Blends, she has now shared a dreamy new single.

Reminiscing about a sunny trip to Greece with Bloom in the early stages of their relationship, ‘Naxos’ flows with twinkling, folk-strewn hooks and glistening chiming chords alongside Vincent’s smooth, luscious vocals. Rippling with a captivating charm and lilting, sun-kissed energy, with shades of the likes of Angus & Julia Stone, it’s a beautifully shimmering ode to falling in love, oozing a euphoric sense of romanticism and hope. So, prepare to sit back and immerse yourself in ‘Naxos’ spellbinding majestic grace and blissful vibes; an exquisite, sparkling soundscape that perfectly captures the feelings of comfort and serenity that only come with spending time with your favourite person – “With you, I’m finally home”.

Of the track, Vincent expands:

“There was also something dreamlike and magical about travelling to the island by boat and being marooned there, but happily so.  I had this feeling of being home, even though it was the first time I’d been there, and I realised it was the feeling you get being with someone you love: anywhere could be home if we were together.”

Watch the blissed-out new video for ‘Naxos’ here:

Under The Glass, the upcoming debut solo album from Anna Vincent, is set for release on 29th October via Ulimate Blends. Pre-order here.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Max Bloom

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