FIVE FAVOURITES: HAVVK

One of the first ever guests on our radio show, and the first headliner of a GIHE live night, Ireland based trio HAVVK have been wowing us over the years with their distinctive-yet-eclectic array of spellbinding-yet-gritty soundscapes. With activism at the heart of all they create – with a focus on speaking out against gender equality – they’ve received acclaim from the likes of The Guardian and BBC 6Music for previous releases such as Cause & Effect and Levelling, and have now shared a poignant new single. Channelling a seething raging energy, ‘Expiry’ reflects on society’s expectations of women to ‘age gracefully’, whilst giving a middle finger to these restrictions on how you should dress or behave. Exuding a fierce sense of urgency, it’s propelled by the raw power of lead singer Julie Hough’s distinctive celestial vocals as the band’s trademark politically-charged rage emanates throughout.

We think one of the best ways to get to know a band is by asking what music inspires them. So, to celebrate the release of ‘Expiry’, we caught up with Julie and Matt from HAVVK to ask about the music that has inspired them the most recently. So, read about their five favourite songs and watch the new video for ‘Expiry‘ below!

Julie’s Choices:

Cherym – ‘Abigail’
We were dead set on having fun with this record and making obnoxiously fun hooks that people could sing along to. So I went down a rabbit-hole of listening to much poppier rock than I usually draw influence from. Cherym are masters of this kind of writing, with their poppy hooks and clever, sassy delivery. You can hear this on all their songs, but I especially love ‘Abigail’ and ‘Take It Back’.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs – ‘Maps’
Okay, so I have always been a massive Yeah Yeah Yeahs fan so this maybe doesn’t belong specifically on this list. I draw a lot of inspiration from Karen O’s witting and performance style. But there was a particular vibe we were trying to nail down for one of our songs while we were in the studio. We couldn’t quite put our fingers on this until one of us put ‘Maps’ on, which obviously we’ve all heard a hundred times. But something clicked in that moment – the stripped back instrumentation, the loneliness of the vocal, and the slow build throughout. We were about to have a ‘sad indie prom night’ moment. 

Matt’s Choices:

Dirty Dishes – ‘Thank You, Come Again’
Before we started recording, we spent a whole day with our producer Rocky O’Reilly talking about what we wanted to make and listening to influences. Rocky mentioned a band called Dirty Dishes who I’d never heard of. We listened to them a huge amount before and after the recording sessions. They become a staple in the car on the journey up and down from Belfast where Rocky’s studio is. Their album Guilty is mega. ‘Thank You, Come Again’ is just a really great song and the use of feedback and distortion had a big impact on how the guitars and bass on our recordings ended up sounding.

Bachelor – ‘Sand Angel’
Another band we talked about during our  preproduction chat. The guitar hook for ‘Sand Angel’ is really great. The space in the track, use of reverbs and unusual structure of the song was a starting point for quite a few of our tracks. There’s a lot of harmonies on that song as well. As a 3 piece we wanted to try and make more use of harmonies on the album to fill space and add more layers to the live show.

Matt and Julie:

Two Inch Astronaut – ‘Snitch Jacket’
This was actually slightly after the recordings were finished but I bumped into this band via Spotify algorithms suggesting I should. I can’t stop telling everyone how good this band is. So here I am doing it again. They are good.’Snitch Jacket’, and ‘Can You Please Not Help’ are just great pieces of music that I keep coming back to. (Julie chiming in here to tell you that Matt is correct, listen to this band.)

Massive thanks to Julie and Matt for sharing their Five Favourites!

‘Expiry’ is out now via Veta Records. Watch the new video here:

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WATCH: English Teacher – ‘The World’s Biggest Paving Slab’

After a summer of smashing it at festivals, Leeds’ English Teacher continue to remind us why they’re everyone’s favourite new band with ‘The World’s Biggest Paving Slab’. The new single – the band’s first since signing to legendary label, Island Records – brims with confidence, wit and originality, but who would expect anything less?  

Despite the song’s novelty title, front-person Lily Fontaine’s lyrics are pure poetry. Written while living in Pendle, Lancashire, they’re an ode to northern grit, strength and notoriety. Fontaine likens herself to the area’s raw, wild landscape, the legendary Pendle witches, and Charlotte Bronte; like these, she is both everywhere and nowhere in the town. 

And you can hear this contradiction in the song’s instrumentation. The band’s angular, post-punk guitars collide beautifully with soaring shoegaze-infused harmonies, before crashing back down to earth once with snippets of arresting spoken word. Of her inspiration behind the track, Fontaine expands:

“...growing up in and around Pendle, how witnessing the social, economic and political issues that exist around there in juxtaposition with the beauty of the landscape and the characters that live within in it, has shaped me into the artist and person that I am. These semi-rural stories leak into most of my writing; in particular, this song tackles delusions of grandeur and inferiority from the perspective of a small town’s local celebrities. It’s split into two halves.”

The song is so special, so original, and, like the world’s biggest paving slab, it really sticks out! Nobody is making records like English Teacher right now. Bring on the album!

Produced by Marta Salgoni (Bjork, Animal Collective), English Teacher’s ‘The World’s Biggest Paving Slab’ is out now via Island Records. Watch the new video (directed by Claryn Chong) here:

Vic Conway
@thepicsofvic

Photo Credit: Tatiana Pozuelo

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PLAYLIST: August 2023

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of indie & alternative tunes, guitar anthems, alt-pop gems and electronic sounds for your listening pleasure. Take some time to scroll through our track choices below, and make sure you press play on the playlist at the end of this post.

Follow GIHE on Spotify to hear all of our previous playlists too.

Human Interest – ‘Step On’
Following the success of previous singles ‘Mixing Paint’ and ‘Cool Cats’, and with recent acclaim from the likes of Steve LaMacq on BBC 6Music, East-London band Human Interest have now announced the release of an upcoming EP later this year. Combining a fierce post-punk drive with a fuzzy, lilting energy, lead single ‘Step On’ reflects on “appreciating the duality of yourself and your friends” and builds with an anthemic power to a swirling slice of infectious indie-pop. ‘Step On’ is out now via Nice Swan records.
(Mari Lane)

CLT DRP – ‘I See My Body Through You’
Following on from their incendiary anthems ‘New Boy‘ and ‘Nothing Clever, Just Feelings‘, this is the latest banger from Brighton feminist electro-punks CLT DRP. Taken from their upcoming second album, Nothing Clever, Just Feelings, which is set for release on 8th September via Venn Records, the track is a dynamic, corrosive rumination on objectification and how it can affect our own identity and self worth. By combining quieter verses with a blistering chorus, CLT DRP reflect the tumultuous emotions and lack of control that can come from feeling exposed and viewed through a skewed and restricting lens.
(Kate Crudgington)

Chroma – ‘Don’t Wanna Go Out’
Having just announced the release of their debut album, and with news of an exciting support slot with (my most watched band in the world) Foo Fighters next year, Welsh band Chroma are definite ones to watch right now, and so we couldn’t be more thrilled that they’ll be headlining our night at Shacklewell Arms next Friday! (8th September). To celebrate the news, they’ve shared ‘Don’t Wanna Go Out’, a fierce new single reflecting on feelings of FOMO and propelled by the band’s distinctive raw, relentless energy. An instant earworm that I can’t wait for East London to mosh along to very soon! Ask For Angela, the debut album from Chroma, is set for release on 20th October via Alcopop! Records. Nab tickets to see them live on 8th September along with wormboys and UrgentSea here. (ML)

Duvet – ‘Girlcow’
‘Girlcow’ is the latest single from Manchester post punks Duvet, who are gearing up to to release their split 7″ ‘Girlcow/Sweaty Dog’ on 29th September via Fear of Missing Out Records. I love their sleazy, chaotic sound on this track, which the band say is “a bit of fictional story telling about a confident cowboy pursuing a play girl bunny type character,” explored from both perspectives. (KC)

Gender Chores – ‘Dysphurious’
A reflection on coming out as non-binary – a subject that’s very close to Northern Irish punks Gender Chores’ hearts – ‘Dysphurious’ offers a truly uplifting dose of punk-pop, oozing a fierce colourful spirit. Filled with scuzzy hooks and a refreshingly honest lyricism, it’s an empowering ode to freeing yourself from the constrictions of conventional gender ‘norms’; an energising boost of confidence to be your true self in the face of adversity. (ML)

Femegades – ‘Depleted’
Following their debut EP Pornsick and last year’s ironically entitled Not All Men, punk-rockers Femegades are back with a gloriously riotous new single. Reflecting on society’s expectation on women to be – and want to be – perfect, happy mothers, ‘Depleted’ rages with a snarling energy and fierce, raw power. (ML)

ALT BLK ERA – ‘Misfits: SOLAR’
Combining jagged electronics and racing beats with their raging lyrics, genre-defying sister duo ALT BLK ERA have created another alternative statement of self autonomy on ‘Misfits: SOLAR’. Taken from their upcoming EP, Freak Show, which is set for release on 1st September, the track is a frenzied anthem fuelled by their antagonistic, youthful spirit. (KC)

The Dead Zoo – ‘Hoover Damned’
Having recently wowed us live at our last gig at Shacklewell Arms in July, London-based The Dead Zoo have now shared an uplifting new single. Propelled by a scuzzy energy reminiscent of brit-pop bands of the ‘90s, ‘Hoover Damned’ oozes catchy hooks and swirling harmonies, accompanying the sultry allure of front woman Kaoru’s gritty vocals. Of the track, Kaoru explains: “I wanted to write about a world where women are as free to make mistakes and walk away as men traditionally have…” Produced by James Aparicio, ‘Hoover Damned’ is out now via Rock Noir Recordings. Watch the new video here. (ML)

Deerhoof – ‘My Lovely Cat!’
Following the release of their 19th album earlier this year, I was lucky enough to experience the utter magic of legendary avant-garde sound creators Deerhoof last week. And when I say ‘magic’, I’m not exaggerating… The pure immense cacophonies they’re able to create are a spectacle to behold; their frenzied colourful energy like nothing I’ve ever seen. ‘My Lovely Cat!’ is probably my favourite track taken from the latest album (which is sung entirely in Satomi’s native Japanese), not only because of its cute, relatable title, but I just love its swirling sonic brilliance and joyous drive. Miracle Level, the latest album from Deerhoof, is out now via Joyful Noise. (ML)

HAVVK – ‘Expiry’
The new single from Irish based trio, and GIHE faves, HAVVK, ‘Expiry’ channels a seething raging energy, ‘Expiry’ reflects on society’s expectations of women to ‘age gracefully’, whilst giving a middle finger to these restrictions on how you should dress or behave. I just love how its fierce sense of urgency is propelled by the raw power of lead singer Julie’s distinctive celestial vocals. (ML)

Shaene – ‘june’
This melancholy song from Leeds-based songwriter shaene is lifted from her self-produced debut album, time lost / time regained, which is set for release on 1st September. The track is a reflection on her fluctuating relationship with their Dad, which she is reminded of on Father’s Day each year during June. As with her previous single ‘sad’, shaene filters these conflicting feelings through a soft, shoegazey lens, which makes for sad-yet-sweet listening. (KC)

GENN – ‘Calypso’
GIHE favourites GENN are gearing up to release their debut album, unum, on the 6th October, and this track ‘Calypso’ is lifted from it. The track showcases the truly versatile sound of the Brighton-via-Malta art-punk quartet, who totally blew us away with their live performances at The Great Escape Festival earlier this year. (KC)

Ideal Host – ‘The Resolution’
A tender, synth-led rumination that showcases the evolving nature of their sound, this is the third single from Ideal Host. Led by Heather Perkins and Sean Hughes – who are both former members of the band Slowcoaches – Ideal Host are dedicated to making music on their own terms. ‘The Resolution’ acts as a bookend to the band’s previous single ‘The Conflict‘, exploring the softer side of their brooding, intuitive songwriting. Ideal Host are currently writing and recording their full length album, which they plan to release and tour next year. (KC)

O Hell – ‘hard times’
The chorus to this O Hell track hit me right in sternum. Her direct lyrics, clear vocals and evocative electronics make for captivating listening. Speaking about ‘hard times’, O Hell explains: “What I wanted to say in the chorus is: get back to what love really is, ‘cus it’s way bigger and better than the bullshit possessiveness we’re told it needs to centre around. It might change state, it might morph between romantic and platonic, or everything in between – but fuck all the drama off, if you love someone, let that love take its course. It was always bigger than the first label you smacked on it anyway.” (KC)

Hinako Omori – ‘cyanotype memories’
A mood-lifting soundscape that offers listeners a moment of respite in an uncertain world, I love this single from London-based artist and composer Hinako Omori. Taken from her upcoming album, stillness, softness…, which is set for release via Houndstooth on 27th October, the track is an ode to surrendering yourself to the unknown and finding peace within that process. (KC)

Mint Field – ‘El Suspiro Cambia Todo’
Having just announced the release of their upcoming new album, Mexican psych duo Mint Field have now shared a dreamy new single. Flowing with a whirring, hypnotic grace, ‘El Suspiro Cambia Todo’ (The Sigh Changes Everything) offers a spellbinding soundscape, enchanting the ears with its glistening splendour. Of the track, the band explain: “Sighing is the desire for melancholy. It denotes that something is happening. Sometimes we just need to sigh to let go. Sighing is something we do unconsciously but it says a lot about what is going on inside our mind.” Aprender a Ser, the upcoming new album from Mint Field, is set for release on 27th October via felte. (ML)

Amaroun – ‘Dopamine’
Taken from her upcoming EP of the same name, which is set for release on 29th September, ‘Dopamine’ is the latest single from ‘GIHE favourite Amaroun. Inspired by “the minuscule euphoric moments that keep her ADHD brain hooked throughout the day,” this track oozes with Amroun’s trademark alt-pop style. (KC)

CHIKA ft. Charlie Wilson – ‘Can’t Explain It’
I’m a bit late to the party, but recently loved watching ‘Ladies First’, a short (not long enough!) docu-series on Netflix about and by women in hip-hop. As well as featuring a number of artists I already know and love – such as the legendary Queen Latifah and contemporary rappers Rapsody and Tierrra Whack – it also introduced me to a few that I’d not come across before. One of these was Alabama-born MC/rapper CHIKA, who spoke at length about her position as a queer woman in the industry. I just love her driving energy, gritty allure and refreshingly honest lyricism, and urge you to check out this celebration of queer black love, as well as her epic recent album Samson. (ML)

Mykki Blanco – ‘Holidays In The Sun’
I can’t get enough of the funk-fuelled energy and infectious uplifting spirit of the new single from pioneering artist Mykki Blanco. “A feel good summer anthem about lazy summer days swimming in the sea, hopping from one music festival to the next, feeling good about life and living la dolce vita soaking up the sun.”, its only negative is that it does make me quite desperate for a holiday in the sun myself… Mykki Blanco’s upcoming new album, Postcards from Italia, is set for release on 22nd September via Transgressive, and keep your eyes peeled for an exclusive interview with them on our website very soon! (ML)

Aderyn – ‘Distraction’
Reflecting on the restlessness one can feel during the summer break, ‘Distraction’ is the latest single from South Wales artist Aderyn. Propelled by shimmering hooks and a driving punk-pop energy, it showcases Aderyn’s honey-sweet vocals and ability to create instantly catchy, emotion-rich singalong anthems. Aderyn’s debut EP, Sea Glass, is set for release on 14th September. (ML)

Catherine Moan – ‘Jawbreaker’
Angel Jefferson aka Catherine Moan is back with this new single which marks a “new era” of her electro-pop project. ‘Jawbreaker’ is written from the point of view of “someone who feels replaceable, hard to love, and ultimately feels damaged by another’s actions” – all underscored by buoyant 80s-inspired synths and Catherine’s bittersweet vocal. (KC)

SOFT LAD – ‘The Human Condition’
“This song came as a result of the worst hangover of my life!” explains Sophie Galpin aka SOFT LAD about this single – respect to her for telling it like it is! The multi-instrumentalist, who also plays in Self Esteem’s band, encourages her listeners to treat those closest to us with kindness; all underscored by her buoyant beats, melodic riffs and clear vocals. (KC)

Cutty – ‘Overdrive’
This is the latest single from Hull-based duo Cutty, who formed after meeting at their local dive bar. Amy and Kev explain that ‘Overdrive’ is a crowd-pleasing favourite when they play it live at local gigs, so it made sense to record it and share it for everyone else to hear too. (KC)

Sirene – ‘Don’t Let Me Fall (Out Your Mind)’
With acclaim from the likes of Deb Grant on BBC 6Music, Yorkshire-born, London-based artist Sirene released her debut album last year, and has now shared a poignant new single. Reflecting on the desire to consistently do your best for the ones you love, ‘Don’t Let Me Fall (Out Your Mind)’ is a beautifully stirring ballad, showcasing Sirene’s distinctive rich vocals and an exquisite twinkling emotion. (ML)

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LIVE (Photos): Folk In The Park, 19.08.2023

When you think of folk festivals, the Surrey town of Sutton isn’t necessarily what initially springs to mind… But Folk In The Park is looking to change that. Organised by local grassroots music venue The Sound Lounge (lead by musicians Hannah White and her partner Kieron Marshall), it’s a day of beautiful live music ranging from folk and blues – with tinges of jazz, rock and indie – with a family friendly focus and admirable sustainable ethos.

Arriving at the somewhat unlikely location of Manor Park in Sutton on Saturday morning, bright and early at 11am, I feel instantly at ease – greeted by sunshine, friendly faces and the twinkling tones of first artist of the day, Holly Henderson. With songs ranging from the gently empowering ‘Sunflower’ (“for all my ladies out there!”), to the lilting energy of ‘Wendy’ (a “dog love song”), Henderson’s rich, luscious vocals flow throughout with a sparkling uplifting charm. 

Following the dark humour and gravelly blues-strewn folk of Irish raconteur David Hope, local artist (“the last festival I played took me 4 hours to get to, but I walked here in 5 minutes!”) Hannah Scott takes to the stage. Having received acclaim from the likes of Dermot O’Leary on BBC Radio 2 and the likes of MOJO, as well as having her songs featured on medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, she delivers a stirring, emotion-rich set. Reflecting on themes ranging from the complications that come with ending a relationship (‘Untangling’), to the artistic need for pain and hardship in order to feel inspired (‘Hurricanes’), each song showcases the heartfelt grace of her crystalline vocals and accompanying resplendent melodies. 

After enjoying a little bop in the sunshine to Matt Owens & The Delusional Vanity Project, it’s time for Scottish artist Roseanne Reid. Despite being confined to a chair throughout the performance due to a mysterious toe-breaking incident, she succeeds in captivating me completely. With her blues-tinged Americana and a heartfelt raw emotion, she reflects on life’s complexities, singing of love for her child and wife, whilst oozing a blissful, stirring allure. Having recently released her gorgeous second album Lawside, and counting the legendary Steve Earle amongst her fans, Roseanne Reid is a new favourite for sure; a gifted songwriter capable of crafting truly exquisite creations with a relatable tenderness and honesty. 

With a slight shift in tempo, Sheffield’s Lauren Housley takes to the stage with her band The Northern Cowboys to treat us to a joyous blast of energy. Propelled by Housley’s rich, soulful vocals and an infectious funk-fuelled groove, they have the all-ages crowd dancing along in jubilant array to their spritely country-inspired anthems. 

As we continue to revel in the sunshine, enjoying the Lo-Cal pale ale and vegan hotdogs, it would seem that Hannah White is not only a fantastic festival organiser, but a wonderful musician too. Accompanied by her own ‘super group’, including husband Kieron Marshall and Geraint Watkins, she delivers each emotion-strewn offering with a soaring, glistening energy, as her beautifully honey-sweet vocals flow with a celestial splendour throughout.

Throughout the rest of the evening, the great music and lovely vibes continue; we shimmy along to the gritty blues-rock of Dana Gillespie as she regales awe-inspiring stories of her time in the music industry (“David (Bowie) wrote this one for me”) before feeling waves of comforting ‘90s nostalgia for Del Amitri’s uplifting set closing the festival.

A truly glorious day filled not only with the loveliest of music, but a wonderful sense of community. As people of all ages come together to enjoy a day in the sunshine in a local green space, it’s hard not to feel united both in our love of folk-inspired ditties and our common desire for positive change in the world. With its sustainable ethos and friendly, inclusive atmosphere adding to the brilliant line-up of musicians, Folk In the Park is just what we need right now; a blissful escape from the everyday worries of life. A little glistening beacon of hope at a time when things might seem rather bleak. 

So, thank you Folk In The Park – we’re looking forward to next year already!

Words: Mari Lane / @marimindles
Photos: Paul Dawes / @pauldawesart

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