Crystal Tides – ‘Last Time‘
After their release of ‘Headcase’ earlier on in the year, Crystal Tides are back with their brand new release ‘Last Time’. The track is at a much quicker tempo than its predecessor, and a lot more intense. The guitar hooks are lively in this one, as well as the vocals from Billy Gregory ramping up the overall energy with his meaningful delivery. Love this one, and luckily they’re playing Birmingham July 10th at Muthers Studio – so get down to that one if you can!
Body Horror – ‘The Gimp’s Gimp‘
It’s always nice to feature a debut, which gives me all the more pleasure introducing this next track from Body Horror. ‘The Gimp’s Gimp’ probably sounds exactly like you’re thinking it would, eerie, manic and ultimately brilliant. Also the track isn’t scared to push the boundaries of how disturbed it’s willing to go with the lyric “I suck dick like the tit of your mother”. On a final note the drums really stick out in, extremely punch
Jodie Rae – ‘Creepin’
Next on the list is Jodie Rae with her debut track ‘Creepin‘, a gentle acoustic track with some great vocals over it. From looking at the cover of the track you’d probably be expecting some sort of metal track, but it’s the complete opposite as the Scottish singer/songwriter delivers the most delicate tracks on the round-up. There’s a lot of potential in Jodie, with her song writing skills in such a strong place even on her debut!
Someone – ‘Strange World’
After the soft tones from Jodie, Someone also deliver a slower paced track with their first track of 2021 entitled ‘Strange World’. The track gives off a very isolated vibe, especially when the heavily reverbed guitar comes in with the vocals “It’s a strange, strange world”. The way it’s sung, it gives off strong Nick Drake vibes, with that hushed tones as if Tessa Rose Jackson is whispering to you.
Hallan – ‘Orwell’s Idyllic Future’
After those softer tracks, Hallan are here to break that up with their first track of 2021 with ‘Orwell’s Idyllic Future’. As the band paint a picture of George Orwell’s idyllic future with their descriptive lyrics, their instrumental tear through your ears with a very deep bass guitar and punching drums. You can hears some influences from The Blinders and The Wytches come through, however the distinct vocals are so memorable with how the words are delivered. Looking forward to see what the abdn from Portsmouth come with next!
Darling Darling – ‘Paint it Sister’
We have yet another debut track on the list here from solo act Darling Darling, who is the brainchild of Matt Bisgrove. The debut track ‘Paint it Sister’ has some really warm tones to it, and some good hooks. Love the solo that breaks down in the track at about 1.30, incorporating some cool wah-wah effects on the guitar give it a slight psychedelia tinge to it. Interesting to see where this project will go!
Premium Leisure – ‘Easy FM’
Oxford solo artist Premium Leisure is back with his first track for 2021 also, with the song ‘Easy FM’, which serves as a complete breeze to listen to. It’s so easy listening. with the soft sounds and affect just caressing the ears as the lyrics “Tune into Easy FM“, which would more than likely be the stations jingle. Solo projects always tend to be a bit different as you’re open to try anything with no filter, I think Premium Leisure has something different here and looking forward to the next release!
Bandit -‘Ice Cream’
Finally we have Bandit with their second track of 2021 entitled ‘Ice-Cream’, and typing that instantly made me hungry. After a very busy 2020 with releases, the band are looking to have yet another productive year with the hope of some live shows! The track tells the tale of a night out with a love interest, the descriptive lyrics paint the scenes so clearly, with no tired cliché’s in site. Also the guitars laid on the track are ear catching, bringing back memories of early Vaccines material, in particular the track ‘I Always Knew‘. Always loved the lead on that, and I love it on here also – bring on the next one!