Tag Archives: New Music 2019

THE LONG WIVES: Feel It All Wrong.

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“Someday we’ll be brand new again
Someday we’ll be reborn.”

 

If there’s one person I vow to always write about, it will always be The Long Wives aka Brandy St.John. Her music means the world to me. Beyond the world. I remember when I first discovered her music many years ago, and I get that same feeling every time I listen to her. She seems to release a song just when I need it, and right now I do.

This time of year has now become a time of year I loathe. With the loss of my Grandma 4 months ago, everything and anything has felt wrong. I’ve been in a whirlwind of feelings I’m not sure of what to do with, but I have them so there’s that. Brandy St.John recently released the gorgeous and haunting Feel It All Wrong, and I can honestly say it is one of her most moving songs to date. She has this way with words that just makes you feel a little less alone, and a little less ashamed of what you carry on your shoulders.

The power she has in her has always left me in awe, and on this song it’s the combination of lyrics that hit you in the soul and her voice combined that really hit you. Brandy has this way with words that would make most envious, she has this gorgeous way of just putting you in these scenarios and really testing your strength by accepting your weaknesses. For me, that’s the sign of someone who goes above and beyond a musician. She is truly something else; I think she’s a superhero.

 

 

There are many parts to this song that I cherish, but this section of lyrics will break and mend your heart:

“I am the child again
and I feel it all wrong
Don’t spend your nights
Lost in the years it was all wrong
All that you’ve known is broken will, broken bone
Don’t give your nights to those who will steal it all before you go on.”

There is something about the above that you just connect to. I hope one day she puts her lyrics into a book because they truly read like poetry. I’d probably buy every copy to be honest. Whilst I’ve resigned myself to the fact that she may never tour the UK, we’ve got songs like this to carry us through.

For me, there is quite simply no one else like her and there never will be. Artists like Brandy are rare and so vital. Her music has been and continues to be such a huge part of my life because there is such beauty and hope in her words. I have no idea if anyone has tried to label her music but to be honest, I highly doubt you could. It’s out of this world- just like Patti Smith, Nick Cave and Townes Van Zandt.

Once you’ve listened to Feel It All Wrong, I encourage you to go and listen to her previous work. The darkness in the sound and the beauty in all she creates on this song, and the rest of her work stays with you and personally- it’s artists like Brandy that reinforce my love for music and writing about it. She is truly one of a kind.

FOOTBALL FC.

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Bristol. Home to many amazing bands. You know who they are; I’ve mentioned my favourite ones many times. It’s evidently a city that is home to amazing talent, and there is a lot more brewing. One band in particular have caught my attention. They only have a handful of songs out, but it is enough for me to fall in love with their sound. 2020 will belong to them, it’s only right that it does.

Football FC are unlike anything else you’ve ever heard. They are the band that I need, that YOU need, and everyone needs. Their sound is rowdy, vital and a joy to listen to. It’s something that you cannot get enough of, and before you know it- one listen has turned into hundreds.

 

 

Big Time came out in August and there’s something about the song, and their sound in general that reminds me a bit of The Fall. There’s this urgency within the vocals and music that just makes you feel like you’re listening to The Fall for the first time- that sheer excitement in your belly and consumes your brain. They’ve got that Mark E. Smith attitude nailed- just listen to Apartment and you’ll hear the King of the North flowing through. It’s brilliant. I know some try to get this sound and end up sounding like a blatant rip off; that is not the case with Football FC at all. The influence may be there but everything else is their own. I love them. I absolutely love them, and all you can do is take in the songs and let them take over your brain and body.

I know nothing about the band, but I do know that they are the most exciting bands around. Based on the three songs I’ve been obsessing over; they do make it so easy to praise them and become an instant fan. Apartment is a fantastic song and sits just under 7 minutes long (video below is shorter.)  It is a euphoric song that stays with you, and you just want to wrap yourself up in the comfort of this masterpiece. If you’re looking for a song to start with- make it this one. It’ll cancel out all you’ve ever known; it really is one of the year’s most beautiful and powerful songs. Everything about it just sums up why I believe in this band, and why they are just phenomenal.

Football FC are one of those bands that you just know are going to put on an insane show. You can sense and feel the passion in their songs on record, and I reckon they will go beyond this in their live shows. No Lover Like A Luger is a dark and captivating song- hugely obsessed with it. I love the way it sounds so intense and poetic, you cannot help but play it over and over. It just has you hooked, and it’s another reason as to why Football FC are going to be massive, they truly deserve to be. Besides, they’ve signed to Permanent Creeps so you know they are going to be huge!

 

 

Alright, I’m saving the rest for when they take over the world with their debut record (hopefully next year!) or their show in Manchester in March. Get behind this band, they are one of the most exciting bands around. Bristol has done it yet again!

DIRTY BURGER.

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dirtyburger

 

As I slowly recover from IDLES’ show last week here in Manchester, it is time to find something new to write about. I’m not over how great IDLES were, and I never will be. Of course, I’m annoyed at myself for waiting so long to see them. There were so many times where I could have gone, but things got in the way. Not this time though. That raw emotion is still there, and fortunately I can pour it all into writing about Dirty Burger.

Dirty Burger are a three-piece Garage Rock band from Gothenburg, and they’ve only got a couple of songs up on their Bandcamp page, but it is more than enough to get me hooked on their sound. If you love bands like BIKES, TV Crime, Leather Party etc- then you’re going to love Dirty Burger. They sound like a motorbike going a stupid speed down the motorway just to get a kick out of it. The band have songs that just fill you up with adrenaline, and the urge to try make your own noise. I say this about so many bands, yet I’ve never picked an instrument up. In my head, I have. That’s probably safer to be honest. Dirty Burger have this sound that just makes you want to constantly be in the state of bliss they give you, and they really give you this idea that their live show is probably something out of this world. You can just imagine being in a cramped room jumping about to their songs and being immersed in it all. There’s nothing better and thank god we have bands like this who aren’t afraid to be loud and off the wall.

 

 

I honestly have no idea how long they’ve been together or how long they’ve been making music for, but when you listen to the releases they’ve put out this year, it is easy to hear that they are so sure of how they want to sound and how they want their sound to come across. There’s something really special about this band, and I’m so excited to hear more from them. Here’s to 2020 being their year!

Their newest single, Drained came out a couple of days ago and it is one to play loud. I highly recommend their song Bathroom Boogie too; it’s got a bit of a New York Dolls feel to it. The guitar reminds me a little bit of Personality Crisis by the Dolls. I can hear a bit of Johnny Thunders in their sound, and I adore that. Afterall, he was the greatest.

Dirty Burger make songs to become obsessed with, to cancel out all exterior noise and to just get lost in the world they’ve created. They give you this Trashy/Glam Rock kind of feel, and it’s something we do not get enough of, and not many delve into but Dirty Burger do it in a way that makes you feel like you’ve headed right into this world that no one else has caught onto just yet. In time, they will. I hope they will.

Daytime TV is another song to really blast out super loud. The guitar on this one is something else, and I think it may be my favourite (for now) but like I said, I’m so excited to hear more from them. Henrik has such a distinctive voice, and it goes so well with Nicke and Sebastian. They fit perfectly, and from this they have truly created a side to Garage Rock that we haven’t heard in a while.

Dirty Burger are truly a remarkable band, and with just a handful of songs they have made a lasting impression on me for sure. They just make you wish you could be at their live shows every night, and just experience their songs in different ways constantly. For a band to do this so early on is something to be impressed with, and something I really hope that they are proud with. They are 3 musicians who are brilliant what they do.

 

 

Play it loud.

HATE MOSS.

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HATEMOSS

 

There is so much that I love about Hate Moss that I have no idea where to begin. The name of the band alone should make you love them. This Brazilian/Italian duo are based in London, and I think if I still lived in London, they would be THAT band that I constantly go see. They have something about them that just makes you really want to invest in them. As far as duos go, they’re up there with the best of them. They take elements of bands I love and make something of their own which is beautifully dark and creepy.

I think the best time to listen to Hate Moss is, well, all the time! But aside from that, listening to them in the dark when nothing and no one is around is an ideal setting. I’ve got a few bands that I listen to like this, and there’s something so sacred about listening to music in this vulnerable setting. I guess in a way, it makes you really soak up everything that’s going on in a more heightened manner.

 

 

Hate Moss don’t make sounds for those wanting sickly delicate emotions and thoughts. They’re for those who aren’t afraid to stay on the edge of something that could probably terrify someone else. Their songs have this euphoric glow to them, and it is really brought to life on songs such as The Time Your Remake which is 8 minutes of sheer heaven. Their synth-based sounds remind me of the likes of Drab Majesty and my all-time love, Cold Cave. They give you this atmosphere that gets you right in the gut.

Hate Moss totally stop you in your tracks when you listen to them. You simply can’t do anything when you listen to them apart from just that- listen to them. The vocals will send shivers right through you, and the music alone will increase everything you could possibly feel when listening to them. Two people are doing this- just two people. The incredible thing is that they don’t have that many songs, but every song feels like this ethereal cloak of darkness that you want to constantly cover you. They are such a special band, and you can really hear where they want to go when you stop and listen to their music.

Songs like Evil and Honey were made for you to just play really, loud. They’re the kind of songs you can see yourself screaming back at the band. Sometimes you just find a band or a song that you absolutely cling to, and these songs because your everything for that specific moment in your life.

 

 

I could quite happily switch off from the world and listen to Hate Moss on a loop. I could also sleep for a few days because I am so tired. But anyway, Hate Moss have something about them that just makes you feel like their live shows are really something else. This duo really knows how to get the listener right in the gut, and with just a handful of songs- they have mastered this perfectly.

FANTAZMAZ: Better In My Head.

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This isn’t going to be long, because I’m not well and I’m not happy that I had to pass on seeing Amyl & The Sniffers tonight. I saw them earlier in the year, and I was SO excited about seeing them tonight. But it’s not meant to be. Instead, I made myself pizza and watched a film. I’m mad at myself for getting ill. I eat vegetables, I take vitamins and I do my best to look after myself (and the planet by not eating animals!) but it happens. I just wish it happened earlier or not at all! Anyway, you’re not here for that and neither am I.

Fantazmaz have just one song out, and that one song is powerful enough to write about. With the world evidently on its tits at the moment and lies being spat at us by pretty much every politician, it’s pretty easy to cling onto bands or a song that let out our frustrations, and Fantazmaz do exactly that. They are fronted by Thamila who has such fury in her vocals, and just reels you in immediately. I can only liken her to Amy from Amyl & The Sniffers, and I mean that because when I first heard Amy I thought “OH SHIT! WHAT IS THIS!?” And I was hooked, Thamila has done exactly the same. Raf and Chokis keep this fury up with their guitar and bass, then you have Edgar on the drums and it feels like he is the one sort of pushing the band to be louder and unapologetically ferocious. They may just have one song for now, but this one song is enough to make you really believe in this band.

 

 

I love how this song feels like you’re escaping everything around you and opting for living in your head. I wouldn’t recommend living in mine, but when you can create a world to escape from it gives you this comfort and to be honest, we all need that. It is such a vital Punk song, and once you hear it- it really stays with you. You have the chorus repeating in your head like a mantra, and it’s a pretty cool one to take on.

You can stream/buy the song on their Bandcamp page, and you can keep up to date with the band right here. I cannot wait to hear more from them because two minutes and nineteen seconds just isn’t enough!

Play it loud!

FALSE HEADS.

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It’s that wonderful time of year where we play, gun shot or firework. To drown out the exploding sounds (I really hate fireworks) I’m playing False Heads super loud. I can just about drown out the fireworks.

 When I lived in London, I heard of False Heads quite a few times, but I foolishly didn’t pay close attention. They probably played a shit ton of shows I could have gone to, but I can’t dwell on the past. Fast forward 3 years since they formed, and False Heads are most certainly one of the most exciting bands in the country and maybe one of London’s loudest bands. Their sound will get out all of your frustrations and disdain. There’s a slight Grunge like feel to their sound, but aside from that you can’t really lump them as anything but excellent.

 Their newest single, Fall Around come out on the 25th October. Initially I was going to write about the single, but they deserve way more than that. The new single is a heavy and raw song to really get stuck into, and to let False Heads suck you into this world they’ve created with their brutal sound that makes you feel like you’re in a pub brawl that’s spilled onto the street. I love the heaviness on Fall Around- that really heavy drum and guitar sound together is just divine, then you get the slick bass hitting you along with the vocals. It is such a perfect sounding song- if you listen to it after listening to previous songs you will massively hear how their sound has just continued to evolve and is still on this brilliant journey. They take you along for the ride, and it is such a joy to listen to.

 

 

Songs like Slease, Retina and Help Yourself were made to just lose your shit to. I’m annoyed at myself for never seeing them when I had the chance in London, but the thing with their music is that they make you feel you’re right in the midst of their live shows when you listen to them. I love Slease, and I think it’s one of the year’s most underrated gems. It’s got everything you’d want from a heavy sounding band. They have this captivating sound that just makes you want to turn it up a little louder, and to try see if you can actually make your ears bleed from the loudness. They’re that great, they’ll have you wanting to do dumb stuff.

Their debut record should be with us next year, and I reckon it’ll be something to truly treasure and pay very close attention to. False Heads have songs that are nothing short of anthems, and in a few years’ time they’ll be playing them to stadiums full of devoted fans. They have this glorious Post-Punk feel to their sound, but they give us something more. Something we may never have heard before; there is so much charm in their sound, and the lyrics are so easy to connect with. False Heads may only just be getting started, but they’ve won over a wealth of fans all over. You cannot deny just how great they are, and how a sound like this is so vital.

 

 

With new single Fall Around thrust into the wild now, there is really no telling how the debut record will sound like but I reckon it will consist of real heavy bruisers that will be destined to be played loud and screamed back at the band.

Iggy Pop and Danny Fields are fans of this trio, and if that isn’t enough to get your attention then I really don’t know what will.

*Photo by Neil McCarty

BAD BANGS.

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BADBANGS

 

Bad Bangs are an exceptional Garage Rock band from Melbourne. Their songs are made to make you move, maybe get a little emotional, a little drunk if you want and just have a good time to them. Their debut EP, Grow It Out came out last year and they recently released a new song called Too Much.

They may not have much about them online, but there’s enough to get you hooked good and proper. They have this Bluesy feel to their music, and they remind me a little of the Goddesses that are, L.A. Witch. They have something spooky about them, something really powerful and just captivating. Bad Bangs make the kind of music to lose your shit to, and their song Time is definitely one to go all out on. That instrumental towards the end is so grand and just exceptional. You can really imagine them going nuts to this live.

I really love that you can hear this DIY sound coming right through. All the songs are written (and sung) by Shelby. She’s got such a distinctive voice; it’s distorted in all the right places and it is so strong. She has so much power in her vocals, and her lyrics are just so relatable. You connect so easily with their songs, and this is part of the appeal. The band currently has Ben on bass and Tim on drums. On the EP, Monica Ireland was the drummer. That’s just a little bit of trivia for you.

 

 

Moody is their sun-kissed anthem. This is the song you waste your day to, and just take time out for yourself. Treat it as self-care if you want, but it’s the song that you absolutely soak up and let it take over your soul. This lo-fi sound is something I can’t get enough of, they really put their all into what they do, and you can sense that from the jump on this EP and it is apparent on their new song too. You can’t help but feel that their live shows are totally wild and inspiring. For now, I think Other Side might be my favourite from the EP, but Moody is truly something else. All I know is that with just one EP they’ve made a huge impression.

During the summer they released Crush which again, is another sun-kissed anthem. They have this stunning way of just making you feel like you’ve escaped to the beach and away from all of life’s troubles. The song is delicate in all the right places, but there’s this slight aggression on the guitar that compliments the vocals so well. Shelby is an incredible guitarist, and the way she and Tim sound together is so good. Mix that with Ben’s bass and you’ve got a dream sound on your hands. They truly are such an exciting band, and once you start listening to them- that’s it.

Bad Bangs have such a slick sound, and they sound like a band who have been doing this for decades. They have such a refreshing sound, and this is the kind of sound that just takes over your heart and soul, and whatever else you are willing to allow music take from you. Although there’s an EP and a couple of other songs, Bad Brains have really made their mark. I love how they have this classic lo-fi sound mixed with Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound feel; then they add something of their own that’s not been heard before, and it just makes you fall instantly in love with what you’re hearing.

 

 

I really hope we get to hear more from them, and somehow, they make it over to the UK and play some shows. Bands like this don’t come around often, and what Bad Bangs are doing is something remarkable. They take everything I adore about music and make something to just blow your mind in the most euphoric way imaginable.

These three musicians are nothing short of enthralling, and I hope they get you hooked on their sound like I am. Play loud!

HOORSEES: Major League of Pain EP.

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On Friday 18th October, Parisian band Hoorsees will be releasing their EP, Major League of Pain. This EP is made up of 6 songs to comfort you, make you feel alright with feeling low and providing a form of guidance when everything has gone a bit awry.

They are fronted by DR CHAN front man, Alex. If you’ve ever listened to DR CHAN, you will know that they have a real hyperactive Garage Rock sound. Their music makes you want to jump around and get into some light-hearted trouble. The tone in Alex’s vocals with Hoorsees is totally different; it is more mellow and little somber. It just shows us how brilliant he is. It is a totally different sound. Out of respect- no more comparisons.

The sound that Hoorsees have is one that throws you into a world of heartbreak, and every single step that comes with it. There are different stages, different types of heartbreak and Hoorsees delve into this very well and sensitively. The vulnerability in the lyrics especially on Boyhood and TV & Bad Sports just shows us how exceptional this band is, and how being this open is something to really back. Paris is truly home to some incredible bands, and musicians. Hoorsees are most certainly one of them and the beautiful romanticism in this record is so soothing and just a delight to listen to. It is calming in all the right places but will also break your heart. Infectious is such a beautiful song but my god it will rip you apart. It’s got the innocence of a first love to it, but at the same time you can apply the heartache to anything- it doesn’t have to be from a romantic stance. It’s such a beautiful song, and I love the sheer emotion in Alex’s voice on this. It’s a different side to what he can do vocally, and it is a different side to the band. A side I really hope they never leave because they do it so well.

 

There is a glorious distorted feel to the record, and if you’re a fan of music with a lot of heart and a wealth of emotion; you’ll probably love this record. Aside from their demos up on their Bandcamp page, this is their first proper release. The demos and the Major League of Pain EP are totally different, and in the few years that have passed between them, you can really hear a band that are sure of their sound and know exactly what they want.

 

 

I really love how you can feel that these songs are made to be played live. They carry a lot of emotion in them, and the way the vocals and guitars come together to send you off on this journey into their heartache is something to really appreciate and admire. There is something really special about bands from Paris, and France in general, you know. Hoorsees have this really big romantic feel to their sound and that’s what keeps you being drawn back in with every listen. Of course, you want more, but with just 6 songs they take you into their world and what a world it is. It is music to waste the day to, music to watch the world go by, skate to it, absorb in your surroundings- just soak up this blissed-out record.

I think at the moment for me, it’s all about the last track on the record- Horror Sees. I adore the bass on this, and how the drums give you this wave crashing sense. It’s a laid-back EP from start to finish, and I think this is the most relaxing song on the record. It’s one I’d definitely love to see them do live. I know they’ve got a pretty big tour happening in France so if someone could bring them to the UK, I’d really appreciate it!

These 4 friends truly know how to tug at your heartstrings; they gently take you into their secretive world. This lo-fi sounding record is covered in wonderful pop-like melodies that will stick in your head for days. It is a perfect record to just lose yourself in and kill time in a way that means something to you. It’s a laid-back EP with songs to just fit your mood; Merry Grime is the perfect song to capture this. Play this one loud and often.

 If you are lucky enough to live in France, then I urge you to go see them on tour and let me know all about it!

Tour dates are in the poster below:

tourdates

Major League of Pain is released this Friday via Crème Brulée and In Silico Records.

DIE WÄRME.

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DW

 

With a drop-in temperature and the sun setting earlier, it is time for music that fits this season and the mood it brings. I don’t mind this at all. The only thing that bothers me is having to wear a coat- however, I am adamant that it isn’t cold enough to wear a coat yet here in Manchester. That will catch up with me, it usually does.

There’s a band from Berlin called Die Wärme (The Warmth, I think?!) and I cannot find anything about them online. I respect any band that can sound this great yet are completely unknown on social media etc. They have a strong Post-Punk sound, and their first (I’m assuming) release is up on their Bandcamp page. It could be their 100th record, I don’t know but I’m going to talk about the one I’ve found online and do my best to write something that makes sense.

 

 

They have a sound that just makes you want to jump around and have a great time, and you don’t care for the fact that you know nothing about them nor can you understand what they are saying. Who cares when it sounds this good! I love this dark sound them have, but there’s something about the bass on this record that reminds me of early Joy Division and very early The Fall. It’s that distinctive sound that is found in a lot of bands since, and it’s by no means a bad thing. The Fall were, and always be the best band of all time. Mark E. Smith forever, and ever dear reader. Forever.

Die Wärme’s singer reminds me of Siouxsie so much, and of course I mean this with sincere love and admiration. Siouxsie is just the best isn’t she, and it is so good to hear new bands still being inspired by someone who truly changed everything. There’s that gorgeous Gothic mixed with Punk sound on this record, and it really does make you feel like Siouxsie has made a German record. That’d be pretty cool! The record only consists of 8 songs, and of course it leaves you begging for more. I can’t help but think that their live shows must be really intense and so energetic. With just 8 songs that blow you away, and they do it in a way that takes you back to the start of bands like The Cure, Siouxsie etc. It just has that sound that moves you, and makes you want to completely lose yourself in what you’re hearing. They’ve mastered the art of captivating the listener; it’s hard to not be moved by this record.

The intensity in the music is heightened by the vocals, and this kind of atmosphere makes you just want to delve deeper into what you’re hearing. It makes you want to go for a walk late at night and the cold air hits your face, and you don’t care for where you go- you just need to go where the music takes you.

At the moment I’m really into Aufzug and Gene from the record. I love the sound and how grand it sounds; this big sound they have is just flawless, and makes you want to fall into a world of bands that have this sound. It is the perfect sound for this time of year; the grey and intense mood they create is something to really treasure.

 

 

I wish I knew more about this band; I wish I knew if we were going to hear more from them but for now let’s just take these 8 songs and appreciate them to the fullest. It’s a remarkable record and is probably one of my favourite finds of the year.

GROSS NET: Gross Net Means Gross Net.

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GN

 

I’ve said countless times that music is a form of escapism for so many, but sometimes you need something to keep you right where you are- even if it is daunting, or terrible. I’ve always admired Gross Net (or Philip if you want to be proper) and how his mind works. He is one of the most expressive souls out there, and he takes you on this futuristic journey every single time. His newest record, Gross Net Means Gross Net is one of the most experimental records I’ve heard in a long time. It’s got this Scandinavian Noir feel to it; it could easily be played in some Thriller TV series as something truly gruesome and barbaric is about to happen. It is a creepy record, and it is nothing short of exceptional. I’m going to do my best to explain why this is one of the most out there records of the year.

There’s been a few years in between this record, and Philip’s last Gross Net record. This is a totally different sound, and as someone who is influenced by what they see- Philip has truly taken the state of the world (mainly the UK) and given us this tense breakdown of the shitshows that are occurring daily. Think a really political version of Einstürzende Neubauten with hints of Psychic TV. Basically, two of the greatest bands ever rolled in one. But, as we know, Philip is his own creation and a bloody genius. What this record gives you is something so eerie and captivating.

 

 

The best time to listen to this record is when it starts to get dark. This is not a daytime listen- this is dead of the night listen. I mean, it’s only 18:47 but it’s pretty dark out now so, and it works. You cannot help but be absolutely consumed by these songs and how remarkable the production is. It is, for me, the best produced record of the year. Shedding Skin is probably one of the most gloriously composed songs of the year. These aren’t just sounds, these are synth-based symphonies that will take over your soul in the most beautiful way. I love everything about Shedding Skin. It’s just over 6 minutes, and the lyrics are sure to hit you in the gut- they are explicit to the core (I mean in an exposing of the soul kind of way) and it isn’t hard to truly connect with this one. You can just imagine it being performed live in a basement bar, almost pitch black with a smoke machine creating this eerie mood, and a tense atmosphere crashing over.

Every song on this record serves the sole purpose to ignite the listener, and to get them to a place where no other piece of music could. The music alone on this record is so spooky and is comforting at the same time. Although there’s a song on the record named after a terrible person (Theresa May) it is actually one of the most gorgeous pieces of music you’ll hear. There is no need for words on this one, you can create your own story to this beautiful instrumental. In a way on this one, you get a glimpse into how Philip’s mind works- you can hear the care and feel the thought in this piece so much. Then it slides into Gentrification which almost feels like it could be played at a rave at 4am somewhere. He can make you flitter between several emotions on this record, and that just makes me admire him even more. He’s easily one of my favourite musicians around (and I think he knows this!)

 I love how the songs can touch on subjects you don’t really hear in modern music (how we’re all prone to consuming too much and not being aware of the consequence, thus turning a blind eye to our future) which can really be felt on Of Late Capitalism. Gentrification leads into Of Late Capitalism in such a succinct way, again it is another moment on the record where you can really pick up on the thought and care that has gone into this perfect record. Philip has massively pushed himself on this record, when you listen to his previous records you can hear something on this record that you haven’t quite heard him do before. It’s a cross between very early Scott Walker meets Suicide (the best duo ever), with hints of the future. It’s such a stunning record to lose yourself in. Dust To Dust is heart-breaking but my god it is the most beautiful song that Philip has ever done. To date, this song is the best thing he has done. Obviously, that’s just my personal view, and maybe I’ll change my mind but lyrically and the composure of this song is nothing short of mind-blowing. It just shows us how much of a genius he is, and how unafraid he is in his approach to creating such powerful music.

 

 

Gross Net Is Gross Net is one of the most thought-provoking records of the year. Sure, Philip will take you to a different world with the sounds, but the lyrics will bring you right back to Earth. This record is made up of 10 songs to truly hit you in the soul. One person, just one person has made this absolutely vital record. It doesn’t tell a story; it tells the truth. It is a truth to really, really listen to.