Tag Archives: New Music

THE VACANT LOTS: Closure.

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There are a handful of bands that, no matter what they release or however it sounds- I’ll always write about it. I may or may not instantly love it, but I’ll find the words to write about why I love the band. A band in particular that always stand out for me and just mean the world are The Vacant Lots. I absolutely adore this band and have done for what seems like an eternity. I feel like they are a band I’ve grown up with and just ended up loving them more and more with each record. They’re a band I could happily watch live forever, and not get bored of it. They take elements of everything I adore about music and make their own sound. It’s everything I love about bands such as Suicide, The Jesus And Mary Chain and a Henry Miller novel. Highly poetic, dark and gripping.

It’s no surprise that record number four, Closure, is a masterpiece. All they do is churn out genius works of art every single time. I’m in awe of the sheer talent that Jared and Brian have. Just the two of them. The two of them make these gorgeous sounds. Closure is everything their previous three records have been leading up to. If you’ve listened to them before, you’ll be familiar with this dark and hypnotic sound they have but on Closure they go a little lighter on the song Eyes Closed. It’s a synth-based lullaby. It’s gorgeous. Sound wise- this record isn’t as heavy as previous, but don’t let that fool you. The lightness on this record may be something slightly new, but that typical sound from Jared and Brian is still there. It’ll always be there.

Their previous work at times felt like you were stumbling out of a New York dive bar at 2am in the cold. This one feels like you’ve let that fresh Autumn air hit you in the face and you feel like you can possibly take on anything. That’s the powerful thing about music and bands you love- they can be your armor and guide. For me, Closure is one of the most enthralling records of the year. It’s chaotic and calm in all the right places. It’s just everything you could possibly want from a band you love.

The only downside to the record is that it lasts only 23 minutes but, these 8 songs will blow your mind. They’ll caress your eardrums. They’ll hit you right in the heart and soul. They’ve totally outdone themselves again, and I cannot wait for the tour in a few months. These songs live will be something else. Hearing the likes of Eyes Closed or Chase live will be insane! I cannot wait.

With a record like this, it’s hard to pick a favourite. I’ll end up changing my mind a lot but at the moment I think it has to be Red Desert that’s my number one. It reminds me of Darklands by The Jesus And Mary Chain. There’s this delicate sound on this song that reminds me so much of that whole record. It’s a joy to listen to, and it builds up perfectly the ending of the record. In just over 20 minutes, The Vacant Lots truly grip you on this record. If this is your first time listening to them; well, it’s not a bad place to start at all.

As the record comes to a gentle close with Burning Bridges, you cannot help but reflect on how remarkable the record is. Everything about the record is joyful and personal. From the lyrics to the production to the sounds and all in that is in between- Jared and Brian have yet again created something that us fans of the band will treasure for eternity.

With every record they just get better, and Closure fully backs that up. A real joy to listen to and an even bigger joy to be a fan of such an incredible band.

THE BATTERY FARM: A Working Class Lad.

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I have made my love for one of the finest bands from Manchester known many times. But this time, The Battery Farm have completely and utterly outdone themselves. Everything they have done to date has been nothing short of vital, ferocious, and delivered with this passion that you wish most bands would. A Working Class Lad towers above everything they have done to date. This is the kind of song that makes you want to pin down tory scum and blast this song in their ears. Imagine if they would listen. Imagine…. But until then, we have got bands like The Battery Farm who are beautifully expressing how difficult life is and how shit it’s going to get until people listen to us. There’s beauty in it all, and that is what they express so wonderfully.

The hook where Ben screams his lungs out is such a pivotal moment in the song, and every time he unleashes that distinctive bellow of his, you cannot help but scream back and let his voice absolutely destroy your eardrums in the most perfect way. It is one of the best songs he’s written so far. The man is a poet. A proper storyteller. This is song for those who understand how tough everything is right now and how the majority of us are struggling. The comradery in this song makes me so proud to call Manchester my home.

The bassline on this, mixed with THAT drumming is out of this world. The guitar is electrifying, and it adds extra bite to the vocals, and drills home the importance of the lyrics. Bands like The Battery Farm are rare, and that’s why it is SO important that we treasure them. They tell our stories; they release our furies. They’ve got courage, heart, and passion. They’ve got the wisdom that you wish you had, but in time, you’ll get there. If you’re looking for a real Punk anthem- this is it. This is totally it. It’s the song that you play when the world gets a little too much, and as soon as this kicks in- you’re reminded that someone out there fucking understands. This band are way ahead of their time. Or maybe we are all behind and need to catch up. Whichever way you look at it, this band are the future.

What I adore about the band is how they can take painful daily life topics and make them beautiful. They make everything relatable, and you know they mean every single word that comes out of their mouths. Their words are so important, and I don’t say this lightly. There is so much power in this song and it is really is the best thing they’ve done to date. Their debut record Flies is out in November, and I cannot wait to hear it. Going by the previous 8 singles they’ve released and now this single- I think it is pretty safe to say that it is going to be one of the most thrilling records of the year. Nothing will touch it. Nothing will come close to the sheer importance of it.

There is so much heart in this song, and the way every ounce of this anthem hits your mind, body and soul leaves you wanting more. You cannot help but play this on repeat. You cannot help but scream along. Thank god we have bands like The Battery Farm around. They unleash every feeling surrounding identity and the shame we sometimes feel. Sometimes that shame is thrown onto us from others, so we turn that shame into something that means something- Art. That’s what The Battery Farm have done here, and will always do. It’s in their blood. We need them.

They’re playing the Dublin Castle in London on the 2nd September and will then be back home to tear the roof off Gullivers on the 10th September. Go see them. Buy the record in November and let this band get out everything you feel you cannot.

You can check out their upcoming gigs here: https://www.facebook.com/thebatteryfarm/events

MAD DADDY: The Road Racer EP

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The exceptional new EP by Mad Daddy has been on my list of write-ups for ages, but I’m rubbish at keeping up with what I need to do. I’d rather take a nap but that’s no excuse! I’m going to use my words wisely and tell you all about one of the best bands to have ever come from the Isle of Man. The other being my uncle’s band, The 13th Pillar and the other being Voodoo Bandits.

This EP is ridiculous. They should serve time at Jurby’s finest hotel on the Isle of Man for making something this good. Should be a crime! But hey, it isn’t! The EP is made up of 4 fast, ferocious and f….ing incredible songs. Every single song will indeed make you feel like a road racer. Get your leather on and hop on your bike. Go as fast as you legally can and go out into the unknown.

Be Bad is Mad Daddy at their best- it’s filthy, beautifully obnoxious. It’s like Lux and Stiv Bators got into a fight with Iggy Pop, and this song came out. It’s my favourite at the moment, but with a record like this- you cannot settle with just one song. It’s the kind of song that you have to play as loud as you can and snarl along with Dolyn as he unleashes one of the best Mad Daddy songs to date. It goes beyond anything else they’ve done. It is one of the slickest records of the year, and the production is a dream!

Everyone on this record truly shines. Matt’s drumming on this EP is just *chef’s kiss* and again, it smacks you right in the face on Be Bad. The record ends on Here To Stay- Liam and Elvis on this one smash your eardrums on this. Every song on this EP sounds like a band trying to get to the finish line to prove their point. Their point being? Well, that they are one of the best bands in the world. But. you already knew that didn’t you. This is Mad Daddy at their loudest, their best and rowdiest. This EP really does feel like you are on the TT Race Course on Mad Sunday, and no one can keep up with you. It’s such an energetic record. Even though we’re just over a year from their debut record- this EP is another taste of what’s to come from this band.

Mad Daddy have ripped apart bands up and down the UK with their recent shows, and now they are back to mess up your hearing with their rambunctious Punk anthems. Iggy Pop is a huge fan, so that tells you just how special this band are and how remarkable this record is. Every song on this EP was made to be played full volume and with the wind in your hair as you drive and drive, with no destination in mind. It’s a proper gritty record, with songs that’ll have you craving live music, craving more from Mad Daddy. I started writing this review nearly 2 months ago, but for some reason, I’ve not had it in me to finish this or write about music. I’ve got enough records I need to write about so that’ll keep me going! But, if you need something to keep YOU going- go ahead and listen to this record. Isle of Man friends-ride the TT route playing this EP over and over.

Just when you think Mad Daddy have done it all, they unleash a heavy and gnarly record like this on us. It may only 4 songs long, but those 4 songs will ricochet through your eardrums, mind, body and brain at full pelt. Take it all in and play it loud!

GHUM: Bitter.

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This might be all over the place because I am SO excited to write about the debut record by GHUM. It’s out on Friday, and once you hear this record- nothing will be the same again. And in other news, I now have a cat so I’m going to do my best to make a little Punk out of her. I think she’ll tolerate the beautiful noise I play. Speaking of beautiful noise, let’s get into the best record of 2022, shall we?

You know about my love for the band GHUM, that’s been apparent for a long time now. They encompass everything I love about music, everything I want from music and have a sound that I’m just obsessed with. When I listen to them, I get that same rush I did when I first heard TwoFiftyFour, L.A.Witch, The Kills and Warpaint for the first time. That same kick I got from hearing Seventeen Seconds by The Cure. That same rush I got when I heard The Cramps for the first time. In short, this band have that same thing about them that just makes me fall in love with music all over again. With a debut record, a lot can be expected. As a fan, you just want to finally hear the finished product. I can’t imagine the stress that comes with it from being in a band waiting for the world to hear it.

The record opens with Some People- the first big release for this record. The video to this is incredible, and listening to it in an album setting gives a bigger meaning and feeling to the song. I’m all in. I’m hooked. The record makes you want to take a road trip round Europe and forget the world you’re part of for a little while. There’s a lot of escapism on this record, and it’s down to their incredible way of giving you these dark and euphoric anthems. There is something to spooky and special about this record, and when you listen to the likes of Bad Brain, it really does hit you how incredibly talented this band is. Bad Brain may be my favourite song from the record at the moment, but my mind will obviously change. It is just a beautiful record, and I’m not just saying it because I adore this band. I think, if you’ve never listened to GHUM before, this record will blow your mind. They’re just the perfect band and even though they’ve only played Manchester once, it was one of the best gigs I’ve ever been to. They’re a band that you just HAVE to see live, and my god I’m so glad I have. With this record, you can quickly imagine how they will sound live. Songs like Over And Over, Bitter and Deceiver have this sound to them that make you long for a GHUM gig.

The way Laura sings “I hate you” on Over And Over is so gut-wrenching. You really feel the disdain and disappointment in her voice, and for a singer to project their emotions into a song like this is truly something to admire. You’re just fascinated by how she delicately sings of her hate- that fragility is a rare moment on the record because for the most part, she delivers the songs with this toughness- not intimidating at all, the opposite. She kind of gives you some of her strength. All of them make you feel empowered in a way that you didn’t think a band/record/song could. This is a truly special record from start to finish, and all that’s in between.

Every single song on this record deserves your complete and utter attention. Not only will you fall madly in love with the songs, but you’ll end up being besotted with how exceptional they are as a band. Jojo is one of the best guitarists you’ll ever hear. The way Jojo plays is remarkable, and the way MJ perfectly compliments her with her bass playing is just stunning. They both add this mystic groove to every single song. This is perfectly fitted with the drumming skills of Vicki- and on the song Echo, that’s where you really REALLY hear this glorious marriage of sounds. There’s chaos but there’s calmness on this record, and that’s part of the appeal.

The main reason as to why this is the best record of the year? Because it sounds like everything, you’d want your favourite band to sound like. If you’re looking for a record to get lost in or a record to listen to whilst you try tame your mind- this is for you. Stick some headphones on and blast this record in your ears. There is so much to love and cherish about this record. From the lyrics, to the way the drums sound like waves crashing against your soul and the bass and guitar bringing you back down to provide comfort. It’s just a glorious record and a joy to listen to.

I can only write about this record/anything I write about as a fan; that’s all I know. But trust me- this is the record of the year. Everything you could want and more. I cannot wait to play it religiously as I go to/from work. I can’t wait for the days to get shorter and let the songs take on a different meaning in different seasons. I can’t wait for the world to hear this record. It may be a debut record, but this band know exactly how they want to sound. This sure sound is just a dream to listen to. At times the songs are ethereal and there are times where this fury in Laura’s voice (the ending of Shallow where she belts out “You don’t know me” is SO powerful) every song has moments built into it that stick in your brain. The record ends with a 7 minute delight- Rivers. I won’t spoil it for you, but this may just end up being one of those songs that they use in films to really heighten the suspense.

They’ve done it. So easy. So effortlessly. So slick, so cool, so perfect.

BRUISE CONTROL

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TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT! The finest Punk band from Manchester will play to a sold out crowd at Manchester Albert Hall supporting Amyl And The Sniffers. Those stain glass windows are in for a shaking tonight- trust me! Probably tomorrow I’ll write about the show once my hearing comes back (thank god I’m off work until Saturday!) but for now, I’m going to tell YOU exactly why Bruise Control are the best around.

Are you looking for a band that’ll unleash all the fury you hold within you? Or maybe you just want to listen to something loud, raw and beautifully Northern? Thought so. Bruise Control are the band you need. They’re the only band you’ll ever need. I’m so excited to see them play a venue like Albert Hall tonight. Punk in old church? Wonderful! It doesn’t get any better than 2 bands you absolutely love playing a venue you love. I’ll tame my excitement for now to focus on writing about Bruise Control. Stick with me. If you can/want to.

If you’re into bands like Ruts DC, Black Flag, The Speedways and Stiff Richards- then chances are that you’re probably already a fan of our beloved Bruise Control. They are everything you could possibly want from a band and more. The lyrics will smack you right in the gut. The drums, bass and guitar will feel like an exorcism of the soul. The vocals will rid you of anything eating you. Basically, they are quite frankly the most important band right now. They are the kind of band you’d probably see in your local boozer on an evening ripping up the tiny stage in the corner with locals feeling a bit wary of what’s going on, but everyone will know that what they’ve seen is probably life-changing.

The mundaneness of daily life is wiped away with this band. They just absolutely rip, and I cannot stress enough just how exciting they are. Bruise Control are the kind of band that become obsessed with. There’s no other way. Going to one show, two shows- not enough. You’ll want to go to every show that they do.

Their debut 4 track EP came out just under 2 years ago, and that EP is the perfect introduction to the band but what you need to pay attention to is their slick cover of Sabotage by The Beastie Boys. It should be a crime how good their cover is. This band are just exceptional. Sometimes you just hear something, and you just know that what you’re hearing will leave a lasting impression. I hope some 13 year old kid hears this band eventually and is inspired to create their own noise- that’s how brilliant Bruise Control are. The urgency in the songs, the ferociousness in their sound is just divine. I don’t think I’ve heard a band play this fast in a while, and sometimes you just need to listen to something that makes you feel like you’ve downed about 10 Pro Plus tablets with an espresso.

What a band. Viva Manchester!

GHUM: Bitter

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NEW SINGLE ALERT! GHUM have released the title track from their debut record, Bitter and it is bloody brilliant. I mean, they don’t make bad songs so I guess that’s redundant but honestly- their debut record is going to rip. Laura’s vocals on this are so tough and so snarly. There’s so much power in this band. They all have this ability to just make you wish you were part of the band or wish you could make something like this.

I’m going by what they’ve released previously, and I think it is safe to say that their debut record is going to be nothing short of a masterpiece. It’s out a month today, and I am SO excited to hear it. I’ll probably have to take the day off work to listen to it (I probably would!) So the single Bitter is about, “how the right connection, even for someone that has been beaten up by bad experiences, drives them to go through the risks and fears that new relationships might bring. It’s hopeful, it’s about taking chances.” I think this is properly hammered home with the way Laura sings, “You are the only reason I put myself through this.” We’ve all made exceptions haven’t we. Sometimes it works out but there are times where it didn’t work out, and you’re not sure why you bothered. Laura’s vocals over the electrifying sounds that Vicki, Jojo and Marina MJ bless us with is enough to break the toughest of people. This is a ferocious number with the level of passion that you will always hear and expect from the band. I’ve played this song enough times to know that the record will be just as tough and powerful as this.

GHUM aren’t afraid to be aggressive with their sound, and to show us all exactly how it’s done. At times you feel like you are intruding on something so personal but the more you listen- the more you connect. For me, they are up there with the likes of L.A. Witch, TwoFiftyFour (come back please!!!) and Warpaint. There’s this dark but ethereal sound that has you hooked right away. I’ve listened to Bitter a handful of times on my break now, and I can pretty much call it one of their most heaviest and mind-blowing songs.

I’m not one for wishing time away, but I really cannot wait for the 17th June!

*Photo Credit: Paul Phung

WARPAINT: Radiate Like This.

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The day before Warpaint released their debut record The Fool around 11 years ago, I interviewed them at The Deaf Institute here in Manchester. I was petrified! I was about to interview a band I had loved for some time, and I was finally able to sit next to them and interview them. That feeling, that moment will never leave me. Since then, I’ve pretty much obsessed over any and everything they’ve released. I wear my Warpaint tattoo with utter pride. I adore this band. I love everything about them but the main thing is the bond they all have with each other. You can tell they love the bones of each other and love making music together and this shines through in all they do.

The artwork for the record sums up the feel of it. It is calming, you’ll feel like you’re floating and for that moment you listen to the record- you’ll feel alright. When the record came out on Friday- I just couldn’t wait to play it. I played it whilst getting ready for work and whilst on my way to work- I had it blasting in my headphones. The best way to listen to Warpaint is through headphones so you can really soak up everything that is going on. There’ll be times where Emily’s voice will make you cry because of the sheer gentleness. Jenny’s bass will make you move without a care in the world. Theresa will hypnotise you with the way she annihilates the guitar. The we have Stella who is just the best drummer around. The record opens with Champion, and this song perfectly guides us gently into the new record. Champion has everything you could possibly want from Warpaint. They’ll make you feel like you are gazing out to the ocean with the sun providing comfort on your back.

Radiate Like This is their first record in 6 years, and it honestly feels like you are listening to a brand new band. It is such an ethereal record and for me, this is so evident on Hard To Tell You which I think just may be one of my favourite Warpaint songs ever. The lyrics are heartbreaking, and everything else surrounding it is so light. Vocally, Emily will break you. There’s this beautiful fragility to her voice here, and the way Stella, T and Jenny accompany the dreamy vocals is just out of this world. I just want to spend the day doing nothing and listen to this song on repeat. I feel like I could write an essay on how perfect it is. It’s one of those songs that when you listen to it just once, it immediately takes over. Everything about this song is just divine. Maybe it’s Emily’s gentle voice, maybe it’s the lyrics. Maybe it’s everything I love about Warpaint in 5 minutes. I think that’s it.

What I adore about Warpaint and this record is how fearless they are. I love how they absolutely blow your mind with every single song. The way songs like Trouble, Proof and Stevie (Jenny’s bass on this sounds so heavenly. If angels played bass, this is what it would sound like!) sound like they are from another planet. It just blows my mind. Proof is definitely up there with one of the most exciting songs on the record, and the energy it has just makes you wish you could start a band like this! There will only ever be one Warpaint. I love how Proof gets quite heavy musically, and together vocally it feels like they are putting a spell on you. I think Warpaint put a spell on us all those years ago when they first started.

When you listen to Warpaint, you immediately forget everything that’s going on in your head. You’re quickly taken to their world; and their world is so tranquil and soothing. Warpaint have this heavenly sound that only they can create. I’m pretty sure they could make a Death Metal record and it would still sound gentle and soothing. Warpaint are that security blanket you need when everything seems pretty tough, and what they’ve done on Radiate Like This is just like they have done on their previous records. They make you fall back in love with music all over again. I don’t mean to fixate on it, but Champion has something about it that just makes you feel like you can take on anything. It makes you feel hella tough- even when you are the complete opposite. I cannot wait to see them do this live; there’s something about this that is just meant to be witnessed live.

If you’re looking for a song to really get you moving- you need to play Like Sweetness. This one has that slick Warpaint sound. That groove that makes you pull an ugly face and you just feel every beat, every note, every word. It just moves you. For me, Warpaint have always been that band I listen to when I can’t sleep or when I need my mind to quiet down a bit. Radiate Like This is made up of songs that will calm your mind, and Like Sweetness may just be the most gentle song on the record lyrically. When I paid attention to the lyrics the other day, I just cried. Not just because it’s beautiful, but because of how open the band are with their words. If you want to feel a sense of freedom or just sheer happiness, then go the nearest lake or body of water, put your headphones in and play Trouble on repeat for a little while. Honestly, that song is something else.

I could spend hours, days even giving you reasons as to why this is the most gorgeous record you’ll hear all year. But if you’re a Warpaint fan already, then you know this. I know I love music that is loud and such, but Warpaint are the band that are just good for the soul. This record is made up of songs that could calm any soul, that could tame any mind. This is their 4th full length record, and they are a band that keep on getting better and better. They have a distinctive sound/style, but they always change it up. They play around with all genres, and make their own. There’s no band quite like them. There never will be again. It’s obvious how much I love this band, and I’m SO excited to see them on Thursday.

Radiate Like This is a masterpiece. It is a glowing work of art that you just won’t be able to live without.

GHUM: Deceiver.

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In a matter of weeks, the debut record by GHUM will finally be here. I cannot wait. Part of me wanted to hold off listening to anything they’d release (single wise) until the record was here, but I couldn’t stop myself. I’m glad I didn’t.

My love for this band is huge, and I adore any and everything they do. They’re one of those bands that once you listen to them, you’re just hooked for life. That’s how they got me. There’s a number of bands I can think of that I hold in this regard and to put GHUM in that list makes me happy.

Deceiver is everything us GHUM fans have come to expect from the band and more. It’s such a great song, and one to really get lost in. Am I obsessed with the song? Ever so slightly. I’m so excited for their record to come out, and going by the music they have blessed us with so far- I think we can call it as one of the best records of the year. Definitely the best debut record for sure! There’s an infectious fury in this song, and it’s that fury that makes you sing the words back with everything you have. There’s truly no better band around right now. It’s always been GHUM. It’ll always be GHUM.

This song along with Bitter are two perfect dark and eerie songs to set the tone for their debut record. Deceiver is about “a relationship where one of the parties is starting to discover a selfish side to their lover, disappointment after disappointment the trust starts running low and the love starts to fade away.” Something painful, but the band make it easier with this song. There’s this intense passion in all that they do and it comes across exceptionally strong on this song. I have a feeling their record will be full of moments like this- where the songs are dominated by intense and raw emotion- you can’t help but relate to it. The chorus is lethal, and is delivered with this snarl that leaves you in awe.

In a few weeks time, the debut record comes out. I’m fully ready to play the record religiously.

You can pre-order the record here: https://ghum.bandcamp.com/

HOORSEES: A Superior Athlete

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I am SO excited to write about the new record by the finest band in Paris; Hoorsees. Their second record, A Superior Athlete comes out on the 22nd April via Kanine Records and if you’re looking for a record that is going to play a vital role in the music you listen to during the summer- then this is the one for you.

I really enjoyed writing about their debut record last year, and it’s still a record I love listening to. There is something really gentle about this band and their sound. They have a sound so precious and unique to theirs, and there’s no one else out there who sounds even remotely like them- and that’s what lures you in and keeps you there.

The record opens with the beautifully relaxing, Week-End At Bernie’s and it is such a soothing song. It’s the perfect opener to the record and really sets the mood for the record. Alex’s vocals on this really have you hooked, and what is so easy to love about this band is that they have a lot of soul in their sound. They make you feel like you’re on holiday or they make you feel like you need to just sack off every responsibility you have, and just enjoy this record. The first song really does grab you and before you know it, you’ve fallen deep into the world they’ve created on this record. That’s just with one song! The gorgeous and oddball lyrics hit you right again on the song Cream & Onion (I don’t know why this title makes me feel a bit like I’m going to puke, but the song does the opposite!) This song feels like the sun hitting you on your back as you spend the day lazily wandering round. Again, that’s just something I love about this band- they make you feel completely fine with doing nothing at all!

Around this time of year bands will contend to make a record that rules your summer. I think it’s safe to say that Hoorsees may have beaten them all on this one. There’s innocence to the lyrics that go beautifully with the slight dream-pop/shoegaze sounds. It is a gentle record, and shows us exactly why they are one of the most exciting bands around. Songs like Jansport and Drama Kings will be stuck in your head for days- you’ll be humming the song constantly. There’s no better song to have stuck in your head. With so much shit going on in the world, a band like Hoorsees are here to just lighten the burden of it all for a little while.

I love the heaviness on Memory’s Knife towards the end of it; it fits so well with the gentle tones of it. I just think with this record, they have showed us exactly why they are one of the most exciting bands around and how fearless they are with their sound. This record was written in two weeks, and for some that may be way too rushed but what I hear on this record is a band that are so sure of their sound and know exactly what they want to create. The band left the city and stayed at Alex’s grandmother’s house, and maybe that’s part of why the record sounds so care-free and light. You can play this record, and everything just feels okay you know? It’s that reassurance you need and it’s that friend you need to just hang out with and do nothing with. They are also a band that aren’t afraid to talk about the frustrations of daily life and how restless we become through boredom. I don’t even know if it’s boredom. Maybe it’s a touch of frustration that we can never shake. Either way, Hoorsees have created something truly beautiful with this record.

A Superior Athlete is everything you could want from the record of the summer, and so much more. You;ll play this on the coldest day in December, and it’ll take you back to warmer times. It is a comforting record and one that really does show us what Hoorsees are made of and why they are one of the most exciting bands around. It’s a divine record from start to finish.

A Superior Athlete is out this Friday (22nd April) via Kanine Records

BULLET GIRL: Talking Pony EP.

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Good Friday has now taken on a whole new meaning because the debut EP from Bullet Girl is FINALLY here. It feels like we’ve been waiting forever for this. And yes, as that old saying goes- good things come to those who wait. I mean I was pretty impatient for this one, but I stayed up well past my bedtime last night/this morning and at midnight, I played the EP. I’ve been playing it all day (I’ve taken a break from listening to CROWS for the time being.) Good Friday? More like a BRILLIANT Friday. If you’re looking for something that is powerful, will burst your eardrums, give you a swift kick up the arse and make you feel something- then I URGE you to check out this EP. It’s incredible.

In 4 songs, Bullet Girl show us exactly what they are made of. They are a political, honest, focused and a poetic bunch. The songs are insanely brilliant. It opens with The Hunt, then we go right into Paper Guns which is just a treat for the ears. The whole record is. Of course, you want more, but what they’ve given us is a work of art that oozes passion, dedication and determination. You can truly feel the hard-work that has gone into this record. Everything about Talking Pony just screams every fury you possibly feel right now. Paper Guns nails this more than most. The despair and hurt on this are so raw, and you’ll probably be made of stone if you don’t connect even a tiny bit to this one.

With one EP they have firmly put their sound out there. There’s nothing like this around and thank God because no one can do it like Bullet Girl. They make you want to cast aside your daily responsibilities and just follow them on tour or something equally fun. They’ve got this energy to the songs that just makes you punch the air in agreement and yell the songs out. Nothing will hit as hard as the into to McViolence. That intro just gets me every single time. Pretty sure I could be having the worst day possible, and within seconds of that intro being blasted out- I’ll feel better. I love the sheer rage in the song. The whole record has this brutality to it that just makes you really connect to the band and what they are about. Again, it’s all about picking up on that drive and determination in this EP- it’s wild. I honestly didn’t know what to expect when listening to the record. Like, I knew it was going to be great of course, but I didn’t know how the songs were going to hit and how it’d feel to finally hear this body of work that they’ve worked so hard on.

The love and drive gone into this EP is evident on every single song. If you want music that will make you feel like you are being thrown about or if you want lyrics that are just an accurate social commentary that are sung with such vulnerability and urgency- then this is the record for you. These 4 songs were made to be heard by the world and to be treasured. The record ends beautifully on Parasites but it doesn’t have to end there. Simply play it over and over again. It’s the only way. The last 20 seconds or so on this one is just incredible. The screaming of “Better days will come” just hits you right in the soul.

Talking Pony calls out everything shit with the world, but it’s delivered in a way that givers you hope. Hope that it’ll get better. It has to, right? With bands like Bullet Girl telling it like it is, it’s a sure fire way of making us all feel less alone and less helpless.

Tour dates for May are:

7th May: Retro, Manchester (R-Fest)

8th May: Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds

9th May: The Washington, Sheffield

10th May: The Old Blue Last, London

11th May: Bedford Esquires, Bedford (supporting Personal Trainer

14th May: The Black Lion, Brighton