UV-TV are right back where they started, The Last Martyr have 20/20 vision, Skraeckoedlan know it’s darkest before the dawn, Spang Sisters have a few cross words — and you’ve still got tracks from Helmet, The Novus and many more to puzzle over in your Midweek Roundup. Welcome to the end of your Hump Day.
46 | UV-TV | Back To Nowhere
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Crashing in with the second single of their upcoming album Always Something (out May 28), UV-TV present Back To Nowhere. The New York trio kick things up another notch with a cut of breakneck pace that finds a band hurtling towards their new album with breathless intensity. Railing against the world of constant productivity we find ourselves living in, Back to Nowhere sees UV-TV charting an alternative route of their own leisure. Cutting loose from the societal pressures of the modern age and all its associated anxieties, it’s a track that proudly flies the flag for what the band call: “the art of doing nothing.” Cruising between the retro indie-stylistics of The Primitives or R.E.M. to the atmospheric alternative leanings of Felt or The Smiths, lead singer Rose Vastola’s aloof vocal coolly commands the course in a track that invites the listener to disconnect, take a backseat and just enjoy the ride.”
47 | The Last Martyr | Hindsight
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Melbourne heavy outfit The Last Martyr have returned with groovy new single Hindsight, a fierce tune with bounce that almost makes you forget that you allowed yourself to be manipulated. Produced by Windwaker’s Chris Lalic, an early demo of Hindsight was written by newcomer to the band, Ricky Andres (bass), bringing a modern electronic and nu-metal influence to TLM’s heavy rock sound. The lyrics were largely downloaded straight to paper in the studio amidst vocalist, Monica, processing a friendship breakdown. “It’s interesting, because I do think of myself as a very strong woman but being a woman in the music industry does come with certain challenges, certain hurdles that are quite unique to being of this gender,” bandmember Strut said. “I was reflecting on this gradual progression–because it was a friendship and a working relationship–where my voice, unbeknownst to me, was getting quieter and quieter in this situation. From there, that was the catalyst for reflection.To me, there was an element of shame that came with realising that I hadn’t stood up for myself, but as I do say, hindsight is a bitch.”
48 | Skraeckoedlan | Arise the Sun
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “A decade has passed since Skraeckoedlan released their debut Äppelträdet (The Apple Tree), an album that marked the start of the reignited Swedish stoner-rock scene. The second single leading up to the relaunch is called Arise the Sun. Says Robert Lamu: “Soon the apple tree will be in full bloom. It has a universe in which to live, a sun from which to draw energy and shortly, maybe come summertime, it might make a cozy homestead for a lizard awakening from its slumber.”
49 | Spang Sisters | Thank You, Will Shortz
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Architects of buttery sonic delights, Spang Sisters share their mesmerising new single Thank You, Will Shortz. It comes one month before their self-titled debut album is introduced to the world. Sailing upon dream-like harmonies and seductively subtle guitar licks, Thank You, Will Shortz is a paean to the comfort that we find in the most pedestrian components of our routines, an endeavour which is nothing if not relatable at this current juncture. “Thank You, Will Shortz is an ode to the editor of the New York Times Crossword,” they explain. “For many years, this particular puzzle has been a source of comfort and solace for me so — at the dawn of lockdown — I thought it fit to pen him an ode in a time where sacred rituals were valued more than ever.”
50 | Okuté | Quiere La Rumba
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Okuté carves out a route nearly unspoken for decades in Cuban music. Improvised testaments to the requisite ingredients of West African music coursing through Cuban rumba and son are pressed straight to quarter inch tape on the ensemble’s self-titled debut album Okuté (June 4). While listeners are used to expected chord progressions, jazz harmonies, and timba patterns from Cuban musicians of the past half century, Okuté subverts these expectations, breathing new life into the genre with the voice, tres, and bass taking center stage.”
51 | Gerald Cleaver | Cooper-Moore
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “His electronic album Griots (out June 4) sees Gerald Cleaver diving further into the spider’s web of modular electronics, exploring the electronic history of his Detroit roots. Combining his unique talent for composition with a curious ear for the unpredictable, Cleaver delivers another outstandingly dense and sprawling LP. Says Cleaver: ”Cooper-Moore is inspired by getting to hang, laugh and play with the man on a regular basis. This song is particularly about his diddly-bow and flute playing. It has an anthemic quality because he is an unstoppable force of nature.”
52 | Helmet | In The Ditch
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “The fourth single from the album The Problem of Leisure: A Celebration of Andy Gill and Gang of Four, is a new interpretation of In the Ditch by American alt-rock band Helmet. Andy Gill was a fan of Helmet from their early days and had hoped to collaborate with them on a future music project. In the Ditch is the first new track from Helmet since 2016. Page Hamilton explains: “I chose In the Ditch for this tribute cause it’s a great song even though it was challenging (thank you to my band!). It feels improvised and random at times but holds together as a composition. The guitar part feels like spontaneous scratchy funk, the angular bass and drum groove grooves hard but sounds like there’s a spoke missing. The vocal is somehow beautiful but scary, urgent and dangerous. There’s no room for limp dick, mail-it-in, non-musical moments in any of these songs. How the hell did they put this together? We could only try to capture the intensity of the original. This band changed me.”
53 | Karmacoda | Traps
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Award-winning pop trio Karmacoda have shared their latest single Traps. The single is lifted from their upcoming album Slow Down, Melt and Catch Fire which will be released on May 28. An intimate duet, the single explores the dark complexities found within an unhealthy relationship. Featuring acapella elements and deep basslines creating a downtempo drive, Traps is both alluring and refined as light and dark vocals gently play with each other. Jessica tells us: “The album was written over the last year of quarantine and during the stay at home order … Traps was written not only from being trapped at home, but being trapped in a relationship simultaneously. It’s about wanting to get out but you can’t … you are trapped.”
54 | Faiyaz And The Wasted Chances | Glow
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Toronto punk band Faiyaz and the Wasted Chances have a raucous, rough-around-the-edges appeal whose sound falls somewhere between Warhol pre-punk and the local DIY scene in which they flowered. New single Glow was written at a time when frontman Faiyaz Shah was working a full time job, touring in multiple bands and sleeping on the floor. However, there were moments worth experiencing and taking in. Moments as small as taking a bath or as beautiful as the night sky.”
55 | VC Pines | See You Soon
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “VC Pines (aka Jack Mercer) announced that his new EP Concrete is set for release on May 26. It is of a reflection of his environment after finding himself locked down in the capital during the coronavirus outbreak. It is previewed by the single See You Soon, which saw him collaborate with Bad Sounds, who co-wrote, produced and mixed the track.”
56 | Dörner/Lea/Lyregaard | Three Rivers, One Flood
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “At a time when musicians the world over are only beginning to think about returning to the pre-pandemic days of live music, the next best thing might just be a new album of music created completely in the moment in front of a live audience. Recorded just before the pandemic began in Copenhagen, Huckleberry Friend is a document of three master European improvisers doing what they do best: feeding off the energy of the audience and each other to make spontaneous music in their own unique language, never to be repeated again. Vocalist Birgitte Lyregaard brings a unique palette of sound to free improvisation. Trumpeter Axel Dörner has over 150 albums to his name and is the 2019 recipient of the Jazzprize of the City of Berlin. Rounding out the trio is tenor saxophonist Marthe Lea, a musician with wide-ranging influences including free jazz, Norwegian folk music, Moroccan gnawa and traditional Indian music.”
57 | Ian Janes | Vital Signs
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Sometimes, there’s a serendipitous phenomenon of everything falling into place from the very get-go during the creative process. For artist, songwriter, and producer Ian Janes, this was the case for Vital Signs, the latest single off of forthcoming release Episode 5. This was due in part to a shared admiration for Quincy Jones, George Benson and Prince, between Janes and collaborator Zak Lloyd. “I met Zak through a co-writer and we instantly hit it off,” said Janes (he/him). “It turned out that we were crazy about all of the same music, so finding a direction wasn’t something we even had to discuss. Zak had the bones of this track already underway and I had some lyrics started for this title idea. The rest fell into place so fast that I don’t even really remember writing it!”
58 | The Novus | I Serve Not
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Leading the Gen-Z charge fuelled by council-estate angst, and longing for escape from small-town mentalities, fast-rising Midlands outfit The Novus confirm their debut EP Thaleia Standing is due June 18. They also shared I Serve Not, the first single from the EP. Written around the time of the 2019 Election, the track is a representation of the band’s resentment towards those who do not look after others. Says vocalist Connor Hill: “It also represents the resentment of those who exploit people for self gain.”
59 | Rebecca Vasmant | Jewels Of Thought
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Glaswegian musician, producer, DJ and curator Rebecca Vasmant has released Jewels Of Thought, off her debut LP With Love, From Glasgow, out on June 4. Though known for its rich musical heritage, Glasgow is not a city perhaps synonymous with jazz. However, this is all about to change, as Rebecca and her cohort of hand-picked musicians set out to change people’s opinions. From Glasgow, With Love is a textured, emotive and calming listen from start to finish. A crucial insight into the modern day sounds of a city which has already contributed so much to music culture. Says Vasmant: “Without musicians, there would be no music, and without friendships there would be no life.”
60 | Pretty In Between | Sunday Driving
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Somewhere out there between folk and fury, where jazz rocks out and rock takes a breath, there’s an expanse of musical terrain to be explored. Pretty in Between is the art child of Ohio-born and San Francisco-based musician Austin Wasielewski, whose recent albums with Analog Dog (San Francisco) & Odakota (San Diego) have made quite the impression amongst the California indie scenes and beyond. With a psychedelic blend of rock/pop/jazz fusion, this debut LP is the culmination of many sounds and an underlying thesis.”
61 | Paisley Parc | CD
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Rising Welsh alt-rockers Paisley Parc released their latest single CD. Mustering the youthful rebellious energy of a rising garage band, Paisley Parc unveil a single that is equally mature and bold in its composition and delivery. CD is a restless alt-rock track driven by heavy guitar riffs and bouncy rhythm sections. It’s a song about being young, free, and everything that is on your mind when you are 17. Blending classic hard rock influences with modern alt-rock sound and production, Paisley Parc appear confident and ready to storm the scene on their own terms. Ieuan Evans’ masterful guitar solo provides a fitting climax of the catchy single, fuelled by Jack Mason’s powerful vocals and the pinpoint instrumentation of the ever-tight Talyn Griffiths, Jack Jones & Morgan Stubbs.”
62 | Misery Gutz | Singing In The Sun (Is The Life I Choose)
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “I am a singer-songwriter from the U.K. I just released my new song Singing In The Sun (Is The Life I Choose). I wrote it after a long winter, when I was sitting in the park with my guitar and the sun finally came out! I wrote this song in minutes, and then spent a long time recording the parts myself and getting it sounding like it did in my head!”
