Another damp squib of a Bank Holiday is over. The domestic football season is finished so we can start enjoying our weekends again and not enduring the misery and crowing of people that support a team that are hundreds of miles away from where they live.
It’s festival season instead and we can stand in a muddy field, rain dripping off a stupid hat, very expensive beer, after paying through the nose for the tickets. Christ life is futile.
Here’s some of the only perks. Stick it in your ears and pretend it’s not happening.
Lone Striker – Never Blown a Kiss (LOWMOON Remix)
Why we love it: because Lone Striker scores again. And LOWMOON also gets himself on the Opta stats with an assist.
Label mates on Safe Suburban Home Records, the two artists combined on ‘Never Blown a Kiss.’ The song comes from the self-titled album from Lone Striker which was released back in March.
Lone Striker is Tom Brown. LOWMOON is Mikey Wilson.
Speaking about Wilson, Brown says: “I’ve always loved Mikey’s use of old school drum machines and keyboards to evoke dreamy, end-of-summer imagery. So, when I was thinking about doing a remix, he was the first name on the list.”
And talking about Brown and giving us some of the technical details about the song, Wilson says: “I’ve been a big fan of Tom’s work for a while now, so when he approached me about a potential remix I was excited about the opportunity to work together. I knew pretty quickly the direction I wanted to take the production and started by recording a preset drum pattern from a Yamaha PSS-460, which is a toy keyboard from the 80s. The Beach House style organ sounds are from a Casio MT-68. There’s also a drone sound running throughout a lot of production which I made using the gritty 8-bit sampler on a Yamaha VSS-30. I love detuned sounds that warble on the edge and I’ve been experimenting a lot with re-amping parts through chorus pedals and cassette recorders.”
But enough of the talk. Just bang it on repeat play and enjoy the new sound of summer. (Simon Godley)
My Morning Jacket – Everyday Magic
Why we love it: because multiple Grammy Award nominations and chart-topping hits may come and they may go but 27 years into their career My Morning Jacket have finally made it into God Is In The TV’s prestigious Tracks of the Week. And the song that has enabled the band from Louisville, Kentucky to mark this achievement is a cracker.
‘Everyday Magic’ is the new single to be taken from is, My Morning Jacket’s 10th studio album and their first full-length new collection in more than three years.
Talking about ‘Everyday Magic,’ My Morning Jacket’s vocalist and guitarist Jim James says,”the song came from meeting someone who taught me to see the magic in the simple things we often take for granted.”
And it is a joyful sound that My Morning Jacket create here, complemented perfectly by a playful video directed by Amanda Kramner. (Simon Godley)
Florence Road – Figure It Out
Why we love it: The Irish music scene has done it again, produced another exciting band this week’s edition are Florence Road are a four-piece from Wicklow, Ireland. Made up of childhood friends Lily Aron (Vocals), Emma Brandon (Guitar), Ailbhe Barry (Bass) and Hannah Kelly (Drums). ‘Figure Out’ is rich, layered and addictictive crescendos, kicking off with punchy drums an undercurrent of fuzz guitars and twitchy percussion, it’s invested with Aron’s brooding powerhouse vocals that vibrate with introspection and explodes into a raw and hook laden chorus, decorated in see sawing riffs, elements of the intensity of early Wolf Alice or elements of the grunge sound of the mid 90s. There is a smart balance between accessibility and raw emotiveness that marks Florence Road as ones to be very excited about!
The band spent their teens perfecting their craft in Aron’s garden shed, refining a sound that is as influenced by icons like The Cranberries as it is contemporary peers such as Wolf Alice and Phoebe Bridgers. However, while influences can indeed be heard, Florence Road instantly sounds like someone new.
The ‘Fall Back’ mixtape is an addictive musical rollercoaster that confidently articulates the feelings involved with being young – the highs, the lows and the sheer intensity of it all. In the spirit of original Irish creativity, ‘Fall Back’ sounds fresh and modern; an innovative but effortless blend of rock subgenres from the haziness of grunge to the slick riffs of indie rock. Their sense of humour is rarely lost as they delve deep into emotive, often melancholic music.
The band will be supporting Olivia Rodrigo next month, appearing with her at Marlay Park in Dublin on Tuesday 24th June and BST Hyde Park in London on Friday 27th June, before a number of festival appearances and support slots with Wallows in August too. (Bill Cummings)
HAIRDYE – Sick
Why we love it: HAIRDYE barrell into view with ‘Sick’ their debut track from that they call a “proper Gen Z anthem. Cali skate-punk crashes into Riot Grrrl, mashed with Britpop and wrapped in loads of local flavour — “New Seattle” runs deep.
Produced by Dub War’s Richard Glover and recorded at Xile Studios, Newport — it’s smeared in punky pop singalongs, careering riffing, gritty basslines, and tuneful and youthful vocals with relatable lyrics. Raw and charmingly rough around the edges imagine if you will the Buzzcocks grooving with Elastica in a garage, maybe you have an idea of what ‘Sick’ sounds like. “I’ve drunk too much and too quick” its the sound of over indulging on alcopops and heading into the middle of the dancefloor.
HAIRDYE are a fledgling four-piece Newport, South Wales. Formed through an Instagram group chat in summer 2024, the line- up: Dakota Richardson (17), Penny Corten (16, currently juggling GCSEs), Tom Clark (17), and Rhys Lewis (18). Sick opens their self-titled 4-track debut EP, HAIRDYE. (Bill Cummings)
Grete – Skinny Bones
Why we love it: Lithuanian singer-songwriter Grete pays homage to the glossy, r&b flecked sound of the 90s and early 00s on her catchy new single ‘Skinny Bones’ decorated in soulful and hooky vocal choruses that remind me of Sugababes or even Christina Aguilera, it’s ripe with danceable beats, illuminating keys and glistening production but most of all an ear worm melody that burrows its way into your head. It’s lifted from her new EP ‘Cry In Colour‘.
She says:
” ‘Cry in Colour’ marks an exit from the cold sadness of ‘Grey’ and introduces the world to Grete’s own brand of RnB flavoured pop music. The project’s influences include Mary J. Blige, Tove Lo, Beyonce and Parcels.
Grete was born and raised in a little Eastern-European country called Lithuania and started singing when she was only 3 years old. She began her young artist and performer career in small ensembles and bands and was quickly spotted and drawn to the biggest stages in the country, such as tv competitions, musical theatre, international concerts and contests, and even the finals of The Voice of Lithuania. Grete chose to leave Lithuania and start fresh in the UK, she graduated from RNCM (pop music vocals) in 2024.” (Bill Cummings)
Imani Griffon – Rude
Why we love it: Imani Griffon beguiles with an inventive and soulful ‘Rude’ is punctuated by a patchwork of funky beats and deft disco guitar, Griffon slithering through the track with her impressive vocal range that she reigns in effortlesslly, as she tries to make peace with herself. It reminds one of the inventive alt popp of Nilüfer Yanya but with the r&b and pop influences turned up, it’s a deft and self explorative cut with a really hooky edge. She says “I usually talk to myself when I’m alone. I’ve always tried to become better, but sometimes I end up hurting myself. At first, I thought I was writing (again) about a breakup, but it turned out to be about me.
Lately, I’ve been really inspired by Yves Tumor’s music. His experimental rock style has been a huge influence on me while composing this track.”
Born and raised in Paris, Imani combines the soul of alternative R&B with the energy of trip hop music to create her distinctive sound. Imani’s lyrics invite introspection, self-discovery, and resilience. She strives to subtly address themes that are close to her heart, such as acceptance of others and the importance of tolerance in our societies, resulting in music that is made both for deep listening and for dancing.
In 2023, Imani took her first steps on stage in Parisian bars and independent venues. She was soon noticed and opened for Oxmo Puccino in the south of France.(Bill Cummings)
Sarah Shiels- Fell in Love With Myself
Why We Love it: Because it’s a lush, soulful, celestial triumph. Hull-based artist Sarah Shiels is back with a powerful new single, ‘Fell In Love With Myself,‘ a celebration of self-love and empowerment, with widescreen soundscapes, emotive soul bearing lyrics, glorious melismatic vocals and glistening harmonies, it’s perfect for those mornings when you need a reminder of your own strength. Drawing inspiration from her personal journey, Sarah’s latest release is a feminist anthem that resonates with anyone who’s learned to appreciate themselves anew. With influences from artists like Jane Weaver, Angel Olsen, and Sharon Van Etten, Sarah brings a unique blend of alternative sounds to her music. ‘Fell In Love With Myself‘ follows her previous singles, including ‘Fruits Of Life,‘ showcasing her evolution as an artist. Sarah collaborated with producer John Andrew to explore new musical territories, transitioning from her blues roots to embrace the world of synthesizers. Her voice is outstanding. It’s the perfect pick-me-up and a shot of soothing sonic energy. (Carmel Walsh)
Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts – Talkin to the Trees
Why we love it: because ‘Talkin to the Trees’ just goes to show that there is still creative life in the Canadian old dog yet. Neil Young will be 80 years of age in November, and the Chrome Hearts is the latest band that he has assembled to back him. Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts – comprising Spooner Oldham (Organ); Micah Nelson (Guitar and Vocal); Corey McCormick (Bass and Vocal); and Anthony LoGerfo (Drums) – will release their debut album on the 13th of June and ‘Talkin to the Trees’ is the record’s delightful title track.
At a conservative estimate Talkin to the Trees will be Neil Young’s 48th album. There have been plenty of artistic missteps along the way – some might argue he hasn’t released a truly great album since Ragged Glory, the 1990 classic that he recorded with Crazy Horse – and whilst ‘Talkin to the Trees’ may not be placed in that same illustrious category, the title track does show that Young still has an ear for a great melody and the ability to knock out a top tune.
In its texture it puts me a lot in mind of Harvest Moon – the album that arrived a couple of years after Ragged Glory – and that is certainly no bad thing. The two earlier songs to appear from the upcoming album also left us in no doubt as to where Neil Young stands in these turbulent times, with one of them – ‘Let’s Roll Again’ – taking direct aim at Elon Musk and his Tesla automotive company, which is also certainly no bad thing. (Simon Godley)
Formal Sppeedwear – Wait (Hatchet Gets a New Hide)
Why We Love It: Because it’s the sound of a neon yellow power suit catching fire in a Stoke nightclub circa 1981, and no one reaching for the extinguisher.
‘Wait (Hatchet Gets a New Hide)’ is a wired-up, head-first sprint through post-punk delirium, with Formal Sppeedwear (note: two p’s) twisting funk, clatter, and sheer panic into something that sounds like David Byrne trapped in Berlin with only Bowie’s Low and a bag of circuit-bent toys for company. Guitars stab, drums fidget, and somewhere a Tascam 488 cassette recorder screams for mercy. I saw them decimate Alphabet at The Great Escape this month —pure twitchy euphoria, everyone bobbing along like pigeons in a heatwave. Don’t wait. Catch them this summer before they combust entirely: Paris (Supersonic Block Party), London (George Tavern), Manchester (Psych Fest). You’ve been warned, Stoke is the new West Berlin. (Trev Elkin)
