Browsing Tag

Alternative

Blonde Poulain rocketed through cosmic boundaries in ‘Objectivo la Tierra’

Posted on 26 April 2024

Blonde Poulain’s latest single, “Objectivo la Tierra,” catapults listeners straight into a celestial escapade, melding pop sensibilities with sci-fi synthetics. From the outset, spacey effects set an interstellar backdrop while the pop hooks orbit around hip-hop-adjacent beats.

The rhythmic foundation is robust, complemented by twinkling synths and a nod to 90s trance aesthetics that instil euphoria in the same vein as Faithless. Blonde Poulain embraces full creative freedom in this track, infusing his style, soul, and charisma to craft a universe that promises more than just a musical escape. By giving pop new life through the pulse of electronica, the innovative artist created a sound that’s both futuristic and deeply grounded in rhythmic tradition.

In essence, “Objectivo la Tierra” is an invitation to imagine and inhabit Blonde Poulain’s vibrant and upbeat cosmos—if Earth were to falter, his universe, as painted in this track, would be infinitely more accommodating.

This single marks the first release from his upcoming EP, setting a high bar for what’s to come as it skilfully combines real-world facts with the fantasy of science fiction.

Objectivo la Tierra will reach the airwaves on April 26th; stream the official music video on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Mild Horses unleashed avant-garde chaos in his genre-defying electronica release, Eye of the Behemoth

Posted on 25 April 2024
Eye Of The Behemoth by Mild Horses

Mild Horses, the experimental brainchild of Matthew Leuw, previously known for his roles in various underground bands, including Norwich’s Crest and Brighton’s Coin-op, has returned with ‘Eye of the Behemoth’.

The single seizes the listener with its lo-fi synth melodies grounded on a solid backbeat, before erupting into a drum n bass rhythmic firestorm. Not merely content to rest here, it pushes the boundaries further with sharp horn stabs, marking a bold foray into avant-garde territory. As the track progresses, the intense energy momentarily retreats into more subdued, jazzy grooves that infuse the piece with psychedelic tranquillity, setting the stage for a climactic resurgence. The finale of this instrumental odyssey is a masterclass in musical composition—returning full circle with a powerful beat that perfectly encapsulates the track’s dynamic range.

‘Eye of the Behemoth’ is not just another experimental track; it is a statement of artistic integrity from Mild Horses. This single does exactly what it promises—immersing its audience in an artfully crafted storm of sound that resonates long after the last note fades. It’s an assertive piece that boldly declares Mild Horses’ niche in the eclectic landscape of contemporary music. For fans of genre-defying soundscapes, this release is an essential experience, offering both challenge and reward in its complex layers.

Stream and purchase Eye of the Behemoth ahead of its official release date of May 10th on Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Vouchers struck a raw nerve with the melodic malaise in their alt-post-punk seminal release, Dead History

Posted on 24 April 2024
OYEZ! by The Vouchers

The Vouchers’ standout single, Dead History, from their debut album OYEZ! doesn’t break the post-punk mould; it is a sublime continuation of the disorder initiated by Joy Divison, infused with the melodic malaise of Dinosaur Jr.

Driven by the creative synergy of Mark Langston, Tom Brown, and Matt Clifton, the three-piece intertwines satirical observational poetry with a distinctive North East twang, resulting in unapologetically raw, eloquently monochromatic chemistry.

Dead History captures the essence of The Vouchers’ distinct approach; the track is a sonic labyrinth where angular hooks meet the cold tonalities of an ennui-laden atmosphere, and sparse lyrics become poignant bursts of clarity. The minimalist lyricism of Dead History might initially seem understated, but every word hangs in the air of the release that ticks all the right post-punk boxes.

If you’re looking for a new indie band to get behind, you’ll need to keep the pace as The Vouchers make their inevitably rapid ascent.

Stream and purchase Dead History on Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Chill Hop meets RnB Dream Pop in Eth4n’s emotion-driven release, Daisy

Posted on 23 April 2024

Driven by emotion and experimental innovation, the standout single, Daisy, from Eth4n’s debut EP, Inerrata, is a hazily melodic installation of aural hypnosis that demands you submit to the catharsis from the first note.

With saturated in delay guitars giving the seminal release a vintage tape deck recording feel and the mellow electronic elements rounding out the RnB dream pop/chill hop hybrid instrumentals, Daisy unravels as an intoxicatingly artful release.

By borrowing the serene dream pop timbres of AIKA’s vocal harmonies, the bitter-sweet exploration of how affection gives us a temporary lust for life strikes all the right evocative chords, especially when Eth4n’s effect-laden pseudo-trap vocals enter the mix and inject swathes of dynamism into the vignette of tentative idiosyncratic affection.

The Australian-born, London-based experimentalist may pull inspiration from the likes of Frank Ocean and JPEGMafia, but rather than assimilating their styles, he runs with the influence into brand-new sonic territory that you’ll be compelled to join him in every time you need sanctuary.

Stream Eth4n’s Inerrata EP on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Emma Hunter Shot to Kill Sonic Banality in Her 3rd EP, Morire

Posted on 22 April 2024

Emma Hunter’s third EP, Morire, emerges as a defiant rejection of sonic predictability, marking a high point in the Oxford-based singer-songwriter, guitarist and loop artist’s career with a collection that’s as audaciously raw as it is artistically sophisticated.

With Tom Bruce’s trip-hop-infused percussion, the 50s-inspired Flamenco-guitar-licked EP unfolds a landscape soaked in cinematic tones and intricate, chanteuse-esque harmonies that narrate a four-part poetic anthology of turmoil. Every chapter brings you closer to the darkest corridors of the mind as it navigates an imperfect world, filled with vices and prejudices.

Starting strong, Guilty pierces the veil of comfort with its visceral energy and poignant lyrics, exposing the unnerving ease with which we catastrophise – it’s enough to open a window into your own soul. This duskily strident opening salvo sets a formidable standard, intricately balancing fiery guitar work with solid percussive rhythms as Hunter lyrically unravels through an insurgence of relatable unease. The robust instrumental work anchors Hunter as she carries the weight of the world, surrounded by demons and they tease the end of the world after inconsequential incidents.

Love is Not a Choice follows, dissipating the initial turmoil into an anthem of acceptance. The track stands bold in its portrayal of love’s inherent defiance against societal norms, offering a melody that radiates warmth and liberation. As you drench yourself in the sun-soaked bliss of the flourishing serpentine rhythms, you surrender to the true, unbiased nature of love. In an era that is increasingly hellbent on insisting everyone stays within the heteronormative mould of hegemony, you see that the only choices made in relation to love is discrimination.

Awaken Me introduces itself with Hunter’s looped vocals artfully circulating over waves of ambience before the first verse crashes onto the shore of the single, plunging into the thematic deep waters of personal rebirth and spiritual stagnation. You can’t help but be pulled into the undercurrents of the compassionate lyricism which aims to pull the listener out of deep water as Hunter aches for an emotional awakening. The interplay of confession and compassion opens a deeply affecting affirmation that sometimes, healers need to heal.

Finally, the titular track, Morire, presents a harrowing narrative of watching a loved one tend to their vices and sink into personal decay, culminating the EP on an aching note. The paralysing power in Hunter’s vocal prowess reaches its zenith here as she exudes primal agony while never losing her ability to artfully hold notes in a delicate balance of pain and pitch-perfection, delivering a poignant exploration of loss and helplessness with a backdrop of soul-stirring crescendos.

With the Morire EP, Emma Hunter, alongside Tom Bruce, carved a niche in the alternative music scene that resonates with both intimacy and grandeur, making the release a compelling listen for those who seek depth and defiance in music.

Morire was officially released on March 29; stream the EP on Spotify and Bandcamp.

Follow Emma Hunter on Facebook and Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Raven Ives scribed dark poetry through her artful alt-pop installation, Reprieve

Posted on 20 April 2024

With her standout single, Reprieve, the self-sustained DIY artist Raven Ives delves into an introspective journey, channelling her creative vulnerability into a brooding synthesis of trip-hop, dark pop, and a touch of neo-classical ambience.

Reprieve pulsates with a lifeblood of nuanced emotions, each beat and lyric paving a path deep into the heart’s recesses. This single is a testament to Violet’s refusal to blend into the pop milieu, avoiding the pitfalls of sonic assimilation with a bold, unyielding voice. Her approach to music, deeply rooted in emotional and artistic exploration, avoids direct comparisons. Yet, if one were to draw a parallel, her poetic lyricism and the evocative depth of her compositions might nod to the likes of PJ Harvey, marking Raven Ives as a standout voice in this artistic generation.

The track itself serves as a canvas, painting a sombre and tender narrative of isolation that resonates universally. Here, Raven Ives manages to capture a universal sentiment—the profound sense of inner desolation that pervades even the most crowded spaces. The music sweeps across this landscape of a shattered psyche with elegance and a raw, piercing clarity.

Stream Reprieve with the rest of Raven Ives’ EP, Dancing Shadows, on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Meet the ultimate aural debonair in Emanuel Edner’s artfully slick pop hit, My Dear

Posted on 19 April 2024

If The Last Dinner Party added one more guest, based on the zanily baroque theatrics in the title single, My Dear, from his debut EP, Emanuel Edner would be the guest of honour.

Edner, who deserves to go down in history as the ultimate aural debonair, created the ultimate equilibrium between dark and twisted musical theatre and a slick electro-pop aesthetic that would be equally at home in the Kraftwerk discography.

As the track progresses, the synth-swathed groove pockets deepen with the licks of funk and modernised blues, refusing to fit within the parameters of pigeonholes in the process. Yet, it is the Stockholm-born singer-songwriter’s charismatic character which refuses to leave the centre stage that becomes the standout source of magnetism within My Dear, which takes a Machiavellian devil may care approach to mourning a breakup.

It’s impossible not to get caught up in the feverish zealous retro-futuristic energy within My Dear; Emanuel Edner isn’t a talent you would want to underestimate.

Stream the MY DEAR EP in full via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Emotional Chaos Unravels in the Melancholy of Magenta Wave’s Indie Rock Allegory, Why Am I In Love With You

Posted on 17 April 2024

Magenta Wave’s latest single, “Why Am I In Love With You,” vocally tears at the heartstrings with a fervency akin to Thom Yorke and Frightened Rabbit’s Scott Hutchinson. This track is an atom bomb of melancholy that flips the usual narrative of romanticism upside down. It melodically implores listeners to explore the agony of falling in love when your relationship with yourself is on unsteady ground.

With the guitars sonically visualising the disorientation of losing control under another’s influence, and the rhythm section driving this tormented vignette forward, the vocals find an achingly affecting hallowed ground to project their agony over. The soaring, vintage-toned guitar solos resonate like a battle cry from a scarred soul, marking Magenta Wave’s unparalleled ability to shake up the indie rock scene with their ingenuity and sincerity.

This piece is the second single from their upcoming EP, “Sold My Soul,” mastered by Ed Brooks, known for his work with Pearl Jam and Death Cab for Cutie. It is an essential listen for anyone who still finds sanctuary in the candour and inhibition of indie rock.

Magenta Wave, having become legends in Bellingham, WA, before moving to Seattle, continues to blend alternative, indie, and psychedelic rock in their unique sound, making “Why Am I In Love With You” a poignant reflection on love and self-discovery

Why Am I In Love With You was officially released on April 12th; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Brikcs shattered boundaries and entered innovation’s nirvana with ‘King’

Posted on 17 April 2024

Brikcs, a visionary from the ethereal edges of music’s evolving landscape, delivered a profound auditory experience in his latest single, King. With a foundation laid by a Mogwai-meets-Portishead neo-classic intro of eloquent keys and phantasmically distorted vocal notes, the track boldly transitions into the dark territories of trap. If you went down the rabbit hole and instead of finding wonderland you entered innovation’s nirvana and met your demons, your trip would come a close visceral second to hitting play on King.

The artistic juxtaposition in King — between harsh, ensnaring bars and the enduring non-lexical harmonies that echo the transcendent terrain of Sigur Rós — crafts a captivating portal to an aural realm defined by authenticity. The single thrives on a blend of ornate classical notes and reverberating electronic effects, creating an installation of unparalleled emotional intensity.

The lyrical assertion of autonomy challenges listeners to disintegrate preconceived labels with every bar dropped. Acting as a nod to how the world attempts to shape us into archetypes, Brikcs resists them all, violently shaking them into the ether of this masterpiece.

Brikcs, an Icelandic multi-instrumentalist now based in Copenhagen, eschews easy classification, melding the raw energy of underground clubs with the refined grandeur of opera houses. King encapsulates his complex musical journey through haunting pianos, ethereal vocals, cerebral rap, and an electro-orchestral crescendo.

Accompanied by an experimental short film, directed by Vasco Alexandre and shot at ARKEN Museum of Modern Art, the track is not only a music release but a cinematic event, currently making waves in film festivals worldwide.

King was officially released on March 22nd; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Lolita Terrorist Sounds – Mind the Gap: A Devilishly Arcane Avant-Garde Post-Punk Reverie

Posted on 14 April 2024

Lolita Terrorist Sounds, the Berlin-based avant-garde ensemble, ensnared once again with their latest single, Mind the Gap, which pulls you into the audacious heart of Berlin’s artistic underbelly.

Fronted by the enigmatic Maurizio Vitale, the band continues to smash aural archetypes with devil-may-care panache by blending provocative themes with ground-breaking sounds. Mind the Gap is a vivid reflection of this ethos. The single, an aural equivalent of arthouse cinema, swaggers through the debauched realms of Avant-Garde post-punk with a Lynchian flair. It’s a track that doesn’t just play; it prowls and gyrates, consuming the listener in its dark, hypnotic embrace.

It’s a journey beyond the tourist traps of Berlin, delving deep into the city’s hedonistic cultural epicentre. The track’s spoken word vocals demand you escape from banality as they wind around dark psych guitars and tribal percussion. The juxtaposing pianos add a cinematic touch, elevating the track to a realm of high art while never eroding the brooding experimentalism.

The invitation to lose oneself in a devilishly arcane reverie drips with artistic liberation, tearing listeners from the trap of mundanity. Lolita Terrorist Sounds, with their rich history of collaborations and innovative projects like Lolita Kitchen Sounds, continues to push boundaries. Their trajectory from Shaved Girl to Prison Song and now to Mind the Gap showcases a band not just at their creative zenith but as torchbearers of a genre that refuses to be defined.

Stream the official music video for Mind the Gap on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast