I haven't done one of these posts for a while and this is a bit of a hybrid, mopping up some music I've heard in the past couple of weeks but haven't had chance to write about yet. Hope you enjoy. Remember, all of the songs I write about (as well as lots of others) feature on my May 2022 and June 2022 playlists.
Frances Gein - All I've Loved A song released today (3rd June) but which I've been listening to for a few weeks (thank you for the early preview Frances!). This is a slow paced, minor key folk tune, with a simple, calming and strangely comforting beauty.
Frances is a Scottish alt-rock singer-songwriter, and explains that the song was inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s poetry as well as her experience "dealing with the loneliness of being trapped in an abusive relationship." This explanation hints at the background depth to the song, and that magnitude of emotion and experience really comes through each time you listen.
Alela Diane - Howling Wind This is the first time in a while that Alela Diane has released original music and it is very welcome - like a real breath of fresh air. There is a very special kind of purity to Alela's voice which this has captivated me since the first time I heard it (that inspired me to write one of my first blog posts back in April last year), and she uses that voice to great effect in her music.
'Howling Wind' is a heart-rendingly beautiful piece: smooth and meditative, calming and thought-provoking. Thank you Alela.
Georgi Clarke - Myself This is the debut single from Manchester-based singer-songwriter Georgi Clarke. She co-wrote the song with a collaborator in the US via Zoom during the pandemic, and I'd say it's worked out very well: 'Myself' is a lovely slice of engaging, fresh, upbeat pop. I really like the cool 80s-style synth bends and ...
I look forward to hearing more from Georgi later this year.
222 - Not Quite Love The first track from a debut EP from young Birmingham-based band, 222 - it's a very strong start. This came into my life by absolute chance on social media and I'm so glad it did: I love the stripped back but crisp, engaged indie rock feel of the whole record; and the vocals are gorgeous and very much of-the-moment. Keep an eye on 222 - I am sure great things will come their way.
The Great Leslie - Feel Alive A rapid paced and energetic indie-rock tune which starts high and stays that way. It's a great musical illustration of the feeling the band is striving to put across: "when you’re completely enamoured with someone and the mental repercussions of that infatuation." There's lots of skittery, complex drumming which adds to that vibe, as well as some top drawer. pushy, punchy guitar work and vocals delivered on a wave of adrenaline.
Headshrinkers - Doorway Conversations [EP] This EP, from a four-piece band which formed in 2019 and quickly made a mark on the alt/post-punk scene , has an endearing earnestness to it. It's Black Country/West Midlands inflected, sonorous, and stentorian throughout. It's also very poetic, particularly the largely-spoken-word 'The Sea Has No Friends' which is steeped in a moving, gravelly emotion. The title track 'Doorway Conversation' is a highlight with its skittery unsettled feel and metallic guitar riffs.
Beth Orton - Weather Alive It's also been a while since Beth Orton has released a solo track, but here it is, and it's a lovely one: a 7-minute, dreamy, building song which feels like something of an exploration of subconscious emotion. Beth has recently signed to Partisan Records, who will be releasing Beth's new album in September (her first in 6 years). This single, which came out on 31st May, is the title track.