My "one off" round-up post in July was pretty well-received, so I'm doing it again this month. Twice makes a series, right ..? As usual, I've mentioned most, if not all, of these briefly on social media over the past few weeks, and they're all on my August Spotify playlist (plus lots more great music, too).
CLOVES - Good Try
Her music just really hits me hard, every time, and this tune is no exception.
Delicious dark cinematic feels, for sure; but generous helpings, too, of a modern, progressive almost folk vibe. Her vocals have that unique quality I actively seek out: doused in emotion and swirled in mystery and thoughtful coherence.
"I can't just put my finger on" she sings here, in a track which moves from dimly-lit piano chords, subtly fuzzy on the edges, through broadening dreamscapes, to a confused and brief summit of dissolving drums and echoing cries.
(Photo: CLOVES on Instagram)
Dictator - Enough is Enough This band just keep getting better and better. With their newest release, squeezed in right at the end of the month, they’ve masterfully combined euphoric sounds with a firm and timely statement of dissatisfaction. I absolutely love what they’ve done here.
There are fizzy synths, beautifully judged guitar harmonies, rises and falls of energy and volume, and of course those haunting and direct vocals. The result is the perfect anthem for today, capturing the zeitgeist and giving us a voice to rally alongside.
Unlike some “protest songs”, this doesn’t feel forced or out of place. Dictator have taken an important and personally meaningful topic and then done what they always do: crafted something melodic and emotive, woven with lyrical genius. This shows that we can protest the status quo, and enjoy ourselves doing it - music is the messenger and also the means.
Eleri - Karaoke Welsh singer-songwriter sensation Eleri continues to add to her impressive alt-pop/country catalogue with what I think is one of her strongest tracks yet. I love the rich vibes, steeped in the best of Americana, but so totally Eleri. She's adept at switching between - and blending - these genres in a way which just seems to work (check out her back catalogue to see what I mean). Combined with her crisp, natural vocals, it makes for an entrancing listen.
Gefahrgeist - No Gravity Already known to me as purveyors of epic, genre defying tracks, Gefahrgeist have done it again here, teaming up with Edinburgh alt-pop artist Pinlight. This track is all-round fabulous, with floating vocals, soaring strings, and trippy beats, which later morph into huge drums. And when the arpeggiator kicks in ... oh yes! There's a sense of floating and weightlessness, perfectly matching that title. Once again it seems they've basically nailed the brief with unerring accuracy.
Gen and the Degenerates - Big Hit Single An absolutely fire new offering from this brilliant, honest band. It's a no-holds-barred, tongue-in-cheek jab at all things music industry and a really good tune to boot. Packed with sarcasm, crafted lovingly, and so much fun to listen to.
Greysha - Bodies Down The Knife An absolutely mega tune, with spot on production from Dan Bradley as always. This is a really compelling release, representing something of a new direction for Greysha. Her releases to date have been a little less upbeat, and a little darker aurally. Here, although she stays absolutely true to her story and has retained that rich, dark undercurrent in the lyrics, she has turned up the tempo too, with brighter sounds.
The result is a fantastically dark banger; an exploration of new beats, atmospheric synths, angelic vocals and forceful guitars. A turn in the road executed brilliantly, setting the scene for some very exciting times ahead.
Hannah Grae - Screw Loose Another jam-packed beauty of a track from Hannah. Starting with ominous restraint, and opening up into a full-on, all-out, yet controlled, explosion of energy.
In my opinion, and as I've alluded to before, this woman is one of the most exciting artists around at the moment - her live shows continue and expand on the energy of her studio releases, and she speaks to so many with her direct song-writing. 'Screw Loose' continues her tradition of producing spot-on, angst-exploring, cathartic bangers.
Sarah Johnsone - Sofia There's something kind of timeless about this track - I hear a rich vibe drawing on influences from the past three or four decades, melded with a forward-looking, optimistic sensibility. Sarah has a great song-writing talent, able to blend angular sounds with softer jazz-inspired moments, and always with an intensely soulful delivery.
This is one of those ultimately satisfying and beautifully listenable songs - a neat package of rich elements, wrapped up and delivered with nonchalant care.
Sarpa Salpa - Simple Pleasures Great title but there's so much more. There are simple pleasures here for sure - it's gift-giving music in a pure form - but this is also a track jam-packed with thrillingly woven sounds; a perfect summer banger.
The energy is honest and relatable, and you'll walk away with a smile.
Listen to my complete August playlist below: