welcome to 'safe space', an EP contemplating loss, moss and acceptance. a collection of lo-fi but lush songs about coming to terms with yourself and reclaiming your voice through making peace with your circumstances and submitting yourself to the unknown.
Riding a wave of industry excitement by a self-coined genre of 'Britainicana', Westside Cowboy's pairing of 90's alt-guitar and folkish lyricism has brought about one of the most thrilling bands in the UK who find themselves in every music conversation. WtHB
Namra Saleem, better known as Crybaby Claire, shares her inspiring journey from a small Norwegian town to the bustling streets of Oslo, and how a spontaneous moment at a "nachspiel" with the Talking Heads blaring sparked her passion for music. Without formal training, Namra's determination led her to pick up the guitar and bass, form a band, and explore the energetic realms of punk and Riot Grrrl music. Her story is a testament to the power of DIY artistry as she eventually took an Ableton course to create music on her own, crafting a distinct sound that combines nostalgic elements with raw emotion.
Immerse yourself in the colorful world of Crybaby Claire, where deeply personal lyrics meet upbeat, danceable rhythms. Namra shares how her influences, from Le Tigre to the DIY spirit of Molly Nilsson, shape her music-making process, which often begins with the beat before the melody finds its place. We explore her creative journey, focusing on the authenticity and simplicity that drive her art, and how she captures the raw essence of her first vocal takes to preserve genuine emotion.
The path to a solo career is paved with challenges, but Namra's story is about overcoming fears and finding joy in self-expression. A turning point came when life circumstances prompted her to embark on a solo project, using a cassette player for her first gig's backing tracks and planning to incorporate her cultural heritage into future works. As we anticipate her upcoming EP and live performances, this episode celebrates the courage of a DIY artist stepping into the spotlight, marking the start of an exciting new chapter that promises to resonate with listeners and music lovers alike.
With "Baby You Can Hold Me", Crybaby Claire delivers a track that perfectly strikes the balance between melancholy and playful electro pop. The song captivates with its atmospheric synths and carefree vocals, reminiscent of the lightness of the 80s. The minimalist structure and the simple but effective lyrics make the song catchy and ensure that it gets stuck in your head. electrozombies
The Bluetones, the legendary British indie rock band hailing from West London, have officially announced the release of their highly anticipated new EP, marking their first new music since 2010. This fresh release, which also inaugurates the band's very own label, Brainhole Records, is the first of a trilogy set to roll out over the next 6-8 months.
Formed in 1993, The Bluetones quickly established themselves as a force in the UK music scene with thirteen Top 40 singles and three Top 10 albums. Although the band first rose to prominence during the Britpop era, their influence and artistry have never wavered. After years of successful tours and revisiting their iconic back catalogue, the band is ready to share their next chapter with the world.
“For the first time since we formed the music isn’t driven by an outside agenda, or a need to fill somebody else’s schedule. It feels like the purest thing we’ve done since we were a signed band” says frontman Mark Morriss.
“We grew up with social media all around us and were recounting stories in Jimmy Mac’s tour bus, laughing about our school days with Facebook parties, pictures you weren’t meant to see and finding amazing music. A few days later I was reading about yet another teenager greatly troubled with mental health issues and the role the internet played. I had also been keeping up to date about the #MeToo movement and yet another profiled predatory pervert taking advantage of aspiration.”
Zak MINT
‘Goodbye Beautiful’ is a maelstrom of frenetic energy that encapsulates all that the Grimsby outfit are about.’ Clout
“Like a fine wine, getting better with everything they release” It’s All Indie
‘Enraged Rockers MINT With Loud And Clear Wake-Up Call To Save Our Planet’ Turn Up The Volume
“You cannot help but find yourself under Mint‘s spell.” Clunk Mag
‘Mint have created a frenzied assault on the senses’ Indie Buddie
Minus the Bear is a product of the first two decades of this century. From their first show in 2001 to their impending dissolution at the end of 2018, the Seattle band thrived on the musical awakening in the era of the mp3, the internet, poptimism, and the crosspollinations generated from an expanded consciousness of new music forms.
Voguing between aesthetics of eastern mandalas into a rare fusion of elegant, minimalist vocal layers and kalimba patterns, Rou has made a world for herself.
The last few years has seen a solid return to lo-fi home recordings in the vein of 80’s stalwarts such as Beat Happening and Guided By Voices. South London DIY noise pop quintet Dignan Porch have been very much integral to this revival.
“Evil Baby” is a protest song against Donald Trump's presidency.
But it's not a dull political lecture. It's fun, and the video is proudly DIY.
Mercy brings her unique, mesmerizing voice to songs that showcase her eclectic musical tastes and styles, from urban chill, to indie folk, to jazz, to new wave retro disco. In everything she sings, she brings her own unique depth of feeling, as well as a sly sense of humor, which shine through her singing and draw you into her world.
These songs are the result of a collaboration in the winter of 2015-2016 with Christopher Pellnat, who wrote some of the songs, did production and recording, and played instruments. He sings a duet with Mercy on "A Torrent."
Such a great EP from 2016. Psychedelic Surf Pop at it's very best…
Beyond the Cosmos After Death is by far my fav track on the record...
Hailing from the Isle of Wight, Plastic Mermaids are a timely example of a young British guitar band that sound both fresh and exciting without losing that crucial appetite for melody. With an expansive palette for progressive sounds, they conjure up the chug and groove of a Three EPs era Beta Band, the leftfield, warped pop hooks of Clinic, and the colour and joy of fellow Brits, Glass Animals. Ultimately, it hints at a modern day Brian Wilson with a band all on the same sonic page, and it's as exquisite as that suggests.
Art Fin Simple but hypnotic retro-sounding 1960's cool pop that is constructed from Kyle Jukka's samples with Audrey Ann's mesmerizing cooing on top. This charismatic, young Montreal duo with nice hair and big smiles has been getting much buzz on blogs. See the low-budget video made in the singer's bedroom:
