Five tracks that hit us hard. A dedicated Spotify playlist here.
The Loud Bangs - ‘Highway Safety Films’ (EP)
We have been praying for fresh and alternative music to bless us for quite a while now. Finally, we found something very peculiar, anchored in the past while projecting into the future. Mind you, this is not for everyone, but rather for the connoisseur, for the Shoegaze peeps, the one replaying Cocteau Twins and indulging in the occasional M83. The Loud Bangs channel these influences and more, re-styling them with contemporary flair and a modern attitude. Hailing from the culturally rich lands of Los Angeles, US, the group has recently released a new EP, the kaleidoscopic and intense ‘Highway Safety Films’. The record follows up a very productive year for the American band, having already published two EPs, before the current one. (Written By)
Turquoise - ‘Lumio’ (EP)
Turquoise are a quartet hailing from Brussels, Belgium. Did you know turquoise is a colour associated with wisdom? This is apt. Their new single ‘Le Bruit’ oozes wisdom. Wise beyond their years, 'Le Bruit' sounds like a band with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the 80s. Have you finished the last episode of Stranger Things? If you're anything like me, I imagine you're now craving some synth-driven nostalgia. If so, take ‘Le Bruit’ for a spin. Here's what you'll find. It starts with a warm, familiar Toni Basil-style 'Hey Mickey' drum beat. Then, in true euphoric style, the 80s synth gets you reaching for a Back To The Future VHS. The synth sound is full of sentiment. Don’t recognise your Talk Talk from your Talking Heads? Then you'll find familiarities in the way of Blossoms. Vocals serenade with a floaty shoegaze reverb, adding dream-like qualities to the mix. (Written By Neal Sawyer)
Jun Parker - ‘つつまれながら(Embracement)’
When we read ‘City Pop’ on this particular submission, we instantly hesitated, and thought: “this can’t be real.. Is city pop back on the music landscape?”. It turns out it is! We are extremely proud to be introducing you to Jun Parker, singer-songwriter of Japanese heritage, now based in Australia. His debut single was released only last week, in the form of ‘つつまれながら(Embracement)’. In It, you’ll find a modern slice of City Pop, the legendary genre that rocked Japan in the 70s and 80s. A mesmerising blend of disco, soul, funk, pop and Bossanova, all treated with 80s poignancy and eclectic flavouring. Emerging as a peculiar and original talent, Jun Parker already caused a stir in the Japanese music scene, drawing the attention of radio stations and press outlets alike, a good chunks of them in Australia too. (Written By)
Zechariah Lloyd - ‘Heart in a Notebook’
With a very pretty guitar riff, Zechariah Lloyd caught my attention straight away, together with his tone, firm and delicate, delivering his lyrics beautifully. Perfect first impression. My singer/songwriter artist soul came out to listen “Heart in a Notebook” and was like “oh yeah dude!”. Zechariah is elegant and smooth, coming from southern Mississippi, he clearly has this Blues-Country-Soul-kinda-influence and he reminds me a bit of Rag’n’Bone Man, John Mayer and also Chris Stapleton in “Tennessee Whiskey”. He really excels in this genre and it shows even amongst his American audience: Zechariah Lloyd won in many competitions, the likes of “Unsigned Only Competition” and the “International Songwriting Competition”, where he competed against 27.000 songwriters with his 2020 single “Down to the River”. (Written By)
ear candy - ‘better alone’
We are back on the indie train, this time with an exquisite member of the scene: hailing from the mighty British lands, indie-pop newcomer ear candy is back with his third single to date, ‘better alone’. A bedroom project at the core, ear candy keeps it fairly simple with slick guitar riffs, scintillating keys and punchy drums. This formula is further reiterated in ‘better alone’, boasting a joyful, dreamy and upbeat vibe that perfectly mirrors its lyrical content. Embodying the feeling of freeing himself from a toxic relationship, the record is sure to draw listeners in, offering the right energy for summer shenanigans. (Written By)