We were instantly smitten with the moody EBM-electro pop tones of Get It, the new single from Maddox Jones. We asked Maddox to talk about the track, highlights from his back catalogue, and some of the music that inspires him as part of our ongoing Five Tracks From feature. My new single I wrote Get It in September last year when I was going through a transitional moment in my life. I was getting over a pretty heavy break up and instead of writing a sad break up song I decided I wanted to write a song that was all about finding your own power and getting out of your comfort zone, coz that’s wh ..read more

Modern Life is the eponymous opening track of the new album From California’s The New Division. The band, which is helmed by John Kunkel, has undergone some changes since 2020’s Hidden Memories as you can hear below. Modern Life leans a bit more into a guitar-oriented sound than their previous album, bringing a harder edge to the band’s previous synth-led sound. The focus on the lyrics has seen a shift also, becoming more reflective and observant as the tackle issues which were magnified but also personalized during the pandemic. Though the song stands well on its own, it’s best listened to a ..read more

Past Life by London-based Sølv is a wonderfully evocative entry point for those wanting to get to know their music. Ethereal and atmospheric, the glistening production, neon goth meets synthwave arrangement, and hypnotic vocals will hit the spot with fans of Grimes, Alice Glass, and Perfume Genius. Says Sølv about Past Life, was self-produced, written and recorded by the artist, “The song explores ‘twin flame’ relationships and encapsulates the all-encompassing soul to soul connection they bring.” Past Life is out now via Solvent Records, and is also streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and Yo ..read more

Swiss collective Soft Loft release their debut EP In Case You Still Get Lonely on the 2nd of June. The Taylor Swift meets Fleetwood Mac tones of Is It Me makes it one to look forward to. The band cites Joni Mitchell in the lyrics, and that artist’s brand of gentle yet confident emotional honesty is present thoughout the song. From its organic indie arrangement right through to its heartfelt prose and especially the poignant vocals, Is It Me makes its point through inviting the listener in, then bringing them on a heartfelt and revelatory journey. Says vocalist Jorina about In Case You Still ..read more

Alt/dreampop duo pecq prepare for the release of their Amnesia’s Ritual EP by dropping the sonically lush yet lyrical stark Left Behind. The EP sees Nikò and Jakes explore the aftermath of losing several friends before their time. The song sensitively explores some of the darker moments that can occur in the wake of a friend’s suicide. Feelings of loss, doubt and, and anger are accompanied by a delicately coloured musical palette. That arrangement allows the pain embodied within the lyrics to shine through, but never obscures that inner turmoil. Not always an easy listen, but certainly a val ..read more

Manchester’s post-punk juggernauts Gdansk81 released their Entropy of Scriptures EP today. The follow-up to 2021’s Star of the Sea, it’s a must-listen for those who like their guitar music dark and furious, full of bite and with a hefty dose of realism. Vocalist Dave McNally has given us an insight to the four-song EP as part of our ongoing Track By Track feature. 3 X 3 The realisation when you’re in a long-time relationship and treading water and going through the motions. It’s about how we make excuses to ourselves because it’s safe and try to justify still being involved with each other wh ..read more

Set for release of the 28th of April, blómi is the highly anticipated new album from Susanne Sundfør. After listening to featured track leikara ljóð, I’m increasingly certain it’ll be her best yet. Opening with birdsong, the pastoral nature of the song is heightened by the sunny and initially wordless vocals of Sundfør herself. Handclaps provide the organic energy which serves as the basis of leikara ljóð, as Sundfør’s layered vocals add a hymnal ambience to sometimes jarring lyrics and an ultimately joyous vocal performance. blómi by Susanne Sundfør Says Susanne, “I want this album to be ..read more

For Kate Lomas, Say It marks another step on their musical evolution. Bringing their sing-songwriter skills to the fore, it’s a warm yet reflective examination on love and longing. Kate spoke to us about Say It as part of our Deep Dive series. Lyrics and genesis of Say It Say It was written during the summer and to me it feels like a simple song about wanting to love someone and wanting them to love me. The lyrics describe the limbo I felt at the time and how it felt like I was drifting between memories whilst fantasising the future – ‘when I think about my life, I think about yours.’ Say It ..read more

Klara by Eqavox is a stirring and evocative song, one where synthwave meets dark pop in a futuristic soundscape. The lyrics have a literary inspiration, one with special meaning for Ryan, the person behind the musical project. They tell us more about Klara – and that amazing sax solo – as part of our Deep Dive series. Lyrics and genesis of Klara Klara is based on and inspired by the book Klara and The Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro. It’s a great book I recently read that has a very dystopian tone and sci-fi feel. It’s set in the future, in a world where you can purchase solar powered artificial friend ..read more

Project Tapeworm says ALONE marks a new phase in the evolution of the band. They term it a move into a sound that is ‘lush, melodic, widely appealing, and internationally collaborative.’ When an artist sums up their own music so beautifully and accurately, it can be hard to expand on their words. But it does need highlighting that ALONE features blissful vocals, glistening production, and a neon gothic ambience that fans of Crim3s, Alice Glass, and Kap Bambino will love. Keep an eye on future releases from the newest iteration of this project. The band says about the lyrics of ALONE, “Ppalep ..read more