LÉON
Rounding up another week of new music, Getintothis’ Claire Cook presents Singles Club.
Another beautiful week, another we have to spend in lockdown.
It’s hard not to have itchy feet by now, but with nowhere else to go, there’s really no better opportunity than now to pass the time sat in your nearest accessible sun-trap, and soak up both rays and new music.
It’d be silly of us not to take advantage, surely?
While we still might be mourning the fact that it’s been beer garden weather for what feels like forever with no beer gardens to go to, or that gigs will be seen through our screens for a while, one compensation is that there’s no shortage of great new music.
And for most of us, we have no shortage of free time to listen to it all.
We’ve got it all for you this week, from Scandinavian balladeering to Scouse country rock.
With a bag this mixed, you’re bound to find something you love.
So grab a drink or two, nobody’s judging, find yourself some (socially responsible) sunshine, and dig in.
New album releases this week: Fiona Apple, EOB, Rina Sawayama, Shabazz Palaces
Single of the Week:
LÉON: Who You Lovin’
Swedish singer LÉON has created the ultimate heartbreak ballad with Who You Lovin’.
One listen is enough to get this stuck in your head all day, the track is instantly catchy, and LÉON’s smooth, yet powerful vocals pair perfectly with this 70’s pop sound.
With a new album expected from her next year, she’s definitely one to watch.
Sex Swing: Skimmington Ride
This single features on Sex Swing’s forthcoming album Type II, and if there’s any single that will get you excited to hear music live again, it’s this one.
The track builds intensity throughout, and creates heartrate-raising anxiety, but one you don’t want to drag yourself away from.
Skimmington Ride brings a perfect blend of gloom and discordance, with bass you can almost feel going through you – if you play it loud enough.
Oh Wonder: Keep On Dancing
Oh Wonder consistently provide music that feels like a comfort blanket, especially when you’re listening alone, and Keep On Dancing is no different.
The second track in their Home Tapes project, Keep On Dancing turns the heart-breaking reality for many of us having to spend a birthday alone this year, into an uplifting excuse to, well, dance.
If you don’t feel even a little bit better about isolation after giving this a listen, it might be worth listening again.
Erland Cooper: Peedie Breeks
If you’re looking for mellow tracks to add to your ‘daily Government approved walk’ playlist, make sure Cooper’s Peedie Breeks gets a spot.
The sound of violins and choir-esque backing vocals provide a 4-minute wash of calm and serenity. Cooper explained “This song is about noticing, preserving and taking value in some things perhaps we take for granted.”
Taken from Hether Blether, the third and final of Erland Cooper’s triptych of albums, this soft, gentle song goes hand in hand with calm, sunny afternoons.
Hegarty: There Must Be More To Life Than This
Liverpool fivepiece Hegarty really have got ‘Scouse Country Rock’ down to a fine art, as their new track proves.
Although the title hits a little bit too close to home right now, frontman David Hegarty’s vocals paired with twinkly electric guitar provides smooth, easy listening.
All round feel-good, and the video has plenty of dogs in it too. What more could we ask for?
Choir Boy: Sweet CandyChoir Boy have released Sweet Candy, ahead of their forthcoming album ‘Gathering Swans’, set to release May 8.
Instantly catchy, melodic pop, not even the melancholic lyrics stop this song being a feel-good tune.
Frontman Adam Klopp’s angelic vocals makes it easy to see how Choir Boy got their name, and Sweet Candy will have you praying for May to roll around fast.
Ganser: LuckyClear some space in your living room, and make some room to move around to Lucky.
Chaotic, energetic, and a little bit messy, but with booming lyrics that would become hard not to sing (or shout) along to after a few listens.
Lucky is taken from Chicago 4-piece Ganser’s new album, ‘Just Look at That Sky’, out July 31.
Tom Misch and Yussef Dayes: Nightrider (ft. Freddie Gibbs)
Nightrider comes from Misch & Dayes’ forthcoming EP What Kinda Music’and feels like Summer in a single.
A blend of jazz and hip-hop, the slow groove of this track is almost hypnotic, and suits Misch’s distinctive vocals well.
If this track is anything to go by, the rest of the EP will be the perfect accompaniment for some window ledge sunbathing.
Wolf Parade: Under GlassTaken from Wolf Parade’s 2020 album Thin Mind, Under Glass is worth paying attention to for the music video alone.
Thin Mind is the Canadian band’s fifth studio album, and it’s bringing big sounds. Think synth and twangy riffs, with lyrics driven by how “being around too much tech has made our focus thin”, according to keyboardist Spencer Krug.
Jaguar Jonze: Rising Sun
Diamonds & Liquid Gold is Brisbane based Jaguar Jonze’s debut EP, and Rising Sun is a real stand out.
Starting off slow and becoming more jarring, the mix of Jonze’s smooth, deep vocals, synth and electric guitar makes for a memorising tune.
Speaking of the track, Jonze said “If Jaguar Jonze was a TV show, this would be the theme song”, and it’s a perfect introduction to her unique sound.
Nadine Shah: Kitchen SinkThe title track from Nadine Shah’s fourth studio album Kitchen Sink is getting her a lot of attention, and it’s not hard to see why.
Shah’s powerful lyrics and hypnotic vocals lead this track. “I wasted time with paranoia, don’t let an ugly thought destroy you” is a lyric that most of us can probably take something from while living in this weird, uncertain time.
Soulful and dark in all the right ways, this track is one you’ll want to play on repeat.
Musin: Self Frequency
Self Frequency is the lead single of Italian electronic artist Musin’s debut release, Perception.
Aiming to cross “house, techno, experimental and ambient music”, it’s fair to say Self Frequency does just that.
A perfect soundtrack particularly for working at home, anyone who’s ever gone in search of ‘Lo-fi beats to study to’ will love this.
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