Who? Kap Bambino
What? ‘Erase’
Where? France
They say: French duo Kap Bambino announce their return with new album Dust, Fierce, Forever, out on 12th April on Because Music. Their fifth album is an irresistible whirlwind of sounds, in which the most disparate of elements spin together breathlessly. The record’s 13 concise, momentous tracks juggle around familiar sounds, suggestions of Eurodance and a hint of hardcore, creating an acrobatic, incongrous mix that never lacks moments of beauty.
Why we love it: Ever since Crystal Castles’ Ethan Kath was rightly cancelled and the band were no more, there has been a bit of a void in the arena of raw, loud electro-punk, making the return of 00’s Bordeaux-based electronic duo Kap Bambino is a welcomed one. ‘Erase’ is a chaotic three-and- a-half minutes of bright, zipping synths and programmed beats, with the added ferocity of Caroline Martial’s wild vocals. This neurotic Eurodance epic is equally unnerving as it is insanely catchy. (NK)
FFO: Crystal Castles, Cold Cave, Ladytron
Who? Ellis
What? ‘All This Time’
Where? Canada
They say: Ellis aka Hamilton, Ontario-based artist Linnea Siggelkow, the daughter of a traveling book salesman and a piano teacher, crafts music with a faint voice, a fervent guitar, and lyrics that are effortlessly and simultaneously vulnerable and bold. Built from simple instrumentation, the six-track release showcases Siggelkow’s full-formed artistic vision and deft songwriting skills, making for a singular statement from a young, up-and-coming artist who is poised for a reception that equals the scope of her remarkable talent.
Why we love it: Draped in fuzzy vapour trails and threaded with Ellis exquisite vocals that are both delicate and powerful. Gorgeous, yearning and heartbreaking, Ellis wraps her couplets around your heart and squeezes.(BC)
FFO: Mazzy Star, Alvvays, Slowdive
Who? Eyesore & The Jinx
What? ‘On an Island’
Where? Liverpool
They say: Twitchy, politically charged psychobilly influenced by the likes of Ought, Parquet Courts, The Cramps. Produced by Jonathan Hartley from iconic Merseyside psych-surgeons Clinic, it’s a thematic follow on from last year’s debut single Gated Community which tackled modern society’s obsession with borders. On An Island continues riffing on the Brexit-mindset, whilst drawing parallels with the way that social media, contrary to bringing people together, creates an isolationist approach on an individual level.
Why we love it: Spouting forth with vocal tics that scream with involutary frustration at a Brexit Britain in complete paralysis. Powered by a cavalcade of spitting guitar riffs and twitchy percussion that trigger with spasmodic jerks. Timely and rollicking in your face, punk.(BC)
FFO: Ought, Parquet Courts, The Cramps
Who? All Tvvins
What? ‘Build A Bridge’
Where? Ireland
They say: Tvvins share brand new taster track from second LP ‘Just To Exist’, the summery and buoyantly optimistic Build A Bridge which takes on a more leftfield and modernist approach to their electro-pop and is described by Adams as “an album high”, as he continues: “I wanted to convey the feeling of a summer evening sunset when you’re driving out in the mountains and anything feels possible.”
Why we love it: Within ‘Build A Bridge”s slick, clean-cut production lies a firm grasp of pop craftsmanship, danceable and unashamedly feel-good. The manipulation of samples and reverb-drenched ambient melodies are perfectly executed here, as it seamlessly transitions from minimalist chillout tones to rumbling dancefloor-worthy material. This is the ideal tune for a less than ideal comedown. (NK)
FFO: Rüfüs Du Sol, Jungle, Friendly Fires
Who? Adwaith
What? ‘O Dan Y Haenau’
Where? Wales
They say: ‘O Dan Y Haenau’ is one of numerous highlights from Adwaith’s critically acclaimed debut album, Melyn. This song explores new sonic territory for Adwaith. Hollie Singers’ signature guitar has been replaced by layered synths and a elasticated dance-floor ready bass line. ‘O Dan Y Haenau’ is synth pop with a wondrous heart and a underlying riot grrrl attitude.
Why we love it: Marrying Adwaith’s trademark ability to illicit cinematic atmospheres, with reverberating drums, shiny snail trails of guitar and haunted synth lines. This beauty hangs in the heavy in the air with Hollie’s evocative vocal couplets that are at once affecting and self empowered.(BC)
FFO: Warpaint, The Slits
Who? Heyrocco
What? ‘Destroyer’
Where? USA
They say: Heyrocco have built a cult following who’ve been eagerly anticipating their next move. ‘Destroyer’ comes as the first massive new single from the band and is out on 8th February 2019. With its matured and modern take on 90s grunge, ‘Destroyer’ propels Heyrocco back onto the scene with a bigger point to prove than ever before as they set off to the UK to support The Lemonheads on tour.
Why we love it: The North Carolina trio’s first single in three years sees them all grown up, yet still retaining the youthful zest of debut album Teenage Movie Soundtrack. ‘Destroyer’ has all the hallmarks of a bulky, riff-laden 90s grunge anthem and then some. There are hints of Pablo Honey-era Radiohead and heaps of Nirvana-inspired guitar noodling to be heard. Teenage kicks ARE hard to beat. (NK)
FFO: Nirvana, Pavement, Smith Westerns
Who? Emily Breeze
What? ‘Ego Death’
Where? Bristol
They say: Seductive as it is cynical, “Ego Death” is a misanthropic fantasy inspired by Emily’s unsavoury internal monologue during her bus ride to work through the bowels of Bristol town centre to an industrial estate on the outskirts of the city. A departure from Breeze and band’s trademark lounge noir offerings, this song sees (Rob Norbury lead guitar, Andy Sutor drums, Duncan Fleming organ and Graham Dalzell bass) in full synth sleaze mode to offset Emily’s tragicomic lyrics such as “I drink a joyless cup of Gregg’s coffee” and “Today’s specials are ego death coupled with a side of nameless longing”.
Why we love it: A glorious tale of dysfunction garnished with Emily’s monologue that switches from brutal inner voice, it ripples with a black, irony-laden existential dissatisfaction with the mundanity life. Its framed in the kind of delicious noirish pop that Luke Haines specialises in. If there is a soundtrack to gradually falling apart this would be it.(BC)
FFO: Pulp, Serge Gainsbourg, Black Box Recorder
