Who? Melkbelly
What! LCR
Where? Chicago
What they say? Captured through a horde of vintage soviet mics for high intensity, Melkbelly’s second album retains the band’s DIY aesthetic whilst being a markedly more mature effort. The recording process acted as a means of catharsis for the band, penned in the wake of a mourning period. It’s out 24th April on Wax Nine, and they’ll be over in Europe later this year.
Why we love it? Jerky and discordant, frenetic jazzy drums and sea sawing art rock dynamics are cut up with abrasive buzz kill riffs. While the Kim Deal-esque vocal spasms that are dripping in a fuck off attitude. Radical.(Bill Cummings)
FFO: Sleater-Kinney, Throwing Muses, Kim Deal, Pixies
Who? Dead Method
What? Violent Men
Where? Cardiff
What they say? ‘Violent Men’ is a protest song aimed at a society that puts the needs of the few above the needs of the many. A call to arms for the disenfranchised and oppressed against the tyranny of rich men in power. Inspired by the recent political climate on a global scale.
Why we love it? Skittering, pulsing late night club techno clashes with an industrial beat, 80s synth washes and topped Best’s wonderful vocals that rattle with disquiet and a mystery. As he stands in revulsion at the scumbag populists who lead us. When the backing hits with a crescendo in the final minute it explodes into a banger.(BC)
FFO: Fiscerspooner, Madonna, Anohni, Soft Cell
Who? C.A.R.
What? Sore Loser
Where? Canada
What they say? C.A.R. aka Chloé Raunet just signed to Ransom Note Records. Previously C.A.R. Chloe has provided a combination of vocals, co-production and co-writes for Trevor Jackson, Andrew Weatherall, Gesaffelstein. Marc Houle, Maceo Plex, Ivan Smagghe, and more.
Why we love it? Pin sharp electro pop that builds from burrowing synth lines and enveloping vocal hooks, a statement of power against those that try to tear you down. Addictive, infectious ane intricate it’s an excellent introduction.(BC)
FFO: The Knife, Goldfrapp, Ladytron
Who? Panic Shack
What? Who’s got my lighter
Where?? Cardiff
What they say: Brace Yourself are releasing the debut single by Panic Shack. The band first formed in late 2018, they’ve since built a real word-of-mouth following around Wales for their frenetic, joyous live show, to the point we’re hopeful their Clwb Ifor Bach show at the end of this month will sell out shortly.
Why we love it? Lit by a dexterous baseline, scorching riff barreling drums and a frenetic vocal performance. This explosive ode to the fleeting nature of smoking paraphernalia. Is a fearsome introduction to one of the most talked about bands in Cardiff right now. Fierce, catchy and insistent it rattles with an unstoppable and unmistakable kind of intensity and attitude. Awesome.(BC)
FFO: The Chats, The Slits, Anyl and the Sniffers
Who? Why Bonnie
What? Voice Box
Where? Austin
What they say: Why Bonnie announce their new EP, ‘Voice Box’, out April 10th on Fat Possum Records. ‘Voice Box’ fumes with quiet wisdom, and is “about the societal pressure to silence yourself, and the frustration and self doubt that comes with battling sexism,” says the band.
Why we love it? Dreamy, meditative and gorgeously crafted. Front woman Blair Howerton’s exquisitely vocals float and emote wrapping around your heart on a bed of subtle instrumentation that s wistful and cinematic. It’s really superlative song houses her strength and inner voice that’s a response to sexism that tries to silence women. (BC)
FFO: Japanese Breakfast, Angel Olsen, Mazzy Star
Who? Egyptian Blue
What? Never
Where? Brighton
What they say? We need to constantly question what we’re being told, particularly from world leaders and the media, whatever side they’re on. “My mum was talking about the Iraq war and the ‘weapons of mass deception’ headlines – it’s been happening for decades! She was so exasperated by it all that she’d say, ‘One day we’ll climb the mountain, but I’m never coming down.’ Those words stuck with me.”
Why we love it? Angular, Wilko Johnson dueling guitars, co-lead dualing vocals create a chanting, angry experience. Jerky, fast paced post punk with anthemic chorus. A step on from their debut EP last year Collateral Damage. Essential stuff.
(James Auton)
FFO: Captain Beefheart, The Futureheads, The Fall, Gang of Four.
Who? Fassine
What? Magpie
Where? London
What they say? London trio Fassine brelease their new single ‘Magpie’ lifted from their forthcoming LP FORGE (March 27).
Singer Sarah Palmer says: “It’s about a Magpie-type lover and all that comes with it, luring us into the hope of a beautiful relationship. It’s as close as we could get to writing a pop song on this album!”
Why we love it? Dark and enveloping with spiralling guitars and the entwined and haunted vocals of Sarah Palmer. While the under currents shift below with muted shuffling percussion and synths that are tinged with Mellotron. This cut gathers like an apperition painting out a lover who comes and takes and never fulfills the promises. Cinematic, understated yet infinitely beautiful.(BC)
FFO: Goldfrapp, Cocteau Twins, Jane Weaver
