Well butter my baps and call me Susan, it’s Monday. Twas a busy weekend, it’s a busier week and October is bloody gig-tastic. Post festival season tours and album releases ahoy. Some of these little beauts might have albums out, they might have EPs, they might be reissuing the back catalogue. I just don’t know and can’t be arsed to find out, I’m just too damn busy. If you like them, you’ll probably do that yourself anyway. I can tell you they’re great tracks, I can tell you that. But don’t take my word for it. Have a rummage. See ya later, and have a bloody good day.
Coldwave – The Ants
Why we love it: Australian 6 piece Coldwave share their first release for 2024, ‘The Ants’ with B-Side ‘Italia ’06’ via P.A.K. Records, both produced and recorded by Bonnie Knight (Amyl & The Sniffers, Angie McMahon, ENOLA) and mixed by James Trevascus (Nick Cave & Warren Ellis, Billy Nomates, RVG). The former is an off-kilter, spikey reflection on childhood. The trumpet is a glorious addition to this soundscape which refuses to travel in a straight line. ‘The Ants‘ begins calmly enough but soon builds into a frenzy as if this reflection increases anxiety. The vocal delivery is self assured and yet Coldwave allow the melody to do most of the talking. Vocalist Harrison Evans continues:“We returned to a really comfortable place writing this song. It’s built around reminiscing on childhood, and is a bit of a soul-searching expedition around the realisation that you’re one of many”.
The B-side ‘Italia ’06’ references the classic “Aussie battler” trait “someone who feels hard done by in a social or cultural bubble where life is actually pretty good” although here its viewed from the lens of a penalty wrongly awarded to Italy during the 2006 World Cup. Coldwave formed in 2020 and have continued to evolve, welcoming new collaborators and exploring experimental instrumentation. Yet another Australian band to add to the ever-growing list of ones to watch. (Julia Mason)
Some Remain – Death Defying Stunts
Why we love it: Irish 4-piece Some Remain create one heck of a noise on new single Death Defying Stunts. The good news is it’s the first to be taken from an upcoming EP set for release in early 2025. Good old fashioned punk which takes it’s influence from early UK punk (Read About Seymour – Swell Maps) and surf rock (Miserlou – Dick Dale) with some Dr Feelgood and The Cribs thrown into the mix. But to be clear this is bold and original. Just listen to that crisp percussion. The vocals have the drone of punk and the guitar riffs are snappy whilst the drums fast and furious. At almost 4 and a half minutes the listener also gets their money’s worth! Some Remain state the song is :”… a hectic party tune that leaves you feeling like you’ve just landed a sick kickflip over a tank of sharks.” Previous singles are debut Television, Walk Away, Never Enough, Knuckle Sandwich and Dead Sound. Apparently their live shows are noisy, unpredictable and always great craic. With the EP set to be released in early 2025 fingers-crossed there is more opportunity to experience the mayhem. (Julia Mason)
Meryl Streek – Dogs
Why we love it: On hearing the opening few bars of the new Meryl Streek single I did wonder if I was listening to the right track. ‘Dogs’ begins with a gentle mediative beat but then it quickly heads into more familiar territory, albeit with that gorgeous beat continuing throughout in the background. Lyrically it recounts just how loyal dogs are, more so than people. The frustration builds throughout the track. “I have more time for the dogs on the street than the people I meet” states Meryl Streek. Division has led to a lack of empathy and compassion, that wedged further widen by our political systems. ‘Dogs’ features Cal Graham of The Chisel, and Phil Wyer (owl sounds) and Pete holidai (radiators from space and trouble pilgrims) plays guest guitars on this track. Meryl Streek shares the following on the new single:
“I spent my childhood telling my grandad ‘Werewolf’ that he doesn’t like people. Only to grow up being the same as him. Every day my faith in people diminishes more and more. This song was inspired by a dog called Archy who lives at the top of my road. The dogs greets me with a smile and says hello to me in his own way every single day. Something that people can’t seem to do anymore. Modern society lacks compassion and integrity and people have lost their manners and care for others. So this is my way of saying even a random dog on the street is better than you. I also drafted Cal from UK punk outfit The Chisel in on this one to give me a few words. And some backing vocals by usual collaborator Molly.”
And in relation to the video:“I’m very proud of this video and thankful for the people who made it with me. Pete did such a great job capturing the madness. We had American singer songwriter John Murry help us with this one and it was the best decision we had getting him involved. I’ve been a fan of his music for years. With a special thank you to bite of life cafe in Dublin city centre and my friend Liam who also made a cameo within it. The star of the video goes to my little dog Mille who was a rescue dog four months ago and is now a music video acting star. It goes to show that nothing is ever the same and things can always get better in life”
The single is taken from Meryl Streek’s second album Songs For The Deceased, produced by Dan Doherty (Fontaines D.C.) in Darklands Studios Dublin, which is set for release on 25 October through Venn Records. There is also an extensive tour in support of the album including in stores and appearances at Left of the Dial in Rotterdam. (Julia Mason)
Qlowski – Surrender
Why we love it: Because the nights are drawing in, spooky season is around the corner and we all need a bit of something new and exciting on our Halloween Playlists.
Last week, London’s Qlowski announced their second album, Wound, by releasing two songs from it, ‘Praxis’ and ‘Surrender’. The latter makes our tracks of the week list not only for its classic goth-punk vibe, but also its impeccable timing. In a month when The Cure also confirmed their new album release (sending a lot of old goth hearts fluttering like an explosion of crow’s feathers), Qlowski should hopefully find themselves squeezing into streaming service recommended playlists.
And, after all what’s not to like? First, there are flamboyant drum fills and a surging bass line. Then there’s the despondent dual vocal double-whammy, perfect for the flop-your-head and drag-your-toes dance floor shufflers. It also has a tonne of feedback and a gritty, chaotic chorus. The silent film inspired video brings out its intrigue, showing us Qlowski’s new expanded line-up (still led by Mickey Tellarini, and Cecilia Corapi). Most of all, though, we love the heightened urgency and vocal tightness of ‘Surrender’ that makes you want to punch the air and shout “never surrender!” It all comes together in a way that was somehow missing on their earlier releases, with Qlowski evolving beyond even the potential of their excellent debut Quale Futuro? (Trev Elkin)
Aga Ujma – House of Silver
Why we love it: This is music made to catch you off guard. It’s magical, with a twist of the sinister. It’s proper fairy music – not the Disney-stained, fluffy, floaty stuff – the kind that fair haired children would hear just before being taken by the Tylwyth Teg, never to be seen again.
Aga Ujma’s ‘House of Silver’ is a curious mix of experimental folk and delicate pop, marking her first delve into more conventional songwriting. Recognised for her rich background in Polish folk music, classical training in piano, and deep immersion in Gamelan music during her time in Java, Ujma has supported Crack Cloud, Black Country, New Road and Hinako Omori on tour in shows across UK, Europe and Asia – in addition to one-off London supports for Marina Herlop, Arooj Aftab, June McDoom, Kelly Moran and Damsel Elysium. She has also performed with members of Caroline and black midi during a free improvisation performance at Southbank Centre, as well as alongside Shovel Dance Collective during their free folk/a capella nights.
Oh, and she wrote the theme for the video game Resident Evil: Village.
Co-produced by Joel Burton and mixed by Joe Futak, ‘House of Silver’ shimmers delightfully as you might expect, but it’s Aga’s enchanting vocals— both breathy whispers and soaring melodies—that weave something entirely new and uncanny from all her different influences. And, like those old fairy tales, behind its glittery sheen the song’s words carry a warning, as Ujma explains:
“House of Silver is about people who take advantage of you, and about the horrible feeling of being looked down on. Metaphorical glimmering houses of gold and silver are fortresses that people build around themselves to appear cooler than you, smarter than you, stronger than you, always too busy to hang out. Their houses are shiny as hell but there is usually not that much inside them.”
A brilliant glimpse from her forthcoming EP 345 out in November via Slow Dance Records (The New Eves, Saint Jude, Uma). Imagine Briana Marela or Sóley’s dreamy longing, with a peppering of Björk’s boldness, and you’ll only partly get a sense of what Ujma is up to here. (Trev Elkin)
Elisabeth Elektra – Desire
Why we love it: ‘There is no sin in sexuality,’ sings Elisabeth Elektra on her suitably titled new single. Written by her and co-produced alongside renowned producer and drummer Jonny Scott (CHVRCHES, The Kills), ‘Desire’ is a captivating preview of her new album, Hypersigil due early 2025.
A electronic pop anthem with clear firm vocal, reminds of icons of no holds barred artistic creative expression; Prince, Christine and the Queens, and Lady Gaga. The song celebrates individuality, body positivity, and the reclamation of sexual agency refused to women throughout history.
Drawing inspiration from the best of peak Madonna with shades of Nile Rodgers, she crafts a buoyant hymn to sensuality in all its glorious forms. Supported by a propulsive and cinematic production, ‘Desire’ aspires to timelessness while remaining thoroughly contemporary—an exultant lift in times of shadow, Desire promises to be a late-summer anthem.
Elektra shares her inspiration for the song: ‘I wanted to create a sanctuary where voices often silenced could find their power. ‘Desire’ is a rebellion against societal norms, a celebration of bodies in all their forms. It’s a battle cry for those who’ve been told their desires are wrong, a reminder that your sexuality is yours and yours alone.’
The accompanying music video, a collaborative effort between Elektra and acclaimed art director and photographer Greta Kalva, is a visually arresting exploration of sensuality and creativity. Inspired by the rich tapestry of Greek mythology and dream life the video serves as a powerful statement of intent.
More than just a song, ‘Desire’ is a cultural touchstone, a clarion call for embracing diversity, challenging societal conventions, and reclaiming personal autonomy. As cultural critic Zeke Apollyon observed, ‘If OnlyFans were a song, it would be ‘Desire,’ in its celebration of sexual freedom and positivity.’ (Cath Holland)
Shower Curtain – Benadryl Man
Why we love it: NYC band Shower Curtain might win the award for the most 2024 sounding band name, nevertheless they are really promising. Their debut album words from a wishing well, is out 18 October.
Originally a solo project from Brazilian-American artist Victoria Winter, Shower Curtain has evolved into a breakthrough slowcore/shoegaze act featuring Ethan Williams (guitar/vocals), Sean Terrell (drums), and Cody Hudgins (bass). words from a wishing well, is self produced by Winter and Williams.
The bedroom pop sound of recent single ‘benadryl man’ pieces together elements of shoegaze and C86, is riven with thrilling electronic shock guitars, thudding percussion and fascinating vocals, that wrestle with the trauma of late night insomnia and anxiety. The guitars are quite frankly fantastic sounding like ominious reverb coated spiders scampering accross the walls, with tumbing drums and Victoria Winter’s melody that is being dragged head first into the morning. Fantastic!
“‘benadryl man’ tells the story of my issues with sleeping and anxiety,” says bandleader Victoria Winter. “I see a figure sitting on my couch and it prevents me from entering a stage of peace, moreover not feeling safe in my home. The instrumentals are a little sinister and creepy, and I always envisioned having strings on this.” (Bill Cummings)
