Making their dazzling return, South-Wales outfit CVC have this week unveiled their scintillating new single The Lowrider (Just About Meant To Be). Marking their first new music since the release of their acclaimed 2023 debut album, Get Real, the track sees the band adopt a sensually smooth sound through its glistening, 80's disco pop energy. Throw in some sultry guitar solos and a funk-driven bassline and you're on to a sure fire winner. Co-songwriter & vocalist on the track, Dave Bassey says: "’The Lowrider’ was written after a lengthy session in our old local (The City Arms in Cardiff) about my long-distance lover and how we are ‘just about meant to be’!Then when we got home and hit the‘bass’ setting on the synth -the rest of the song just poured out.It’s called ‘The Lowrider’ because we thought it’d be great to get Snoop Dogg involved with it at some point, cos it shares a lot of that that West Coast flavour!" Coinciding with the new single, the band will head out on a 4 date run later this year to close out 2024. Full details can be found below with the track's official video.
Live Dates Wed 11 Dec-Glasgow, King Tut's Wah Wah Hut Thu 12 Dec-Leeds, Brudenell Social Club Fri 13 Dec-Oxford, O2 Academy2 Sat 14 Dec-Cardiff, University Great Hall
Norway's Sløtface returned ahead of the weekend with the final taster from their upcoming third album, Film Buff, released September 27th via Propeller Recordings. The band's latest single 'I Used To Be A Real Piece Of Shit' is a high octane pop number filled with towering choruses and energetic melodies that give an exciting teaser to what lays ahead. "I was completely obsessed with Tim Robinson's show I Think You Should Leave last summer and watched all the seasons about four times, laughing hysterically. In the middle of this obsession, the sketch where he says 'I used to be a piece of sh**' jumped out, and I thought it would make a great lyric, so I saved it in my little idea bank on my phone," Haley explains.“I just wanted to make it fun and silly and over the top. It also makes me think of all the people that are out here working on themselves, always trying to better, going to therapy etc, me included, and it poses the question - do we really change all that much? It’s a song for everyone that used to be a piece of sh**, who’s working on it, who’s still kind of a piece of sh** in some ways and that’s ok!” Take a listen for yourselves below.
Tour Dates Sep 23rd - The Workmans Cellar, Dublin, IE
Sep 24th - Ulster Sports Club, Belfast, NI
Sep 26th - SWG3 Poetry Club, Glasgow, UK
Sep 27th - Zerox, Newcastle, UK
Sep 28th - 33 Oldham Street, Manchester, UK
Sep 29th - Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds, UK
Sep 30th - Hallamshire Hotel, Sheffield, UK
Oct 1st - The Victoria, Birmingham, UK
Oct 2nd - Exchange, Bristol, UK
Oct 3rd - Underworld, London, UK
Ahead of the band's Debut EP 'Conversation Killer', set for release Sept 20th, Half Happy have today returned with their latest single, Bloom. An almost 5 minute swirling pop effort, the new track sees them slide through their confident melodies with a glistening brilliance, adding further excitement to their forthcoming release. Speaking about their latest release, frontwoman Rosalie Miller revealed: “‘Bloom’ is about getting caught in the middle of your mate’s relationships. For the first minute of the track you are almost trapped by the vocal and synth, just like you’re stuck in an awkward conversation. You have no idea how you can help, what to say, don’t want to drop anyone in it. Then going into the chorus has always felt to us like jumping into the sea, feels like a huge relief how the guitars and synth swell together. A floaty relationship track which doesn’t know yet whether to love them or dump them”. Take a listen for yourselves below.
Half Happy is Rosalie Miller (vocals) , Zac Noneley (drums), Pete Smith (guitar), Jon Wilson (bass).
Following a year of touring recent album Drummer, G Flip made their Bristol debut in the only way they know how with a performance soaked in pure pop-perfection.
As the lights dimmed, G emerged from the darkness to a deafening roar from the crowd and took up position behind the drums for an energising drum solo to kick start the show. All before quickly swapping to a cordless mic to allow full stage domination as they ran edge to edge, soaking up the insatiable atmosphere inside.
With the house rules stated - essentially don't be a dick and look after one another - the show could get in to full swing. Simple rules that I'm sure everyone can abide by.
Being a self-proclaimed percussionist, instead of three-way vocal harmonies, things are done a little differently around these parts as a trio of drums were placed centre stage in anticipation for an explosive display of percussive skill.
From "Didn't Mean To's" catchy hooks and the huge vocals on "Rough", it's amazing to watch how much one artist can switch between instruments. From drums, to guitar, to keys. The reverence runs deep in to the crowd as each song was met with a rapturous applause and cheer. And this doesn't go unnoticed. G Flip took moments throughout to thank the crowd in full in adoration to such a dedicated fanbase.
A perfect time then to get to the sentimental section of the night. "Seven Days" is where we get to see the heart of their music as things are stripped back to basics as G announced the track explaining how the album became re-imagined with these new versions on the Drumless EP. This served as the perfect set up for "Lover", an earth shattering power ballad that had the crowd clinging on to each and every word.
Though, It's not long before the pace is picked up once again. As if playing drums whilst singing wasn't a skill in itself, G takes it one step higher during "Drink Too Much". To the balcony in fact, as they suddenly disappear off stage mid song, only to re-emerge above the standing crowd, engulfed by excited fans trying to take selfies on the upper levels.
Returning for the encore, fans were treated to a powerful rendition of Taylor Swift's Cruel Summer which recently saw G go viral on social media. And it's clear to see why.
At this point, a medical incident in the crowd put a pause to the music (G confirmed on Instagram that they were
doing fine after the show and even managed to meet them afterwards. A relief to
see), so making use of the time, fans were given the opportunity to ask questions with an impromptu Q&A session. Willingly obliging, G told the amusing tale of how they got married to partner Chrishell Stause in Vegas.
Sadly that marked the end of the show due to the impending curfew.....or did it. Lucky fans who stuck around took to the street outside the venue as the band delivered an acoustic performance of "The Worst Person Alive". A true artist of the people.
Bristol showed up, and G Flip delivered a masterclass in blending musicianship with raw emotion. Their dynamic drumming, captivating vocals, and infectious energy made for an unforgettable night, and as the show came to an (official) final close, it was clear they'd left a lasting impression - one of genuine connection and pure musical joy as buzzing fans wandered off in to the night. This certainly won't be one they forget.
Following a slew of recent singles, total tommy has today announced her much anticipated debut album, bruises. Set for release November 29th on [PIAS] Recordings, the announcement comes backed with her latest single Plus One - a grungy effort that rattles through its swelling choruses and soaring melodies. Speaking about the single, in total tommy's words, it's “about sex, that’s all.” Take a listen for yourselves below along with the full album tracklist.
As their North America tour continues, Baltimore’s Future Islands have today returned with their brand-new stand-alone single, ‘Glimpse’. Telling the tale of a family home burning down and coming to terms with the physical and emotional losses and with the erasure of a collective history, the track's delivered in the earnest tone we've come to expect from Samuel T. Herring as its dazzling synth backdrop and bouncy percussive rhythm take lead. ‘Glimpse’ was mixed by Chris Coady and Steve Wright and produced by Future Islands with Steve Wright. Its cover art is by BEEDALLO, art direction and design by Nolen Strals, continuing a visual partnership from People Who Aren’t There Anymore. Jayla Smith created the accompanying animated video which can be viewed below.
Future Islands Tour Dates 10 September – VANCOUVER, BC, Malkin Bowl **SOLD OUT** 11 September – VANCOUVER, BC, Malkin Bowl **SOLD OUT** 13 September – SEATTLE, WA, Paramount Theatre **SOLD OUT** 14 September – PORTLAND, OR, Revolution Hall **SOLD OUT** 15 September – PORTLAND, OR, Revolution Hall 17 September – OAKLAND, CA, Fox Theater 18 September – LOS ANGELES, CA, Shrine Auditorium 19 September – DEL MAR, CA, The Sound **SOLD OUT** 21 September – PHOENIX, AZ, The Van Buren 22 September – SANTA FE, NM, The Bridge at Santa Fe Brewing **SOLD OUT** 24 September – DENVER, CO, Mission Ballroom 26 September – AUSTIN, TX, ACL Live at The Moody Theatre 27 September – HOUSTON, TX, White Oak Music Hall 28 September – DALLAS, TX, Longhorn Ballroom 29 September - NEW ORLEANS, LA, The Joy Theater
Taken from their forthcoming album Everything Matters, Everything's Fire, out Sept 13th on Keeled Scales, Lunar Vacation have returned with their expansive new single Fantasy. In the final preview of the band's new record we get a further taster of their dynamic sound as swirling synth melodies underpin its glazed guitar melodies and floating vocals. “‘Fantasy’ takes a look inside of my daydreams that are sometimes difficult to get away from,” says lyricist/vocalist/guitarist Gep Repasky. “Sometimes it’s more comfortable to live in your own bubble and watch scenarios in your head all day. We composed the track to feel isolated, with just guitar and vocals in the verse, and then the band suddenly coming in all at once, to kind of mimic an intrusive thought.” Take a listen for yourselves below.
North American tour dates: Sep 13th | Atlanta, GA - Criminal Records (In-store performance) Sept 14th | Athens, GA - 40 Watt Oct 30th | Lawrence, KS - The Bottleneck Oct 31st | Omaha, NE - Slowdown Nov 2nd | Fort Collins, CO - The Coast Nov 4th | Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court Nov 7th | Seattle, WA - Showbox SODO ~ Nov 8th | Seattle, WA - Showbox SODO ~ Nov 9th | Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom ^ Nov 11th | San Francisco, CA - The Warfield Theatre ~ Nov 13th | Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Palladium ~ Nov 15th | San Diego, CA - PETCO Park ~ Nov 16th | Las Vegas, NV - The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas ~ Nov 17th | Tempe, AZ - Marquee Theatre ~ Nov 19th | Dallas, TX - Southside Ballroom ~ Nov 20th | Houston, TX - Bayou Music Center ~ Nov 22nd | Atlanta, GA - The Eastern (The Stuffing) ~ Nov 23rd | Atlanta, GA - The Eastern ~
Taken from the forthcoming debut album, Open the Door, due out November 8th through Brace Yourself Records (Panic Shack, JOHN, Nuha Ruby Ra),Lazy Day unveil their kaleidoscopic new single Concrete. Making up their 4th single that's been lifted from the record, we get a further insight in to the dynamic sound that's been teased thus far. “Concrete was a helpful metaphor,” explains Scantlebury. “It’s strong and sturdy, as well as being extremely heavy. It was a useful framework for thinking about relationships which felt stable, but at the same time weighed me down. Writing the lyrics like vignettes of memories helped me gain a sense of perspective, as I tried not to carry the full load of responsibility. This song is a big shift from what I’d made before. Written later in the album making process, I was gaining new confidence, realising that the record could be whatever I wanted it to be. At the same time, expectations I had held of myself for so long were starting to fall away. It was an amazing feeling, especially when the content of the song is about the breakdown of trust, my fears about someone coming true, and facing the collapse of it all head on. Writing Concrete felt like making a massive mess before doing the most concise tidy up ever. A bit of destruction in the interest of creation.” Take a listen for yourselves below.
Tour dates: Oct 12th | Manchester, UK - Beyond the Music Festival Nov 8th | Kingston, UK - Banquet Records Nov 12th | Southsea, UK - Pie & Vinyl (daytime show) Nov 12th | Southampton, UK - Vinilo (evening show) Nov 13th | London, UK - Rough Trade West Nov 20th | London, UK - Moth Club (w/ Flipturn) Feb 6th | Manchester, UK - YES (Basement) Feb 7th | Glasgow, UK - Broadcast Feb 8th | Edinburgh, UK - Sneaky Pete's Feb 9th | Newcastle, UK - Three Tanners Bank Feb 11th | Nottingham, UK - Rough Trade Feb 12th | Birmingham, UK - The Victoria Feb 13th | Bristol, UK - Louisiana Feb 14th | London, UK - The Lower Third
Whilst between albums with her band Newdad, singer/songwriter Julie Dawson teamed up with electronic producer Jack Hamill (aka, Space Dimension Controller) to work on an alternative output that sees her bring her expansive sonic soundscapes to life across a whole new dimension of sound. With the forthcoming album's theme revolving around escapism, the record's title track gives us further insight to what lays ahead as its swirling electronics and plinky synth notes lead the way to Dawson's crystalline vocals. Take a listen to Bottom Of The Pool for yourselves below. The debut album “Bottom Of The Pool” will be released 13th Sept via Fair Youth Records.
Dublin's Really Good Time are back and come bearing gifts in the form of another riff heavy single. Returning with their latest effort, Pension Fund, the band continue to pick up traction with another track that packs a powerful punch with its guitar layered melodies, chugging basslines and razor sharp percussion. "Born from a joke about striking gold with a catchy riff, it speaks to a generation caught between dreams and reality under late-stage capitalism, trying to be a real grown up... in mouldy bedrooms". Take a listen for yourselves below.
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