Frat Party – Madonna
Frat Party’s latest single ‘Madonna’ is a brooding art-pop triumph that cements their bold approach ahead of their upcoming EP ‘It’s All Been Done Before’ . With sharp and disturbing lyrics that tackle themes of sexual manipulation and toxic masculinity, the track is both provocative and sonically seductive, balancing aggressive distortion and shimmering synths. , creating an intense atmosphere that culminates towards an unsettling finale. Lines like “I’ll make you feel like Madonna, baby” are delivered with a dark theatrical flair, backed by a jagged guitar line, and blend krautrock and industrial elements to create a relentless evokes a hypnotic sensation. (Gemma Cockrell)
Brooke Combe – Swaying in the Wind
After collaborating with indie giants The Cortenors on her latest album, neo-soul riser Brooke Combe has teamed up with jungler Tom McFarland for her latest single ‘Shaken By The Wind’. Gradually building from the piano intro to the powerful chorus, Komu’s vocals always stand out. This track effortlessly demonstrates why she is so popular. Her sound feels like a throwback, yet still strikingly modern. (Christopher Connor)
EFÉ – You said I was crazy
It has been several months since we last heard from EFÉ in Dublin. Her early 2024 singles, built on dreamy, soulful tones and incorporating more gritty textures, demonstrated her ability to shape-shift across genres, but she’s also known for “you say that.” “I’m Crazy” marks a gentle and welcome return. Comprised of lo-fi vocals, delicate strumming, wispy synths, sumptuous basslines, and fluttering birdsong, the minimal waltz creates a picturesque soundscape. But the lyrics tell a different, heartbreaking story. / Everything remains / Now I’m crazy / Yes, you say I’m crazy / But it feels like a part of me has died. ” Blooming with a dreamy rhythm, this is another dazzling product from EFÉ. (Kayla Sandiford)
Annie Dog – Little Italy
Announced alongside news of her upcoming EP ’15’ (due out early next year on Leeds-based label Dance To The Radio), Annie-Dog’s latest work hones her idiosyncratic brand of alternative pop. Continuing. A vaguely deep dive into the shape-shifting sonic world of the Dublin Riser, “Little Italy” has distorted guitars and vibrating synths propelling the track, layered over with vocoder-splattered vocals. A touch of nostalgia is balanced with a fun and catchy arrangement, creating a captivating taste yet to come from Annie-Dog. (Emily Savage)
Lobby – Foldable
Coinciding with the announcement of their debut EP ‘nightdriving’ (definitely due out next week), the new single from cult south London slowcore trio Robbie has been 18 months in the making, and it’s clearly been worth the wait . Featuring members of Goat Girl and Leather.head in the lineup, the band delivers a gorgeous two-part mini-epic. From an easy-going, sombre beginning, the questionable violin scratches, banjo plucks, and sultry saxophone sounds of “Folding Out” carry us through a fog of uncertainty to a shoegaze-like euphoric destination. guide you and quickly peel off your blindfold to reveal the brilliance of the world’s most glorious treasures. (Elvis Thirlwell)
She’s Partying – FSM
Few will be able to resist the sudden soaring synth notes that open the sparkling 80s-flecked latest single ‘FSM’ from retro/modern alchemists She’s In Parties. The track reflects the band’s shoegaze beginnings, giving way to a fresher sound and full of beautiful and evocative instrumental touches. A timeless analog synth peeks out from above the parapet, then quietly returns. And just beneath those other layers, a bassline chirps happily. Meanwhile, the vocals shift from sweet to accusatory, mediating personal and social anxieties and the curse of social media. Like some of the best art, this song can be enjoyed on many levels. It’s smart, thought-provoking, and a lot of fun. (Phil Taylor)
Flip Top Head – “I can’t wait until I’m older”
Aging is an aspect of the human condition that is often ignored in the field of art. In fact, the majority of us are in a state of intense denial of our endless decline and impending death. Tackling this theme head-on, Flip Top Head’s “I Can’t Wait Truly I’m Old” is an evocative, electrifying, orchestral post-rock structure elevated even further by vocalist Bowie. In a package that addresses the complex relationships we have with our older selves. Bartlett’s mesmerizing lyrical repetition. Forming part of their forthcoming debut EP Up Like A Weather Balloon, the Brighton sextet continue to carve their own path, striking a delicate balance between experimental and approachable. It challenges us all to ask the question, “At what point?” Do people stop wanting to get older? (Hazel Bratcher)
Tags: Neu, Neu Bulletin, Annie-Dog, Brooke Combe, EFÉ, Frat Party, Flip Top Head, Listen, Lobby, She’s In Party, Watch
