Neve Ella – Sweet Nothing
A burgeoning talent, Neve Ella has reached some really interesting musical territory, layering alternative pop with a much more rock sound. “Sweet Nothings” has a smooth pop feel, especially in the lyrics, but Neve adds an edge to it. The freshness of grunge. Forceful and driven energy. A bleak, brooding guitar begins the track, filling and swelling towards a triumphant chorus before everything else falls into place. Thematically, this is a song that will resonate with Nieve’s existing fans, while her energy and style will earn her points elsewhere. A gut-punch and highly enjoyable track, ‘Sweet Nothings’ reflects her constant creative development and signals an exciting long-term project to come. (Phil Taylor)
Automotion – Inferno
Instead of piecing together another cohesive EP following this summer’s “Dissolve,” Windmill darlings Automotion will be releasing nine completely separate singles for their latest project. It’s all in the name of dizzying experimentation, so why not? Their first offering from the cauldron is “Inferno,” wrapping hazy vocals in oscillating synths and fuzzy guitars. Even if it has no bearing on what happens with the next eight songs, it’s at least an early sign that experimentation is in the cards for the London quartet. (Caitlin Chatterton)
Chiedu Olaka – Counseling (Orchestra Version)
Yorkshire rapper Chiedu Olaka brings a modern perspective to London-bred grime culture with an orchestral reinterpretation of his frankly introspective song ‘Counshing’. First released earlier this year as part of Oraka’s debut album, Misfits, Counseling is a compelling look at a musician’s struggle to prove himself in the face of hardship and exclusion. and finds him opening up a conversation about mental health struggles. This is especially important for Black men who suffer from systemic oppression. In the original recording, Oraka’s confident, collected lines are delivered against a minimal background of sparse synths and keys, combined with a solidly confrontational beat that puts his message front and center. . In the orchestral version, the rawness of Oraka’s urgent poetry is further accentuated against the weakness of the strings. This new soundscape feels like a true expression of fragile vulnerability, received with open arms and shared harsh and gritty accounts of his experiences. (Kayla Sandiford)
Clara Mann – Stadium
Clara Mann’s first offering of 2024 will be worth the wait. As she softly treads the piano keys, her haunting vocals lament her love for someone who will always love her creative passion a little more than she does. “Dreaming of glory and stadiums/With me, the inferior one.” It’s understated and sensitive, driven more by understanding than frustration. A masterclass in minimalist storytelling that becomes more and more enveloping the more you listen to it. (Caitlin Chatterton)
Sophie – Mine
Indie-pop rising stars SOFY are back with their latest track, “mine,” shared from their upcoming mixtape “Another Day In Paradise” (scheduled for release next year). Previously, she has drawn inspiration from rap and hip-hop, but on ‘mine’, the bright polish of the upbeat pop landscape is sanded down by rougher textures, exploring a more rugged corner of Sophie’s world. . There’s a blur between clean and distorted guitar tones throughout the track, creating a rich layer of atmosphere, the momentum of which is reinforced by the sharp punch of the snare and a steady stream of hi-hats. Meanwhile, Sophie’s conversational vocal style twirls around a romantic stalemate, musing, “If the stars align / Then you could be mine,” while the instrumentation It colors beautifully. Attractive, vivid, and resonant, “mine” clearly shows why you should start getting excited about “Another Day In Paradise.” (Kayla Sandiford)
Dutch mustard – thank you
Sarah-Jane Riedel has spent time crafting the unique sound of her alternative rock project Dutch Mustard. And on this latest release, she uses her seamless vocals to add color and glamor with a twist on brooding soft shoegaze. Mixed so that every element shines with clarity, ‘Thank You’ removes the rough edges and cuts through the layers of sound that define the genre. Instead, the guitars are nicely uplifted, the drums are punchy and clear, and the bass sounds rich and present. In the first two minutes, a synth loop provides a nice surprise. The song shines a euphoric light on life, reminding us that there is always a way forward, as Sarah-Jane sings of her gratitude for “giving me my heart back”. It’s uplifting and it’s real. (Phil Taylor)
Ideal life – love and silence
Brighton’s Ideal Living make a fiercely thought-provoking statement with their latest single ‘Loving & Still’. Produced by Agricultural Studios’ Ben Hampson, the song showcases a fascinating blend of Gothic rock reminiscent of The Birthday Party and Tom Waits’ theatrical flair. The song unfolds as a lyrical maelstrom that captures a visceral sense of anger and confusion as frontman Billy Marsh vents his frustrations with the societal pressures surrounding success. Described as “the antithesis of a love letter,” the song is wrapped in vibrant spoken word and orchestral overload, criticizing the emptiness of modern expectations and personal frustrations. With its haunting melody and strong delivery, “Loving & Still” stands out as Ideal Living’s most captivating work to date. (Gemma Cockrell)
Fucales – A new way of being
In a world saturated with new music, Norwegian group Fucales have found a novel and engaging way to express their thoughts and feelings. “The New Way of Existing” is a song chock-full of contradictions and surprises. Loud guitars begin, but there are also subdued sounds. The vocals are sung with a frenetic, unsettling intensity combined with a strangely quiet reverence. As the song rises and falls, builds and breaks, we are brought closer to chaos by swirling psychedelic sounds, but overall it’s a broad, smooth listen. It takes great skill to blend complex rhythms and multiple aspects into something so enjoyable, but Fucares gladly accepted the challenge. (Phil Taylor)
Tags: Neu, Neu Bulletin, Automotion, Chiedu Oraka, Clara Mann, Dutch Mustard, Fucales, Ideal Life, Listen, Nieve Ella, SOFY, Watch
