Prima Queen, the transatlantic duo made up of Bristol-born Louise MacPhail and Chicago-born Christine MacFadden, have been building a solid reputation over the last few years, with their latest single ‘Fool’ a nod to their newly announced debut album. is full of expectations. Upbeat harmonies propel things forward as the track gradually builds into an uplifting chorus, and lyrically, the pair reflect on relationships that are weighed down by one party in particular. After a gentle opening section, the interplay of vocals and gradually overlapping instrumental lines finds the ideal balance, and it’s not hard to imagine “Fool” stirring up a storm live with fans. (Christopher Connor)
Man/Woman/Chainsaw – Boss
Man/Woman/Chainsaw pull no punches with their latest single “The Boss” (taken from their debut EP “Easy-Pee-Gee” due out on Fat Possum next month), an energetic and artful post-punk alternative. It’s swinging with flavor. . Aggression permeates the track, with vocalist Vera Leppanen taunting a nameless man with hectic and mesmerizing lyricism, and cellist Cleo Artwood and pianist Emmy Avery performing a duet. The motifs repel each other, beautifully complementing the energetic chorus. With a UK tour looming this autumn, this release further cements the Londoners’ status as one of the city’s best new bands. (Peter Martin)
There’s a tremendous amount of information encoded in the first few sparse notes of “AWOL,” a subtle hint at the understated songwriting technique the balancing act has demonstrated here. The song is largely minimal, with a simple but darkly beautiful guitar tone, layered with reverb, and layered with the honest husky tones of Kai Roberts’ vocals. Then, as the drums build and fill everything up, the volume and depth soar, leading to a satisfying crescendo in the great indie rock tradition. The snippets of studio banter as the song fades away, but what we hear is actually one extended verse, lyrically something very simple with repeated lines. It reminds me of that. But it’s okay. On “AWOL,” the band finds themselves in captivating chord sequences and cleverly written words, and makes the most of them. Less is definitely more here. (Phil Taylor)
Chloe Slater – small screen
Providing a scathing critique of influencer culture, ‘Tiny Screens’ ensured Chloe Slater as a name that should be on the tip of everyone’s tongue. Combining raucous riffs and rolling percussion with total freedom, the song is a refreshingly self-aware meditation on the futility of social media, as the Manchester-based artist explores her You can tell we’re reveling in an unapologetic brand of indie smut. “We could be like Marilyn Monroe with turkey teeth/And no legacy,” she bites amidst a frenzy of wispy guitar and choppy drumline. Her first release since her debut EP, You Can’t Put A Price On Fun, it marks a challenging entrance into a new era for Chloe. (Emily Savage)
Melin Melyn – great food
Bright with a nice breeze, Cardiff’s Merin Merin deliver a psychedelic energy with soulful harmonies on “Fantastic Food,” the second song they share from their just-released debut album, Mill on the Hill. I will tell you. Their steely instrumental feels like it came straight from a ’70s grocery store radio, and with jangly lead guitars joined by Huney-like synths and glass slide lines, their You can see the country influence. Amid all this sonic delight, the band still finds room for a more emotional approach in the track’s closing moments, with the lyrical refrain of “I’m Coming Separate Again” bringing the song to a satisfying end. I will guide you to. (Peter Martin)
Wonderbug – What a waste of time
South London quartet Wonderbug are set to release their debut EP ‘Scrap’ next month, and have released lead single ‘What a Waste of Time’ in preparation for the release. This latest cut brightens up the classic, heartfelt indie sound with vibrancy, passion, and a slightly gritty edge, with a steady groove backed by interlocking drums and bass, and the occasional chunky riff. . The relatively restrained tempo creates a lyrical exchange between vocalists Edie Chester and Olly McDaid, making a plea for fate as they ponder some of life’s big what-ifs. What would have happened if we had met earlier? The track has the same conversational vibe as Stars’ “Your Ex-Lover Is Dead,” but the sentiment within is more abstract, reflecting the confusion of navigating the uncertainty of a relationship. As Chester reaches its foreshadowed conclusion, the initial restraint gives way entirely to a flood of instrumentals, giving way to cheeky sound bites that perfectly complement the intricate rhetoric of the lyrics. Wonderbug may be a newcomer, but they definitely know what they’re doing. (Kayla Sandiford)
