What’s equally as welcome as a bank holiday Friday? New music – of course. Combine the two and you’re laughing. Thanks to Archie for kicking-off this nifty little series. My name’s Teddy and I’m a lover of music. That, quite frankly, is all you need to know about me. (That and my penchant for wordplay – which you’ll pick up in time, no doubt).
Paolo Nutini is making a slow and steady comeback, sending his fanbase – the brilliantly titled ‘Nutters’ – into hysterics. ‘Shine A Light’ follows ‘Lose It’ and ‘Through The Echoes’, which were released together last month. Whilst there’s some debate among said ‘Nutters’ as to how strongly they compare to his previous works, they still wet the appetite for his forthcoming album, Last Night in the Bittersweet – which will be the Paisley-born singer’s first release in eight years. The recent release also typifies my aim for New Music Friday – a place to shine a light on new releases. I’m corny like that, get used to it.
You’d think The Heavy Heavy would have an intensity about them that lives up to their name. Instead, their folk-blues sound transports us to a good ol’ fashioned, light-hearted knees-up in some rural American dive bar – a neat trick from the Brighton-based duo. ‘Miles And Miles’ is the lead single on their debut EP, Life and Life Only, which gets a vinyl release next month.
Ahh, Angel Olsen. Luscious. Cinematic. And music that makes you feel like you’re standing on a hilltop, overlooking the desert, with all the adventure and loneliness that brings. Olsen’s exceptional sixth album, Big Time, is out now. Worth a listen from start to finish? Of course it is – big time.
Lava La Rue has teamed up with NiNE8 Collective pal Biig Piig for ‘Hi-Fidelity’, ahead of releasing an EP of the same name later next month (29th July). Speaking about the new track, Lava has said: “The name ‘High Fidelity’ is a play on words between a musical transition from Lo-Fi (low fidelity) to songs to be played Hi-Fi and also infidelity.” That’s wordplay I can get behind.
Speaking of infidelity, Washington DC band Flasher have released ‘I’m Better’ – a track all about leaving a toxic relationship. (Which seems pertinent given the major news this week regarding a certain former relationship). This track comes ahead of the band’s forthcoming album, Love Is Yours, out later this month (17th June).
Cardiff band Wylderness have put out ‘Wet Look’ and it’s really rather good. Apparently, it was inspired by old books written by Japanese author Yasunari Kawabata that the band found in a second-hand bookshop. I’d be lying if I told you how exactly. What I do know is this track comes ahead of their confirmed sophomore album, Big Plans For A Blue World, released slap bang in the middle of next month.
Amaroun’s debut album Mars has landed. The independent, Peckham-based artist, who we spoke to recently, had released a track every month in the run-up to Mars’ release. And now we have the full thing. ‘Good’ is in fact a very good introduction to Amaroun. Given this series’ rule is for new music, though, I’ve selected ‘Slowdawn’. Enjoy.
The big drop today is of course from Post Malone. When it was announced that Fleet Foxes would appear on his new album, it wasn’t quite clear how a band with hushed, folksy vocals teaming up with a rap stalwart would stack up. Nonetheless, it works – and you can count ‘Love/Hate Letter To Alcohol’ as an atmospheric ambassador for the rest of Twelve Carat Toothache. We may not all have diamond-encrusted dental problems, but after a double bank holiday, a lot of us may well have a love/hate letter or two to write to alcohol as well.
Having just come off tour supporting Royal Blood, The Amazons have put a new track into the world: ‘Ready for Something’. A real headbanger, it’s the second release (following ‘Bloodrush’) ahead of their third studio album, How Will I Know If Heaven Will Find Me?. That doesn’t come out until 2nd September; but we’ve recently interviewed frontman Matt and bassist Elliot – so that’s something you can be ready for.
Kenyan-born KayCyy is regarded as a protégé of none other than Kanye West. Not only does he have his musical fingerprints on Donda (featuring on ‘Keep My Spirit Alive’ and ‘Hurricane’, for instance), he’s also signed to Ye’s label, YZY SND. Expect plenty more from this burgeoning artist. The fact he reportedly makes all his collaborators wear orange in his creative space, shows he has the mindset of someone like Ye, destined for big things.
That’s a wrap. Enjoy the rest of the bank holiday weekend. And to incorrectly quote The Sex Pistols: God save the Queen…
