There’s a theme of disjointedness this week, as we span the length and breadth of the Earth, looking at technology, interpersonal relationships, punk and mental health all together in these trying times.
Someone – You Live In My Phone
Dutch artist Someone (aka Tessa Rose Jackson) dropped ‘You Live In My Phone’ today, sharing news of her debut LP “Orbit II”, alongside a short film for her latest single as well. Forever in a love affair with technology; Someone’s blend on intuitive thinking and occasionally absurd humour, come together in the story of Joe, a from birth phone-addict who suddenly finds himself alone and emoji-less, once his lifelong partner disappears. As Nokia-styled hooks loop while traversing through the galaxy of sounds that Someone constructs, ‘You Live In My Phone’ will likely lead you into the forever expanding world of this amazing Dutch artist.
SMSR – Why Too Soon
Hailing from the capital of Indonesia, Jakartan group SMSR, place praise on their parental figures with ‘Why Too Soon’, focusing on the nurturing and understanding that has led them to their current lives. A gorgeous loop of reverbed guitars, caught between early ’10s tropical-pop, psych-pop and shoegaze elements fill ‘Why Too Soon’ with a weightless air that perfectly narrates the singles accompanying video. From the unbreakable protection of parents at birth to the potential recklessness of ideology, SMSR’s lense on family and personal growth is a beautiful display of quality pop.
Gracie Abrams – I miss you, I’m sorry
For this track, Gracie Abrams’ own description works far better than any I could write:
I know everything is scary and uncertain right now and I thought that maybe this wasn’t the right time to release anything, but the truth is that writing and listening to music have always grounded me whenever I find myself feeling scared or anxious or excited or lost or in love or out of control. This kind of anxiety is different. None of us have lived through something like this before. and yet, gratefully and impossibly, music continues to bring me comfort and I’m thinking that might be true for some of you too.
Jools – Spineless
Leicester punks Jools share their second single ‘Spineless’, a heavy blast of scrupulous guitar riffs that mediates between its heavy rock influences and punk roots. A tender edge behind their latest track alleviates any pre-conceived notion newcomers may have, that punk is just a barrage of noise, instead, opting for this to lift their lyrics further as a visceral commentary on politics. Charging forward with a vicious bite, ‘Spineless’ shows Jools as fearless frontrunners for the next wave of UK punk.
Joy Crookes – Anyone But Me
A sense of joy is arguably the antithesis to the mood that fills ‘Anyone But Me’, however, my joy comes from finally being able to share a Joy Crookes track on its release. The London artist’s blend of soul, R’n’B and Bangladeshi influences has flowed effortlessly throughout all of her releases and strikes an even stronger chord on her latest effort. Speaking openly of her struggles with mental health, Joy Crookes doesn’t demonise her life but talks candidly on how a lack of self-understanding, still plays havoc with her daily life. A tender moment from Crookes comes from the pivotal line “I’d rather be somewhere else, with anyone but me” cutting deep into her own sense of self, something that far too many will be able to easily relate to.
velvetindependent.com 