New vibes, familiar face vibes and vibes that are meant to release that tightness around your soul. This week, bold ideas and flashbacks to our childhood remind us to unplug, relax and forget the daily commotion even just for a moment and let loose.
RAE – Never Meant To Start A Witch Hunt
Previously recording under the guise of Ørmstons, Leeds group RAE returned last month with their debut single, ‘Never Meant To Start A Witch Hunt’. Changing more than just their name, on their debut effort, RAE is doing a complete overhaul on their past sound. Seizing the fine-tuning that performing under Ørmstons brought Jess, Will and Bob, RAE’s sound is now closer to juggernauts Band Of Skulls, with a dirty hit of gritty, northern rock (as well as long time friend Jamie joining the group). Frontwoman Jess Huxham is poised to stand shoulder to should with her bandmates heavy guitar riffs and thunderous drumming, although not through her powerful vocal skills, instead, with a sultry, smoky display that could rival the likes of Emma Richardson, Anna Calvi or even Karen O.
Cakes Da Killa – Don Dada
A few weeks back, Brooklyn based rapper Cakes Da Killa brought news of his new EP “MUVALAND” together with the future voguing anthem ‘Don Dada’. The first release since his debut LP “Hedonism”, Cakes Da Killa’s latest work is deeply rooted in American house and classic Harlem voguing music, bringing similarities to Kevin Aviance on ‘Don Dada’ as the Brooklyn artist’s newfound love for house music is rooted in championing blackness and importantly so black-queerness. With the deaths of black Americans making daily news across the globe on social media, Cakes Da Killa is unapologetic in allowing black joy to shine through at a time when it is needed more than ever.
The Magnettes – American
Hailing from Pajala, Sweden, The Magnettes childhood spent growing up watching American movies and sitcoms culminates into the anthemic powerhouse of ‘American’. Consisting of Rebecka Digervall and Sanna Kalla, when speaking about ‘American’ the duo explains: “It’s about finding that rush, having that runaway ride-or-die feeling in your shitty hometown, abandoning that last shred of romance for a taste of the real thing.” The track builds slowly, grazing forward cautiously before triumphantly rising to the occasion like an underdog that classic American movies love for us to bestow our affection upon.
Holy ’57 – Cambridge, MA
After a two year hiatus, London artist Holy ’57 returns with new single ‘Cambridge, MA’ and the final EP of his HOLY series, “Y”. Dating back to 2015, Alex Mankoo’s work has always transitioned into new and alluring takes on pop music, whether it be the tropical-pop rhythm he began with on ‘Island Kids’ or the late ’00s anthemic style of ‘Alison’ that welcomed in his last EP ‘L’. Now on ‘Cambridge, MA, Holy ’57 dives into ’90s house-influenced pop, charged with politicals and discussions of processing anxiety in an endless barrage of stimuli that is modern-day living. Sounding like a cross of Tom Vek and Real Lies on ‘Cambridge, MA, Holy ’57 will have London’s indie crowd in the palm of his hand by the release of “Y” later this year.
Liss – Another Window
Danish four-piece Liss are far from being newcomers, having released their debut EP back in 2016 with XL and amassing a serious number of plays, both on Spotify and their YouTube videos. After a three year hiatus followed by their sophomore EP in 2019; 2020 finds the four-piece back in full swing, with the release of ‘Another Window’, a slice of sophisticated, neu-pop. Gazing into the world of social media, ‘Another Window’ looks into the new realm of inspiration and possibilities that have emerged alongside social media and the expansion of interpersonal online relationships. The intelligence of algorithms may help bands like Liss find new fans all over the world, however, it’s the intelligence of bands such as Liss, why algorithms make you feel like they always get it right.
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