Synthpop is very much the ‘in’ thing right now, and as such it can be hard for a new band to stand out from the crowd. This is no problem at all however for LA based duo Moxi. Rather than pursue the traditional shimmering synthpop sound, their latest single ‘Paclew’ brings plenty of dark and sinister undertones to the table. Moxi feel ahead of the game with this track; their brand of menacing pop sounds like it’ll be the next big thing, or if not then it certainly should be. It’s one of those songs that you feel must be a global, chart-topping hit in some parallel universe. With their new EP Figures Bathed in Light out 18th August, here’s hoping for more of the same enticing trendsetting sound.
top tracks
Top Tracks: Up Down Go Machine – Gambler
There’s something special about a great gritty voice. It’s the sound of a misspent youth, of someone with wisdom beyond their years. The sound of a hard life on the road, living on just dust and whisky. Find someone with a voice like that and you can imbue a song with tremendous power, just as London based band Up Down Go Machine have done with their new single. The heavy folk stomp of ‘Gambler’ weaves a tale of a man who has lost his way, fighting a losing battle against his inner demons. Perfect for fans of Ray LaMontagne, Kaleo and Dan Owen, this epic slice of Americana sounds like it belongs as the soundtrack for some thrilling climax in the next series of Westworld. This is the kind of band that every idealistic vagabond needs in their life.
Top Tracks: Kate Dineen – Flames
Sometimes a song leaves you with an enduring image or vibe that often has no obvious connection whatsoever. This new single from Dublin based singer/songwriter Kate Dineen, with its sparse folk arrangement and its raw and honest lyricism, leaves me picturing late nights and red wine. That’s a far cry however from the track’s striking music video, complete with overgrown ruins and molotov cocktails. Her first new track since last year’s acclaimed Great Escape EP, there’s something remarkably mature and refined about ‘Flames’ that defies what you’d expect of an artist still in the early stages of their career. There’s some indescribable quality to Kate Dineen’s music that is rare to find in up-and-coming artists, like there’s some sixth sense telling me that there’s something special just over the horizon.
Top Tracks: Brass Phantoms – City of Wolves
‘City of Wolves’ is the sound of a band ready and willing to carve out a name for themselves in a deeply competitive scene. This self-assured new indie hit from Dublin’s Brass Phantoms rivals some of the slickest hits, standing alongside some of the most well written music I’ve heard from Ireland this year. With bright and infectious riffs, stirring melodies and a palpable sense of a band striving to be the best that they can be, it’s a valuable addition for any indie playlist worth its salt. If Brass Phantoms keep this same drive and energy, and strive just a little further with each new track, they could soon become one of the hottest new bands on the scene.
Top Tracks: Red Kite – Take Care of Your Own
This expressive art-rock track from London’s Red Kite immediately makes a lasting impression; and not just because the video features the most disturbing teddy bear known to man. With a unique dynamic, boasting four guitarists and two drummers, ‘Take Care of Your Own’ displays a lush and expansive sound. The first half of the track is reminiscent of Funeral era Arcade Fire with its emphatic baroque pop flair, with the second half descending into a dark and menacing cacophony. Taken from the band’s upcoming second album, ‘Take Care of Your Own’ is one of the most rewarding singles I’ve heard thus far this year. If, like me, they have piqued your interest, I would add Red Kite to your list of “ones to watch”.
Top Tracks: Hannah Featherstone – Solo
People say that there’s nothing new to be made in music, but even if this were the case, we can combine what is already out there in a myriad of unique and inventive combinations. A good case in point is the latest single from the wonderful Hannah Featherstone. Born in Britain but raised amongst the vibrant Parisian music scene, her new track ‘Solo’ combines classic jazz with contemporary electropop. With its off-kilter beat, it’s honest minimalist arrangement and a few little electronic flourishes, ‘Solo’ is one of the most distinctive and inimitable tracks I’ve heard this year. She is a curious artist, certainly someone to keep your eye on. With a new album due later this year, it will be interesting to see what other noteworthy creations Hannah has to offer.
Top Tracks: The Lavender Scare – Drag For A Queen
I do love a band with a dash of flair and ambition, two boxes that LA band The Lavender Scare have certainly ticked with their new single. Musically ‘Drag For a Queen’ reminds me of ‘Lillian’ by The Dear Hunter as it carries the same air of sleazy theatricality, albeit with James Delos Reyes’ unique gritty vocals. Lyrically it tells the tale of a drag queen that finds religion and later falls back into his old habits behind closed doors. With this vivid caricature that the song portrays, the band does a superb job at storytelling and at building up a whole other world within your mind. Dark, witty, and the very quintessence of style; if The Lavender Scare build on the successes of this track they will soon jump up my list of the most exciting bands around.
Top Tracks: Prism Tats – Brainwaves
Let’s not beat around the bush here, ‘Brainwaves’ is a plain and simple indie banger, end of story. Its memorable melodic hooks are a potent brew which is almost certain to be loved by festival crowds far and wide. There are some big name bands out there who could learn a lot from this track. Garett van der Spek, under his moniker Prism Tats, has provided an upbeat and addictive tune that carries a deeper message, dealing with our unhealthy reliance on technology. Raised in South Africa, though now based in LA, Garett is on to a winning formula with his new single. After this latest taster of his upcoming second album due later this year, I for one am hungry for more.
Top Tracks: Lots Holloway – Stay A Little Longer
The word “bewitching” has somehow never felt so apt, as there’s no denying there’s something dark and mystical at play here. Born in Cornwall, but now based in London, singer/songwriter and self-taught multi-instrumentalist Lots Holloway really captivates you with her latest single ‘Stay A Little Longer’. Written about all the various manipulative people who end up dictating our lives, the suitably hypnotic video and Eastern vibes cast a spell over you like some mysterious snake charmer, with its hold on you getting deeper and deeper with each repeat. It carries a seductive air of danger while still remaining accessible enough to lure in scores of eager new listeners. With her debut EP and a string of UK dates on the way later this year, Lots is definitely one to watch!
Top Tracks: Critics – Key Lime Pie
No matter what your tastes may be, there are always certain songs that are just too fun to resist. The latest single from up-and-coming indie pop trio Critics is just such a track. With its funky flair, retro synths, infectious chorus and it’s shamelessly silly music video, it’s a delightful little summer anthem. It’s cheery upbeat attitude and immaculate pop sheen really get under your skin and just brightens your day a little more with each listen. ‘Key Lime Pie’ sounds like a massive international hit single just waiting to happen. How this isn’t already on heavy rotation all across the country is beyond me. Critics are proving themselves one of the most promising new indie pop acts around, and it seems mainstream success for them is almost certainly a matter of “when” rather than “if”.
Belwood Music 