May 12
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Brothertiger - Heaven Revisited (2022)
Omega Radio for July 20, 2013; #25.
Still Corners “Wish”
Holy Other “Yr Love”
Now Now “Lucie, Too”
Minus 8 “Elysian Fields”
Vega “Other End”
Botany “Agave”
Air France “No Way Down”
Blackbird Blackbird “Sunspray” (Charlee RMX)
Class Actress “Journal Of Ardency”
Fuckpony “I’m Burning Inside”
Boards Of Canada “Nlogax”
Com Truise “Video Arkade”
Savant “Cry For Love”
Dornik “Something About You”
MKRNI “Humedad”
Memoryhouse “To The Lighthouse” (Millionyoung RMX)
Okinawa Lifestyle “Levan”
Brothertiger “Lovers”
Grizzly Bear “Cheerleader (Sega Genesis P-Orridge)” (Neon Indian RMX)
Twin Sister “All Around And Away We Go” (Teen Daze RMX)
Disclosure “When A Fire Starts To Burn”
Big Black Delta “Huggin’ & Kissin’”
Vega “No Reasons”
Small Black “Weird Machines”
LCD Soundsystem “Yr City’s A Sucker”
Todd Terje “Strandbar (Disko)”
Deluxe pop, dance, and chillwave.
Brothertiger - High Tide
“It seems I can’t remember
Who I was before
I’m floating in an ocean
That I can’t explore...”
Designs by Steven Duke for the singles off Brothertiger’s upcoming self-titled record.
Album & EP Recommendations
Can You Afford To Lose Me? By Holly Humberstone
Although I hail from Nottingham these days, my original hometown is in Lincoln, Lincolnshire. Now other than being known for the renowned Lost Village Festival that takes place once a year, the music scene in the area is kind of dead. Once upon a time, bands would regularly play there on their way up to superstardom (indie titans like The Killers, Kings of Leon and The Wombats all passed through back in the day), but nowadays most will just head to nearby cities like Sheffield or Nottingham instead.
With this being the case, it also means that rarely new artists emerge from Lincolnshire. So when one does eventually break through and get some national exposure, it’s kind of a big deal. Back in the mid-00s, emo-tinged synth-pop outfit I Was A Cub Scout were the band that looked most likely to put Lincolnshire on the map, but sadly they quickly disappeared almost as quick as they arrived. Now it may have taken nearly 15 years, but Lincolnshire finally has a new hope and she’s already making waves that no other artist from the area has done previously. Her name is Holly Humberstone.
Holly has already had quite an incredible 2022, having been named as this year’s Brit Awards’ Rising Star winner before then going on to support pop heavyweights like George Ezra and Olivia Rodrigo on big UK and US tour dates. She also overcame her nerves to deliver a memorable Glastonbury performance on the John Peel stage over the summer. Now as she gears up for her as-yet-unannounced debut album to be released some time next year, Holly has combined her latest single and highlights from her recent two EPs into an impressive “Story so far” compilation.
If her brilliant EPs passed you by previously, then Can You Afford To Lose Me? Is the perfect introduction to Holly’s music. An unconventional pop star in every sense, her music is always beautifully written and tastefully understated. The album’s opening title track is a great example, with her soft vocals gracefully gliding over a Bon Iver-esque folktronica accompaniment. Scarlett is then an upbeat, instantly catchy track in which Holly reflects on some tough love advice given to her friend over a one-sided romantic relationship. Her very first single Deep End then continues to hit home thanks to the rawness of the words and guitars, before Haunted House presents a gorgeous stripped-back piano ballad offering up an ode to her childhood home.
Structured almost like a live set, Holly ultimately saves her real big hitters for the album’s back end. Thursday remains my favourite song of hers to date, a spiritual sequel to Scarlett with the lyrics “Let it burn, this is hell on earth and you're enjoying the weather” giving a playful nod to Earth, Wind & Fire’s September, which is also directly referenced in the track. Popular single The Walls Are Way Too Thin then radiates with a Lorde-esque melody, emotive lyrics and shimmering instrumentation. It’s all then wrapped up with the glorious duo of Falling Asleep At The Wheel and Friendly Fire which combine to deliver a stunning grand finale.
Obviously I’m going to route for her anyway because of her Lincolnshire roots, but I do think Holly Humberstone is an exceptional talent who already has an impressive catalogue of just great pop songs. At only 22 years old she’s only just getting started too, with plenty more room for further artistic growth. I’ve enjoyed following her journey to this point, but I have a feeling next year things are going to go up another level – so use this compilation as an opportunity to jump aboard.
Listen here
Mareas De Oro EP by Gold Tides
Mama Mañana Records are quickly establishing themselves as a record label that just doesn’t miss. Following up Hubba’s brilliant Empty Dreams EP last month, the attention now turns to the latest offering from Sante Fe’s desert rock heroes, Gold Tides.
Collecting together six songs crafted during pandemic writing sessions, Mareas De Oro is a hazy and brilliantly trippy listen, filled with jangly guitars and mind-altering musical passages. Sunni, Pt.1 opens the shortplayer with deep, warped vocals and gorgeous sand-stained guitars, before Monsoon Seduction chimes in with its playful keys and punky vocals from frontman Gabe Koehler. Recent single Satanas then sees Lorenzo Aragon take over vocal duties for a hypnotic moment sung completely in the Spanish.
Sunni, Pt.2 then presents a complete contrast to the similarly named opening track, channelling imagery of cool, deep blue oceans over a rambunctious refrain of “stop fighting it and run to it.” The appropriately titled So Far So Good remains my personal favourite, featuring a psychedelic central guitar groove with an instantly catchy refrain of “Through the Void I Saw It / Through The Flames I Saw It.” Before you know it, the rumbling bassline of Sweettart arrives to carry you into the sunset on a wave of joyous surf rock.
Overall, this another brilliant EP from Gold Tides and also another excellent release from Mama Mañana Records. You’d do well to keep an eye on both band and label going forward as they continue to deliver the goods.
Listen here
Life In Miniature by Low Island
“As the name of the record suggests, it is a snapshot of the last two years in which frontman Carlos Posada seemed to encounter all of life’s blessings and curses during one quite intense period. From love and loss to happiness and grief, to sad endings and new beginnings, here Low Island present a beautiful tapestry of treasured memories that, although personal, impactfully resonate out of the audio through lyrical gut-punches and life-affirming sonic uplifts.
With Life In Miniature, Low Island have successfully built on last year’s debut with another strong collection of songs that simply radiate with electronic majesty whilst also frequently moving you to your core. The songwriting really is the star of the show this time, gifting a beautiful reflection on life, love, death and memory that is just stunningly poetic in its blend of joy and melancholy. This may be Life In Miniature but the lasting impact is closer to the max.”
Read my full review for Gigwise here
Listen to the album here
Ultra Truth by Daniel Avery
“A grooveable record with no interest in hanging at the club, for every floor-filling moment like “Wall of Sleep” that features newsletter favourite HAAi offering heavenly vocals over synths and a skull-crushing foundation, there’s a slower, atmospheric comedown which gives pause to the trek. Perhaps no song demonstrates this idea more than “Overflowing With Escape,” the auditory equivalent of being crushed by a wave under layers of compressed distortion. The listener is forced to confront the track’s heaviness, but there’s beauty in staying in the demanding moment.
Ultra Truth is one of those albums that skirts description, instead begging to be experienced with a fully devoted ear. Daniel Avery crafts a moment that gloriously combines electronic music with pure humanity.”
Read Kiley Larsen’s full review here
Listen to the album here
Brothertiger by Brothertiger
“Musicians usually give the self-titled treatment to their debut album. Still, when a vet decides to go down this path, it typically means pursuing a reset with an offering that plays to their strengths. After his acclaimed Tears For Fears Songs From the Big Chair cover album and four compilations of lockdown-era livestreams in the form of the stunning Fundamentals series, it’s only natural Jagos is looking for new trails.
Not only is Brothertiger a successful reset, but it’s also Jagos’ best official album. Even when hanging on to his chillwave roots, like on “Summer Wave ’98,” a song that wouldn’t sound out of place on Nick Hexum and George Clanton’s collaboration album, Jagos’ technical explorations are evolved. As we head into another turbulent week, make space to float away with Brothertiger. You’ll thank yourself for it.”
Read Kiley Larsen’s full review here
Listen to the album here
Protector by Aoife Nessa Frances
“Throughout eight tracks, Frances takes us on a journey though love, loss, angst and hope. There are a wealth of female influences throughout the album, with ‘Chariot’ recalling Alanis Morrissette’s ‘Uninvited’ in particular, while shades of Kate Bush and Tori Amos are plain to hear, as well as even Madonna on ‘Only Child’. Whether consciously or subconsciously, Aoife is definitely drawing on what has come before.
Everyone will find something to relate to in these songs and the sonic melodies will haunt you long after a first listen, but perhaps what is most intriguing will be to see how this music translates live.”
Read the full HeadStuff review here
Listen to the album here
Other Worlds by The Pretty Reckless
“Supporting their forthcoming UK tour, The Pretty Reckless release an album of covers and alternate and acoustic versions to wonderful effect.
Other Worlds is built around a tribute to the band's hero Chris Cornell. They were touring with Soundgarden when Cornell sadly passed, and you can hear their influence. The cover of "Loud Love" is a perfect nod to the Soundgarden sound, with lead singer Taylor Momsen bringing her A game.
This record is a fan service dream. That said, if you aren't familiar with The Pretty Reckless and their work, then this would actually be a smart place to start, there's a lovely, warm feel to the record, and it offers you a great look into the band and their influences.”
Read Stu Evans’ full review for XS Noize here
Listen to the album here
English Leather by Nancy
“Hailing from the north-east, the psych-pop provocateur created quite the buzz last year off the back of his well-received mini-album, the interestingly titled The Seven Foot Tall Post-Suicidal Feel Good Blues. That record introduced listeners to Nancy’s bizarre artistic vision, where he draws inspiration from vintage sounds of the 60s and 70s and blends them into a carnival of eccentricity. Wasting little time delivering the follow-up, English Leather is Nancy’s latest offering which sees him build on his previous effort in every way – both the good and the bewildering.”
Read my full review for Gigwise here
Listen to the album here
Also worth checking out: Where I’m Meant To Be by Ezra Collective, Myself in the Way by Turnover, How can I Sleep? I’m Wide Awake EP by Beaux, Smithereens by Joji, Alpha Zulu by Phoenix, The Hunna by The Hunna
Tracks of the Week
You Better Mean It by Nimmo
Rejoice as the UK’s finest dance act is back and preparing for their next era. As we’ve come to expect from the duo of Sarah and Reva, You Better Mean It is another straight-up banger to add to their extensive catalogue, powered by bassy synths and rich soulful vocals. Glorious!
Listen here
The Delicate Nature by Bob Vylan featuring Laurie Vincent
Fresh off the back of dropping one of the Albums of the Year, grime-punk duo Bob Vylan have now teamed up with Slaves’ guitarist Laurie Vincent for another hard-hitting thumper. With harsh heavily distorted guitars and steaming hot bars from Bobby, it all erupts into a frantic and ultra-aggressive final 20 seconds. Awesome!
Listen here
CYAN1DE by nothing, nowhere featuring Pete Wentz
And finally just in time for his highly-anticipated UK tour getting underway this week, emo/rap/pop-punk sensation Joe Mulherin has teamed up with scene legend, Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz, for another passionate and mind-melting genre crossover. With a big anthemic chorus and a balanced mix of clean and scream vocals, its sure to go down a storm on his upcoming live dates.
Listen here
Also out, also great: Running Up That Hill (Like A Version) by The Wombats, Mother by Matt Maltese, Pretty Boy by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
Brothertiger - Torn Open (Yvette Young)