We are covering some serious distance at the blog this week, with a variety of sounds from a variety of places. First up, a true heavymetalkids.uk favourite from an undisclosed location somewhere in the UK…
Ironic Hill – Bad Stuff (self-released)
Following hot on the heels of the cathartic sigh of his self-titled debut album, the mysterious UK based DIY artist Ironic Hill returns with new single Bad Stuff. On this enchanting curio the Mode is set to Depeche, with a familiar lyrical refrain riding atop his trademark blend of violently beautiful feedback and earworm melodies. The B’side remix strips it all back to the noise, revealing the deeply experimental heart beating at the centre of this intriguing and inspiring project.
Charlène Darling – La Porte (Disciples)
Paris born, Brussels based multi-instrumentalist Charlotte Kouklia (aka Charlène Darling) returns with her second studio album La Porte for cult UK label Disciples, following on from 2019’s Iggy Pop-lauded debut Saint-Guidon. Experimental but eminently listenable, La Porte explores themes of misplaced desire and obsession via the medium of beautifully constructed leftfield soundworlds. Dancing artfully between post-punk and seductive avant-pop, the minimalist, playful arrangements cast just the right amount of light and shade on Kouklia’s ruminations on the trials of love and connection, making this album the perfect companion for the longest of Summer days and the coldest Winter nights.
Vanishing Muffins – Taste Of Cherry (Heavenpunks)
Jakarta, Indonesia based noise-pop trio Vanishing Muffins arrive on ferocious form with debut single Taste Of Cherry for Heavenpunks. The band blend a lyrical lightness of touch with a Black Tambourine-esque feedback driven guitar attack, whilst the detached cool of the vocals channels The Jesus And Mary Chain in full bloom. B’side To Be With Someone Who Shouldn’t Be With Me slows the pace and places the emphasis on the melodies, culminating in a chorus that rises above the sonic assault to truly take flight. The band have a new EP due very soon which I have been fortunate enough to hear in explosive demo form, leaving absolutely no doubt in my mind that this is a group on the cusp of something very special.
Sorry Snowman – House On Fire (Club Records)
The recently formed Ottawa based label Club Records, run by fanclubwallet’s Hannah Judge, brings forth the knife-edge tension of Sorry Snowman’s new single House On Fire, the first to be taken from their forthcoming EP And I Hated It Too. This release marks the indie-rock quartets first time in a recording studio and it’s a transition the band have seemingly made with ease, as whilst upping the fidelity, this new cut retains all of the passion and power of this years DIY mini-album Say When. Loaded with huge hooks and heavy emotional pull, House On Fire channels difficult thoughts and feelings into a safe space within which the listener can find solace and take refuge.
Thanks for reading. If you found anything you enjoyed, be sure to LISTEN/BUY/SHARE and help support these wonderful artists and labels. Much love.
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