The journey is what makes the story, and in the case of London’s Bat and Ball, the road to where we meet the-now-three-piece has been long but nevertheless eventful. The homecoming is marked by an enigmatic and surprisingly adventurous left turn on dynamic new cut ‘Cruel Cats’.
Author: Charlotte Holroyd
LIVE REVIEW: Tom Odell at Manchester Town Hall
Tom Odell was the recipient of 2013’s Brits Critics’ Choice Award, the young artist was propelled into the spotlight at a time when streaming was a mere spec on the industry’s eye. Now Odell, three years on, has released his long-awaited follow-up to debut ‘Long Way Down’ in the genre-bending epic ‘Wrong Crowd’.
TRACK OF THE DAY: Lowtide – ‘Held’
‘Held’ marks the second offering from Lowtide in recent months. The Melbourne dreamgazers continue to drip feed new tracks that will soon culminate with the release of their debut full-length in August.
TRACK OF THE DAY: Phia – ‘Heartstrings’
Experimenting with new ways of expression and sonic inventiveness is the kind of exploration that we endorse. Sometimes pushing the boundaries of your creativity is a necessary step to progress and evolve. Australian musician Phia has always been adventurous in her art, staying true to her classical roots but never shying away from her creative […]
In Conversation with…TIRED LION
Their name conjures up an image of a fatigued animal, but Tired Lion are anything but drowsy or lacklustre. The Aussie upstarts are in the thick of starting a new era for grunge, and with a string of impressive EP’s to their name, it’s only a matter of time before they invade more than just […]
SONG OF THE WEEK: Odina – ‘You Loved Me, You Killed Me’
London-via-Barcelona singer/songwriter Odina liberates emotion and bares a fragile heart on debut ‘You Loved Me, You Killed Me’.
TRACK OF THE DAY: Born Stranger – ‘Fire & The Flame’
Born Stranger stomp into character on dark synth-pop debut ‘Fire & The Flame’. A heady mix of polished electronic production akin to the pulse-quickening anthemia of Phantogram, and the fierce self-taught strength of Body Talk-era Robyn.
LISTEN: Softer Still – ‘New Age’
Surrey newcomers Softer Still present a sparkling debut with ‘New Age’. Taking the best that dream pop has to offer and combining that with soft but sumptuous 80’s styled production, the four-piece glide into view in an ethereal shimmer of shoegazey guitars and light vocals.
TRACK OF THE DAY: Sleepovers – ‘I Wanna Be In LA’
Sleepovers arrive at a time when Brit-pop is making a comeback, with bands like DMA‘s and Peace renewing the genre for a new generation. The London band’s sophomore release ‘I Wanna Be In LA’ is a four-minute-long indie stomp, complete with Stone Roses’ slacker swagger and the quintessentially British charm of Blur.
In Conversation with…NOTHING BUT THIEVES
Nothing But Thieves are the latest band to break out of the seaside haven of Southend-On-Sea. Currently in the middle of a gigantic worldwide tour, in support of their hugely successful debut self-titled album, the band continue to grow their dedicated following (with over a hundred thousand fans on Facebook alone). The five-piece have come to accept the […]
TRACK OF THE DAY: Matthew and Me – ‘Joy’
‘Joy’ marks the welcome return of innovative indie band Matthew and Me. The seven-and-a-half-minute epic is underpinned by ethereal swirls of voice and casually building sonics that turn astral as they ascend. The new cut previews a taste of the duo’s forthcoming extended player, due for release this Autumn.
PHOTO GALLERY: James Bay at Castlefield Bowl, Manchester
The first week in July has seen the industrial built wharf in Manchester’s quirky district of Castlefield alive with music. Wednesday (6th July) saw British singer/songwriter James Bay take to the main stage for his triumphant return to the city, supported by two equally new and exciting artists – Irish troubadour Foy Vance and US country-folk pop […]
TRACK OF THE DAY: EDGES – ‘Walk Away’
Tradition and heritage remain the pillars of folk music, substance takes precedence over style. Where storytelling is king and subtle acoustics stand strong against the steeliness of an emotive vocal, artist’s like EDGES (aka. Sami Simon) are cherished deeply. His new single ‘Walk Away’ is the minor-key lullaby that offers reassurance when all else fails.
TRACK OF THE DAY: House Points – ‘I Don’t Like You’
Brighton-based House Points are here to brighten up those summer days with their beachy good vibes and infectious melodies. Think a peppier Parquet Courts twinned with the fizzy surf pop of Wavves and you’ll be close. New single ‘I Don’t Like You’ breezes with carefree animosity, all the while animated guitars cartwheel around each sour-faced thought.
Mainland’s Young Beggars Guide to NYC
New York City plays residence to all – creatives, intellectuals and dreamers – including your new favourite band Mainland. The group take massive pop hooks and turn them on their head with an edgy post-punk zest, and poignant observations of the world. Upon releasing new single ‘Beggars’, the trio are inviting fans to join the “Young Beggars Club” […]
LISTEN IN // Mikko Joensuu’s Isolation Playlist
Mikko Joensuu is the kind of singer-songwriter who easily stands out from the crowd. His debut album ‘Amen 1′ (which recently came out on Svart Records) taps into the American folk music tradition. The songs provide a real depth of feeling delivered in such a way that they work to heal and repair, rather than rupture […]
TRACK OF THE DAY: Billie Marten – ‘La Lune’
As young songwriters go Billie Marten, who has just turned 17, continues to display remarkable depth and prowess in her craft. Her lyrics are more than just observational inkling’s into her psyche and how she understands the world around her, they are spun of the purest feeling, the richest of truths – each representing life in […]
TRACK OF THE DAY: Lostboycrow – ‘Where It All Goes’
Californians are honoured a near perfect 365 days of sunshine, endless stretches of coastline and hiking trails. So, when a dilemma rears and trouble comes your way but all around you seems in order, where do you find solace? Music, of course. Lostboycrow practises this way of release particularly well on the nostalgic slow-burn of […]
LISTEN: ISLAND – ‘Come With Me’
ISLAND are an ambitious band. Once they’ve set their sights on a goal, they will charge full steam ahead to accomplish that, take the announcement of a headline show at London’s Scala as a sign for their impressive upward ascent of late. The foursome are decidedly beginning to steadily quicken pace, and new track ‘Come […]
TRACK OF THE DAY: Team Picture – ‘Birthday Blues’
Introductions can be tedious and unremarkable, but not in the case of Leeds troop Team Picture. Who make rather light sport of non-conformity on debut ‘Birthday Blues’ – a fuzzy breeze of lo-fi psych rock.




















