Author Archives: Zara Hoffman

Since their debut single “Deja-Vu” earlier this year, we’ve been captivated by band Joyce, and their latest single “Voyce” is a riotous and blaring track about a quest for self-discovery.

Joyce is a genre defying musical project from Jimmy Watkins (Future of the Left / The Vega Bodegas / Running Punks), with the rest of the band made up of Gwen (Adwaith), Joe (Big Special), Tom (God Damn / The Big Hell), Phil Thornalley (The Cure / Bryan Adams/ Natalie Imbruglia), Paul (Fauxchisels), and drumming legend Allan Oakes. They manage to flawlessly blend punk, rock, and electro into a chaotic and colourful treat for the ears.

“Voyce” is the is the second single to come from their highly anticipated album, out on the 13th September via human worth music, and we’ll be counting down the days until we can hear the full masterpiece.

This week, we shine a spotlight on Flamingods, the eclectic, genre-defying band that’s been making waves with their vibrant soundscapes and global influences.

Flamingods are known for their dynamic fusion of psych-rock, world music, and electronic elements, creating a sound that’s as diverse as their cultural backgrounds. Originally formed in Bahrain and now based in the UK, the band consists of four members—Kamal Rasool, Charles Prest, Sam Rowe, and Karthik Poduval—each bringing their unique musical heritage and influences to the table.

Currently touring on the festival circuit, there are still two chances to experience their electric stage presence in the UK: August 25th at Shambala Festival and August 31st at the End Of The Road Festival.

Whether you’re a fan of psych-rock, world music, or just love discovering new sounds, Flamingods is a band that’s sure to captivate your ears and imagination.

Manchester-born artist Misha B rose to notability as a finalist on the eighth series of The X Factor way back in 2011. Well now, she’s back and she’s sounding more encapsulating than ever. Her latest single “Why?!” is out now.

Instantly reminiscent of the late, great Amy Winehouse, “Why?!” is a delicately weaved slice of soul-soaked tenderness that allows Misha B’s incredible vocals to lead and shine throughout. Talking about the single, Misha B says, “For the first time, I am releasing music that completely captures the contents of my heart. ‘Why?!’ delves into the raw emotions of sadness, rage, and self-realisation, ultimately concluding in affirmation.”

Misha B has previously supported the likes of Nicki Minaj and was nominated as Best Newcomer at the MOBO Awards. Misha B has said that her style of music can best be described as “free,” and that she does not want to be boxed in by any one style.

“Why?!” is in stores now.

The summer has been pretty disappointing in the UK this year so far, which we’re used to of course but a little bit more sunshine wouldn’t go amiss… Thankfully the sound of summer is still being celebrated, most recently by Glossy Boy and their infectious new single “LICK,” out now.

An addictively upbeat song about a sun-soaked romance, “LICK” takes inspiration from the sparkling summery melodies of Vampire Weekend and the gutsy energy of The Vaccines. This is one that’ll stick in your head the moment you hear it, and you’ll be pleased it does!

Already getting airplay on Future Hits Radio, iHeart Radio, and Amazing Radio Audition, shortlisting in emerging talent competitions, and strong streaming performance driven by a devoted and growing fanbase, Glossy Boy are an exciting new trio on the up.

Fresh off a debut EP, a sold-out show at London’s iconic Troubadour venue and a semi-final placing for Isle of Wight Festival New Blood Competition, Glossy Boy are proud to present hotly anticipated single “LICK” in stores now.

PHOTO: TOM J. JOHNSON | London-based newcomer flowerovlove proves she’s one to watch with the release of her infectious new single “breaking news,” out now.

Produced by Duck Blackwell and co-written with close friend Ines Dunn, the sun-soaked single is bound to put a smile on your face instantly. Talking about the single, the south London artist—also known as Joyce—says, “I was feeling sad when I wrote it, actually. I wanted to feel something lovey dovey, so I wanted to manifest feelings through a song. “breaking news” is about the thought process when you go from a crush to falling in love super uncontrollably fast and you can’t stop it, in combination with the shock of realising ‘whoa this is more than a crush.’”

floweroflove is not only an emerging fashion icon—having fronted campaigns for brands such as Gucci and Maison Kitsuné—but she is also a quickly evolving songwriter who champions self-love and womanhood. Definitely one to watch for 2024…

“breaking news” is in stores now.

Renowned for his genre-defying sound, Whitey has established a unique presence in the music industry, fusing rock, electronic, and punk elements to create a distinctive sonic experience. His latest project, MENTAL RADIO, is set to debut on October 3rd, 2024, with the album’s first preview being released as a AA-side single; “CHERRYADE / WHEN DID I LAY DOWN AND DIE?,” out now.

“CHERRYADE” and “WHEN DID I LAY DOWN AND DIE?” deliver a dynamic and vibrant mix of genres, styles, and moods from the very start. These tracks meld classic, alternative, and blues-infused rock, characterized by catchy hooks, unconventional riffs, and an intense energy reminiscent of Queens of the Stone Age and Pixies.

Drawing from decades of musical influences and blending them through the Whitey filter, MENTAL RADIO emerges as an album that is simultaneously furious, raw, humorous, politically incisive, and poignant. It serves as a satirical reflection on 21st-century life, akin to a musical pop art collage.

MENTAL RADIO is available to pre-save now.

Ease your way into the working week with Hohnen Ford and her mesmerizing new single “I Wish I Had A God,” out now. Her EP of the same name is due for release on 3rd August 2024 via Young Poet.

A beautifully performed piano ballad, “I Wish I Had A God” immediately pulls at the heartstrings in the best way possible. Written about losing a very close friend, the deeply personal single showcases Ford’s delicately weaved vocal, allowing her natural songwriting ability to shine through as well.

Talking about the single, Ford says, “‘I Wish I Had a God’ emerged from the depths of grief, as an attempt to make sense of losing one of my best friends last year. Songwriting can be a vessel for grappling with the ineffable. This is the most painful song I’ve ever written, and has also been a bittersweet gift to watch it resonate with so many as I’ve performed it live over the last year. Our shared human experience of grief teaches us so much.”

Upcoming EP “I Wish I Had A God” is a collection of five rich and emotionally intelligent songs, showcasing Ford’s ability to weave jazz, pop, and folk seamlessly together. Her music strikes a chord with a generation of fans who appreciate honesty, depth, and sincerity in their favourite artists.

Hohnen Ford’s single “I Wish I Had A God” is in stores now.

Art-pop aficionado Æ MAK—aka Aoife McCann—returns with the release of her bewitching EP “ABC Side Baby,” out now.

Known for creating other-worldly pop music with industrial beats, this latest collection of vignettes is no exception. These songs move through the magic and playfulness of sparkling new love into the deep depths of heartbreak; finding strength and a sense of self again at the lowest of lows. “I’d been listening non stop to Dijon and ML Buch, so the energy in the rhythm and production is definitely influenced by them,” Aoife elaborates.

Talking about the focus track “Low Down,” Aoife says, “Its’ about hitting rock bottom after a break-up, almost basking in it, and finding your power again—’but I’m coming back, like the phoenix, outta my blood bath.’ I made it in between chain-smoking out the window and lying on my best pals green corduroy couch all summer; until I finally felt some strength creep back in. I wanted the production to have a bit of a Dijon or Frank Ocean feeling mixed with some hyper pop moments.”

“ABC Side Baby” is in stores now.

The captivating voice of Cyrene has returned with a new single, a cover of Duran Duran’s “Ordinary World,” remixed by The Lost Voice.

Enigmatic and alluring, Cyrene is named after an ancient Greek huntress who vanquished wild beasts with a bronze-tipped javelin and charmed Apollo by wrestling a lion with her bare hands. To us, she is the singer who transforms familiar lyrics into new realms of meaning.

Her mesmerizing sound possesses an ethereal quality, transcending time and place. These renditions aren’t mere covers; they are re-interpretations that blur boundaries and break down differences, aiming to enchant and surprise, to soothe and excite.

Cyrene’s true identity will remain a mystery as her story unfolds, but with an album set to release later this year, she is definitely one to watch.

Alt-R&B artist Orion Sun returns after a two year hiatus with new single “Already Gone,” out now.

The soul-infused songwriter goes back to her ethereal roots with this latest cut, allowing her soft, subtle vocals to soar effortlessly over the majestic musicality. Fans of the likes of Hope Tala and Raveena will feel at home here.

Of her new release—produced by Rodaidh McDonald and Julian Ali—the LA-based artist says,“It’s about that first night alone when your partner moves out and it’s obvious nothing will ever be the same. You try to change it or fix it or run from it but you have to come home eventually. The silence becomes heavy like water. Everything was a task. Everything was hard. I was holding on to hope like a life raft. Only in retrospect is it kind of funny. It seems dramatic and annoying but it was so true to me then.”

“Already Gone” marks Orion’s first release since her 2022 EP “Getaway.”

Acclaimed vocalist, DJ, and activist NGAIO is on a journey to spread powerful messages that resonate with the soul, and her new single “Goddess” is no exception. The single is taken from her highly-anticipated, self-produced debut EP “Four Quarters,” which blends jazz, dub, and trip-hop creating a sound that is truly innovative.

Of “Goddess” NGAIO says, “‘Goddess’ is about understanding that we are connected to more than the physical space of here and now. It’s about knowing that we can find that connection in nature and ourselves.” “Four Quarters” sees NGAIO embarking on a deeply personal and introspective journey, delving into the exploration of identity, cultural heritage, and the challenges of authentic self-expression in a world often resistant to alternative perspectives. As a genre-fluid shapeshifter, NGAIO effortlessly blends sounds and shatters expectations.

As well as performing solo, NGAIO founded Booty Bass as a space for women and non-binary folk to come together and play big, bad, unapologetic bangers. Since its conception in 2018 it’s become a space that promotes an appreciation for different cultures and sounds worldwide where dancing and laughing is key. NGAIO was also recently a part of the Censored campaign highlighting female nipples being sexualized, which was part of a city-wide exhibition addressing the hypocrisy of it and the consistent policing of women’s bodies.

With her commitment to making the world a better through music, “Goddess” and “Four Quarters” are only the start for this formidable artist.

London-based alt-rock trio Honeyglaze announce the release of their sophomore album Real Deal with the release of their empowering new single “Don’t,” out now.

Anouska Sokolow of the band says, “Based on my favourite Destiny’s Child song ‘Bills, Bills, Bills’ (which is also a song about being done with waste men), ‘Don’t’ was written after the end of a particularly bad relationship and I had this anger at every man I felt had ever wronged me or spoken down to me. It’s really fun to be aggressive and direct sometimes, especially when it’s unexpected.”

The single is undeniably powerful from the offset, with Sokolow’s cutting edge vocals at the forefront throughout. “Don’t” is a striking calling card for Real Deal; the album which follows their 2022 self-titled debut.

Honeyglaze are a South London based, haiku-loving trio comprised of vocalist and guitarist Anouska Sokolow, bassist Tim Curtis, and Yuri Shibuichi on drums.

“Don’t” is in stores now via Fat Possum Records.

J. Bernardt—aka Jinte Deprez—may be best known as one half of Belgian favourites Balthazar, but his latest album Contigo proves he can certainly hold a tune on his own as well. The album hits a mark between sophisticated and loose, emphatic and subtle, and steely and warm. Combining influences of orchestral pop, soul, and funk, the album oozes with a rainbow of flavours for the listener to indulge in.

Opening with “Rio,” which was written on a trip to Brazil, we are immediately welcomed by majestic strings showcasing Deprez’s vulnerable side. The track then fades into “Taxi,” a literal trip as Deprez needs to escape so he can process the bad news. Throughout the album a backdrop of streamlined funk, with thick bass and guitar twangs, adds to the contrast of strings, creating something undeniably slick and suave.

“Don’t Get Me Wrong” once again showcases Bernardt’s unique ability to combine orchestral pop with funk-infused flavours, creating something truly mesmerizing. Talking about the release, Deprez elaborates, “’Don’t Get Me Wrong’ takes a walk-through on communication skills that are not on point, even fed by a sabotaging desire of two people that choose projection rather than self-reflection. It’s an old habit of most of us use to fuel the fire, until it burns the house down.”

Next up is “Last Waltz,” slowing the pace down but by no means the power in Deprez’ stunningly unique baritone. Tracks “Contigo” and “Matter of Time” fall into a similar vein, sounding akin to The Last Shadow Puppets and Jungle.

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EEVAH’s EP “Simplify Life” is a captivating blend of catchy hooks, haunting melodies, and electrifying guitar riffs, alongside personal and relatable lyrics that delve into profound themes. The four track EP explores different topics like relationships and people pleasing, and has revealed a new, raw ferocity that is propelling this emerging duo.

Of the EP, the band say “We’ve always been a singles band because in some ways I think we were exploring what we were about and what we wanted to sound like. That’s probably the reason behind our ever eclectic back catalogue. But with this EP we wanted to nail down the EEVAH sound once and for all. It’s called ‘Simplify Life’ but the journey to the finish line has been anything but. It’s taken the addition of live drums for us to realise what’s important. Dynamics, storytelling, truth, soul, everything that we love about music thrown into the melting pot and served up in sonic slices under three minutes long.”

The opening track “Say It’s Just Us” begins gently before erupting into a vibrant indie pop anthem, with the catchy synths providing a perfect backdrop for the poignant vocal delivery. The lyrics and theme of the song are about putting pressure on relationships to fit into a certain box, when really we should “say it’s just US.”

“Notice You” takes a darker, more melancholic turn on the EP. The deep piano notes and distorted guitar, paired with sorrowful vocals, make this track a true heartbreaker. Lyrics like “Can you see me, cause I’m holding on” are deeply relatable, navigating a path of sadness rarely explored by the band.

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