Hope Tara – I can't even cry
In the west London polymath's long-awaited return, I Can't Even Cry, Hope Tara finds a glimmer of optimism in a time of widespread emotional numbness. Blending minimalism and complexity, the carefully crafted arrangement serves as an atmospheric backdrop for her atmospheric lead vocals. “I hear a voice warning me in my eardrums, but I never listen / Open my heart until it’s all gone,” she whispers, as nimble guitar and wandering keys gently ruminate. This is a promising snapshot of the new chapter ahead as she continues to develop her captivating creative vision. (Emily Savage)
Cardinals – If I Can Make You Care
Cork-based band Cardinals have previously built an impressive reputation with comparisons to the likes of Echo & the Bunnymen and Yo La Tengo, with new song 'If I' from their debut EP released in June.・Could Make You Care” is a track packed with atmosphere. It's full of interesting styles. A slow, brooding guitar riff gradually turns moody, showing off a wide range of influences with accordion accompaniment, until around the two-minute mark the drums kick in and the song comes to life as a completely different beast. . An explosive track that shows the true depth and range of the group's sound, establishing them as a group to watch. (Chris Connor)
Soft Launch – Cartwheel
Irish indie pop-rock quintet Soft Launch, which includes popular artists Declan McKenna and CMAT, is a hot new group you should know about. They arrived with their debut single “Cartwheels.” The ethereal synth melodies, intermittent layered guitars, and angular vocal lines shared between the band lyrically reflect home life through a singular lens (a tribute to TK Please ask for references). Maxx, Coffee, Egyptian Bed Sheets). With creative choices that allow each member to showcase what they do best, they look completely at ease while demonstrating their ability to create purposefully flashy music. “Cartwheels” is the beginning of Soft Launch’s journey towards a very bright and colorful future. (Kyle Rosniak)
UGLY – icy windy sky
With the increasing TikTokization of music, songs often feel like they're getting shorter by the minute, but Ugly's latest work proves that longer songs can be just as captivating. At a (whopping) seven minutes long, “Icy Windy Sky” meditates on the fragility of life amidst a sea of dynamic instrumental music. Between soaring choral textures and warm acoustics, the sextet revels in an eclectic, shape-shifting sound. Taken from their debut EP, Twice Around The Sun, it's safe to say that Ugly are already laying a solid foundation for their future trajectory. (Emily Savage)
Itching – Ursula
The Itch, the London-based duo made up of former Regressive Leftists Georgia Hardy and Simon Tilley, pay homage to cult author Ursula K. Le Guin with their debut single. The seven-minute synth pop extravaganza explores the utopian themes that characterized her 1974 novel The Dispossessed, set against a backdrop of 80s-inspired retro pop sounds. The seven-minute opening effort is definitely a bold move, but The Itch executes it with great style. (Gemma Cockrell)
Lulu. – let go
The latest work from South London's LULU. – Released from her upcoming debut EP Dear Dis Oriented Soul (scheduled for release on May 15th via AMF Records), this work is a love child that fuses soulful R&B and pop, with a touch of gospel influence. It is shaped with a contemporary edge. “Let Go,” co-written with producer Elevated, features a mellow guitar line and clear Afrobeat-style percussion, over which LULU's luscious vocals fit effortlessly. She said, “'Let Go' expresses unconditional love.” [she] was discovered inside [her] Titled “Faith'', it shows that she is an artist who is able to deftly incorporate the emotions that her faith evokes with her passion for music. (Kyle Rosniak)
Victory Lap – Jealousy
Delving into the complex experience of developing romantic feelings for someone you're already in a relationship with, Victory Lap here explores the complex emotions and challenges that arise in such situations. With a nostalgic ballroom feel reminiscent of 1950s romance ballads, the band's debut single 'Jealousy' became a hot topic following festival performances and support slots across the East Midlands and beyond, with Nottingham's It shows that the quintet has entered the scene in style. . (Katie Macbeth)