Tracks Of The Week, 01.04.16 - GigslutzGigslutz

Having already clocked up over 475,000 listens on YouTube in less than three weeks, ‘Horses’ – the new single from Polish musician Brodka – is a perfect slice of orchestral alt-pop.

Played on last week’s Gigslutz Girls’ New Music Show, ‘Horses’ opens with the line “I am a car crash girl…”, taken from Kim Gordon’s description of Courtney Love in her autobiography, showing an insight into Brodka’s interests and inspirations. However, there is nothing ‘car crash’ about this track; it is a wonderfully haunting offering oozing shimmering melodies alongside smooth, effervescent vocals.

Accompanied by a beautiful, yet somewhat dark, video, ‘Horses’ is taken from Brodka’s first full English language album Clashes, set for release 13 May via Play It Again Sam.

First catching my attention on BBC 6Music’s coverage of SXSW, LA high school students Franky Flowers create fuzzy, grunge-inspired offerings.

Despite the band’s young age, on listening to Franky Flowers I’m filled with a nostalgia for the early noughties punk-rock of my youth, and nights spent moshing at my local dingy club… However, the raw, racing energy of latest single ‘Corpse’ is a breath of fresh air, despite its morbid subject matter. It’s a vibrant, infectiously catchy track that’ll leave you hungry for more.

Hailed as “the rocktronica queen of experimental music” in her native Sweden, multi-instrumentalist Sofia Hardig has shared the stage with the likes of Lydia Lunch, as well as Stevie Jackson from Belle And Sebastian. Now, ready to take the rest of the world by storm, she has shared her latest offering.

Filled with screeching guitars and throbbing beats alongside the stunning, raw vocals of Hardig, ‘Streets’ is a gritty, anthemic creation which will suck you into its intense energy. With shades of Alison Mosshart, or Karen O, Hardig has proved herself to be an innovative artist worthy of her royal title.

‘Streets’ is set for release 29 April.

With a career that’s spanned across four decades, Seattle band The Posies have now returned with their eighth album. With the sudden and sad loss of long time drummer Darius last year, founding members Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow decided a reinvention was in order.

Although retaining their trademark sweeping melodies and twinkling harmonies, new track ‘Squirrel Vs Snake’ explores pressing issues such as social disharmony and threats to intellectual freedom. It’s a cinematic ode to the present day, with traces of the likes of Death Cab For Cutie, as well as more traditional Americana.

Solid States, the upcoming eighth album from The Posies, is out 29 April, and they play The 100 Club on the 6 April.