Tracks Of The Week, 08.04.16 - GigslutzGigslutz

With nods to the sophisticated rock ‘n roll of the ’50s and ‘60s, ‘Angeline’ – the lead track from Land Lovers’ upcoming album – does nostalgia the right way. As the band themselves are aware, it’s “lyrically faithful”, innocent schoolyard tales of love and gangs, but rightfully true to the band drawing on lead vocalist Padraig Cooney’s own childhood.

Complex and crooning, what initially started as a solo project has grown seamlessly into a five-piece, with a sound seemingly made for the larger group. ‘Angeline’ is a perfect ode to the past (both musically and personally), and proof of exactly what you can do with guitar pop.

The Rooks Have Returned, the upcoming album from Land Lovers, is out 16 May on Popical Island.

Though Mira Aasma has been compared to the likes of Daughter and London Grammar (both very fair comparisons), something about her seems to stand out from the crowd. Perhaps owing to the fact that at just 19 years old, the Gothenburg-born vocalist has a maturity way beyond her years, or perhaps boiling down to the simple fact of her immense talent, she’s something special.

Out on 8^th April, her debut single ‘Whale Song’ is just a taste of her capabilities. It’s gloriously epic; both edgy and indisputably beautiful. Layering soothing vocals over harsh electronic beats, ‘Whale Song’ is, while a little unsettling, truly captivating.

‘Whale Song’ is out 8 April on Birds Records.

Sometimes the best thing to do among the madness of Record Store Day releases is take a step away from the £50 box sets containing a collection of records you already own, and explore the releases from newer bands. Among those out this year is The Velvet Hands with ‘Trains’.

Combining elements and attitudes of The Cribs, Libertines and The Strokes, The Velvet Hands are about as indie as it gets. Don’t be thrown by that, however, as ‘Trains’ proves that with their snarling vocals and intense riffs, The Velvet Hands are a refreshing break from the posy indie that seems to be floating around, instead opting for raw charisma and chaos.

‘Trains’ is out 16 April as a limited 7” and 29 April digitally.

Written in an “asbestos haze on a building site in Peckham”, South London trio Beaty Heart’s latest offering is as wonderfully colourful – and perhaps as damaged – as you’d imagine. With its overriding summery feel and carefree vocals, ‘Soft Like Clay’ tackles the struggles and frustrations of being an artist without crossing into unnecessary melancholy.

Mirroring the transformative nature of this track – one that was constantly reworked and remoulded – the alt-pop trio tackle transformation in the lyricism itself. Though it’s easy to get lost in the shimmering sunniness of the track, the lyrics are where it becomes truly interesting, discussing the problems artists face in forging “a path that conflicts with the expectations and demands of society”.

Beaty Heart’s upcoming album Till The Tomb is due for release on 29 July.