Tracks Of The Week, 11.03.15 - GigslutzGigslutz

Cleo Tucker and Harmony Tividad, aka Girlpool, have been making waves of late with their raw, punk-fused creations. Havimg released their self-titled EP at the end of 2014, they have now recorded their debut album and are set to make appearances at Bestival and End Of The Road festivals.

New single, ‘Ideal World’ is a wonderfully raw, stripped-down creation; with just the gentle twang of the bass and guitar providing gentle jangly melodies, the subtle power of the vocals is intensified. As flawless harmonies flow, ‘Ideal World’ exudes a disjointed charm: a fresh slice of punk with an endearing, introspective vulnerability.

Before the World Was Big is out 1st June and can be pre-ordered here. The pre-order includes an instant grat download of ‘Ideal World’ via iTunes.

A Northern Irish rapper? I hear you ask… How unusual. But that’s just what Bee Mick See is. Well, Northern Irish via Portland, Oregon, as reflected in the title of his new album – The Belfast Yank. Recorded with the help of Rocky O’Reilly (Oppenheimer, General Fiasco,Malibu Shark Attack), fittingly The Belfast Yank merges Irish and American culture in a completely original way.

The latest single to be taken from the album, ‘Death’, featuring guest rappers Roysta and Eternia, is a wonderful fusion of an eclectic range of musical ingredients. Bee Mick See’s unique, upbeat rap is strewn alongside anthemic melodies on fiddle, the harsher, punk-inspired rhymes of Roysta and Eternia’s potent, soulful vocals.

Refreshingly staying away from any of the stereotypical rap themes of misogyny or excess, Bee Mick See tells well-versed, poetic tales juxtaposed with anthemic melodic interludes, resulting in an infinitely catchy, light-hearted creation. Bee Mick See has managed to skillfully fuse together a range of genres with passion and humour, thus creating something utterly unique.

The Belfast Yank is available digitally from 16th March, and I’m very much looking forward to having a listen.

Norwegian, Swedish-based, singer-songwriter Ane Brun has released details of a brand new single. Featuring musical aid from fellow Swede, John Eriksson of Peter Bjorn & John, ‘Directions’ is filled with Brun’s shimmering vocals and twinkling piano as it glides smoothly into your ears. Alongside the angelic melodies, funky bass lines and intense beats steadily keep pace, only adding to this track’s resplendent beauty.

Accompanied by a video that proves Brun is multi-talented as she dances along perfectly to the beat, ‘Directions’ is an enchanting musical delight.

‘Directions’ is out now on Balloon Ranger Recordings, with Brun’s forthcoming album due for release in Autumn.

I’ve banged on about young, Derbyshire duo, George Mills and Woody Arnold – aka 5 Days Of November – before, and for good reason. Live, they’re an incredible force of pummelling energy and impassioned vigour. And, having received airplay on BBC Introducing and supported The Subways on their recent tour, it seems I’m not alone in my admiration for the immense wall of sound created by these two young men.

New single, ‘Snake Charm’, showcases the band’s unique talent perfectly. With expertly executed riotous riffs and immaculate beats that’ll pound against your eardrums in all the right ways, here is a track that’ll grab you and pull you into its vivacious spirit without fail. Alongside Mills’ climactic, intense vocals, harmonies flow and drums thrash, creating a sonic cacophony that could have easily been created by a band ten times 5DON’s size.

‘Snake Charm’ is out now – download or buy a limited 1/50 edition CD here.