Tracks Of The Week, 20.01.15 - GigslutzGigslutz

Immediately taking me back to the late ‘90s wave of gritty, grunge-infused indie pop, Colleen Green’s latest single contains all the crunching guitars you could ask for, strewn alongside her delicate, sugary vocals.

Reminiscent of the likes of ‘90s greats, Sleeper, ‘Pay Attention’ hits you with a wall of incessant, driving drums and climatic beats that will set your pulses racing and have you reaching for repeat in an instant. Green has succeeded in creating a refreshing dose of fuzzy punk-rock and I can’t wait to hear more.

I Want To Grow Up, the new album from Colleen Green, is out 24th February via Hardly Art.

Having been receiving plenty of acclaim over the airwaves lately, with a recent session with Radio 2’s Dermot O’Leary, Reading’s The Fleas deliver melodic folk-rock with a unique edge.

Inspired by Christopher McDougall’s book on barefoot runners of yore, ‘Born To Run’ apparently draws on the “sense of empowerment” one gains when running (I’ve yet to be convinced of this, but each to their own) and oozes optimism and an anthemic sense of joy.

With traces of early noughties indie-pop, stomping beats, wailing guitars and intense driving momentum, ‘Born To Run’ is a slice of chaotic brilliance that will have you speeding off into the distance faster than you can say Bruce Springsteen…

The Fleas’ upcoming EP, Telling Tales, is out 27th April, but – in the meantime – you can download ‘Born To Run’ for free here.

A particular favourite of 6 Music’s Marc Riley, The Wave Pictures have been delivering their unique, upbeat creations for some time now and have now made a welcome return to our earwaves with their brand new single.

‘I Could Hear The Telephone (3 Floors Above Me)’ is a fantastically uptempo offering with a real blues-rock vibe. Amalgamating cheery harmonies and immense riffs, it exudes an effervescent, sunny optimism that shines through above the rather droll wit of the lyrics. Paying homage to ‘60s rock ‘n’ roll, spirited melodies flow effortlessly and the track even comes complete with its own searing guitar solo.

The Wave Pictures’, rather wonderfully entitled, upcoming record, Great Big Flamingo Burning Moon, is out via Moshi Moshi on 16th February.

In keeping with the seemingly uplifting theme of this week’s TOTW, here’s another one to sweep away those January blues… ‘In Vain’ is a fantastically flamboyant, wonderfully wacky offering from fellow Tooting-ites, Movie.

Following their debut single, ‘Ads’ – which received airplay from the likes of Lauren Laverne, Zane Lowe and Steve Lamacq – ‘In Vain’ is an imaginative, tongue-in-cheek creation oozing colour and energy. With an uptempo, ‘80s pop vibe, funk-fused riffs and jaunty rhythms, it doesn’t sound too dissimilar to the sparky hooks of Edywn Collins’ Orange Juice days, and – overflowing with youthful charisma and swagger – it is here to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step.