Tracks Of The Week, 27.05.16

With political journalist-turned musician Anika as their front woman, newly formed Exploded View are sure to explode onto the music scene with their distinctive amalgamation of sounds.

With a debut album due out in August, Exploded View have now shared a brand new track. ‘Orlando’ oozes soulful electronica alongside Anika’s deep, sweeping vocals. Filled with rich layers of a variety of sounds – including thrashing beats, twinkling synths and eerie drones – it’s a track unique in its simplistic beauty and sparkling, cinematic grandeur.

Exploded View, the eponymous debut album, is out 19 August via Sacred Bones.

Having recently signed to City Slang (Caribou, Gold Panda), Gotheburg-based artist sir Was has just announced his debut EP, along with a brand new video for one of its tracks.

Skilfully fusing together hip hop, indie rock and electronica, ‘Falcon’ is laden with heavy beats and distinctive vocals juxtaposed with synth-filled melodies and fluid musicality. Combining danceable rhythms and summery, chilled-out vibes, it’s the perfect accompaniment to the upcoming sunny (fingers crossed!) bank holiday weekend.

Says Hi, the debut EP from sir Was, is out 3 June via City Slang.

Having formed at art school in Brighton, London-based musicians Alice Go, Bella Podpadec and Rakel Mjoll – aka Dream Wife – are currently making waves in the world of new music, with a debut EP out now and having just wowed crowds at The Great Escape.

New single ‘Kids’ is a wonderfully uptempo track, filled with sweet, hazy vocals, catchy hooks and zig-zagging melodies. Reminiscent of the likes of Best Coast, or even (one of my favourites) upcoming band The Orielles, ‘Kids’ is a scuzzy slice of sunny surf-pop; a delicious treat for the ears.

The self-titled debut EP from Dream Wife is out now, and will be available on limited edition 12” vinyl on 29 July.

Following the success of their Sistah Punk EP, London Riot Grrrl-inspired band Big Joanie are back with a brand new track.

‘Crooked Room’ draws on a talk by Melissa Harris Perry in which she compared the way that black women have to negotiate our racist, sexist society whilst maintaining a sense of self to trying to find your vertical in a ‘crooked room’.

Blasting out distorted riffs, simple melodies and raw, impassioned vocals, ‘Crooked Room’ oozes a subtle power and gritty edge. Big Joanie get their point across with a refreshing honesty in just over one and half minutes; it’s short and sweet, no frills punk.

You should also definitely check out Big Joanie’s cover of TLC’s ‘No Scrubs’ at their Soundcloud. It’s awesome.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Mari Lane

Mari Lane

Editor, London. Likes: Kathleen Hanna, 6Music, live music in the sunshine. Dislikes: Sexism, pineapples, the misuse of apostrophes.