PLAYLIST: August 2016

Wondering what August 2016 sounds like? Well according to us it’s something like this…

Toy – ‘Endlessly’

Alternative five-piece Toy excel at moody vocals and atmospheric guitar. They’re playing a free show at The Shacklewell Arms on 10th August. Get down early, it’s going to be rammed. (Kate Crudington)

The King Blues – ‘Save The World, Get The Girl’

Reading & Leeds are fast approaching and further down the lineup, The King Blues are making a return to the music scene. Let’s hope the weather stays good because nothing could be nicer than listening to ‘Save The World, Get The Girl’ in festival sun… (Melissa Svensen)

Two Door Cinema Club – ‘Bad Decisions’

Have I just found your new go-to dance track for the bipolar weathered month of August? Yeah, yeah I have. Feeling like a completely new direction for the band, this disco tinged tune still manages to keep all the best bits of a Two Door Cinema Club effort; incredible vocals, sophisticated production and a chorus that is hard not to fall a bit in love with. I’ll shimmy race you to the dance floor. (Katie Muxworthy)

HONNE – ‘Warm On A Cold Night’

If you’re yet to fall to the warm electronic charm of HONNE, the title track of the debut album “Warm on a Cold Night” is set to do just that. Full of modern romance, sleek production and not too far reminiscent of a more pop version of James Blake – the East London based pair are fast becoming my summer favourites. (KM)

HAIM – ‘My Song 5’

The sisters from Los Angeles were due to appear at Reading & Leeds this month, but they’ve cancelled their European tour dates because they’re at “a critical point of finishing up” their new album. Guess we’ll have to make do with their 2013 debut Days Are Gone, until then. (KC)

BANKS – ‘Fuck With Myself’

I have been waiting with baited breath for new music from the pop powerhouse that is BANKS, since the debut album Goddess. Her first release of the year, this velvety, sexy effort is to be taken from the WAY overdue sophomore album, due for release at the end of September. The Californian singer’s none apologetic slick gloomy pop is effortlessly cool. So until then, I suggest having this track on repeat. (KM)

Rihanna – ‘Same Ol’ Mistakes’

The Barbadian pop star will be headlining V Festival on the weekend of the 20th. This cover of Tame Impala’s trippy tune is taken from her most recent album, Anti. (KC)

Joy Division – ‘Atmosphere’

As I’m sure is true for many, I’ve just binge-watched and become utterly obsessed by ‘Stranger Things’. As well as being a completely wonderful piece of thrilling, emotional, fantastical television, it also has a fantastic soundtrack. Set in the ’80s, it comes complete with some absolute classic tunes, including this hauntingly beautiful offering from Joy Division, which I’d forgotten just how much I love. (Mari Lane)

The Jezabels – ‘Smile’

An incredible reason to smile: The Jezabels (who had to cancel a world tour earlier this year due to health issues for keyboardist Heather Shannon’s) are now heading back on to the road. No doubt UK dates will follow soon, and this will join other numbers from this year’s Synthia on their first live outing. (Dan Bull)

The Regrettes – ‘A Living Human Girl’

Feminist punk-rockers The Regrettes have previously supported the likes of Peaches and Kate Nash, and are set to tour with the awesome Sleigh Bells in November. The latest offering from the band is a witty, empowering, no-nonsense ode to the double standards women and girls face. (ML)

The Cribs – ‘Shoot The Poets’

I think I’ll be hung up on The Cribs’ Y Not? set for a very long time, and the acoustic rendition of ‘Shoot The Poets’ acted as one of many reminders as to why the Wakefield lads are one of the most exciting bands, well, ever. (MS)

GANGS – ‘Thieves’

Glasgow rockers GANGS have released their thrashing debut single. ‘Thieves’ races with throbbing bass lines and a chaotic energy reminiscent of the likes of Slaves. Let your ears feast on this punked-up rock ‘n’ roll. (ML) 

Eagles Of Death Metal – ‘Save A Prayer’

Since the tragic events of their Paris concert last year, EODM’s cover of Duran Duran’s ‘Save A Prayer’ has become something of an anthem for the cause. Expect mobile phones and the odd lighters aloft when they play London later this month. (DB)

Pet Shop Boys – ‘Burn’

One of the highlights of last month’s Inner Sanctum dates at the Royal Opera House, ‘Burn’ (from this year’s Super) harks back to their earlier, huge horn/synth blasts (‘It’s A Sin’, ‘Always On My Mind’) while lyrics about how they’ll “burn this disco down” hint that it’s one for the dance floor. (DB)

Dan Bull

Dan Bull

Reviews Editor
London. Likes: Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts, Prince Charles Cinema, Duran Duran Dislikes: Soreen, All-hits setlists, "I liked them before everyone else..."