Tracks Of The Week, 26.03.15 - GigslutzGigslutz

Upon hearing Hot Shorts for the first time last week on Marc Riley’s 6Music show, I became a fan instantly. Hailing from Manchester, the band released their debut EP back in January and have since been taking the Manchester scene by storm with an array of live dates, and have supported rising star, Kiran Leonard.

The Web Design EP is a collection of four fantastic songs filled with the apathy of modern life – telling tales of everyday, relatable problems and menial worries. My chosen track from the EP is ‘I Don’t Want To Do My Job Anymore’: a perfect ode to 21st century worries and the typical, modern-day ambition of wanting to be a ‘self-employed web designer’.

Despite its grunge-inspired angsty tone, stripped down chords and fuzzy feedback, Hot Shorts create songs about the grief of one’s website looking shit, rather than hating yourself and wanting to die… A wonderfully witty, endearingly rough-around-the edges, Weezer-esque creation filled with catchy hooks and raw melodies that – if you’re anything like me – will have you craving a live date with Hot Shorts in the very near future.

With talents ranging from international gymnastics to fashion design, as well as singing and songwriting, it seems that Malka (aka Tamara Schlesinger) can do no wrong. Having featured on the soundtrack of ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’, been part of the group 6 Day Riot and released two solo albums, Schlesinger has now decided to record under the new name of Malka.

Following ‘Into The Night’, Malka’s latest single ‘Let It Go’ oozes an African/tribal sound not dissimilar to the immense MIA. With twinkly, uptempo beats, honey-sweet vocals and jangly melodies, it’s a wonderfully dance-able slice of alt-pop with a unique groove. Exuding joyfully smooth, chilled out vibes, ‘Let It Go’ will leave you in a sunny state of ecstasy, ready for the summer.

‘Let It Go’ is out 30th March.

The last single to be taken from last year’s album Testament, ‘Hearts And Minds’ is the latest offering to come from Dorset husband and wife duo, The Gravity Drive. As with previous releases, this track flows serenely with delicate melodies, enchanting harmonies and an inspired, anthemic tone.

Reminiscent of early Morcheeba, ‘Hearts And Minds’ once again proves The Gravity Drive’s mastery in the art of creating twinkly, ethereal pop that glistens with impassioned hope and positivity. A dreamily catchy track whose effervescent melodies you will be left humming for days on end.

‘Hearts And Minds’ is out 18th May, and you can catch The Gravity Drive live on one of their summer dates:

Sat 18th April 1pm: Record Store Day, Bridport Music

Wed 27th May: Cheese and Grain, Frome

Sun 31st May: The Railway Inn, Winchester

Sat 6th June: The Alresford Music Festival, Alresford

Tue 16th June: ‘Testament’ Acoustic: Netherbury Church, Netherbury

26-28th June: Glastonbury Festival

Sat 11th July: Jurassic Fields Festival: Bridport

The North-Eastern supergroup are back: complete with a matching video, SLUG’s latest single, ‘Greasy Mind’, is slightly heavier in sound than previously released tracks, but is just as sublimely eccentric and enjoyable. In fact, upon seeing the band live at St Moritz a couple of months back, it was my highlight of the night.

With syncopated beats, Ian Black’s smooth, languid vocals and cowbells a plenty, ‘Greasy Mind’ once again perfectly showcases SLUG’s unique brand of experimental rock. As flurries of rock-inspired riffs are juxtaposed with electronic, synthy interludes, it’s the perfect amalgamation of an eclectic range of influences. Although one could perhaps try to compare it to the likes of fellow electro-rockers, Hot Chip, what SLUG create is utterly unique and their latest offering proves just why they are my favourite band of 2015.

SLUG’s debut album, Ripe, is set for release on Memphis Industries 13th April, with a host of live dates coming up too:

27th March – Manchester, The Ritz (w/ Dutch Uncles)

4th April – Stockton Calling Festival

12th April – Newcastle, The Cluny

13th April – London, Lexington

15th April – Mono Café, Glasgow

16th April – Soup Kitchen, Manchester

16th May – Great Escape, Brighton

20th-23rd August – Green Man Festival