Tracks Of The Week 28.02.14 - GigslutzGigslutz

Watford-based trio, Spitfires, blast out Mod-infused, vigorous Punk-Rock with a contemporary edge. Having already received much acclaim for their previous two singles, and completed a headline tour that met with great success, it seems that it’s not just music that Spitfires excel at: they’ve also been part of an esteemed advertising campaign for the classic Baracuta Harrington jacket, and this year are involved in promoting – my personal choice of shoe – Dr Marten’s.

Filled with Billy Sullivan’s husky, Weller-esque vocals, booming bass lines and appropriately raucous, retro riffs, ‘I’m Holding On’ oozes a raw energy that rips through the listener compellingly. A must-listen for lovers of all-things-mod, or – infact – lovers of all-things-great, full stop.

Houston-bred, Minneapolis-based, Lizzo, is one of the most innovative, creative hip-hop artists in the world today. With her seamless delivery, Lizzo has an inspired talent for word-play and an ability to insightfully comment on society in an informed – yet witty – way, whilst oozing a unique charisma that it is impossible not to fall in love with.

Whilst my admiration and slight addiction to all things Lizzo marks a step away from my usual penchant for all things guitar-based, her remarkable song-writing talent, alluring feistiness and willingness to challenge stereotypes and societal norms have left me completely captivated.

Whereas her infamous debut, ‘Batches And Cookies’, saw us introduced to her fun side, showcasing her ability for wordplay and wit, latest single – ‘Faded’ – is a much more poetic offering, displaying Lizzo’s ability to effectively fuse together upbeat rap with bursts of her smooth, soulful vocals. With typically poignant lyrics, ‘Faded’ is an empowering message of strength; enlightened and insightful, whilst retaining all of the catchiness and charisma of ‘Batches and Cookies’.

Sensationally oozing with talent, sizzling soul and exuding a plethora of styles and an eclectic range of influences, Lizzo is one in a million, the sheer beauty and aptitude of whom should not be ignored. Just listen to ‘Faded’ and you’ll fall in love like I have.

Lizzo’s debut solo album ‘Lizzobangers’ is a creative collaboration between Lizzo and producers Lazerbreak (Doomtree) and Ryan Olson (Polica), and is out now for your devourment.

Sticking with ladies called Liz, indie folkster Liz Lawrence is due to release a new EP this Spring and her new video – ‘Health And Safety’ – is infectiously lovely. With previous, poignant, track, ‘When I Was Younger’, having been used in teen, blood-sucking fave ‘The Vampire Diaries’, Lawrence’s charming, lilting tone has become widespread and well loved (and not just with youngsters who have a taste for the red stuff). Since seeing her live in the appropriately atmospheric and enchanting St Pancras Old Church, I too have become a fan of her down to earth charm and delightful doses of poetic loveliness.

‘Health And Safety’ presents us with a bit less folk and a bit more ‘rock’ than previous material, but manages to retain Lawrence’s intimately endearing magnetism and gentle pop hooks that we have come to love. And perhaps this slight development of style is reflected in the lyrics “Stuck between rock and roll and health and safety” – a dilemma I, too, often find myself in…

Just a truly lovely track, with a nostalgic and engaging montage of a video. Go on, let your hair grow long and give it a listen.

Swedish trio (none of whom are called Liz, unfortunately…), Simian Ghost, have a habit of caressing the eardrums with twinkly indie-pop, and new single ‘Echoes Of Songs (For Trish Keenan)’ is no different.

However, veering slightly from the electro-pop sound of 2012’s album – ‘Youth’ – ,‘Echoes Of Songs’ is a wonderfully atmospheric, hallucinogenic offering with hints of Shoegaze. A tribute to Broadcast’s Trish Keenan (who died three years ago), this subtly stirring track is the Swedish outfit’s way of saying thank you to Keenan, whose music they felt inspired by and indebted to – evident in the neo-psychedelic sound we are presented with here.

A perfect tribute, ‘Echoes Of Songs’ is filled with characteristic heartfelt harmonies, majestic melodies and enchanting vocals – a glistening, dreamy soundscape that will have you floating away on a cloud of ethereal beauty.

Simian Ghost’s new album, ‘The Veil’, will be released in April.