Tracks Of The Week, 28.03.14

Not much happens in Bridport… I should know – my parents moved there after I left home, escaped to the country and all that. An unpretentious, South West, coastal town, home to Billy Bragg, Palmers beer and some stunning pastoral views, it is perhaps not the kind of place you would expect a new wave of dreamy Shoegaze to be buzzing from. But that’s where you’re wrong – HUSH! are doing just that.

Having received airplay from the wonderful Lauren Laverne, latest single – ‘Cruel’ – oozes an ethereal aura with a perfect balance of majestic melodies, smouldering synths and analog drum beats. Reminiscent of the twinklier side of The Cocteau Twins, or current Shoegaze superstars – Toy – it seems Hush! are able to create a delightfully dazzling haze of indie pop that will brighten even the wettest of April days.

The most exciting thing to come out of Bridport since… A nice pint of Copper Ale.

Ben Harper’s music has always been eclectic, to say the least: from the wistfully melodic, folky ‘Welcome To The Cruel World’ to the heavy, reggae-inspired rock of ‘Burn To Shine’, and having won prizes for contributions to both blues and gospel. And now, to add to his repertoire, he has gone and recorded an album with… his mum. A feat not  many rock stars can claim to have achieved.

First single to be taken from this collaborative effort, ‘A House Is A Home’, would appear to see Harper return to his mellow, folk-inspired roots. Filled with heartwarming harmonies between mother and son, traditional acoustic Americana-esque melodies and soulfully nostalgic reflections, this is a simple, yet poignant, offering that will tug at the heart strings with its delicate beauty.

Ben and Ellen’s, aptly named, album – ‘Childhood Home’  – is set for release May 6th via Prestige Folklore. And if – like me – you’re a fan of all things Harper, you can catch him on his UK tour later this month:

27th April – London Palladium

28th April – The Lowry, Salford Quays

29th April – Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Not your average alt-rock band, Nostalghia deliver haunting, elevated musical musings with dark undertones a plenty and theatrical vocals. With a new album out on 8th April, Ciscandra Nostalghia, Roy Gnan and Adele Stein create compelling, other worldly anthems with shades of the ‘90s Industrial movement.

‘You + I’’ is a captivating taster of the new album; as Ciscandra’s overwhelming, eeriely beautiful, Kate Bush-esque vocals soar, gentle melodies sparkle, sweeping strings flow and an accompaniment of dark electro beats pulsates through your bones. A bold, inspiring and perfectly unique offering that has already been receiving acclaim from the likes of SOAD’s Serj Tankian and Slayer’s Dave Lombardo to Skrillex and Marilyn Manson.

Nostalghia’s debut album, ‘Chrysalis’ is out 8th April (110Records/INgrooves).

Scottish indie-rockers, Fatherson, have been making waves on their home turf for quite some time now, selling out shows and making a name for themselves; and now it’s the rest of the world’s turn to have the privilege of hearing their anthemic ballads. Having supported the likes of Frightened Rabbit, Idlewild and Lonely The Brave, Fatherson have now also been included in a compilation put together by Radio 1’s Ally McCrae – New Moons: Volume 1.

With a debut album set for 7th April – our first glance of what they have in store, in the video for  ‘I Like Not Knowing’, fills you with hope of what’s to come. Fusing together charming melodies reminiscent of Scottish folk-rock kings, Idlewild, with Biffy Clyro-esque climatic riffs and angst-filled outbursts, Fatherson deliver catchy and dynamic, emotion-filled ballads that will set your pulses racing and lighters glowing…

As well as investing in their debut album, ‘A Modern Way’, from 7th April, you can also catch Fatherson (rumour has it they’re pretty epic live) on their UK Tour:

13th April – Manchester – Gullivers

14th April – Liverpool – Korova

15th April – Bristol – Thekla

16th April – London – Barfly

17th April – Cambridge – Portland Arms

26th April – Glasgow – Arches

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.