Tracks Of The Week, 05.07.14 - GigslutzGigslutz

Starting life as a duo back in 2012, with just Liv Willars and Jen Calleja, Feature have now gained a third member – Heather Perkins. Having just released their debut EP, this freshly formed trio deliver cheerful, fuzzy punk-pop with a subtle aggressive edge. Latest single ‘Psalms’ is a perfect fusion between alluring, gentle vocals and an energetic, punk-inspired attitude.

With shades of ‘90s sensations Elastica, as well as current Manchester success story, Pins, Feature deliver unique honeyed melodies with a welcome bitter-sweet after taste. A musical treat that will leave you hungry for more. Thanks to Marc Riley for once again introducing me to something wonderful for my ears to feast on.

Feature’s EP ‘Culture Of A Copy’ is out now via Tye Die Tapes.

If it’s a bit of bass-filled dance you’re after, then look no further. Following in the footsteps of dance heroes, Massive Attack, Bristol’s finest – Dr Meaker – return with new single, ‘Right Back’. Featuring Sian Evans on vocals, this track oozes fresh, summer vibes whilst retaining all the grimey soul you’d expect from a bass collective.

Exuding a sunny energy and a classic funk sample (Dynasty’s ‘Adventures In The Land of Music’), ‘Right Back’ makes it impossible to stand still as its groovy, uplifting beats flow. With the addition of Evans’ smooth, hypnotic vocals, Dr Meaker would appear to be onto a winner here.

Already receiving a mass of airplay in clubland, as well as from the likes of Huw Stephens, ‘Right Back’ will prove the perfect accompaniment to any summer party.

Tender Prey, aka Laura Byron (not to be confused with the Nick Cave album…), have lately been receiving plenty of airplay from Marc Riley as well as lots of love from me. Latest single ‘Tequila Worm’ provides us with a dark take on bluesy garage-rock that will have your head swaying and feet tapping in no time. With reflective lyrics such as “We drink to dance” (a sentiment I agree with wholeheartedly), ‘Tequila Worm’ is an addictively catchy track that fuses together a perfect balance of uplifting surfer vibes and heartfelt soul.

‘The Tequila Worm’ is out now, via bandcamp, and Tender Prey’s debut album ‘Organ Calzone’ will be released on Bird Records/Finders Keepers in the Autumn.

With a prolific career already under his belt, it would seem that Dean Leggett is reluctant to stop there: having been in ‘80s indie-pop sensation BOB (who have just re-released their 1990 LP), as well as Carter Usm, Leggett now drums for new project One Eyed Wayne. Having received acclaim from the likes of Gideon Coe and Tom Robinson over the last couple of years, One Eyed Wayne deliver punk-infused comments on modern life with refreshing wit and honesty.

Latest track ‘After The Break’ is filled with insightful lyrical storytelling and a catchy beat, and has already been promised a play on Chris Hawkins’ 6music show. The first taster of their debut album, this track will leave you eager for more of One Eyed Wayne’s unique, unconventional post punk outbursts. With a video out at the end of the month, featuring Xfm’s Liam Young, I have a feeling exciting things lie in store for this quintet from North London… Watch this space.