Tracks Of The Week, 15.06.16 - GigslutzGigslutz

Never has a track title been so apt as London-based BARLI’s ‘Speechless’, the completely honest emotion leaving you just that. With an accompanying video pairing her ethereal, heart-wrenching vocals with equally ethereal pink hues and movements, ‘Speechless’ is a track from the heart – and something we can all relate to in some way.

Under the vocals, the beats give the track a sort of anthemic feel: ‘Speechless’ manages to be super calming whilst having a simultaneously huge sound. The track secures BARLI as a music force to be reckoned with. It’s almost impossible not to fall under her spell.

BARLI plays Soho House on 2 August.

It seems too common – and too much of a cop-out – to dub any heavy, female vocals as ‘riot grrrl’ inspired. That said, sometimes it’s just true, as is the case with Norwich four-piece CLAWS. Taken from their upcoming EP of the same name, ‘Daydream’ combines such an attitude with a surf-punk approach.

Mixing the scuzzy sound of the bass and guitars with sunny, pop sensibilities shining through in the vocals, ‘Daydream’ is a punk tune for the summer. It’s proof that you don’t have to be completely bitter to be cool.

Daydream EP is due out 2 July 2016.

Who knew four grown men ‘dancing’, playing instruments on swings and playing ping pong could be quite so cool.

Yet The Gotobeds have done it, with their latest track ‘Cold Gold’. As the band (and video cast) describe it: “‘Cold Gold’ features four grown men performing a highly choreographed dance routine set to beautiful music”, and while the highly choreographed dance routine must be questioned, the track itself is a winner.

With its post-punk aggression and lyrics to shout along to, ‘Cold Gold’ is two and a half minutes of pure enjoyment.

The album Blood // Sugar // Secs // Traffic is out now via Sub Pop.

Between recording in LA and mixing in Kent, Syd Arthur’s upcoming album is set to combine the Californian sunshine with the humble studio sound of their hometown. What we can tell from the title track, however, is that said sound is entirely their own.

‘Apricity’ is one of those tracks that you want to both dissect for its fantastic musicianship, and (for pretty much the same reason) almost mindlessly enjoy. Combining psych-rock elements with an air of electro, it’s impossible not to tap your feet. Another astonishingly apt track name, for those unaware apricity is the feeling of being warmed by the sun – and somehow this track seems to create that feeling.

Catch Syd Arthur live:

18 June – London, Bushstock Festival
24 June – Glastonbury, Glastonbury Festival
25 June – Glastonbury, Glastonbury Festival
13 July – London, Electrowerkz