Tracks Of The Week, 17.03.16 - GigslutzGigslutz

Taken from their imminent sophomore album, Grow Up, Desperate Journalist have graced ears with their latest offering ‘Be Kind’.

‘Be Kind’ is nothing short of exciting; Jo Bevan’s gorgeously longing vocals on top of Rob Hardy’s melodic guitar lines make for a wonderful combination. Adding to the excitement, Desperate Journalist throw in a false ending, before a final push that rounds off ‘Be Kind’ as brilliantly as it started.

‘Be Kind’ is a final taste of just how good Grow Up is going to be before we’re graced with the final product – a long-awaited release set to surpass even the highest expectations.

Grow Up is available to pre-order now from Fierce Panda.

Citing Neil Young, Simon and Garfunkel and Joni Mitchell as influences, it’s impossible to imagine Marvin Powell’s creations to be anything short of beautiful – and luckily he doesn’t disappoint.

With the title track from his debut EP Salt, Powell’s showing off his well-rehearsed songwriting. Performing since the age of 16 – refusing to play covers – songwriting is something Powell completely understands, ‘Salt’ blending haunting beauty with an underlying melancholy.

Only improved by his voice, ‘Salt’ is goose-bump raising in a way that few people are capable of. This is cynicism and melancholia done completely right.

Salt EP is out March 20 via Skeleton Key. Marvin Powell heads out on tour with She Drew The Gun this month:

March:
Fri 24 London, Oslo
Sat 25 Liverpool, Central Library
Sun 26 Newcastle, The Cluny
Tue 28 Bath, Komedia Arts Café
Wed 29 Bristol, The Exchange
Thu 30 Manchester, The Deaf Institute

Though taken from his debut EP, Tim De Graaw’s ‘Ivory’ is the sound of someone who’s been mastering their trade for years. In only the best way possible, De Graaw’s music is reminiscent of a pair of weathered leather boots – or a jacket, maybe – that have only got better with age. And all this from his debut EP.

It seems this is the result of international background: born in South Africa, half Dutch but raised in the UK with a stint in LA before settling back in London. ‘Ivory’ introduces Tim’s sound as blues, but with an important modern flair. Reminiscent of The Black Keys, he’s been quite aptly described as a ‘one man musical powerhouse’ and ‘Ivory’ only cements this, bursting with the energy of three bands playing at the same time.

‘Ivory’ is taken from Tim De Graaw’s debut EP Three Black Roses.

Indie/Dream-pop collective No Vacation have shared their new single ‘Mind Fields’ and it’s every bit as indie and dreamy as you could hope.

‘Mind Fields’ – released following a year of shows under various names and line-up changes – is an ode to breakups. It’s shimmering hooks and far-off vocals drift somewhere between nostalgia and hopefulness – as noted by the band themselves. It’s summery, and hugely catchy: a necessary lift during this limbo between winter and summer; reminiscent of the band’s recent limbo, but also a reminder that good things are coming.