Tracks Of The Week, 20.10.14

Delivering cheery indie-pop with a welcome rough edge, We Are Z have arrived on the scene for your listening pleasure. Their debut single, ‘Airbrush’, blasts into the eardrums after months of  the band being locked away in a West London studio perfecting what promises to be a stunning first album.

‘Airbrush’ floods out of the speakers with a cheeky Vampire Weekend-esque energy, with more than a dash of punk-inspired attitude and vigour. As thrashy riffs bubble to the surface with excitement, it is impossible not to sing along to this catchy, enthused offering.

‘Airbrush’ is out 17th November, with We Are Z’s debut album to follow a some point next year.

 

 

 

Italian born, London based, Trent Miller is delivers classic rock with hints of Americana-inspired folk. Working with a skilled team of musicians, including a Folk Awards double nominee, guitarist  Ben Walker, Miller has now released the first taster of his latest creations.

‘Lupita Dream On’ is filled with skilled, intricate riffs, Miller’s deep Lanegan-esque drawl and melancholy melodies. As reflective lyrics flow, accompanied by a dark blues-rock vibe, this perfect fusion of genres proves thoroughly enjoyable, and has left me hungry for more.

 

 

Making music for nearly twenty years now, it was a lovely surprise to hear that Andy Barlow and Lou Rhodes – collectively Lamb – had a new album out. Delivering their distinct blend of smooth, emotive melodies with that beat driven electro-pulse (think Portishead, Massive Attack),  it seems that this unlikely duo are on better form than ever before.

‘Doves and Ravens’, the latest single, showcases what Lamb do best. Oozing enchanting, sweeping strings, twinkling melodies and Rhodes’ haunting vocals, juxtaposed with that electronic edge that Barlow so skillfully creates, the track flows with a captivating delicacy that will send shivers down your spine. A perfect meeting of contrasts: the vulnerable cooings of the dove with the dark beat of the Raven’s black wings.

The new album, ‘Backspace Unwind’, is out now and Lamb are currently preparing for a UK tour:

 

October

28th – O2 Academy, Bristol

29th – Brighton Dome – Corn Exchange

30th – The Institute, Digbeth

 

November

1st – Albert Hall, Manchester

2nd – Roundhouse, London

 

 

Formed in New York in 2012, Dublin trio, Half Of Me, have just released their unique new single – ‘99’. Filled with thrashing rock riffs and buoyant indie beats, ‘99’ comes complete with a video that follows the story of a robot with social integration issues… Looks more like a transformer to me, but an interesting watch!

An original blend of classic, enthused rock with experimental electro-infused overtones – perhaps to match the robot theme – ‘99’ is a thrilling blast of rock ‘n’ roll that will have you turning up the volume in seconds.

The video for ‘99’ is directed by Padraig Baggot, and features a performance from professional dancer, Tobi Ometeso.

 

 

 

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.