New singles from Folk Bitch Trio, paper hats, SPRINTS, Joseph Decosimo and wavepool.
Folk Bitch Trio by Copper Taylor-Bogaars | Words: Lloyd Bolton, A. L. Noonan
Folk Bitch Trio – 'Moth Song'
As 'Moth Song' begins, a slight clipping of the vocals adds edge to a crystal clear melody. Tantalisingly elusive lyrics unfurl, asking questions that manage to tell their own kind of story in negative ("What's on the dashboard, Heidi?"). The first verse ends mysteriously on a change in the pressure of the room, a sensitivity we feel because the whole atmosphere of the song is so carefully constructed and finely balanced. Restrained harmonies delicately complete the scene, drawing out all the sadness and resignation from between the lines of the lyrics, which conclude "I know that I'm alone when it comes to loving you". A stirring violin hook drives subtly as the song reaches towards its climax, but even at this point, the tension of the piece refuses to diffuse, a testament to the group's restraint and sensitivity to the power of every detail they deploy. We can't wait for the group's debut album, 'Now Would Be A Good Time', which comes out at the end of July. (Lloyd Bolton)
paper hats – 'D'Artagnan'
With incendiary force and blistering power comes 'D'Artagnan' the debut single from hotly tipped noise rock quartet paper hats. Tightly wound and piercing, these darlings of the Windmill Brixton finally cement themselves as debutantes of the wider fold of London guitar bands with a release of frenetic pace and heft. Teeth grinding guitar lines give way to walls of post-hardcore thrashing decorated with stream of consciousness vocals calling for attention and recognition: "I am just afraid for reality to think that I'm lying / Can someone just please listen to me for once?" Blending influences from Shellac and The Jesus Lizard in the verses to an Unwound builder of a bridge, paper hats are the answer to the question: where are the next great guitar bands? (A. L. Noonan)
SPRINTS – 'Descartes'
Irish four-piece SPRINTS this week announce the release of their new album 'All That Is Over' with new single 'Descartes', a song that filters a decidedly modern rage and squeezes it through a mangling of the French philosopher's famous adage: "I think therefore I understand". Against slamming drums, driving bass and ringing guitars – the formula that has made this band such an enormous live force – we are asked what happens to "all's fair in love and war" when we've got "nothing more than war left". This single lashes with rage at the innumerable ills of our society while also wrestling with the idea of artistic creation itself, ultimately exploring what it means for art to help process the world around us. (Lloyd Bolton)
Joseph Decosimo – 'Ida Red'
In the East of North America lies Appalachia, characterised by soaring mountains, logging and a history of mining. In recent times Appalachia has suffered from deindustrialisation, poverty and the opioid crisis, but the region maintains one of the richest and deepest folk music traditions in all of America. With the release of 'Ida Red' by Joseph Decosimo, these traditions are brought to new ears. Pulling from the late Morgan Sexton's rendition, Decosimo's interpretation of Western standard 'Ida Red' is gentle and close – a warmly intimate and playful shuffle through Appalachian folk tradition. Fiddles dance atop Decosimo's steady banjo and vocal combo while a blanket of guitars and organ provide a lulling comfort that underpins the first release from upcoming LP 'Fiery Gizzard'. It is always a joy to discover wider folk traditions and with Joseph Decosimo, a window to the beauty of Appalachia has opened. (A. L. Noonan)
wavepool – 'Tiny Cowboy'
The debut single from Rouen-based dreampop group wavepool is an exciting condensation of the best of the genre, its poppy hooks not clouded out by a glazing reverb that gives it that somnambulic, drowning feeling. The song is packed with great moments, but a particular highlight is the closing synth solo, which flickers with choppy tremolo. The video is also worth checking out, compiled of anonymous vacation footage found on a cassette one of the band members bought at a flea market. It is very early days for this group, but we're really loving what we've heard so far. (Lloyd Bolton)
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