Lowertown, the duo comprised of Olivia Osby and Avsha Weinberg, are excited to release their new single “Seaface”. This is the first song from their upcoming EP The Gaping Mouth. Osby and Weinberg spent time in London recording the EP “that they call their most honest, interesting, and mature work to date”. “Seaface” is a tune that combines dreamy lyrics with music that builds from a single guitar to a full mix.
Pick what you want to be, It can be anything. If you close your eyes, It’s fun to imagine Another body, another life.
Despite the constraints of the pandemic, 2020 proved to be a productive time for the pair of 19-year-olds – they graduated high school (where they met in math class), signed to label Dirty Hit and released their EP Honeycomb, Bedbug. 2021 looks like it could be as big a year for Lowertown.
While we wait with bated breath for Jessica Luise’s debut EP, Going in Blind, to release on July 9th, the stunning songstress has given us some ear candy to play with until then. A light, 90’s rock-inspired track, “a.m.” begins at the same clip that will carry it through the entirety of its 3 minutes and 28 seconds of existence.
While reverb plays along through the chorus, you find yourself daydreaming about your next road trip or adventure into the unknown. Her mellifluous vocals pay homage to flings, bringing in a bittersweet string of lyrics to consume from the inside out. A welcome treat for our ears, this track makes it more enticing than ever to venture out into the world (for the first time in what feels like forever).
Says Jessica of the upcoming EP:
To think that I would be the proud creator of a piece of work like this after being in this industry for such a short time baffles me. ‘Going In Blind’ comes from how I was blind to the red flags in relationships I’ve encountered over the years, and a bit of a comment on how when I first started in music I knew nothing. I am still learning, but maybe I’m not as much of a newborn in this industry as I was a year ago.
Norwegian indie folk duo Tuvaband – comprised of Simon Would and Tuva Hellum – have been crazy busy prepping to release their debut EP, which is set to drop in November. The pair – who are incredibly socially conscious and tend to lend that activism to their art – recently released their single “Trees” to critical acclaim. The song, which touches on the importance of our natural habitat, is an ethereal taste of what’s to come.
With that in mind, we were ecstatic to catch a few moments with the band leading up to their big show at Mirrors Festival. Here is what they had to say.
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What is the first song or album you ever remember hearing, and who introduced it to you?
I can’t remember. I do remember that Aretha Franklin was one of my first favourite artists and that I had a lot of her albums. I wanted to become the new Aretha Franklin. A mix between Aretha Franklin and Gwen Stefani (when she was in No Doubt).
The first album Simon heard was Radiohead – Amnesiac. His uncle had bought it and they were listening to it in the car in Ireland. It’s still one of his favorite albums.
What is the origin story of Tuvaband? Was it impossibly amazing?
I was studying child welfare, and the girls I was living with was tired of hearing me make annoying sounds and doing my man-vocals out loud in our apartment. They told a guy in our class, to bring me to his studio to make me try to sing normal. I did, and it was the most fun I’ve had. I started singing with this guy and another musician. I thought we were a band and told my family and friends. Turned out we were just jamming. I went to my room and started making my own songs, and called myself Tuvaband as a joke. I would never sing in front of people, but gave my parents a Tuvaband CD for Christmas.
Back in Oslo after my studies, I met Simon and his friend in a bar, which were looking for a girl to sing a duet with. After three hours at an afterparty, when people had started falling asleep, I finally sang with Simon and his friend. Many months later I asked if Simon could play guitar in Tuvaband. We found out we would rather be a duo than a band and therefore could keep that name.
“Trees” is incredibly beautiful. We know production happened in two separate apartments, but what was the process like for this one? Lyrics first, melody first? Concept vs. words? Paint us a picture!
Thank you so much!
I’de written the lyrics earlier, but the melody we were just jamming, it’s the first song we had which started from a random jam. We had to structure the song together later to make it sound more like a song. There was a lot of rounds trying to record it and make it sound good. I think it took us almost a year to make it right.
What do you hope people glean from this track, specifically?
It would be nice if some people like the song so much that they will listen to the lyrics. First about the rainforest, then about our self-destructing behaviour, and then maybe produce even more thoughts about what we could do differently when it comes to the environment.
Your new EP is due in November. Can we expect other equally as socially conscious tracks on it? Is there an overarching message in its tranquility?
A lot of the songs I write has a similar message to the one in ‘Trees’, but the EP has a lot of different themes. It’s constructed in a way as a story, which evolves as the EP progresses. It goes from being about dealing with a trauma, then the aftermath of a trauma. And then when you are done dealing with this, it shifts towards the world around you, which is where ‘Trees’ and two other songs come in.
What are you most excited about with the upcoming EP release?
It’s nice to finally get something out that we’ve been working on for a long time, and to show people that we have more songs. We are close to finishing yet another EP, so it is about time to release the debut EP.
I have to say that we are both really excited about releasing a really nice music video, made by Marius Mathisrud and Oscar Juul Sørensen, for one of the tracks on the EP too!
Alright. The tough one. Cats or dogs?
It’s definitely cats for me. I’m the cat lady, but with no cats. When I’m 65, I will probably have 14 cats. If I ever start a side project as a musician, my name would be ‘The Mother of Cats’. Simon is a dog person and had a dog growing up. That says a lot about how different we are from each other.
Anything else you’d like us to know?
We are playing at Mirrors (festival) in Hackney, London, 28th of October. We hope to see you there!
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Catch up with Tuvaband during a Rough Trade In-Store gig on October 27th, and at Mirrors on the 28th. Keep up with Tuvaband here.
A band that’s recently popped up on my radar is the LA-based indie/electronic duo Pop Noir, led by Manchester-born brothers Joe and Luke McGarry. Several influences inform their sound, namely vintage dance-rock acts like New Order, Primal Scream, and Depeche Mode, as well as more modern house/techno inspirations. While the band has been intermittently active for years, it’s been more of a side project as the two focus on other exploits, with their main pursuits being illustration/animation for Luke and filmmaking for Joe. However, new singles by the pair have been more consistently released in the past year, with their slickly produced cover of U2’s “New Year’s Day” and a ska-throwback titled “Santa Ana”.
Their newest single released earlier this month, titled “Soul Train”, expands on the band’s diverse musical trajectory while remaining lively and danceable. While previous singles like “White Jazz” were more uptempo and obvious in their highly danceable retro-rave influences, “Soul Train” diverts a bit from the band’s usual repertoire. It still has an enjoyable sound, but focuses more on introspection and vulnerability in the lyrics and performances. Luke McGarry’s vocals, clearly echoing Bernard Sumner, have more range that he didn’t get to explore on previous singles. He’s allowed to bring his voice to a falsetto on the chorus and even some crooning here and there, showcasing more of his talents. Musically, this has more of an emphasis on a killer big-band horn section and orchestral elements as opposed to the synths and drum machines that characterized their other work. It’s entirely unique and brings out the more dramatic qualities that the song is going for.
As of now, “Soul Train” doesn’t have any connection to a future EP or LP and currently serves as a standalone single. Still, it shows the duo as worth looking out for as they continue their still-young musical journey.
UK-based indie pop/rock band Pale Waves has released their new song “Glasgow”, the second single for their upcoming fourth album, Smitten. It continues the musical trajectory of the lead single “Perfume” by moving away from their previous pop-punk and emo sounds into a lush 80s dream-pop style reminiscent of alternative groups like The Cure, The Cranberries, or even Cocteau Twins. Lyrically, it’s described as a “breakup anthem” and speaks to the feeling of leaving someone because it’s best for both of you. It’s a song that also continues to show the diverse and eclectic talents of the band, composed of multi-instrumentalists Heather Baron-Gracie (vocals, rhythm guitar), Hugo Silvani (lead guitar), Charlie Wood (bass), and Ciara Doran (drummer).
I really mean that, too. “Glasgow” is a beautifully produced pop song that showcases Pale Waves at their most confident, earning comparisons to their obvious influences. Right out of the gate, the song bursts with energy, showcasing anthemic drumming and guitar playing, as well as really gorgeous synth playing. It captures the ethereal psychedelia of 80s dream-pop but still transports the sound into a modern indie-pop context.
“Glasgow” balances a dense and twinkly production while still functioning as an uptempo, pulsating pop-rock song that’s enjoyable throughout. I also have to give credit to lead vocalist Heather Baron-Gracie, as she really soars in the chorus. While some may feel her voice blends into the background, I think her vocals complement the production by becoming an instrument in itself. Her lyrics are also a highlight, being an honest and open look at relationships in a way that lends itself to the emotions of the music while not overtaking it.
The music video, also directed by and starring Baron-Gracie, showcases her as a runaway bride driving through Glasgow fields in a convertible. It’s very cute and visualizes the lyrics’ themes of escaping a relationship for your own freedom. Pale Waves are currently embarking on a headlining tour across the UK, with their new album Smitten coming September 20th.
The main appeal of the Mississippi-based indie folk band Happy Landing is their sweetness and love for one another which shows in each song. On Golden, their debut LP, the tight chemistry and connection that the band has is translated into an album that’s loveable, sweet, and sometimes willingly cheesy. The sound of the record (and the band) is one that combines the spirit of indie music with rootsy Americana sounds and is filled to the brim with expertly performed vocal harmonies. Both lead singers, Matty Hendley and Keegan Christsen respectively, blend their voices well enough, though each brings unique qualities when leading. Hendley has a raw vulnerability in his vocals that makes the lyrics seem true and sincere, whereas Christsen’s voice is more confident and boosts the harmonies. And these harmonies are the most easily identifiable part of their sound, as almost all the songs feature bold and soulful choruses where every band member joins together. It’s likely why the band is noted for their live shows, as each song easily functions as an inviting sing-along with an audience.
The first few songs of Golden work mainly in the same upbeat “stomp-and-holler” indie mold, with “Lose The Gun” being a strong opener and “The Family Band” presenting the band’s ear for melody. These tracks are easy to appreciate, with the former and “Let Me Out” being obvious choices for singles, but a lot of the best moments of the album come with more restraint. When the vocal harmonies are utilized in softer and more nuanced ways like on “My, My, My” or “Greyhounds”, it’s easier to appreciate the songwriting and vulnerability of the performers. Not to say the album’s production is at fault, as it’s one of its strongest points. Several songs balance layers of root instrumentation and vocal harmonies but never feel disorganized or incoherent. “Marriage Song” best represents this, with its vast and sweeping string section growing more powerful towards the song’s climax.
Golden is a rare album that has its sound matched perfectly by the cover. A golden crescent moon that seems to darken while set against a worn leather texture. It’s oddly similar to the sorts of images that came upon me while listening: watching a setting sunset amongst fireflies, or the coziness when curled up with a good book. This is an album that’s appealing and accessible without ever trying hard to do so, based purely on Happy Landing’s likeability.
This fall, Happy Landing will embark on “The Golden Tour”, with supporting act Arts Fishing Club.
Contrary to the title of their new single, “I’m Not Getting Better”, Canadian pop-rock band Marianas Trench seems to be getting better with each new LP. The track is a tease for an upcoming sixth album to be released later this summer, following 2019’s Phantoms album. It also follows two other lead singles released this year, “A Normal Life” and “Lightning and Thunder” respectively. Marianas Trench has always been an eclectic group with shifting interests, from the emo and punk-inspired sounds of their earlier albums to more accessible electropop styling in their newer work. Despite these changes, they still maintain a consistent identity without categorizing themselves.
These new singles represent the band’s diverse sound, with “A Normal Life” being an ambitious and epic six-minute orchestral pop song, and “Lightning and Thunder” being a new wavey throwback song with lots of glittery synths. “I’m Not Getting Better” continues this trajectory of what will shape up to be a wide-ranged sounding album, with a unique sound with influences from stadium rock, synthpop, and R&B. It’s a vulnerable, emotionally driven song about deeply rooted insecurities, all set to a robotic, stuttering synth beat and a wonderful sing-along chorus. It works because of the sincerity provided by the vocal harmonies provided by the band during the chorus, as well as the confident theater kid energy that lead singer Josh Ramsay gives off in his falsettos. The heavy guitars from Matt Webb add to the sentiments in the lyrics, and the programming on the drum machines keeps the song danceable throughout.
It’s an empowering and inspirational song that’s bound to be a live staple for the band, especially when they embark on their “Force of Nature” tour starting this September. “I’m Not Getting Better”, along with the other two singles, makes Mariana Trench’s next LP one to look out for as it drops later this summer.
Last week, Young The Giant – expertly made up of Sameer Gadhia (vocals), Jacob Tilley (guitar), Eric Cannata (guitar), Francois Comtois (drums), and Payam Doostzadeh (bass) – surprised their fans with the official release of a song that has been a long time coming. The track, “Metropolis”, was written and recorded by Gadhia during Mind Over Matter‘s massive success. With 2024 marking the hit album’s first decade of existence, they brought this incredible, vulnerable song out of the vault.
The stripped-down track is beautifully and simply comprised of an acoustic guitar and Sameer’s voice. The video – by Guadalupe Bustos – shows frames of the recording process and the band in the studio together in a moody black and white mostly, with other B roll footage from the tour adding moments of pure joy to the visual. The song is paced like the lyrics, as it brings a sense of calm to the listener. Check out “Metropolis” below.
Mind Over Matter is being released as a 10th-anniversary edition. The exclusive deluxe version comes in clear smoke vinyl and includes a 12-page booklet, fold-out poster, and an exclusive slipcover — Pre-order / Pre-save. See all tour info here
Mind Over Matter (10th Anniversary Edition) Tracklist: “Slow Dive” “Anagram” “It’s About Time” “Crystallized” “Mind Over Matter” “Daydreamer” “Firelight” “Camera” “In My Home” “Eros” “Teachers” “Waves” “Paralysis” “Mind Over Matter (Demo)”* “Camera (Demo)”* “What You Get (Demo)”* “Metropolis (Acoustic)”*
Detroit’s rock scene is getting set ablaze! We Are Scorpio, the fierce duo of Jessica Care moore and Steffanie Christi’an, have dropped their latest single “Scorpio” like a meteor crashing into the music world. This song is a battle cry for diversity in rock and a poetic punch to the gut of the status quo.
“We are the storm, the fury in your eyes,” howls the chorus, and believe us, this is no empty threat. We Are Scorpio comes armed with searing guitars, thunderous rhythms, and lyrics sharp enough to cut through the noise of a thousand pretenders. The track pulsates with the duality of its namesake sign – at once fierce and magnetic, confrontational and alluring.
Forget your typical rock fare. We Are Scorpio serves up a potent cocktail of spoken word and hard-hitting riffs that’ll leave you dizzy. “This is no place for ordinary,” they declare, daring listeners to step out of their comfort zones. From family dinner rebellions to cosmic contemplations, “Scorpio” weaves the personal and universal into a tapestry of empowerment.
Make no mistake – this is more than music. It’s a revolution. Jessica Care moore, Steffanie Christi’an, and featured artist Militia Vox are here to remind us that Black women aren’t just part of rock’s history – they are its future. Their collaboration isn’t just fresh; it’s necessary, proving that rock thrives when it embraces diverse voices and experiences.
Mark your calendars, rock fans. Their self-titled album, co-produced by none other than Talib Kweli, crashes onto the scene on August 16 via Javotti Media. Want a taste of the venom live? Catch We Are Scorpio at the Black Bottom Live Music Series (August 7) and the 20 Years of Black Women Rock! celebration at The Fillmore (August 31).
Don’t just stand there – dive into the storm! Stream “Scorpio” now on all major platforms and pre-order the album that’s set to redefine rock. We Are Scorpio isn’t just making music; they’re crafting an experience. Miss this, and you’re missing history in the making. Are you ready to embrace the sting?
