I feel like a broken record, constantly going on about how I want to listen to more new music – but I really am hoping that this year I make a dent in this goal. Lately my focus has been on checking out all the new albums, but what I’ve really failed on is making the most of all the new singles out there. After all, where would any album be without their hit singles? Can you see where this is going?
I have tried regular posts of new favourite singles in the past but I am yet to make it a full habit. First things first, I have made a new playlist for all the songs I have enjoyed so far this year – in hopes of returning to it later to reminisce on longstanding favourites, and perhaps rediscover some that I may forget along the way.
As far as blog posts go, I will do my best to keep it updated with my verdict on the crème de la crème and upcoming artists, but will also be using Twitter and Instagram to promote all new additions to the list. With it nearing the end of the month I feel I have a lot of catching up to do, nevertheless, we’ll just start fresh here and shout about my recent new faves. Let’s get to it then.
Black Country, New Road – ‘Track X‘
Let’s start with a track that just makes me go “ooh that’s a bit of me”. Regardless of the fact that on first listen I don’t know where it is going, ‘Track X’ hits immediately and I know I’m going to love it. Then it goes and surpasses all expectations, leaving me excited for the new album For the first time to come out on 5th February. This is a very delicate, yet raw track – like a spoken word poem creating a little movie in your head, while the music serves as a soundtrack. There is a warming harmony to this song that adds to its theme of nostalgia and childhood, an overall soothing number.
Talkboy – ‘Wrapped In Blue’
Speaking of nostalgia, Talkboy’s new track ‘Wrapped In Blue’ transported me straight back to my teens. There is something to be said for dreamy indie guitar tracks that are just so easy on the ears. It was another instant love for me, indie pop at its finest, paving the way for upcoming EP of the same name, which will be available on 11th February.
Blanketman – ‘Leave The South’
Sticking to the indie theme we have ‘Leave The South’ which, as someone born and bred in the South, I felt a lot of the humour and fun in this track. Bordering on pop punk ideals of leaving your hometown, this track takes more of a post punk/indie tone which is much more to my liking. It’s not exactly saying the South is bad, but instead looking at feelings of needing to escape and start anew, while capitalising on the everlasting divide between North and South. After all, the North does have better tasting water.
Sports – ‘The Look’
This is probably my favourite new track so far. There is something about ‘The Look’ that reminds me of my all time faves, Metronomy – probably the fun, indie techno vibe of it all. The Oklahama duo come armed with all the groove to put a pep in your step and I can absolutely see myself listening to it over and over this year. I am very much looking forward to their new EP, Get A Good Look Pt.1 out on 12th February.
Shame – ‘Nigel Hitter‘
This month saw the release of Shame’s second album, Drunk Tank Pink – something I have very much been looking forward to hearing for quite some time. The first I heard of Shame was at By The Sea festival in Margate a few years back and I was captivated by their riotous energy. This lives on in the record, in a more refined, yet still rightfully rugged production. ‘Nigel Hitter’ is structurally poetic – a steady rhythm progressing in a cyclical nature, slowing churning its way to a release of frustration, back to the start of things going and round and round, on and on. This is the Shame we all know and love, but even better.
All of these tracks plus many others can be found on my Spotify in the Listen 2021 playlist which I will be updating frequently. Let me know your favourite new track!
SAMANTHA MAE 