Fizz – ‘Hell Of A Ride‘
It’s harrowing times out there, and quirky-indie supergroup Fizz – Dodie, Orla Gartland, Greta Isaac and Martin Luke Brown — are poised and ready to lure you into their doomsday bunker, resplendent in sugary snacks and lyrics about ageing at an alarming rate. Should their environment appeal, you’ll see out the last of your apocalyptic days in happy misery, a cacophony of guitars and helter-skelter singalongs that lead to a surprisingly upbeat piano ballad conclusion. Enjoy!
Benét – ‘Insensitive‘
Uniting fans of Snail Mail, Courtney Barnett and Vagabon, there is something about Benét’s ‘Insensitive’ which feels far more robust than its name suggests, skillfully ducking and weaving around squealing feedback and jazzy melody. “Yes I’ve been here before/ and I still want more” they sing. You and us both; we’re not sure you could ever get enough of that indie-sleazy hook.
FLO – ‘3 Of Us‘
R&B upstarts FLO have never been shy about their nineties influence, so it should come as no real surprise that the title track of their new EP pays significant homage to Brandy & Monica classic ‘The Boy Is Mine’, reimagining the scenario as an even more complicated love-tussle between three women. Thankfully, their vocal sisterhood seems perfectly intact, gliding through harmonies with all the ease of an oil-slicked dolphin. Adding a flatteringly lowkey tone to their oeuvre, it’s the perfect way to sate appetites whilst fans wait for album o’clock.
Gretta Ray – ‘America Forever‘
Teaming up with Carol Ades and UK number one album-holder Maisie Peters, Melbourne’s Gretta Ray is back with another dose of diary-entry pop, a boppy little chorus that bathes in the sun lotion-stained nostalgia we feel when we have to leave somewhere we’ve really loved hanging out. Promising to introduce her to a whole bunch more transatlantic fans, Ray has just been announced as the support act on Sam Fender’s Aussie gig this autumn, spreading her rootsy magic.
Lucky Iris – ‘Blowing Kisses’
Formed during lockdown, Leeds duo Lucky Iris have been steadily collecting admirers with their electronic-infused indie, recalling the early breathlessness of Chvrches or Purity Ring. New single ‘Blowing Kisses’ may sound perfectly composed in its cool-girl synths, but its lyrics give themselves over to the giddiness of having a crush, revelling in the way that your name sounds on their lips.