Usual Affairs – Suppressant Crescent
Usual Affairs’ new single feels as though it has more fire than others released by the four-piece Edinburgh band in 2023. This sees them return to their roots, with a greater alternative influence reminiscent of their debut single “She Knows”.
From the first beat the track is lit up and led by a strong guitar riff, and the continuous bassline that follows through into each verse helps to drive the song.
Without attempting too much outside the box, the slightly edgier sound of “Suppressant Crescent” will certainly do its job in stirring up a crowd.
This addition provides something different to the band’s current discography, supporting their growth after summer performances at King Tut’s Summer Nights and the Isle of Wight Festival.
After the April release of “Coupe deVille”, The Glass Hearts’ “Brick Dust” follows suit as another anthemic festival tune.
Whilst the former was more upbeat with an indie-soul fusion, the duo’s latest single has a darker tone.
The chorus of “Coupe deVille” touches upon trying to escape bad habits, but “Brick Dust” targets complex and conflicting emotions. This stretches across a rhythmic chorus that echoes the big stadium sound of Kasabian.
Both members have reliable experience, from supporting Catfish and the Bottlemen to touring across the UK and Europe. This is evident given the tight and professionally produced sound that “Brick Dust” offers.
This track may be the mark of bigger things to come for the Leicester and Stockport pairing.
This three-piece hard rock band from Manchester have amassed over 100,000 streams on Spotify from across the globe with the release of their debut EP Concussion.
The leading song from the EP, ‘Concussion’, kicks things off with distorted, meaty riffs from start to finish, which are contrasted by high supporting vocals in the chorus.
This helps to express the chaotic style of the EP and the themes they wish to tackle such as ‘mental and emotional turmoil’.
The energy and feel of ‘Concussion’ might be likened to, and suitable for fans of Muse’s 2015 album, Drones. Following features on Radio X, and BBC Introducing, DR DR are sure to turn more heads this year.
The Redroom – Coffee (What It’s Like To Fall in Love)
The Redroom’s recent release ‘Coffee’ (What It’s Like To Fall In Love) brings indie, pop and soul together, adding another exciting track to the set for the five-piece band.
With clever lyrical references to parts of modern culture – ‘swipe right and you’ll match me’ – the song covers an experience of attachment. The upbeat and dreamy melodies would make a great fit for any playlist at sunset.
Wordless vocals in a chorus could be mistaken for a lack of lyrical imagination, but in this case, it adds to the relaxed and indifferent feeling of the song. This would help in keeping a crowd more actively involved too.
It’s been a successful year for the group so far after opening Hardwick Festival for The Kooks, and playing Reading and Leeds festival alongside The Killers and The 1975. You can catch the band live in Manchester at The Deaf Institute on 29th September.
From the upcoming album Natural Darkness, Hardis’ single ‘To The Heart’ (to be released on 8th September), combines classical piano and electronic elements with an ambient atmosphere.
Although the subject of the song is made quite straightforward lyrically, Hardis matches the growing instrumentals showing an impressive vocal range.
A different direction to take off in may have been beneficial earlier in the song given the sudden end to the outro.
Full of deep emotion and intensity, it is clear to see why the solo artist has been a part of so many collaborations and has featured in a variety of short films.
It will likely be easier to understand the place of ‘To The Heart’ within the complete album, released on 6th October.
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