Single of the month: Poliça - ‘Dark Star'
Other releases by Liars, Tribes, Childish Gambino and Hot Chip also reviewed
The pile of pre-summer releases on The List’s doorstep this month was rather intimidating, but here is a round-up of the best (and rest). Liars new track, ‘No 1 Against The Rush’ (Mute Song ●●●), is three-and-a-half minutes of slithering synths and laid-back cool. Hot Chip’s latest single, ‘Night and Day’ (Domino ●●) is a toe-tapper from upcoming fifth LP In Our Heads, but not their most exciting release to date. ‘Heartbeat’ (Glassnote/Island ●●●) is a semi-comedy single from Childish Gambino, AKA stand-up Donald Glover of Community fame. Some dirty beats and excellent life lessons within the lyrics …
When he’s not having his songs murdered on YouTube, Gotye actually records music, such as ‘Eyes Wide Open’ (Communion/Island ●●●), a valiant attempt to follow ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’ but perhaps not as emotive (depressing), even with the Phil Collins drums. Some ‘In the Air Tonight’ tub thumping would probably have made Camden four-piece Tribes’ new EP, ‘We Were Children’ (Island ●●), a little bit more exciting, instead it offers four solid but pretty non-descript jangly indie jams.
Glasgow types Holy Esque release their self-titled EP (White Label ●●●); sure to please many a fan of growly indie vox, whilst weegie newbie on the scene Kaelea (White Label ●●●) is worth a look for those who dig a bit of trippy electronic dance, with a bit of 90s rave. ‘We Hunt’ (Payper Tiger ●●●) is the latest four-track from Liverpool’s All We Are, with opening track ‘Trainspotting’ recalling gentle, Album Leaf style sounds.
Single of the month goes to Poliça’s ‘Dark Star’ (Memphis Industries ●●●●) – a dreamy, electro pop ditty from their debut full-length Give You The Ghost, released earlier this year. Keys like Metronomy, multi-tracked, sultry vocals and one hell of a chorus mean you should check them out at festivals across the UK this summer. And buy the record, obvz.