Bedroom pop is a genre that is more about its philosophy than its sound. Chiefly defined by the fact that it’s recorded in an artist’s bedroom, bedroom pop is intimate, personal, and DIY. Although the ‘feel’ and the context of the music are the most important feature of bedroom pop, there are a few common … Read more
Regrets is the final single from Brooklyn-based Kevin Holliday’s forthcoming OMNI EP. Exploring the potentiality and the perils of sinking into a relationship, the bouncy funk-inflected track and popping visuals offset the sense of uncertainty and risk that lies beneath the surface of the lyrics. Produced by Bird Language, a slow bass-heavy groove, and funk … Read more
Toronto-based Mighloe traverses all kinds of terrain in the atmospheric journey of her latest EP, Desperate Times. From the distant, reverb-saturated ‘Stolen Paradise’ that opens the record, to the popping and soulful ‘Don’t Call Me.’ the record blends guitar-heavy, dreamy, saturated sounds with elements of R&B. This unusual sonic palette and Mighloe’s arresting vocals make … Read more
The Refraction EP from Cariss Auburn is one of the most refreshing releases to land this year. Sonically, the record calls to mind old school and alt-R&B, as well as synthy, dream-pop – reminiscent of Solange and her collaborations with Dev Hynes. The themes on the record reflect a diverse mix of Auburn’s life experiences, … Read more
The lockdown months have been somewhat of a blessing for creative, introverted souls. Soundcloud and Bandcamp are teeming with fledgling bedroom pop artists sharing confessional songs that they’ve penned in moments of solitude. But while the online sphere becomes ever more saturated with teeny-boppers making music on their laptops, it’s a relief to find DIY … Read more
Born and raised in Iran, Reza Pahlevani has lived in the north of England since 2012. Reza is no stranger to the world of showbusiness in the Persian music scene – establishing himself in a new community in the UK where he is basically unknown has been an exercise in patience and growth. But for … Read more
Before, An Apparation’ is the new single from Sheffield electro-pop artist GracieSouz. Exploring themes of ephemeral moments and memory, she creates a strange and dark sonic and visual world. An interdisciplinary artist, GracieSouz is the solo project of Grace Strickland de Souza. Her other projects include the likes of alt-pop band KIN. ‘Before, An Apparition’ … Read more
RETRIEVER’s debut release ‘Weekend Spiders’ whisks you to a lush, synth-laden world of beauty and revenge. Released via Paris-based label Profil de Face, with stunning visuals directed by Theo Le Sourd, RETRIEVER offset warm, nostalgic sounds against a sinister narrative, to spellbinding effect. Blending dream pop and psychedelic textures, RETRIEVER’s sound calls to mind the … Read more
Love’s A Joke, I’m The Butt Of It’ is a charmingly naive R&B anthem from emerging Manchester artist Jamaal Monarch. Walking a fine line between sensitivity and bravado, Monarch reflects on love and coming-of-age during lockdown. The lyrics flit between the coy, the humorous, and even the childish, ultimately landing on Monarch’s self-affirming chorus, ‘you … Read more
Noé Solange’s welcoming moods on Bound offer a comfortable familiarity in stressful times. There’s a mass of noise which grows steadily throughout the title track. As Solange whispers enigmatically, repeating “I can’t hold on too long” in the choruses, you know that you’re in for some mid-90s Bristol vibes as the song reaches its climax. … Read more
Those moments when new music truly knocks you for six are few and far between. That’s not to say there is a lack of emerging talent on the UK’s music scene right now – quite the opposite. What I’m talking about however is that ‘love at first listen’ feeling – the thrill of hearing a … Read more
Spacey Basement Cult’s new release sees the Leeds trio continue down the experimental-wonk-pop rabbit hole. The tongue-in-cheek description on their Bandcamp (“chill beats you can’t study to”) is suggestive of the artistic milieu the group push off from, if not where they land. There may be a quick nod to seminal electronica artists of the … Read more
Luke Royalty’s first release of 2020 is a bitter, searching breakup lament. Filled with the inevitable questions, disappointment, and regret that surround a failed relationship, the mood of ‘October Seven’ captures something distinctive about the flavour of breakups today. Bluesy guitar licks, soulful delivery, and hints of a backing choir define the sound of this … Read more
Hailing from the snow-capped mountains of Switzerland, chamber pop trio Soybomb are notable for their close harmonies, musical playfulness, and tongue-in-cheek humour. Their new Sauvage EP, which represents a slight psychedelic turn for the band, is coloured with nostalgia, humour, and goodwill. Progressing from the angular, snappy sounds of the band’s 2018 Jonglage album, the … Read more
Brad stank juxtaposes the sensual, the spiritual, and the sad in his second album Kinky Om. With this strange yet smooth collection of songs, the eccentric Liverpool artist has created a record that while irreverent on the surface, is imbued with tenderness, subtlety, and depth. Listen now: Brad stank – Kinky Om [bandcamp width=100% height=120 … Read more
The new release from 7-piece Manchester-based Bethlehem Casuals is colourful weirdness at its finest, and a much-needed hit of positive energy in these turbulent times. The concept behind the album is a tale of wit and absurdism: the story of a street dog on a journey to find out why there is no music left … Read more
Twenty year old Liverpool native Roscoe Fox first cut his teeth in the online bedroom pop scene. Over the course of three years, he released a string of woozy, guitar-based tracks on SoundCloud which could be filed somewhere between King Krule and Ariel Pink. Since then he has switched up his style somewhat, veering towards … Read more
That care-free nonchalance you encounter in some music – and some personalities – comes in two forms. The first is the arrogance that has typified much guitar-based music for too long. The second is altogether different. It comes from a place of security, confidence, and hope. Listen: Oh Papa – Sitcom [bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=1421411857 … Read more
With a sound that makes you feel like you are one of the only people in the world, Dunebug is one to watch. The ex-Manchester, now London-based lo-fi dream-pop artist moulds together influences from the likes of Fat White Family and Japanese Breakfast to create a serene and intricate sound you’ll want to disappear into. Dunebug’s … Read more
The striking debut single from Manchester‘s Lindsay Munroe is an honest, vulnerable and ultimately celebratory reflection on overcoming insecurity. Focusing on the potent image of being able to physically mould your body like clay – a fantasy Munroe had as a teenager – she candidly reveals a journey of struggle and liberation. The video’s anarchic … Read more
Magnetic is the gently lulling new single from Oh Papa featuring Before Breakfast. A distillation of Oh Papa’s signature sound, ‘Magnetic’ offers the surfy, Americana-influenced guitar tones, restrained vocals, and tender delivery that make this band such a joy. The release sees them collaborate with fellow Sheffield talent Before Breakfast. About the track, they say, … Read more
Angular, atmospheric, and lush, Rosie Tee’s new single ‘Wither’ shows the Birmingham singer and composer reaching new heights. The track is infused with jazz, and constructed as if for an orchestra, but this is alt-pop – and alt-pop at its finest. Calling to mind the likes of Laura Mvula, Björk, and Anna Meredith, ‘Wither’ is … Read more
Amidst our nostalgia driven pop culture, it is refreshing to discover artists who respond more directly to the strange, fractured world we live in today.
The producer’s fresh take on ambient pop combines big melodies with brilliantly executed sound design.
