Single of the week:
Broke House : The Sound of the Streets
Warm, sensory rock music that bares the tint of a pained heart even before you’ve heard its tale of romantic decay. The melancholic atmosphere gains depth thanks to some well-chosen imagery. Initially it’s animating – enchanted jewels, flowers in bloom – but soon starts to deteriorate – abandoned trailer, dream catcher covered in dust. As the song unfolds the tone remains measured, sophisticated even, resembling the Go-Betweens in its sober enunciation of emotional unrest.
Riz MC : Mogambo
It’s galling to think that anyone wouldn’t love Riz Ahmed, but apparently there are loads of airport security officials who routinely demean the London double-threat. Ahmed pulls no punches on ‘Mogambo’, a vital piece of 21st century hip hop that calls out systemic Islamophobia and anti-immigrant rhetoric. It’s sharp, acerbic and wants to know what you stand for.
Jess Locke : My Body Is An Ecosystem
It’s doubtful anyone feels in perfect harmony with their physical being. The mainstream media’s preoccupation with physical beauty all but rules that out. But perhaps what’s most upsetting is the body’s knack for throwing up unexpected and infinitely inconvenient ailments. Locke explores this issue here on a chirpy indie-folk song that’s satisfyingly familiar.
Girlpool : Lucy’s
Last year’s excellent Powerplant LP was always going to be a tough act to follow, but US two-piece Girlpool are back with ‘Lucy’s’; the first track to feature Cleo Tucker’s lead vocals since they began hormone replacement therapy. Now singing in a husky baritone, Tucker’s voice pairs with steely guitar chords and a big wet snare drum to create a sense of after-hours exigency. The band’s ear for melody remains in operation and even though ‘Lucy’s’ skirts dynamic variation or obvious pop song structure, it’s no less infectious.
