Fresher Sounds - 11/04/2016 – The National Student

It’s all getting a bit political...

Bruce Springsteen proved he’s Boss once again by pulling his gig in North Carolina over the controversial HB2 law AKA the “bathroom bill”, a truly disgusting piece of legislation that discriminates against the transgender community.

Lily Allen joined the call for David Cameron’s resignation over the Panama tax scandal.

Mick Jagger shared his opinion on the upcoming EU referendum, describing our possible exit as short term detrimental but long term beneficial. Jagger did predict the outcome of the 2015 general election correctly so perhaps we should listen?

Also, did anyone see Babymetal’s American TV network debut? I stumbled across them at Leeds Festival and I was just as confused as everyone else at their TV appearance.

Here are a few songs that are a little less about the dance routines and more about the music.

Astronautalis – Running Away From God

The latest pick from Astronautalis' upcoming album Cut The Body Loose has hip-hop hit written all over it. Produced by Grammy award-winner John Congleton (St Vincent, Modest Mouse, Bill Callahan) and infused with tight rhymes, soaring horns and high tempo precussion. The album is built upon the concept of redemption and triumph in the face of sadness and this emotionally charged number provides just that.

Bat For Lashes – In God’s House

The sound that gave multi-instrumentalist Bat for Lashes a name for herself is ever present on the seond single from forthcoming album The Bride. Set against an array of transcending synths, Natasha’s choral vocals lend themself perfectly to the bridal theme that defines the album. It is envisioned as a soundtrack to a harrowing feature-length tale of a bride whose husband dies en-route to the church so she chooses to embark on the honeymoon alone. With dates booked inside churches across the country, haunting images of Miss Havisham are bound to be conjured up.

Raye – Distraction

After various collaborations with the likes of Labrinth, Charlie XCX and co-writing credit on Blonde’s hit 'All Cried Out', Raye’s solo material has been heavily anticipated and the first cut from her debut EP Back 2 The Winter does not disappoint. Gleaming R&B hooks create an infectious chorus, Raye’s charming vocals cement her status as the new-Rihanna of South London.

Chase & Status ft. Slaves – Control

The buzz around punk-rock duo Slaves continues as Chase & Status adopt them for the lead single from their fourth studio album. Noticeably heavier than previous releases, the track’s aggressive in-your-face bass and riotous politically-charged lyrics could be mistaken for classic Prodigy. If everything on the album sounds as good as this bold, siren-fuelled electro-punk track, the dance duo are on to a winner.

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Ultrviolence – Better Learn How To Swim

With deep hitting vocals from the outset, the lead single from forthcoming Black Sea EP is post punk done the right way. Built on the foundations of endless hours working with battered instruments in solitude, moody guitar riffs roll with the dark waves of the sea, creating a moody atmospheric sound that yearns to be appreciated.

Nai Harvest – Just Like You

The duo's latest offering, released as part of a double A side is a laid back indie delight. Slurred vocals and a gritty-hook lead the band in their transgression from their emo influenced roots to a sound bound to the 90s.

Highasakite – Golden Ticket

This track opens with “God, if you’re still watching”, a lyric lifted from modernist Norwegian poet Gunvor Hofmo, described by vocalist Ingrid as “Norway’s funeral blues”. It is an ode to escapism in the face of terrorism, though these dark themes are given light on this overwhelmingly euphoric pop track. Following their debut that graced the Norwegian top 40 for two years, 'Golden Ticket' is a taste of upcoming album Camp Echo.

Ady Suleiman – acoustic mash up of WSTRN/Rihanna

Hey it’s no original, but this mash up of WSTRN’s 'In2' and Rihanna’s 'Work' is definitely one to be heard. Recorded in session with Mahogany, Ady lends his soothing vocals, providing a beautiful acoustic twist to the smash hit songs and it work work work(s).

Brooke Bentham – Oliver

After a successful debut three years ago, which caused 16-year-old Brook Bentham to pull the track from the web, she returns with a folk lullaby. Raw and intriguing, her lyrics float through the track with enviable finesse against a backdrop of a slow-building procession that provides the perfect wind-down soundtrack. With a voice so delicate, she could make words ripe with hatred sound poetic.

The New Tusk – Under Something

'Under Something', lifted from the trio’s fresh release Sloom is unashamedly pop-punk. Its playful hooks and boisterous lyrics create the perfect skate happy anthem – proving that Americans aren’t the be all and end all of the pop punk scene.

Fresher Sounds - 11/04/2016

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