Freshers Sounds - The best new music - 05/11/18
5th November 2018
Share This Article:
With Halloween seeing out the end of October and winter truly setting in, we’ve got a fiery playlist to keep you warm this Bonfire Night.
Whether it’s fire-place acoustics, dreary day escapism, faraway electronic futurism or a slice of tropical heat, we have all you need.
STIIR – Luxury Butter
First on this week’s new-music showcase is a synth-soaked slow groover, with shimmery, breezy guitar riffs and a quietly confident bassline, which asserts its importance as the song takes a breath, permitting a potent bass-hit. The bass even dares to come into the fore-front, taking on a focus melodically, which the electric guitar riffs respond to effortlessly. 'Luxury Butter' is lent its lusciousness non-invasive vocals, which are fortified by subtle distortions and synthesised chords that melt into each other.
Vessel – Paplu (Love That Moves The Sun)
‘Paplu’ comes from Vessel’s third album, Queen of Golden Dogs, which takes inspiration from months of solitude in rural Wales. ‘Paplu’ itself is predominantly instrumental; a 9-minute futuristic synth pilgrimage. Sampling from so many different genres, including drum and bass and EDM, there are several clashes and pangs that almost have a shrill feel to them. This makes the moment when surging synths become alliances in harmonic rhythms so euphoric; the track almost begins to transcend reality in these moments. ‘Paplu’ truly feels like an epic electronic journey, continually morphing into new beats.
Jo Marches - You’ll Be Mine
Jo Marches is irresistible, armed with seductive vocal qualities and self-confident, flirty lyrics. Driven by a wiggly bassline, soft synths and robust drum-kit beats, there are moments where electronic distortions begin to consume Marches vocals, too, transforming the song’s assertive texture in a way that is very reminiscent of Tame Impala’s ‘Let It Happen’.
KAWALA – Moonlight
KAWALA continue to build upon their established style of melting, lulling harmonies, laid over sun-soaked acoustic guitar chords. ‘Moonlight’ is more of a lyrical progression, swelling with its storytelling lyrics about overcoming personal demons that the duo hasn’t exhibited before. The upbeat tone of both the track and its lyrics are perfectly complemented by the ethereal, crescendo-ing harmonies and enchanting piano twinkles.

L.A. Witch - Haunting
‘Haunting’ hails from L.A. Witch's new EP, Octubre. The trippy track is chock-full of conflating layers, nonchalant vocals, oscillating guitar distortions; a venture from the trio’s performative minimalism. ‘Haunting’, and Octubre itself exudes a sultry exploration of dark infatuations, evidenced by its artwork. The innocence of the natural female body becomes tainted by shadowy symbols - bats and cobwebs. Bakar - Dracula In keeping with the theme of sinister eclipses is ‘Dracula’ from Camden-born-and-bred Bakar, who plays the role of the Count himself in a horror-infested music video. Although slightly jarring, Bakar doesn’t follow a refined vocal melody which adds conviction to the ferociousness of the cathartic, punk-inspired clashes of the track. Sneaks – The Way It Goes ‘The Way It Goes’ is a genius revitalisation of 90s rave synths find themselves presented in a post-punk framework, with vocals heavily influenced by M.I.A. Sneaks channels the attitude of M.I.A.’s ‘Bad Girls’ in her convincing vocal command. Electro-pads create a light contrast to the stonking bass that ultimately retains its authority throughout the track. Archie Faulks – Blackout ‘Blackout’ is refreshingly stripped in comparison to the rest of this week’s playlist, reveling in the comfort of acoustic guitar, gentle piano chords and building cinematic string arrangements to intensify the emotive, romantic sentiments of the chorus. With a soulful caress, Faulks’ vocals rest in between the styles of Jack Savoretti and Chris Martin, letting himself be completely overcome with infatuation.- Article continues below...
- More stories you may like...
- Album Review: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - Infest The Rats' Nest
- Festival Review: Green Man 2019
- Fresher Sounds – The best new music – 13/08/19
You might also like...
People who read this also read...
TRENDING
TRENDING CHANNELS
CONTRIBUTOR OF THE MONTH