Each month we’ll bring you three of the freshest acts to catch our ears. Headed by New Music Editor Christian Northwood, check out what’s been spinning on the Bristol Live Magazine stereo for the month of May.
Ohyeahsumi
Twins are often said to have a psychic connection. Based on the ethereal, other-worldly music created by Rena and Lena Vernon, aka LA’s Ohyeahsumi, it would be hard to deny that claim. The duo’s debut EP Your Friends Are Looking For You, released via Sports Day Records, is a beautifully intimate collection of songs, recorded in the intimacy of their home. Listening to each track feels like you’re intruding on something personal, a confession from one twin to the other, with waves of echoing and intertwining guitars washing over your ears.
The EP tells the story of a relationship, one that ultimately ends, but one which turns the duo from a place of darkness to defiance. Their songs are short – the longest being 3 minutes long – yet there’s still space for the songs to breathe, still space for lyrics like “I don’t curve my appetite, my dress curves clearly at the waist” to grab you. Ohyeahsumi are a must listen to those who love the in-depth lyricism of Mitski or lush lo-fi layers of (Sandy) Alex G. Check out ‘Snowflakes’ below.
Post-Heather
For a duo, Post-Heather have a big sound. The band, comprising of Jack Watkins (drums) and Heather Sheret (guitar/vocals), started above LazerZone in Brighton; not the most glamorous of locations sure, but everyone’s gotta start somewhere. They mix garage-rock crunch and spacey shoegaze swirls to create an engulfing sound that is as intimate as it is expansive. The one song the band have online, ‘Stone’, nicely sums up their sound; gritty, menacing verses giving way to a hypnotic chorus that shows off the range and strength of Sheret’s voice. Those looking for lo-fi shoegaze with bite should step this way. Check out ‘Stone’ below.
Party Hardly
‘Never judge a book by its cover’ is usually good advice. With Party Hardly though, you can work out how good they are by the name alone. The Leeds four-piece – started at the beginning of 2016 – have a brand of slacker-rock that reflects their moniker; reluctant, introverted but secretly a lot of fun. Their new single ‘Oh My God’, out on Witchgirl Recordings, contains two ready-made anthems, with bubblegum riffs and stadium-sized drums underpinning the anxious, deadpan vocals of lead-singer Tom Barr. After supporting the likes of Diet Cig and Bruising, fingers crossed they’ll be passing through Bristol very soon. Check out ‘Friendly Feeling’ below.
