Avec Sans
Girl Friend
All Photography by Hanrossta
I’m finding it difficult to express just how much I love The Way Down Leering, recently revealed by London musician Slows Down. Heavy in both ideas and instrumentation, this ambitious piece grows patiently and hypnotically, providing moments of minimalist beauty before turning into something far bigger.
The individual work of Alexander Hawthorne, you find at the heart of it, an emotional and melancholy vocal that at times feels close to giving up. Referencing both the dark psychedelica of Spiritualized and the experimental gloom of Swans, The Way Down Leering contains a sea of noise, and you should dive right in.
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https://www.facebook.com/slowsdown
Phill Young
Manchester electronica duo Bernard & Edith are to blame for my untidy house. FACT. I had serious plans for a spring clean today… and Henry Hoover is just sat there looking at me with a sadness in his eye. Poppy is one of those songs that makes you drop everything you’re doing, the kind of distraction you’re relieved to have.
It’s felt for a while now that Manchester’s musical resurgence has not been down to one particular movement or specific sound, more a DIY ideology that can be found in pockets of activity across the city. I’ve often likened Whalley Range based vocalist Greta Edith to Grimes with a hint of Coronation Street – she has this genuine warmth and attitude that really sets her apart from everyone else. Poppy is a stunning piece of work, dark and atmospheric – accompanied by the perfect visual representation.
Poppy is released via SWAYS and available for pre-order now http://www.swaysrecords.com/
https://www.facebook.com/bernardandedith
Phill Young
I’ve found myself increasingly intrigued in recent months by Douga, predominantly the output of Manchester’s Johnny Winbolt-Lewis, former member of kraut-psychonauts Plank!.
While not directly competing with his old band for outright volume or opposable riffs, JWL is now beginning to fully demonstrate his unique ability to smash together charming, chiming and occasionally unpredictable jams with clever lo-fi pop twists and understated arrangements.
I can’t help feeling that Kids Of Tomorrow, the opener to upcoming album The Silent Well more than anything represents a door opening and an era beginning. There’s a intriguing number of sides to the Douga shape – some of which are yet to be entirely revealed – and I’ll be punching the air with joy if they’ve been captured on this outing.
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https://www.facebook.com/dougauk
Mike Phillips