Turn Up The Volume’s 10 BEST DEBUT SINGLES Of 2023

14 December 2023

Band: IRKED

Who: In your face indies
from North East England.

Debut single: BACKSTREETS
“Upfront and confrontational track about the creeps who linger
around your local music scene, where problematic behaviour
isn’t policed.”

TUTV said: A riff-deranged head-over-heels speedball. Think Australian barbed wire
rock generator Amyl And The Sniffers getting even louder and nastier than they already
are. Irked produce no-nonsense punk pandemonium with a dashing fanaticism
and crazed ruckus.

The vocalist screams her lungs out with intimidating force. Mental.
Don’t mess with her, don’t look for trouble with her. She’s a ragging
rapping reactor. Sharp-teethed stuff, shattering debut.

Helter Skelter.

IRKED: Instagram
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Clamorous frontman Alex Edkins of Canadian noise engine Metz and Graham Walsh, keyboardist of dance punks Holy Fuck, got together for a project of their own, named, Noble Rot.

Their debut single Casting No Light is motorik Krautrock-like mindfucker that circles around like forever, pushed by a pumping synth/drum/guitar riff-boom-beat that grows
in hypnotic intensity along the way. Fucktastic! The song is part of their debut album Heavenly Bodies, Repetition, Control.

Get puzzled.

NOBLE ROT: Twitter
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Band: CHUM

Who: 4-piece enigma from London. They have a passion for humour, theatrics
and the ethereal all the while set to a backdrop of crushing bass heavy sonics, maniacal kraut-tinged drumming and toe-tapping pop-esque melodics, interspersed with a dry somewhat disturbed vocal delivery.

Single: BEEFCAKE DOCTRINE
Part of their debut album Metaphysical

TUTV said: What a mind-twister, what a debut. From the get-go repetitive Krautrock dynamics do your head without asking permission first. It just happens in an eye-ear blink. It feels like this jagged jackhammer plays on repeat, over and over again, within its own swirling structure. Its trance-inducing beats create a hypnotic and puzzling razzmatazz you can’t and you won’t escape from. Bingo! Touchdown! I want more.

Get magnetized.

CHUM: Facebook
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Band: GHOST FETISH

Who: A synth-fueled post-punk
trio from Seattle, WA.

Single: LIPSTICK

TUTV said: What a way to debut! Expect a sickly sticky dancefloor gem
with a synth-tantalizing vibe reminiscent of the starry-eyed sparks of
British electro-pop heroes New Order. And is that Hooky on bass?

Lipstick is both a sensuous and affectional tune with gripping vocals up front
and melancholic ones in the back. At times it feels like the track will erupt into
an avid disco stomper. Maybe this debut is a foreplay teaser and the follow-up
will be an orgastic energizer. Anyway Ghost Fetish have my aural and hip-shaking
attention and will have yours too.

Top!


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GHOST FETISH: Instagram
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Band: DANI BLOND & THE VELVET GRIP

Who: Fresh indie act hailing from the lush forests of Central Vancouver Island.
They boast a sound and energy that waxes and wanes like the rough waters
from which they began and blend an exciting mix of emotionally charged
grooves, dynamic high-energy beats, and entrancing, atmospheric layers.

Single: RED SKY

Dani Blond (vocals/songwriter) “When I wrote this song I was thinking about these kids
who are, today, experiencing the horrors of war as a way of life. This is something I could never understand due to the privileged life I live. This song came tumbling out of me quickly. It serves as a reminder for myself that there are many people in this world having extremely different experiences than mine, and that I am privileged and have an opportunity to feel grateful for what I have.”

TUTV said: After hearing Red Sky one time I added these debuting indies immediately to my must-follow list. Why? This very first single captures your aural attention on the spot.
It’s a high-strung power-pop feat that progresses, bit by bit, with dazzling guitar lines and Blond‘s mettlesome vocals, to a feverish climax. It reflects the song’s theme of life’s dual issues with haunting intenseness. Proof again that worrying times can lead to heartfelt music.

Score!


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DANI BLOND & THE VELVET GRIP: Instagram
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Band: MAQUILLAGE

Who: A cross-border band composed of two members from
sunny Italy and two from less sunny Belgium. Originating from
an online advertisement, a meeting of two worlds follows,
where they profile themselves as a DIY-driven collective.

Single: BLUE

“Blue is more than just a song to us; it’s an emotional story about the
nuances of love and connection. In the music video we wanted the fragility
and splendor capturing these themes in a way that resonates with our
listeners. We are proud to share this creation with the world.”

TUTV said: This is truly enchanting. Expect electrifying layers of glistering guitar
sparks (think NYC’s idols Interpol), shining like a full moon on a dark winter night. Melodious shoegaze bliss, with expressive female vocals floating all over it. Along
its lustrous course, this jam gets more intensified, sending shivers down your spine.

Enjoy.

MAQUILLAGE: Instagram
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Artists: RED PERIL

Who: The new endeavour of the London-based Italian-Mexican musician Stefania F. Cardenas, co-founder, singer and guitarist of the now defunct all-female indie act Madonnatron (I loved them, criminally underrated) and musical partner Dexter.

Single: BOLLYWOOD GANGSTA

Cardenas: “The music industry can be a rough sea to sail. Red Peril represents
the ultimate form of creative freedom. Every aspect of this project is curated in-house
in true DIY spirit. Red Peril was born as a form of escapism during times of uncertainty.
I ended up quitting everything; my job, band, relationship and flat.

All I wanted was to make music, put my stories into sound, and that’s what Red Peril is. I met Dexter last year at a gig. We instantly clicked and started playing together. His incredible guitar and production skills have made these songs come alive. We have been lucky to receive support from Blang Records, who have given us so much encouragement and creative freedom.”

TUTV said: Totally sensuous, seductive, and sexy. Cardenas‘ near-whispering voice lifts this trippy mid-tempo groove to a midnight-hour sensation. The layered chorus harmonies add more titillation while the sultry vibe keeps on moving. Music has a healing energy, inspired by it Cardenas left the troubled past behind, teamed up with musical partner Dexter and starts all over again now with this top-notch debut.

Watch/listen.

RED PERIL: Instagram
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Artists: LEISURE FM
Who: Twins Milena & Weronika, born in Poland, who lived in Wales as children
and now calling South East London home. Driven by late-night contemplation &
an experimental spirit, they started producing music in their bedrooms a few
years back to combat lockdown blues, alongside DJing regularly.

Single: STATUESQUE
Piece from their 4-track debut EP fables.

TUTV: Absorbing, arresting, and spellbinding. Statuesque is a mid-tempo, darkish
dream pop meditation. Richly, yet subtly orchestrated with weeping violins here
and there, shimmering guitar sparks, and femme fatale vocals gliding all over it. Hallucinative karma, chilling vibrations, masterly debut.

LEISURE FM: Instagram – Linktree
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Band: BY FAR

Who: Belgian unit founded in 2017 by singer-songwriter Jacob Vermeire
who needed a way to express his feelings and found it in his music.

Single: BRICKS

The song’s lyrics take you through various events in Jacob’s life. Life isn’t always nice. Difficult relationships, precious losses, these are things that everyone experiences, but which we cannot all talk about equally well.

TUTV said: Bricks is an emotive introspection wrapped in a glorious melody that
strikes your ears from the kick-off. An arousing gem that resonates like a vibrant Americana song of veteran songsmith John Mellencamp and the poppy moments
of Violent Femmes. Strumming guitars, infectious flow, impassioned vocals and
an uplifting chorus. Top pop thrill that elevates restless minds, by far.

Tune in.


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BY FAR: Instagram
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Artist: KIER

Who: A singer/songwriter – full name Kier Burke – from South Yorkshire.
She has been writing songs since a young age and is ready to twist the
boundaries of country music.

Single: GYPSIES CASTLE
First shared cut from her upcoming debut LP

KIER: “This is more than just a song to me. At just 19, Lulu urged thousands like me
to take risks, to love fiercely, and to laugh with abandon. This song is a call to stop fretting about things beyond our control and instead pursue your joy and passion every day. ‘Gypsies Castle’ is dedicated to spreading Lulu’s message to the world – don’t sweat the small stuff, prioritise your happiness and love and live without regrets. As we like to say – live like Lulu.

TUTV said: As we all know music can have a healing, comforting and cathartic power.
It always has, but it also helps one to go forward without fear or regrets and enjoy
life from day to day, as the unfortunate friend of KIER did. This message is wrapped
in a catchy country melody. Romantic Americana, the English way. The star of the tune
is KIER’s voice. Crystal pure and entrancing. A beauteous debut.

Endearing.


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KIER: Instagram
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SUMMER PARTY PLAYLIST Part 4 – 20 Top Thrills – New & Old

14 July 2023

Turn up the heat and feel your heart beat.

It’s PART 4 of Turn Up The Volume‘s yearly hot summer playlists.
A mix of new and old tunes. A mix of adrenalin-infused punk/rock
anthems, dance fireworks, and some moony musings to end the
party when the sun comes up.

TRACK BY TRACK

1. ‘Casting No Light’ by NOBLE ROT (2023)

2. ‘Every Day Should Be A Holiday’ by THE DANDY WARHOLS (2010)


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2. ‘Fixer Upper’ by YARD ACT (2020)


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3. ‘Driving South’ by THE STONE ROSES (1994)


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4. ‘North American Scum’ by LCD SOUNDSYTEM (2009)

5. ‘Fixer Upper’ by YARD ACT (2020)


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6. ‘The Jezebel Spirit’ by Brian Eno & David Byrne (1981)


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7. ‘What We All Want’ by GANG OF FOUR (1981)


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8. ‘Bad Business Barbie’ by ROYAL CASTLES (2023)


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9. ‘Heart Like Chernobyl’ by SOFT CELL (2022)

10. ‘In The Room Where You Sleep’ by THE BANKROBBER (2021)


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11. ‘Leave Me Dry’ by ILA (2021)


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12. ‘Moving Too Fast’ by ANNIE TAYLOR (2023)


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13. ‘New Sensations’ by LOU REED (1984)


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14. Mr. E’s Beautiful Blues by EELS (2000)


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15. ‘Coming Home’ by DEXYS (2023)


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16. ‘Walk A Mile’ by AUSTIN GRIMM (2023)


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17. ‘Loud.exe’ by ODAWIN (2023)


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18. ‘Never Been Kissed’ by HOLLIE CARMEN (2023)


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19. ‘When I Look Out I Can See No Stars’ by LOSSLINE (2023)


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20. ‘Come Sit In My Chair’ by FRANCINE HONEY (2023)


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ALL TOGETHER


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See/hear you next week, music junkies

TUTV: Blog – Facebook – Instagram

Waking Up With Mind-Twisting Debut Single ‘CASTING NO LIGT’ By NOBLE ROT

Works faster than a gallon of caffeine

4 March 2023

Clamorous frontman Alex Edkins of Canadian noise engine Metz and Graham Walsh, keyboardist of dance punks Holy Fuck, got together for a project of their own, named, Noble Rot. They have their debut ‘Heavenly Bodies, Repetition, Control.‘ out next month.

They just dropped first single Casting No Light. A motorik Krautrock-like mindfucker that circles around like forever, pushed by a pumping synth/drum/guitar riff-boom-beat that grows in hypnotic intensity along the way. Fucktastic!

Press play.
Get puzzled.

TURN UP THE VOLUME’s 20 Best Tracks – Februrary 2023

ALL TOGETHER on Spotify…

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TRACK BY TRACK

1. ‘Someone Up There’ by THE WAEVE (UK)

British duo THE WAEVE feat. Graham Coxon (Blur‘s guitarist) and songstress
Rose Elinor Dougall – launched their sterling self-titled album early February.

One of the highlights is this turbulent, riff-rotating and capricious groover
named Someone Up There that works as a mesmerizing magnet.

Touchdown!

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2. ‘Casting No Light’ by NOBLE ROT (Canada)

Clamorous frontman Alex Edkins of Canadian noise engine Metz and Graham Walsh, keyboardist of dance punks Holy Fuck, got together for a project of their own, named, Noble Rot. They have their debut ‘Heavenly Bodies, Repetition, Control.‘ out next month.

They just dropped first single Casting No Light. A motorik Krautrock-like mindfucker that circles around like forever, pushed by a pumping synth/drum/guitar riff-boom-beat that grows in hypnotic intensity along the way. Fucktastic!

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3. ‘Drum’ by YOUNG FATHERS (Scotland)

This Scottish dance-funk-punk trio is on an unstoppable roll. Their new, 3rd LP Heavy Heavy is a total triumph (Turn Up The Volume‘s Album of the Month) and their swirling concert in Antwerp (Belgium) blew the roof off the building.

One of the standout tracks on the album is Drum.
A flamboyant, head-over-heels stormer.

Vibe!

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4. ‘How To Replace It’ by dEUS (Belgium)


(Photo by Turn Up The Volume)

The Belgian Gods released their new longplayer How To Replace It?,
their first in 10 years, a couple of weeks ago.

The title song is a phenomenal piece. A mid-tempo stunner, driven by big
drums and frontman Tom Barman‘s bewitching vocality. It advances with
swelling orchestration toward the grand symphonic climax.

Top!

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5. ‘Islands In The Sky’ by DEATH VALLEY GIRLS (Los Angeles, CA)


(Photo by Turn Up The Volume)

The amazing Los Angeles Amazons delivered their
best album (so far) Islands In The Sky only last Friday.

The title track is a blissful guitar-pop earworm that sticks from the get-go
with Bonnie Bloomgarden‘s spell-binding vocals inviting you to her island of joy.
I’m on my way. Join me.

You’re in charge of your perception of your life
You can choose what you keep
And what you leave behind

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6. ‘Heart On’ by 2LIBRAS (Seattle)

This Seattle-based Cyberpunk duo – Wesley and Jewels Foster – nailed it with this arousing mid-tempo, electro-drum-beat-driven knockout from their upcoming full length World’s End. It’s sexy, catchy, trippy, and makes your blood pumping through your heart.

Je T’Aime Moi Non Plus for the dancefloor.

Sonic sex.

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7. ‘Samo’ by A CERTAIN RATIO (Manchester, UK)


(Press credit)

Manchester’s vibrant dance legends A Certain Ratio
canned their 11th LP, named 1982. It lands at the end
of March.

Single SAMO is as funky as hell. Consult your doctor
if your limbs refuse to move to this nightclub corker.

Tune in.

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8. ‘Sinatra Drive Breakdown’ by YO LA TENGO (New Jersey)


(Press photo)

The imperishable indie veterans keep on doing what they do best,
releasing notable LPs, this time with fresh one titled This Stupid World.

Riveting psych-riff jam Sinatra Drive Breakdown
is the track I always go back to.

Here’s why.

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9. ‘Scatterbrain’ by FILIBUSTER (Belgium)

This Belgian 4-piece outfit is gearing up for their 2nd longplayer, baptized
Quiet Part Out Loud
, out next month, on 15 March, via Fons Records and
Gazer Tapes
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Newest single Scatterbrain is a riff-roaring rocker that grows on your ears
with every spin. It has a moody, shoegazy resonance annex reflective vocals.
Striking stroke. Bring on the album.

Press play here.

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10. ‘What If?’ by QUIZ SHOW (US)


(Photo by Phil Silverberg)

This fresh high-energetic trio features members from
Shudder To Think, Guided By Voices and The Dambuilders.

Their self-titled debut LP will see the day of light on 17 March.

What If? is a freaked-out, riff-drunk sucker punch that could
easily come from a Hüsker Dü LP. Herky-jerky electricity with
a steamrollin’ sticky chorus. Wowzers.

Lit up here.


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11. ‘I Expire‘ by MALE TEARS (L.A.)

This dark-Goth-wave duo from the City of Angels look like vampires,
they sound like vampires and they fabricate vampirish stuff.

The torrid tandem unleash their
new album KRYPT on 28 April.

Ahead of the release, to get us in the right make-up mood, they hit us
with first single I Expire. A punked-up electro uppercut to set batcaves
on fire with. One listen and the brisk beats will haunt you all day long.

In the accompanying video, Male Tears get straight in
your scared face and suck you into their wicked world.

Roll the tape.

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12. ‘The Court’ by PETER GABRIEL (UK)


Press photo GB – FB

No retirement yet for the once-upon-a-time face/voice
of art-prog-rock titans Genesis. His 9th, solo album,
named i/o lands next month.

Newest single The Court is Gabriel trippin’ in synth-pop land.

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13. ‘Tiger Girl’ by TEROUZ (France)

Canadian pop noir artist Terouz, as I said before, has a midnight-hour voice, that resembles the tone and timbre of Tindersticks frontman Stuart Staples and The National‘s maestro Matt Berninger’s.

His new song is a groovy love-drunk gem featuring the sensuous voice
of his ex-partner. It gets under your skin from the kick-off. Two spins and
you’re hooked.

Beware, tiger girl is a femme fatale.


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14. ‘Death Beats’ by NECRØ (Lisboa, Portugal)

NECRØ is the latest project of Portuguese musician João Vairinhos
featuring idiosyncratic singer and keyboard player Sara Inglês,.

The title track of their 6-track EP Death Beats
is Turn Up The Volume‘s favorite.

A dark-techno-wave rumbling that stomps and whomps with intense
impetus doing your head in from the get-go. Doomed beats for twilight parties.
The tenebrous vibe at play here sends shivers down your spine, while Sara Inglês‘s
ghostly wailing is reminiscent of shadowy Siouxsie Sioux moments.

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15. ‘What A Day’ by THE MYSTERY PLAN (Charlotte, US)


(photo: Daniel Coston)

This Charlotte-based collective seduced my sensitive ears with the title track of
their 3-track EP What A Day. The harbinger for upcoming 7th LP ‘Haunted Organic Machines’.

Feel-good tunes like these are always welcome on my headphones. What A Day is
a breezy synth-scintillating vibration that triggers sensual body moves. Its featherlight tonality causes a dreamy state of mind with trancy tinglings. And when that sweet flute came on, I swear, I saw a Spring bird flutter in the blue sky.

Enjoy!

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16. ‘Lonely Town’ by GALEN & PAUL (UK)

Multi-instrumentalist and songstress GALEN AYERS and former The Clash
bassist PAUL SIMONON have a collaborative album, named Can We Do
Tomorrow Another Day?
out on 19 May.

I’ll be a pretty special one as the pair wrote a collection of bilingual duets, with both of them singing in English and Spanish and explore a variety of European music cultures. First single Lonely Town is a sweet, little pop ditty. You can sing/hum/whistle along.

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17. ‘I Remember What You Said’ by Artist: DYAN VALDÉS (Cuban-American)


(Photo credit: Petra Valdimardottir)

This Cuban-American singer-songwriter, living in Berlin, played/plays
in several bands and works as a solo artist too and has now a new single
out, named I Remember What You Said.

It follows her last year’s excellent debut album Stand.

The pretty poppy song is about a nightmarish memory of a poisonous
relationship. With its agitated words-flowing drive it feels like Valdés
wants to wash away all the BS and move on. Mission accomplished.

Check it out.


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18. ‘Dust’ by SUMMIT OF THE BIG LOW (UK)

Summit Of The Big Low is the moniker of British musician Toby Uffindell-Phillips,
who was a member of the early 00s folktronica group Sound Sanctuary.

This new piece, from his self-titled album out on 19 May, is an affecting folk-pop reverie that streams as a brisk brook. Sparkling, crystal clear, and glimmering in the sun. Its wistful tone, smooth vocals, and frisky finger-picking guitar play combine for a sweet little pearl.

Stream/buy.


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19. ‘Prisoner’ by 7DESCENT (Nashville, TN)

This 4-piece from Nashville produces a mix of metal, opera & 80’s rock.

Their new single Prisoner is about being captured and trapped by someone’s love.
It’s a mid-tempo power ballad that slowly but surely infiltrates your ears with its
anthemic dynamics, impassioned vocals, and weeping guitars.

Play here.

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20. ‘Tongue Of Kalina’ EYEMOUTH (Sweden)

This musical project started in Gothenburg, Sweden in 2014 and presents a soundscape based on electronic backgrounds and a more classic rock instrumentation blended with mellotrons, vibraphone, santur, harmonium and other alluring sounding instruments. In short, atmospheric psychedelic darkness with occult undertones.

Eyemouth‘s new longplayer, titled A Headlong Fall Into The Vast Ocean Of Anxiety reverberates a cinematic synth soundtrack to an atmospheric, hallucinatory dream
movie yet to be made.

Closing track Tongue Of Kalina gives you a perfect idea of it.

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