Another seven days have passed on the glorious conveyor belt of rock excellence and Black Spiders deserve hearty congratulations on their success in our latest Tracks Of The Week competition. Second place was snagged by Chris Shiflett, and the Cadillac Three – in a fine display of nominative determinism – came in third.
And now we must embark on our latest mission to boldly go where others are afraid to listen. Enjoy the ride and don’t forget to vote.
Crown Lands – Lady of the Lake
Vocalist/drummer Cody Bowles says of the mythological universe on Crown Lands’ new single, “Lady of the Lake tells the story of an ancient struggle for control of the realm and a powerful goddess summoned to banish the darkness. This happens in the same world as [previous single] Fearlessbut a long time ago.” Built on layers of 12-string and electric guitars, drums, Moog and Mellotron, it blends medieval forest mysticism and space-traveling fantasy, with guitarist Kevin Comeau noting, “I’m particularly proud of the Leslie-soaked guitar solo in 15/ 8” – maybe the trendiest thing everyone ever said. And for that we are grateful.
Skam – Do it again
Ripping straight to the point with AC/DC-style beef and bravado before seamlessly descending into brooding shades of grunge, the longtime Leicester trio hit the spot again on this new single. Part of a remastered edition of the album IV, which will be released on March 3rd, would fit very well on much larger stages than those featured in the accompanying video. To be fair these stages seem to be at the heart of the top nights; the band leans into an arena while 150% adoring fans wearing skam t-shirts have a thoroughly good time.
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit – Deathwish
Jason Isbell has an author’s ability to capture the twists and turns of life in the form of darkly beautiful Americana. In this single from upcoming album Weathervanes, he combines a Neil Young-infused ballad tale with a love story for someone suffering from depression – and quietly drops devastating lines like, “It takes a lot of medicine to feel like a little kid ‘ falling as naturally as breathing. “There’s something about boundaries on this record,” says Isbell weathervanes, which will appear in June. “As you mature, you’re still trying to maintain the ability to love someone fully as you grow into an adult and learn how to love yourself.”
Tigercub – play my favorite song
At Play my favorite song, the Brighton trio Tigercub laid on fat, bass-heavy grooves and distorted guitars for a meaty but super danceable effect. Rock that wants to party and mosh pointlessly. Taken from the forthcoming album The Perfume of Decay, due to be released on Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard’s Loosegroove label (the title track came out in January and is a smash), captures the kind of dark disco vibes that’s been brewing in other Brighton items like Royal Blood and Demob Happy can be found. Something dancing and bassy in the water on the south coast, or so it seems.
Ophelia Ray – Unnatural Love
Next, we embark on a journey to one of the cooler, darker sides of the ’80s without sacrificing the plus-size production values that came with the decade. London-based singer-songwriter/newcomer Ophelia Ray captures the feeling of Stevie Nicks trading licks with Alannah Myles on this new single (with Siouxsie Sioux in the background, eyeliner in one hand, dry ice maker in the other). Wrapped in atmospheric gothic textures and dreamy synthesizers, it leaves a stylish impression.
The Dowling Poole – Push Rep
Swimming in the same sonic waters as late ’80s/early ’90s fastmen Jellyfish, The Dowling Poole (aka Honeycrack/The Grip/Wildhearts man Willie Dowling and Cardiacs/Wildhearts alumnus Jon Poole) serves up a somber 21st-century commentary on society. Century in a sassy, beautifully crafted pop-rock package – all the music hall keys, razor-thin harmonies, and enough subtle shifting to keep you constantly guessing and still engaged. Just try not to get too depressed by the animated, phone-staring teenagers in the accompanying video; although, like the song, it’s depressing in a very convincing way. Pretty.
The struts – Pretty vicious
Pretty vicious has proved to be something of a sensation since a short clip was uploaded to TikTok last summer and the band is new Unplugged at EastWest EP is the first time we list the song in its entirety. Acoustic sessions can often reveal any weaknesses in a band’s arsenal, but this version suggests The Struts are just as at home with an invigorating strum and a piano as they are with the amps cranked up. Some fine jaggerisms are also exhibited by Luke Spiller.
Ian Hunter – I hate hate
There’s star-studded and then Ian Hunter’s forthcoming album Despite, These include contributions from Jeff Beck, Johnny Depp, Joe Elliott, Billy F. Gibbons, Taylor Hawkins, Duff McKagan, Todd Rundgren, Slash, Jeff Tweedy, Robert Trujillo, Brad Whitford, Mike Campbell and Ringo Starr to name just 13. i hate hate is a piano-driven rocker that sounds like it’s been smuggled in from 1975 without touching the sides, suggesting that Hunter has lost none of his fire. “There are many reasons to name this album Despite,” he says. “The thing is, people my age shouldn’t be making records, blah, blah, blah. But we’ve got a little bit left.” Despite scheduled to land on April 21st via Sun Records (yes, The sun records).
