The sounds of Notts, reviewed. If you'd like to write for us, or want your tunes chatted about, get in touch by emailing music@leftlion.co.uk...
Exchecker ft. Wilted Flower
Rainchild (Single)
This exciting new collaboration from Exchecker and Wilted Flower – Notts' singer-songwriter Micki Woods' project – is a raw, soulful exploration of the mental health implications of striving for success. Blending pop, rap and a smooth-as-silk series of chord progressions that wouldn't feel out of place on an early Avalanches albumn, it's got all the elements to blow away live audiences. And with the collaboration set to make their full band debut at Albert's in April, I predict it's going to do just that. Jason Edgar
HEURT
Cathedral (Album)
This is a dense, variegated and often astral soundscape that’s painted across Heurt’s fervent and fifth full-length installment. Cathedral, ever in a state of euphony, flirts with differing shades of the same overarching blend of post-rock and shoegaze – never cowardly in its desire to explore. While the wavering vocals and delicate guitar leads provide unfettered levels of melancholic sentiment, Cathedral’s real triumph lies in a seven-minute instrumental epic that lays Heurt’s talents bare. Alex Mace
Clonk
Badhand (EP)
This new EP goes to show why Clonk gained a reputation as one of the loudest bands in Notts. Described as hardcore post punk, it features four explosive tracks full of Clonk’s classic hooks, vocals and ability to get any crowd jumping. Badhand is raucous, powerful and, most importantly, bold. Surprisingly this is Clonk’s first EP – judging by the standard and reputation that’s building around the band, it’s obvious it won’t be their last. Molly Dodge-Taylor
ARCH FEMMESIS
Forgery (Single)
The second single from the electro art-house duo, Forgery, the follow up to debut single, Sapiosexual, epitomises contemporary experimental music’s ability to truly offer something original. Vocalist ZERA TØNIN launches into spoken-word lyrics before a punchy drumbeat kicks in, building layers of erotic avant-garde electronica with sensual vocals spitting sincere poetry. Having garnered a cult following within the Nottingham scene since last year, this is only the beginning for the post-punk pair. Laura Phillips
Gallery 47
East Street (Album)
Could Gallery 47, aka Jack Peachey, be Nottingham’s answer to Mark Oliver Everett? Quite possibly, if this prompt follow-up to 2019’s Chaos Ensued is anything to go by. Recorded at his family home over Christmas, East Street fuses an Eels-inspired lyricism with Thom Yorke-tinged vocal layers, resulting in a bizarrely uplifting record. It’s at once minimal and lush, most prevalent on Embers. At a moment when acts tend to agonise over releases, Peachey’s prolific approach is rather refreshing. Becky Timmins
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