We take a look at some of our city's finest music releases...
The Man Who Was a Horse (Single)
After the release of single Horror Movie Weather in 2021, this year we’ve been treated to an equally dreamy song by Catmilk with The Man Who Was A Horse. Slightly more upbeat but still with that sad girl sound, you can enjoy the sweet and melodic voice of lead singer Alex in this new single, which was picked up by BBC Introducing earlier this year. Having recently performed at Hockley Hustle, be sure to look out for Catmilk around the city. Lizzy O’Riordan
Boys Don't Cry (Single)
Following his previous releases, eyes and #miles, sparking the creation of viral dance challenges on TikTok, skaiwater is still riding high on the momentum of what could well be deemed his breakthrough moment as an artist. His first release since his fanbase rapidly increased to over one million monthly listeners, boys don’t cry captures everything that led to his internet virality in the first place - with a winning formula of hyperpop instrumentation blended with his distorted hip hop infused vocal style. Gemma Cockrell
Alone Again (Single)
Alone Again remains for its majority a song of a single rhythm; the hi-hat ticks away consistently as the slow beating of the piano places us somewhere between jazz and R&B. Franky’s vocals, with their gritty tone, introduce a lulling layer to an already relaxed tune. Then, Saffron, who is a delightful singer, takes the reins, though adds not an obscene amount to the track. The two Nottingham locals could very easily be successful in the future, there is no doubt about that, but I don’t believe Alone Again shows their full potential. Harry Mangham
Tell the Bees (Single)
As this latest track from Otala opens, with drums pounding and cymbals crashing, there’s a worry it could be little more than another generic indie tune - but once the vocals enter the fray, it’s clear that’s not the case. Otala’s leading man has the ability to jump from sombre, Ian Dury-esque chatter to spirited singing with ease. Tell the Bees slowly warms up before exploding into a wall of noise, which, while bordering on overpowering, marks an impressively full-blooded release from the self-proclaimed “Dark Wave Wannabes”. George White
Folk Dance (Album)
Nottingham's eclectic, electronic, eccentric Dog Explosion releases his third album on Tuesday 15 November, and I got a sneak listen for this review. Artist Oliver Lovley, aka Dog Explosion, invites everyone back into his synth world, with sinister melodies and equally dark baritone vocals that demand attention. Post punk industrial sounds can be a thing of beauty and this album is a must listen for 2022. Bassey
We have a favour to ask
LeftLion is Nottingham’s meeting point for information about what’s going on in our city, from the established organisations to the grassroots. We want to keep what we do free to all to access, but increasingly we are relying on revenue from our readers to continue. Can you spare a few quid each month to support us?
