LeftLion's Latest Listens #9: Notts music we're currently spinning

Single: Luna & The Lime Slices - If You're Sober, I'll Stay

Photo: Harvey Steele

If You're Sober, I'll Stay arrives with a muted wail of guitars which slowly but surely forms in to the opening bars of a restrained but forceful song. It's anthemic in pace, but soaked in angst as the guitars turn fuzzy and the bass line growls. The vocals are wonderfully enigmatic at first, but later roar with attitude and passion as the band's two lead singers really start to let go. The song is nicely structured, with a strong, long build layered across the verses, chorus and explosive bridge section. Luna & The Lime Slices are a relatively new addition to Nottingham's alt-rock scene but are quickly proving to a force to be reckoned with (and in my mind our city's answer to Crawlers). @lunaandthelimeslices (Phil Taylor) 

Album: The Junipers - Imaginary Friends

Featuring their crispest and most refined sound yet, The Junipers’ fourth record is an album that feels at once fresh and familiar. Though unapologetic in its 60s psychedelic roots, Imaginary Friends oozes confidence and originality. From the delicious distorted groove of album highlight While You Preside to the plaintive lilt of Red Song, the Leicester quartet show the full range of their musical and lyrical abilities. Whimsical storytelling, spotless production and layered harmonies Brian Wilson would be proud of - all these combine to make Imaginary Friends a joyful listen, start to finish. @thejunipersband (Sam Marshall)

Single: Di$mal - Smoke Session 1

Nottingham rapper Di$mal has dropped his latest single, Smoke Session 1, continuing his impressive run of releases in 2024. The track delves into the theme of how life’s choices define you as you grow older, with Di$mal reflecting on the success he’s earned through dedication and his craft. Laid down in just a few takes, the beat kicks off with jazz-infused saxophone that seamlessly complements Di$mal’s smooth, soulful flow. Keep an eye out for his performance on 16th November at Violet Nights  at Juice Bar. @dismal____ (Gemma Cockrell)

Single: Kelsey & The Embers - Rollercoaster

As befits this autumn season and its darkening days, Rollercoaster opens with wobbly, haunting sounds; but those are quickly blasted away by guitar riffs of pure rock and roll. As the song hammers on, wailing guitars echo the high-reaching vocal lines from Kelsey Shaw and the song settles into a satisfyingly rapid pulse, adrenaline-fuelled and non stop. Kelsey & The Embers do a great job of evoking the frenzied emotions of the message they want to deliver. The four-piece have been a rising name on the scene for some time now and with this release they're drawing a line in the sand: they mean business and we're loving it. @kelseyandtheembers (Phil Taylor)

Single: Jude Forsey - i'll wait for you

Jude Forsey has unveiled his new single, i’ll wait for you, a brief yet electrifying indie rock track from his upcoming EP. The release follows his recent performance at the Circle of Light album launch and arrived just in time for his set at Hockley Hustle where he took the stage at The Old Bus Depot. Showcasing a shift towards heavier indie rock influences, the track highlights Jude's growing experimentation with guitar, an element he's recently begun incorporating into his live performances. @jude_forsey (Gemma Cockrell)