This Christmas, our music team have highlighted new releases from Notts artists...
The Chase
Unbreakable (Single)
This song is characterised by that boisterous brass and plosive percussion that fires full-throttle throughout - although at a slightly mellowed, ‘plodding along’ nature, it’s unmistakably The Chase. Offering more proof of their helter-skelter songwriting, this latest single introduces us to an a cappella beat reminiscent of the band’s tight-knit musicianship; from cat screeches to flute solos, their arrangements are never flawed by their humour. The Chase are a band enriched with catchy nostalgia for ska and reggae inflections, and undeniably know how to make an ear-worm. Talia Robinson
Luna & The Lime Slices
If You're Sober, I'll Stay (Single)
This track arrives with a muted wail of guitars which slowly but surely forms into 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 a force to be reckoned with (and in my opinion, our city's answer to Crawlers). Phil Taylor
Gender Envy
Paper Planes (Single)
Gender Envy are a pop-punk band packed with personality, delivering an upbeat sound with raw and introspective lyrics. Their latest single continues to drive this style. While the song is new, the feelings are all too familiar as the single manages to capture the bittersweet and strange nostalgia that comes with life moving on after losing someone. It goes to show that for a band primarily making music for the joy of it, they know how to put their heart on their sleeve in a way that is both sentimental and strikingly self-aware. Gender Envy continues to soar to even greater heights – so dig out the old photo box, strap on the boots you were gifted at fifteen, and check it out! Phillippa Walsh
The Junipers
Imaginary Friends (Album)
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 that Brian Wilson would be proud of — all these combine to make the album a joyful listen, start to finish. Sam Marshall
John Hardy
Country and Northern (EP)
I’m a huge fan of this five-track EP by John Hardy. It's a slow moving beast; a collection of Americana-influenced songs with a slow, almost menacing tempo and just perfect for the rest of autumn and the winter months ahead. Melancholy country pop music makes little sense but it's the best I can do to describe John Hardy's work. Strongly crafted and well recorded songs, my personal favourites are Portobello Road, Same Old Country Song, Old Bones, Enjoy The Show and Car Radio... and yes I know that's every track on the EP! Grab a bottle, light the fire, sit back and invest some time in this record. Bassey
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