Rainbow Frog Biscuits
Crumbs (EP)
Quirky Leicestershire-based alternative pop singer-songwriter Rainbow Frog Biscuits (real name Amber Louise) is fleeting sunshine (and rainbows) personified in their debut EP. Commemorating the last few weeks of 2024, which its original release last November, the extended play also perfectly complements the fresh anticipation of 2025 ahead. Crumbs is RFB’s sentimental musical scrapbook; an anthology of lyrical anecdotes, upbeat acoustics, and relatable loops of spilling and spiralling romantic confessions, as she navigates and reflects on the world around us – leaving a trail of breadcrumbs wherever we go. Five heartwarming tunes guaranteed to lift the frosty winter blues, perfect for any fans of Dodie, Beabadoobee or Mitski. Katherine Monk-Watts
Eleanor McGregor
Muscle Memory (EP)
Muscle Memory is an intimate, vulnerable record in so many ways: here, Eleanor McGregor shares some of her most personal moments, exploring the visceral impact of relationships on every aspect of our emotions and lives. But, across the four tracks - which are recorded with stark simplicity - Eleanor develops strength. The first two songs, including the perceptive title track, are both gently sung with only an acoustic guitar for accompaniment. But then, there's a subtle upward shift with the addition of synths and vocal harmonies in Letting People Go. This ties in with an increasing sense of realisation and maturity in the lyrics which finds its conclusion with the stripped-back Inbetween. It’s a remarkable EP, proving the close connection between our human emotions and heartfelt, honest music. Phil Taylor
Jayahadadream & Gardna
Fine Art (Single)
Nottingham’s honorary hip-hop daughter teams up with Bristol MC Gardna on an infectious flow of binaural beats and current hip-hop. There are multiple other influences, from reggae to underground grime. This is a number that is imbued with transcending waves of sound and passionate prosaic verses which demonstrate Jaya’s evolving talent as a writer as well as an artist. The latest rendition of the track features a remix from Baxter and, as Jaya recites, “I live for the art, it’s a vibe, it's a sesh". This seems a decent summary of the track’s components and while there is a cultural concoction of multiple genres, the vibe is all about capturing art in the moment, the slot in time where we stop to appreciate what is put before us. It questions our notions of what art means to different people. This combined craft is a contemporary case of modern music's ability to break new bounds. Lewis Oxley
Jake Greener
Sun Is High (Single)
Nottingham-based indie musician Jake Greener is a rising solo star who embraces guitar-driven music, drawing from a range of genres and influences. In his new single Sun is High, the soothing guitar melded with the gentle drumming provided by Natt Webb make a perfect backdrop to Jake's voice. This is a joy to listen to. In a nutshell, the song is about witnessing the tragic situation of another: like seeing a car crash in slow-motion while being intimately aware of some of that feeling from experiences in your own past. Many of the lyrics here are about the mundane things that still come to pass as usual while you’re occupied with an unforgiving situation. Faye Stacey
Alice for Breakfast
Sugar Crash (Single)
A brand new band is a great sign of a thriving music scene; Nottingham's latest is called Alice for Breakfast and their debut Sugar Crash heralds an exciting new voice on our circuit. Drawing on a wide range of genres, the track opens with brooding, chunky guitars and whispered count-in. Then, it opens up into wide-ranging riffs, soaring vocals and subtly expanding drums. Layering in more guitars, giving the bass a time to shine, and allowing those drums to display their potential, there's a lovely feeling of exploration and a band excited to show what they're made of. The guttural screams of joy and abandon towards the end hint at a thrilling live experience when these guys get out among us. Watch out Nottingham! Expect an album's-worth of tracks throughout 2025. Phil Taylor
Divorce
Pill (Single)
The Notts indie alt-country Divorce have released another entrancing single last week, which is to be featured on their upcoming debut album Drive to Goldenhammer. An experimental chamber-pop rock ballad over five minutes long, Pill is an auditory, transformational standout from Divorce, with its three stark instrumental sections and forthright lyrics from co-vocalist/bassist Tiger Cohen-Towell, as they share their intimate tendencies from the perspective of a long-distance relationship, as well as their prevailing euphoria of being seen. Expect textured string arrangements, frenzied guitar riffs and earnest harmonic vocals accompanying a gentle piano interlude – it’s a queer, euphonic portrait of love, self-discovery and acceptance. Katherine Monk-Watts
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