In this 54th edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens, our music team reviews new releases from ROB GREEN, Revenge of Calculon, Pillow Fort, Lucas Walters and A-Tota-So
Album: Pillow Fort - Indefinite, but not Forever
On their debut album, Nottingham emo outfit Pillow Fort channel the visceral and the human. With a solid mix of catchy, twinkly instrumentation and deeply heartfelt lyrics, the record focuses on every facet of existence. Moments like the fast-paced Codename Kids Next Year are exciting and fun, whereas the slower, more airy tracks really emphasise the devastation within lead singer Ryan Crick’s words. It is emotionally honest and heartbreakingly resonant.
A highlight is The Open Sea, with its perfect mix of technically proficient instrumentation and pure, raw words making a beautiful combination. With the sprawling, delicate, and somewhat visceral closer Marcy, Pillow Fort stand out from the crowd by giving an absolute masterclass in what modern emo can and should sound like.
(Underlining the innovative nature of this band, the album is accompanied by a Game Boy Advance game developed by guitarist Ryan)
@pillowfortuk (Josh Turner)
Single: ROB GREEN - Fade Away
Local alt-soul sensation ROB.GREEN has returned with Fade Away, his vibrant and uplifting new single that transforms a potentially bitter experience into something unexpectedly joyous. Written alongside fellow Nottingham artist Liam Bailey, the track emerged from a conversation between the pair about the "crab-in-the-barrel" mentality that can sometimes surface when people pursue their ambitions. Centred around the simple but powerful idea of letting detractors "fade away", the single finds Green choosing self-belief over conflict and personal growth over unnecessary drama.
Produced by Ivor Novello-winning producer Cassell the Beatmaker, the song pairs that message with lush grooves, warm production and effortlessly playful lyricism. Green's vocal performance is as charismatic as ever, gliding across the track with a confidence that perfectly complements its message of moving forward. The result is a song that feels simultaneously reflective and celebratory, turning hard-earned perspective into an irresistible dancefloor moment.
Typically thoughtful, soulful and undeniably uplifting from ROB.GREEN, Fade Away is another impressive step forward as he builds towards his debut album in 2027.
Catch ROB.GREEN at Hockley Hustle this Sunday, performing at The Bodega at 4:30pm before also joining the UFO Orchestra for a special performance in St. Mary’s Church from 7:45pm
@robgreenmusic (Karl Blakesley)
Single: Lucas Walters - Plato's Cave
Jazz aficionados in the city are probably already aware of the talent of pianist Lucas Walters, having quite possibly seen him play at Peggy’s Skylight; Plato’s Cave is his debut single. Lucas draws inspiration from some of jazz music’s greatest artists which he ingeniously incorporates into an individual jazz fusion style. Directly reflecting his own personal life experiences, this composition musically explores Plato’s famous allegory about having the courage to accept the need to change your life from the constraints imposed on you.
Starting off quietly and introspectively, Lucas’ keyboards weave a slow lilting melody that gradually builds, adding dimension and emotion with the inclusion of bass, saxophone, trumpet and drums. A short contemplative piano solo follows before the band rejoins with a demonstration of some skilful interplay in a dramatic finale. @lucaswalterspiano (Claire Spencer)
Album: A-Tota-So - I Told You So
With their third album, noisy math rock trio A-Tota-So conjure up memories of Tool and Slint with their unique brand of post-hardcore. The songs on this record are not predictable; they shift and turn in directions I could have never guessed. Whether it is the blistering solo at the end of the rather understated Masks or the drudging march in the back half of Form of Mass, the entire album is groovy, technical (a standout being the drums on Exit Wounds), and just an amazing ride to go on - the band never shows all their cards at once.
What I really enjoy about this record is that they are tasteful with their intensity. They do not simply go crazy for crazy's sake but let the song evolve and take the listener into areas beyond expectation. An underrated masterpiece.
@atotaso (Josh Turner)
Album: Revenge of Calculon - Welcome To Funktronica
Revenge of Calculon have always occupied a unique space in the underground of our Nottingham scene - part funk collective, part electronic experiment, and part Luchador-mask-wearing sci-fi adventurers. On second album Welcome To Funktronica, they fully embrace that warped identity, delivering a “miraculous Space Jazz” album that feels like a neon-lit transmission from another dimension.
Blending infectious basslines, shimmering synths and groove-heavy rhythms, the record effortlessly fuses classic funk influences with modern electronic production. From the opening moments of WTF! and Elevator Lizard, Welcome To Funktronica transports listeners to a mad-cap world where dancefloor energy and retro-futuristic imagination collide. Every instrumental track here is packed with character, whether sending the listener through punchy synth-driven grooves or delivering them unexpected sonic twists.
With this album, Revenge of Calculon have crafted a colourful, energetic and thoroughly entertaining record that celebrates both funk's timeless appeal and electronic music's limitless possibilities. The result is a super fun album that invites repeat listens, proving that sometimes the best musical journeys are the ones that don't take themselves too seriously.
The house band at Rough Trade Nottingham, catch them opening the LeftLion x Rough Trade stage at Hockley Hustle this Sunday at 1:45pm
@revengeofcalculon (Karl Blakesley)
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