Music is neverending; nowadays it’s hard enough keeping track of who’s fallen out with Taylor Swift let alone who Circa Waves are. With this in mind, here’s a helpful guide to some of the new music that’s passed through the Kettle radar this week.
Chvrches – Never Ending Circles
Two years on from their debut album The Bones of What you Believe, Chvrches are back with a new set of songs – the second of which is the delightful ‘Never Ending Circles’.
Continuing with the ‘synths and singing’ formula that has served the band so well to date, the song is reminiscent of a number of their earlier singles. The opening riff thuds along like that of ‘Lies’, whilst the chorus drops in a pretty similar fashion to ‘Mother We Share’ – but while the instrumentation and themes might have remained the same, it’s like as absence is supposed to make the heart grow fonder, in the case of Chvrches, absence has made the synths seem brighter and the band still sound as fresh as they did the first time around.
Hailee Steinfeld – Love Myself
Hailee Steinfeld is actually better known for movies than music. As well as being nominated for an Academy Award for her role in True Grit, she has also starred and sung in Pitch Perfect 2, which presumably led someone from Republic Records to put two and two together and think ‘pop star!’
Her debut track is unashamedly pop – and there’s nothing wrong with that. Channelling the feel-good vibes of Taylor Swift and the sonic pallet of Carly Rae Jepson, Hailee has aimed for such an uplifting song there’s even a bridge comprised of ‘la-la’s. Bold.
Although probably not capable of penetrating the stereotypical British demeanour and making the public love themselves (what is?), this track is perfectly capable of making yourself stop and think;
‘Yeah, I’m not that bad.’
Which is exactly what pop music is for.
The Half Earth – Glass
Not exactly a new song, but a new artist nonetheless.
The Half Earth is the musical moniker of Sheffield resident, Conor Stephenson. Having spent the past year supporting the likes of Lucy Rose, SOAK, and Glass Animals, Conor has quietly built a reputation as a live act, leading to being named as one of five hidden gems at this years Tramlines festival by Clash.
This track is typical of his style: haunting, poetic – a complete counterpoint to the sunny pop of Hailee Steinfeld – and reminiscent of James Blake if he were a little more guitar-orientated.
Lianne La Havas – Green & Gold
Another artist returning after their debut album, Lianne La Havas’ latest release features this sumptuous track ‘Green & Gold’.
Simply following a laid-back drum beat and finger-picked guitar, Lianne’s breathy alto vocal chords flow effortlessly. Add a smattering of trumpet lines into the mix and this track is perfectly suited to ease you through the week.
What do you think of the songs we’ve picked this week? Let us know in the comments below!
