The MOnday: 17.03.25
Your weekly music update. This time: Somebody's Child at Waterloo Station, Cliffords and Wrest, live...
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Cliffords - Bittersweet
Arriving with a joyous thump of riffs and drums supported by soaring strings, Cliffords have found a new level of punch with ‘Bittersweet’, a song which captures the over-intense emotion and nostalgia of youth incredibly effectively… read more of my thoughts for DIY here.
Eden Rain - Who I’ve Touched
Reflective and very direct, Eden Rain shares her off-the-cuff reflections on self-worth and identity in a buzzy, thrummy alt-pop track which bites deep. It’s one of those which is effective through its balance of catchy, rich musicality and cutting, eye-opening lyricism.
Jake Xerxes Fussell - Close My Eyes
Another masterpiece of American folk storytelling, picked out on the guitar with precision and human warmth. Jake has a rich and honest tone, making every word count, and drawing us in to a new world of song.
renforshort - pretend to like me
renforshort excels — again — at conjuring drama, energy and power yet performing with effortless intimacy. I love the huge production on the choruses which seem to balloon out of the dusky verses. It’s irresistible.
Wrest - Live at the Barrowland Ballroom (Album)
Wrest excel in writing sweeping, broad and hugely immersive songs, the kind that beat deep from their hearts to yours, and rise to a joyous, euphoric and cathartic climax. This live album gives you a taste of what’s it like to hear them perform - throw yourself into it and feel healed.
Watch this
Somebody’s Child is ramping up for the release of their second album on 28th March. ‘When Youth Fades Away’ tops off what’s been a fast-moving and exciting time, which has included a US tour, a slot at SXSW and supporting some pretty big names (Kings Of Leon, Bloc Party, The War On Drugs…)
The video for new single ‘Porcelain’ is a charmer, seeing Cian Godfrey dancing with abandon at Waterloo station. It works, trust me.
Read this
The Guardian’s take on “major music festivals you can still book now” may not be as sweetly selective as my 6 essential fests feature, but it’s worth a read. It’s good to see 2000 Trees, Deer Shed and Bearded Theory on their list, although they missed a treat for not including the latter in their “A hit with the kids” section given the innovative Festival School which ’Theory runs.
Don’t miss this week
Fri 21st March sees albums from Japanese Breakfast (‘For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)’) and Zoe Graham (‘TENT’), as well as Kayla Grace’s intriguingly named ‘Cats Can Surf’ EP.
Don’t forget my: Release tracker | Monthly playlists | Subscriber chat