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newmusickarl · 1 month

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5-9’s Album of the Month Podcast – now on YouTube with our latest episode out now!

It’s an exciting new era for the 5-9 Album of the Month podcast, as we have just launched our official YouTube channel! Each month, we will publishing the latest full podcast episode as well as individual album reviews and our monthly highlights outside of the albums discussed. To explore all our video content so far, including our January and February episodes, you can find our new YouTube channel here. And please, be sure to like and subscribe!

For those new here, the 5-9 Album of the Month Podcast is where I take a seat alongside 5-9 Editor Andrew Belt and Check This Out’s Kiley Larsen to review five high profile album releases from the past month in music, and ultimately name one as our Album of the Month at the end of the discussion. On the Spotify version, we also have some insightful background information to each album from Blinded By The Floodlight’s Matthew McMcLister and you can also hear our picks of the best songs from each record!

For our February 2024 episode, the five albums we discuss are:

Girl With No Face by Allie X

Phasor by Helado Negro

TANGK by IDLES

Prelude To Ecstasy by The Last Dinner Party

Loss of Life by MGMT

If you want to listen to this or any previous episodes simply follow the links below, but also be sure to follow 5-9 Blog on Instagram, Twitter and now YouTube for more news and polls relating to the podcast.

Listen to the new episode on Spotify here

Watch the latest episode on YouTube here

Choose which album joins our April 2024 lineup by voting in our poll here

Album & EP Recommendations

Filthy Underneath by Nadine Shah

Whilst everyone was going through their own personal turmoil during the last few years, much revered musician Nadine Shah was going through a particularly tumultuous time. Not long after releasing her 2020 album Kitchen Sink, Nadine would tragically lose her cancer-stricken mother during the height of the COVID-pandemic. Locked in isolation with her grief, Nadine entered a downward spiral that would play out over the next two years, with heavy substance abuse leading to depression, divorce and even an attempt to take her own life in 2022. Thankfully Nadine survived, agreeing to enter rehab where she would get the help and support she desperately needed.

Now out of rehab, substance-free and most importantly finding her happiness again, Nadine has returned with a new album that is just an absolute tour de force from beginning to end. Playing out almost like a cathartic exorcism of all the demons that have plagued her the last few years, Filthy Underneath is the sound of Nadine laying everything bare for the listener. Brutally raw, deeply personal and gracefully honest, the heavy lyrical inspiration for each track is carefully balanced with liberating, synth-drenched and rhythmic instrumentation, with the live-sounding production adding a theatrical touch to proceedings too.

While it’s an album best experienced as a complete work from start to finish, there are a few standout moments here. None more so than Greatest Dancer, a song where Nadine recalls getting high on her mum’s prescription medicine in front of an episode of Strictly Come Dancing, with pulsating synths reverberating and tribal drums pounding away as she recounts her feelings in that moment. Sad Lads Anonymous is another high point, a poetic spoken word confessional that sees Nadine describe her woes to a work experience kid in an awards show bathroom. Both these tracks present the whole album as a microcosm, filled with sounds that draw you in and make you want to dance, whilst the stories at the core are quite dark and harrowing. It all eventually culminates in the album’s hardest moment, French Exit, an ominously tense track on which Nadine openly confronts her suicide attempt. It’s a truly devastating end to an utterly enthralling record.

It’s no secret that often the darkest times can produce the greatest art. Filthy Underneath is a testament to that, with Nadine bravely and openly sharing her story as both a lesson to others but also, no doubt, her own personal catharsis. Shocking and upsetting at points yet always refreshingly honest and completely captivating, this is without a doubt one of the best albums of the year so far.

Watch the video for Greatest Dancer here

Listen to the full album here

Bleachers by Bleachers

As a producer, Jack Antonoff is partly responsible for some of my favourite records in recent years, working his magic on career-best efforts from the likes of St. Vincent, Lorde, Lana Del Rey, The 1975 and, of course, Taylor Swift. It’s strange then that up until now, his own band Bleachers haven’t done much for me. Instead, Antonoff has been more engaging musically to me when he’s working in the studio behind the scenes than performing out in front. However with this new self-titled effort, their first on new label Dirty Hit, Bleachers might be starting to finally win me over.

Let me start with the caveat that admittedly there’s not too much originality to this record. At every turn Bleachers evoke other bands with their nostalgic brand of indie-pop, with their inspirations also offering up more than they do here. Bruce Springsteen is the constant comparison of course, but shades of some of Antonoff’s recent collaborators like The 1975, The National and even Bon Iver also come through strong, which maybe isn’t surprising given both Matty Healy and Aaron Dessner appear on tracks here. The good news for Bleachers though – I love all of those bands/artists. So whilst it may not reinvent the wheel, I actually find myself drawn to the warm, familiar sounds put forward on this record.

The other big selling point of this album though as just mentioned – the collaborators. Antonoff has gone through his phone book and lined up an exceptional list of guest features who lend their talents to this album, which in addition to Matty Healy and Aaron Dessner include Lana Del Rey, Kevin Abstract, Florence Welch, Annie Clark, Clairo, Bartees Strange and more. It makes for an album filled with highlights, including all four singles (Modern Girl, Alma Mater, Tiny Moves, Me Before You) and a stellar back-end run of Call Me After Midnight, We Are Going To Know Each Other Forever and Ordinary Heaven.

So, whilst it may not win any originality prizes, this is an album I’ve had in heavy rotation since its release. With catchy hooks, groovy guitars and a smattering of saxophone, give it a chance and you may find yourself taken with Bleachers’ self-titled too.

Listen here

Beholder by The Blinders

It is sadly becoming all too frequent. Last month I wrote about nothing, nowhere’s financial pressures when writing and releasing new music as an independent artist and it seems Manchester indie outfit The Blinders are in a similar boat. Shortly after the release of this their third album, The Blinders released a statement to say that they were cancelling their EU tour and taking a step back from the band following the conclusion of their UK tour. It is the sad times we live in unfortunately, where independent artists and music venues are struggling more than ever to make a living, whilst the bigger artists and musical organisations just stand by and watch everything else collapse.

Hopefully the tide in the musical landscape will turn soon, but indeed if this is to be the last Blinders record, they couldn’t have asked for a better final outing. With hazy psychedelic guitar passages and passionate vocal cries from frontman Thomas Haywood, there’s rarely a dull moment across the 39-minute runtime. There’s also some of the bands very best moments too, with the likes of While I’m Still Young, Always, Nocturnal Skies and Swallowing Static all standing out.

Listen here

Songs That Aren’t Mine by Matt Maltese

Having delivered one of my favourite 50 albums of last year with Driving Just To Drive, singer-songwriter Matt Maltese has wasted little time in delivering this follow-up project. However rather than all new material, Matt’s decided to take on a different challenge by serving up this intriguing covers album. Taking on much-loved classics from various eras, Matt very much puts his own stamp on the songs chosen here, turning each of them into timeless, melancholic swoons. With his selection including songs from Neil Young, Bob Marley, T-Rex, Prince, Belle & Sebastien, Avril Lavigne, Sixpence None The Richer & more, his unique takes breathe fresh new life into these well-established tunes.

Listen here

Fantasies EP by Bombay Bicycle Club

A band that just don’t seem to miss, indie-heroes Bombay Bicycle Club have followed-up their much-acclaimed sixth album, 2023’s My Big Day, with this fantastic new four-track EP. Very much keeping the collaborative spirit of that record alive, each track features a female guest vocalist to compliment Jack Steadman’s signature vocals, with the wonderful Matlida Mann, Liz Lawrence, Lucy Rose and Rae Morris all appearing on a track each here. My personal favourite is Better Now with Rae Morris but if you’re a Bombay fan like me, then you’re sure to enjoy this short-but-sweet companion piece to My Big Day.

Listen here

Work In Progress EP by Holly Humberstone

Having finally released her debut album Paint My Bedroom Black last year, Lincolnshire singer-songwriter Holly Humberstone is already back with more new music, with this new EP’s arrival coinciding with her current UK tour. Forged out of unfinished tracks left on her notes app, Holly has taken the time to complete her favourite demos that didn’t make the cut for her previous EPs and debut album. Anthemic recent single Dive is still a highlight, but the spacey stripped-back title track, the saxophone-backed Down Swinging and the simply stunning Easy Tiger all hugely impress too.

Listen here

Also worth checking out:, BLUE LIPS by ScHoolboy Q, How To Make A Master Peace by Master Peace, Daniel by Real Estate, The Past Is Still Alive by Hurray For the Riff Raff, Chorus by Mildlife, A Mirror Brightly by Geographer

Tracks of the Week

Broken Man by St. Vincent

The year is heating up in terms of new releases and in the last few weeks, we got news that the ever-amazing Annie Clark would be dropping her seventh solo record next month. Titled All Born Screaming, the first taste of the record is this absolute ripper of a single, filled with electrifying industrial rock and featuring none other than Dave Grohl. We’ll be reviewing the album for our April podcast and I personally can’t wait!

Listen here

Wild God by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

Another big artist with a new album on the way, Australian rock legends Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds will release their 18th (yes 18th!) studio album this August. The first single is the title track and Nick Cave’s claims that the band are “happy” this time around seem legit, as Wild God is as joyous as they’ve sounded in years.

Listen here

Our World by James

Also due to release their 18th studio album this year, Mancunian indie legends James are preparing to drop their new album Yummy next month. Whilst I wasn’t completely taken with the first single, Our World is James at their best. Boasting an infectious pop groove but with a powerful political message at its heart, it’s succeeded in getting me excited for their next opus.

Watch the lyric video here

The Dream of Delphi by Bat For Lashes

Due to release her sixth studio album in May, which is also her first in five years, Natasha Khan AKA Bat For Lashes is back. Revealing her new record’s title track, it is a typically mystical composition anchored around her ever-stunning vocals. Welcome back!

Listen here

A Dream Is All I Know by The Lemon Twigs

Having been named our Album of the Month in May last year, the D’Addario brothers are planning a repeat in 2024, with their fifth studio album A Dream Is All I Know due for release this May. The singles for the record so far have been great but this title track is the best yet, filled with their trademark harmonies and vintage rock riffs.

Listen here

Passing Judgment by Been Stellar

Having caught them live this month supporting The 1975 on their current EU tour, its safe to say the buzz around Been Stellar is justified. Drawing shades to other NYC indie outfits The Strokes and Interpol, their upcoming debut is aptly titled Scream from New York, NY and if lead single Passing Judgment is anything to go by, it could end up being one of the debuts of the year.

Listen here

Mirror Muscles by SOFT PLAY

It’s great to have SOFT PLAY, the duo formerly known as SLAVES, back making music. Having released Punk’s Dead last year which ended up being one of my songs of 2023, you get the sense a new album is on the way and, based off these two singles, it may just be their best yet. New single Mirror Muscles is the one that adds further weight to that claim, boasting some monster riffs and lyrics that take digs at vanity gym goers, it’s sure to go down a storm this coming festival season.

Listen here

Monkey In The Middle by Marseille

And finally this week we have an up-and-coming indie outfit from Derby - Marseille. Influenced by the 90s Madchester scene, their singles up to this point have drawn comparisons to The Stone Roses and Monkey In The Middle is no different, thanks to its sprawling, psychedelic guitar passages. With some particularly scintillating riffs in the back end that would leave even John Squire himself impressed, Marseille are most certainly a band to watch going forward.

Listen here

Also worth checking out: Gears by Divorce, Change Shapes by Lauren Mayberry, Pull The Rope by Ibibio Sound Machine, What A Devastating Turn of Events by Rachel Chinouriri, Makes Me Violent by Bob Vylan, New World Flow by Joe Goddard & Fiorious, You Make Me Feel So Dumb by Walt Disco

REMINDER: If you use Apple Music, you can also keep up-to-date with all my favourite 2024 tracks through my Best of 2024 playlist. Constantly updated throughout the year with songs I enjoy, it is then finalised into a Top 100 Songs of the Year in December.

Add the Best of 2024 playlist to your library here

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onestowatch · 2 years

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Been Stellar Release Larry Clark Inspired Single "Kids 1995"

Indie rock band Been Stellar continue to keep the DIY spirit alive with their catchy, grainy guitar riffs and an exultant celebration of youth in their latest single, "Kids 1995." The song, named after Larry Clark's seminal film, evokes imagery of a late-night spree through city streets and reflects on the ruleless odyssey portrayed in the movie, traversing a scorching ‘90s New York summer, contemplating innocence lost and the acceptance of life as it is.

"Kids 1995" reeks of NYC rock nostalgia while remaining incredibly authentic to the band's sound and showcasing their creative development. "It's definitely getting at more of what we have in our heads, as far as what Been Stellar sounds like," shares the band. "A lot of that is thanks to Aron Kobayashi Ritch, who produced the track. We were more meticulous in the studio with this one than we have been in the past."

The single quickly builds from a winding, melodic plea from lead singer Sam Slocum, imploring above driving guitars. He sings, "And even if I was solipsistic / Or even if I am solipsistic / Would it really make any difference? / Because as much as I tell myself it's all real / It's just as real as it really isn't." This existentialism then transports listeners to a place of ecstasy before it falls right back into its euphoric, pop-edged chorus. "For me, the whole bit on solipsism always feels very raw, which I like," shares Slocum. "At the time, I was really into the movie The Big Chill, and they used the Joe Cocker song ‘Feelin Alright,’ so that's why I quoted that lyric — ‘you feeling alright? I'm not feeling too good myself.’”

The accompanying music video is a beautiful blend of interlaid visuals that further ignite the track's nostalgia. Grainy black and white portraits of the band's members pan from one television screen to the next, collaged with crisp clips of a live studio session, shots along the water, and multi-channel vignettes. "We worked on the concept with our good friends Gabe [Jace Long] and Razzi [Schlosser]," says Slocum. "We wanted to capture intimate moments of us as a band and as individuals. The Todd Haynes Velvets documentary has some Warhol footage that we found super intriguing. Gabe brought on his creative partner Justin [Wall], and we shot it in two days. I believe the CCTV idea came initially as leaning into the fact that the song's named after a film." The video gives way to an explosion of quick cuts as the song reaches its cathartic climax.

Alongside preparing for their tour supporting The Goa Express, see dates below, the band shared what's in store for listeners regarding their upcoming releases. "In the future, listeners can expect a lot more specific lyrics and a lot more noise. A lot of the upcoming tunes were very influenced by living in pandemic NYC. That's not to say that we're by any means abandoning the sound we've worked on up until now, but we're at the point where we'd like to venture into some uncharted waters for us."

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Been Stellar Live:

May 13 - The Great Escape - Brighton, UK May 14 - Rough Trade - Bristol, UK* May 17 - The Sesh - Hull, UK May 18 - Hyde Park Book Club - Leeds, UK* May 19 - Lexington - London, UK* May 21 - The White Hotel - Manchester, UK* May 26 - The Social - London, UK June 9 - Mercury Lounge - New York, NY+ June 11 - Philamoca - Philadelphia, PA+ June 12 - Songbyrd - Washington DC+ June 14 - Mr. Roboto Project - Pittsburgh, PA+ June 15 - Hahalls - Cleveland, OH+ June 16 - Subterranean - Chicago, IL June 17 - 7th St Entry - Minneapolis, MN+ June 18 - Colectivo Coffee - Milwaukee, WI+ June 20 - Larimer Lounge - Denver, CO+ June 21 - Kilby Court - Salt Lake City, UT+ June 23 - Holland Project - Reno, NV+ June 24 - Moroccan Lounge - Los Angeles, CA+ June 25 - The Chapel - San Francisco+

+supporting Ultra Q *supporting THE GOA EXPRESS

#been stellar #kids 1995 #indie #indie rock #punk #alternative

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