New Boots editor Phil Moore takes you through the best new tracks this week.
Jordan Mackampa ‘Over & Out’
Six months on from his excellent debut album Foreigner, the University of Northampton graduate delivers this joyous, turning-the-tide soul pop winner. Always sounding so effortless, Jordan Mackampa brings infectious guitar riffs and a yearning voice that are still in top gear. Long may that reign true.
Little Barrie & Malcolm Catto ‘After After’
What do you do following the premature passing of your mercurial drummer? For Londoners Barrie and Lewis it was team up with long-time friend Catto from The Heliocentrics, and – using his kosmiche sensibilities – to dive down the acid soundtrack rabbit-hole. This is part of seven songs recorded for suave mini-LP Quatermass Seven, out now.
Harry Pane ‘Time’
The first collaborative release from the Brackley-raised man with new writing partner Maia Frankowski. This slow-burning, fiddle-assisted folk ballad comes from a place deep within. Some gilt-edged vocal harmonies between them are too lovely for words, frankly.
Izzie Gibbs ‘Blessings’
Fourth single of 2020, this is another energised, bass-led grime spinner, produced by Petrelli x K1. ‘I just want success and some blessings’ is the mantra, and there’s party vibes galore in the video shot on the streets of Northampton and Kettering. Gibbs keeps producing, as expected!
Mellah ‘Hitchin’
Columbia Records expect big things from the south Londoner, and its not hard to hear why. Psychedelic bedroom pop with groove to spare, the multi-instrumentalist builds sonics up, Kevin Parker-style, to leave us with the sort of leftfield indie winner brimming with witty lyrics to pick up on after repeat plays. A huge star for 2021 if there’s any justice.
Johnny Lloyd ‘Suze’
The preview single for new album Cheap Medication [Oct 30], this is British music that sounds like it was made on a Caribbean Island. Hushed tones, lilting guitar, birdsong in the background…and a gorgeous melody to get under your skin. The one-time Tribes man is firing on all cylinders at the moment; don’t miss out.
Evade Escape ‘Already Know’
The Rugby/Northants rock five-piece have come out the traps with solid single after solid single. This fifth since 2019 hits some anthemic peak, with crunching riffs driving the whole thing, as it oscillates between classic rock and modern metal. Lovely breakdown in the middle too. Get on board with these lot.
George Rose, Harry Mockett, Lauren Dejey ‘Summer’
The collective you didn’t know you needed in your life! Milton Keynes, Northampton, and London come together in perfect harmony. The old university mates have conjured up an ODD-POP hit to the senses: slamming rhythms and great vocal interplay, underpinned with a slight feeling of romantic tension.
Two Tribes ‘Cruel Sensuality’
The London four-piece trade in trancey electro-pop and it’s a cut above, frankly. The vocals of Annalisa are hypnotic, and the rapid synth and drum action going on below her is like a space battle going in inside your head. When covid is over the indie-rave is back big time, I’m telling ya.
Zefar ‘Emotional Confessions’
A spoken-word stream-of-consciousness over a slow-burning electronica beat. Personal and raw, the Northampton rapper takes his troubles and owns them over three minutes.
