New Boots editor Phil Moore takes you through the best new tracks this week.
slowthai ‘Feel Away’
After a furious trio of electric singles earlier in the year, this is Tyron showing off his gentler side, which was first revealed back in 2018 with the gorgeous ‘Ladies‘. A collaboration with electronic duo Mount Kimbie it’s a lovely slow jam about familial love and loss that really hits home with some raw lyrics. It even works in a lyric/melody from Mariah Carey on the outro, and it fits!. The presence of James Blake is meh, though – more T would have been infinitely better.
Shame ‘Alphabet’
Back at last. A band for whom recording their second album has been severely delayed due to covid-19, we get to hear the first taste of that early-2021 album here. ‘Alphabet’ is claustrophobic, heavy post-punk – suggesting the new album will be as hard sonically as their usually caustic lyrics.
The Spitfires ‘How Could I Lie To You?’
The second single taken from fourth album Life Worth Living from the Watford trio, this slo-mo collage of sounds is bold and beautiful. As Billy Sullivan emotes over piano, synths and trumpet it feels like a five lifetimes rather than five years from the mod-punk of debut Response. This brave music will probably alienate a decent proportion of the established fanbase – their loss.
Raging Speedhorn ‘Snakebite’
“Are you ready to die?!” A pertinent question in 2020. Raging Speedhorn are back with album numero six! Corby’s revered sludge metallers release Hard To Kill on October 23rd, recorded with Russ Russell at Parlour Studios in Kettering. New permanent vocalist Dan Cook fits in just right, as indeed do new guitarist Dave Leese and bassist Andy Gilmour [Hundred Reasons]. On ‘Snakebite’ the riffage is as strong as ever with these Jedi Masters.
Pit Pony ‘Opportunity Went’
Explosive noise-pop from Newcastle, this is fast and furious garage-punk for a new decade. When live music comes back these lot will no doubt slay 2021.
Saer ‘Call Me Out’
Forgive this father for a moment of parental warmth. The latest signing to Babywoman Records is a simple acoustic guitar ballad lullaby, the lyrics delivered directly to the Brummie singer-songwriter’s daughter. Deep feels on this one. With that incredibly rich, soft voice as a weapon and his way around a melody he has a BIG future.
Femi Tahiru ‘The Weekend’
Northants-born, Manchester-based soulful R&B from Femi. Production is great on this from Luke Mac and Baga, the pin-sharp guitar bursting out the speakers, and the heavyweight synth and bass drops late on are incredibly intense. Femi coos over the top about his social anxiety, and you will need to make room in your life for this one. This feels like something special is brewing.
Tokyo Taboo ‘American Dream’
The London rockers, fronted by the striking pair of Dolly Daggerz and
Mickey Danger, hit the ‘noughties rock’ button on this thrilling anti-Trump ride. It’s funny and scathing, containing couplets like “Self-made man?Daddy gave you a million/IQ so low it’s sad that you had children”. Oh, and their live show is already the stuff of legend.
Deanna Chase ‘Let Me Know’
Dancehall-flavoured R&B from a Wollaston-raised singer is not an everyday phrase, so all power to Chase for pulling off this collab with south-Londoner Hache with stylish aplomb. She’s got a confident, honeyed voice to match the snappy club rhythms. With a handful of singles behind her New Boots can only apologise for being so late to the party.
Lothrian ‘Stalker’
Lotharian is Sam, who was the drummer in The Comms – and that’s all the background I have. The tune? Well you can hear it below, and marvel at its strange, doomy beauty. Please, much more of this Sam.
