According to ITV, the series finale of The Masked Singer attracted more than 8m people over the weekend. Testament either to the quality of the programme, or the fact that we are all legally obliged to stay in the house and watch telly.. I guess we’ll never know.
Grammy & Brit award-winning vocalist Joss Stone was revealed as the winner of the *singing* competition, having fought off competition from former football manager Glenn Hoddle and sexagenarian comedian Lenny Henry, a real turnout for the books.
Watch your hands, wear your masks and check out our favourite tracks from the past week.
Dry Cleaning // Strong Feelings
With debut album New Long Leg confirmed for release in April, Dry Cleaning’s singles are getting better and better. ‘Strong Feelings’ is about “secretly being in love with someone who doesn’t know it,” explains vocalist Florence Shaw. ‘And Brexit’s disruptive role in romantic relationships.’
The Vaccines // High Horse
We don’t always pick up on bands of this size, but it has to be said that The Vaccines have been creating some top tier understated Indie jams over their recent albums. ‘High Horse’ sees the band at their best as songwriters.
Jaws The Shark // Demon Dream
The solo project of YAK’s Olly Bailey, Jaws The Shark returns with his third release under the solo moniker. Filled with four minutes of foot to the floor energy, ready for any self-respecting indie club night when things go back to normal, Jaws The Shark is a fresh injection of guitar-driven music you can’t afford to miss.
JUMBO // Mute
We spoke to this band earlier this year, and there are few artists releasing music with this level of DIY purity. JUMBO are your grubby next door neighbours who are harbouring an incredible talent for indie-pop melodies.
Hauskey // Go Wrong
Aussie producer Hauskey may have only released his debut EP at the tail-end of 2020, but he isn’t relaxing just yet. ‘Go Wrong’ is two and a half minutes of breezy sunshine that will take the edge off of these grey evenings.
NiNE8 // FVR105
NiNE8 is an avengers assemble for those on the fringes of the RnB mainstream. Lava La Rue and Biig Piig head up this UK collective, who have been making music together in some capacity over the pass six years.
scott is okay // money
When the elusive scott is okay isn’t releasing his own chill bedroom pop tunes, he can be found on writing/production duties for the likes of Baby Queen, Sasha & Foxgluvv. Enlisting minimal instrumental accompaniment, ‘money’ is a dreamy slice of sluggish slacker pop.
Middle Kids // Cellophane (Brain)
Middle Kids’ new track sees the Sydney trio fuse 90s country-rock with some scuzzy indie guitar work. Sit tight for their new album Today, We’re The Greatest, out in March via Lucky Number.
Want more tracks from the last week? Head over to our playlists page to listen to our full weekly roundup.
