a Ri-ku:
has it come to this?
twenty years of mike skinner
pushing things forward
Lala Lala // Memory
Lillie West has become one of the most consistent artists around in recent years. 2021’s I Want The Door To Open was a masterpiece, and the slow-build of new single ‘Memory’ gets better with every listen.
Soccer Mommy // Shotgun
Sophie Allison has announced her forthcoming album, Sometimes, Forever with a banger worthy of any coming-of-age movie. ‘Shotgun’ showcases Soccer Mommy at her low-rise rock chick best.
Working Men’s Club // Widow
After owning the post-lockdown month of festivals last year, we can’t wait to see where this sophomore album campaign takes Working Men’s Club. It has to be said that things are looking pretty promising, with the ominous synth-rock of ‘Widow’ picking up exactly where WMC left off previously.
The Lazy Eyes // Starting Over
Name a more iconic duo than Australia + psychedelia. The Lazy Eyes give us a wee taste of their debut album, with the jangled neo-folk of ‘Starting Over’, the perfect side-dish for this sunny weather.
Priestgate // By The Door
Yorkshire risers Priestgate drop their inaugural EP today, and it’s well worth a listen. New wave and shoegaze conspire with crowd-pleasing indie sensibilities to make Eyes Closed For The Winter as strong a debut outing as you’ll hear in 2022.
CIEL // Fine Everything
Nothing says “everything’s fine” like repeating the words “everything’s fine”. CIEL have found a sweetspot between goth-rock and indie-pop that, for our money, puts the scene leaders to shame.
photo credit: Stewart Baxter
