Who? Cowgirl
What? Only Lasts A Moment
Where? York, England
What they say? Reminiscent of the Jesus and Mary Chain at their most mournfully melodic, ‘Only Lasts a Moment’ sees the hyped noise-pop band in a reflective mood. Featuring guest vocals from artist Jade Blood and recorded at Greenmount Studios (the Cribs, Mush, Imperial Wax) it is a slice of bittersweet pop, perfect for moments of reflection on a hazy summer’s day.
Why we love it? Given Cowgirl’s relentless productivity and the unwavering consistency and quality of their output, the only real surprise here is that they don’t actually appear on this feature every single week. Another stone cold classic from the York four-piece. This time round they continue to ease off slightly on the rock’n’roll accelerator, but without losing any of their fuzzed-out goodness and innate melodic charm. (Simon Godley)
FFO: The Jesus and Mary Chain, Mazzy Star, My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive.
Who? Eddie The Kidd/Kisos
What? Lunar Tide
Where? New York
Why we love it? A beautiful vaporwave future-synth vibe and Eddie The Kidd‘s most polished and beautiful offering to date, their vocal sounds stellar and inviting. The chorus is incredibly memorable and as a collaboration with Kisos, it’s elevated as his warm vocals add an extra layer of heartache and energy to the track. It buzzes with exciting energy that will draw you in and leave you craving more from these talented stars. (Lloyd Best)
FFO: Dua Lipa, Carly Rae Jepson, Michael Medrano
Who? Eli Moon
What? Stasis
Why we love it? Another stunning delivery from Eli Moon with this slice of heaven from their EP ‘Angels, Devils & Empty Vessels’ released last week. It’s a trap inspired beat, elevated with intelligent and emotive lyrics, beautiful vocals, and a well-crafted melody. (Lloyd Best)
FFO: Drake, Chloe x Halle
Who? Andy Cooper
What? The Man
Where? London
Why we love it? Old school hip-hop makes a triumphant return here with a tight lyrical flow that cuts through the competition. A storm of lyrical genius tirades across the classic 80’s hip-hop-inspired beat with a relentless energy that does not let up and yet, it doesn’t get boring or too much at any point either. A true testament to the fantastic production on show here. (Lloyd Best)
FFO: Gift of Gab, Public Enemy, Salt-N-Peppa
Who? Gia Woods
What? CHAOS
Where? LA
Why we love it? Well, she’s done it again. Another perfectly crafted bop with an infectious chorus and perfectly conveyed pain from a toxic relationship that many of us can relate to. The production on show here is second to none with some of Gia Woods’ best vocal delivery. Truly a standout artist. (Lloyd Best)
FFO: RAYE, BANKS, Miss Benny
Who? Sunbane/Saccharyn
What? Vondel Park
Where? Cardiff
What they say? It represents one emotional pole of the album – the feeling of being lost in hazy nostalgia. The lyrics are Saccharyn’s, with some very loose guidance on the subject matter. The ebow sounds that call/respond with the vocal are me trying to imitate something I heard during a very… specific experience in Amsterdam’s Vondel Park almost half a lifetime ago whilst backpacking. The end of a life-chantingly good summer out on my own and an experience that provided a starting point for my current mindset – I was an anxious and shy person (at least not the inside) once and after that summer… it’s a lot nicer in here now.
Why we love it? Huge, wide vistas of ambient sound unfold into a beautiful ode to Vondel Park, with naturistic sounds juxtaposed with electronic synths and a deliciously soft vocal to create an altogether unique sonic experience. (Lloyd Best)
FFO: Portishead, Bjork, Agiris
Who? Rona Mac
What? Steady
Where? West Wales
What they say? “I write songs about things that feel real to me, in hope that they might feel real to other people. If I can talk about things we’ve been told we shouldn’t, and help people connect to feelings they tucked away in their teens, then I’ll be happy when I’m old. So I’m giving it a go.”
Why we love it? Atmospheric, and haunting. Mac’s spellbinding and reflective introspection is both enveloping and self aware. With a guitar that are plucked and strummed, the sound of birds adds to the recorded in a forrest framing, as she delivers an exquisite rendering of pain and growth, with a goosebump inspiring tone that bristles with knowing. Quite outstanding. (Bill Cummings)
FFO: Laura Marling, Daughter, Joni Mitchell
