Tracks of the Week: 16th September 2022

Our writers have been on a mission to find the best new tracks from across the region, covering the most exciting artists from a wide variety of sounds - from indie to punk and R&B.

Red Rum Club - ‘Vanilla’

‘Vanilla’ is Red Rum Club's first new music since the release of their 2021 hit album, How To Steal The World and releases on the eve of their latest US, UK and Ireland tours. Evoking the band’s heavier alternative songwriting interests, the track’s catchy instrumentation recalls bands like The White Stripes, while the tight lyrical intent once again calls to mind the Arctic Monkeys. The band reunited with long-time, trusted producer, Chris Taylor (Noel Gallagher’s High-Flying Birds, Blossoms, Miles Kane) at Elevator Studios in their home city to create ‘Vanilla’ and a second new track which remains closely under wraps. For the single's brilliant video, Red Rum Club have enlisted the deadpan delivery of actor, Thomas Turgoose.

Forgotten Garden - ‘Memoriam’

Forgotten Garden are an Indie band with dark wave tendencies. Their songs are generally sad, poignant and haunting. Vocals are provided by Inês whilst Danny plays most of the instruments. Although primarily an electric band they do sometimes produce acoustic material. ‘Memoriam’ is a sad and poignant track that takes it's inspiration from the tragic experience of those unable to comfort a loved one at their passing. This anguish is reflected in the chorus “too late to show that I cared, still cared”. This situation, of course, was particularly prevalent during the Covid lockdowns when even the attendance of funerals became problematic. Grief and loss in general permeate the song. The track features a strong bass line, energetic drums and a wistful synth sound that are all centred around a constellation of sad, melodic guitar riffs. Soaring above all this is the melancholic and powerful voice of Inês Rebelo.

Stay for Tomorrow - ‘Lipstick Lips’

Emerging from Dunfermline’s ever-fertile underground scene back in 2018, Stay for Tomorrow have carved their own niche somewhere between pop-punk and alt-rock, and succeeded in turning plenty of heads along the way thanks to a slew of well received singles. The band’s new single ‘Lipstick Lips’ takes a different, more melodic approach than previous singles. With three and a half minutes of infectious and upbeat pop-punk, it showcases a further facet of the Scottish rockers. Described by the band as being “a story of a self-assertive person retaliating at their ex with a loud, middle-finger message that they will never find anyone that compares to them.

Killing Aura - ‘Resolution’

Formed in early 2020, Killing Aura’s exhilarating brand of supercharged alternative rock and chaotic live shows have quickly earned them a reputation as one of the most exciting bands to emerge from the Nottingham rock scene. New track ‘Resolution’ exemplifies why they are one of the forerunners of a growing indie and live scene in the East Midlands. The band’s fresh yet nostalgic sound along with their resonating live performances have quickly helped them make a name for themselves. The group consists of Frontman Chris Gordon, Guitarist Tom Burrows, Bassist Ben Lanckham and Drummer Danny Gage, all of which have been close friends for 15+ years after meeting at a local gig venue/hangout.

Ruiz! - ‘One Rule’

Ruiz! has been writing and producing since the COVID lockdown provided the perfect opportunity to ignite his creative spark. Since then he has released his debut album Mind Games, and now returns with new track ‘One Rule’. Speaking on the new single, Ruiz! says “It's a song inspired by Borris’ behaviour during lockdown, the parties at Number 10, the holidays, the lies etc, but also with my Catalan blood and the troubles caused by lack of freedom historically and presently in the world, it’s a A middle finger to narcissists, corrupt leaders and governments.” He has previously been featured on the Tom Robinson’s BBC's Introducing show, and says that his artistry is focused on “songs about life, love and the modern maladies between men, women and life in these strange post Covid times.”