From bastard heavy folk to miserably horny industrial, here's the best 14 tracks of this week.
After releasing what was arguably the best EP of 2022, idiosyncratic riff-mongers El Moono are back with track that see’s them being inarguably the best versions of themselves. Taken from their forthcoming debut LP due for next year, ‘Chains’ is the full and unfettered encapsulation of what makes this band utterly brilliant. Absurdly dense, articulated with suave swagger, delivered with an ever-escalating sense of unease and congested with riffs that both lacerate and bludgeon, ‘Chains’ is full epitomization of the El Moono experience. Those who have seen the band in recent times will know how hard-hitting this track is live, but for those who haven’t had the luxury, El Moono are set to ensure one and all are wrapped in ‘Chains’ very soon indeed. – Dan Hillier
Mercurial, gothic singer-songwriter Chelsea Wolfe has announced her latest studio album She Reaches Out to She Reaches Out to She along with single ‘Whispers In the Echo Chamber’. Following on from last month’s ‘Dusk’, it embraces electronics and industrial sounds alongside ghostly vocals, the song flitting between unsettling and something almost approaching anthemic in its chorus. Of the album, Wolfe says “It’s a record about the past self reaching out to the present self reaching out to the future self to summon change, growth, and guidance. It’s a story of freeing yourself from situations and patterns that are holding you back in order to become self-empowered. It’s an invitation to step into your authenticity.” – Will Marshall
The fourth single taken from upcoming album Rat Wars, ‘Ashamed’ sits on the gloomier end of HEALTH‘s unique brand of industrial rock. The “I’m ashamed of being born” refrain is delivered morosely, the usually thumping electronics instead muted and downtrodden. Despite this, it’s still an easy floorfiller; while worlds away from the scathing ‘Sicko’ and ‘Hateful’, ‘Ashamed’ still brandishes serious dance credentials. The video also features album track ‘(Of Being Born)’, as an extra teaser for fans eager for its December 7th release date. – Will Marshal
The followup to the band’s debut single ‘Bottomless Pit’, dream duo Interlaker are back with ‘The Hunger’. Taken from the band’s upcoming four-track 12” single – released December 15th via Hassle Records – ‘The Hunger’ see’s David Jakes of Lonely The Brave and Jack Wrench of Arcane Roots once again marring their respective talents in melody and musical dexterity to offer anthemic catharsis. Those will who adored the early work of Lonely The Brave will find plenty to fawn over here in thanks to ‘The Hunger’s’ ability to move mountains, and with the pair set to make their live debut on December 17th at London’s Omeara, it appears the duo are set to continue their respective musical legacies via the wonderful project that is Interlaker. – Dan Hillier
With the cover of their first album in 10 years looking like a bad LSD trip in Majora’s Mask, Job For A Cowboy‘s second single since their return is here to scramble your brain. ‘The Forever Rot’ is a continuation of the wild, expansive death metal the band were peddling before their hiatus. With the legendary death metal producers Jason Suecof handling production duties, it sounds as luscious as death metal can. The guitar work is phenomenal and drives the track with some NWOBHM style leads and riffs, and Jonny Davy sounds his trademark best, barking and growling with wild abandon. With Moon Healer set for release in February 2024 and death metal in a modern golden era, there’s never been a better time for Job For A Cowboy to return and make their mark among the newer bands. – Chris Earl
Half Happy have returned with new single ‘Say This Twice’, another fantastic addition to the band’s growing back-catalogue. The Cardiff based indie rockers have been releasing singles consistently since September 2022 and have showed huge range in their sound from the shoegazing ‘Steal Me Away’ and ‘Lovesweep’ to the third person narrative and relatability of ‘Boozy’. With overarching strengths in storytelling and creating brilliant imagery, the band have picked up recognition and support through the Forté Project and in their local scene having received a Triskel Award at the Welsh Music Prize. ‘Say This Twice’ switches it up in terms of sound for Half Happy and whilst the chorus features the band’s now notable ethereal vocals and twinkling dreamy sensibilities, the verses are a punkier and punchier vibe akin to the likes of Wet Leg. Lyrically, the song explores a love that has become old as well as the very real relational ups and downs that occur as a result of bitterness and a lack of open acceptance. There is a poignant and deep message buried in the wholesome nature of the band’s sonic sound but one thing is sure, it’s another banger in the bag for Half Happy. – Jac Holloway
London, Ontario has been pouring out great music from its ever popular alternative music scene the last couple years. Stepping up to the plate to prove this once more is post-hardcore outfit Junko Daydream in the form of their newest single, ‘Everybody Wants’. Stylistically, this track almost pulls the best parts of Alexisonfire and My Chemical Romance and collides them head on. A video to compliment the track was also filmed in London, Ontario at the popular DIY house space Grogette’s Living Room. Filmed and edited by Orrin Alexander with guest appearances by Ontario hardcore mainstays Qwan, Big Fist, and Tera Hay (@shot.by.demon); Junko Daydream has never looked and sounded better than they do with the release of ‘Everybody Wants’.- Nathaniel Maure
To pigeonhole ‘Cheeky Bastard’ into a genre bracket for convenience would be as absurd as The Scratch’s take on folk. The latest single from the Dublin acoustic party starters and final track to be taken from their forthcoming LP Mind Yourself – released November 3rd via Sony Music Ireland – ‘Cheeky Bastard’ rings true to its name thanks to its humour, Celtic lilt and sheer density. Sounding akin to the power of a full metal band in an acoustic format, ‘Cheeky Bastard’ is the full encapsulation of The Scratch; it’s daft, overblown and totally ingenious. “Cheeky Bastard is cheekier than Anne Doyle reading the six o’clock news in a pair of trackies”, state the band on the track. “And if it doesn’t get your hips swingin’ like two balls in a hanky there’ll be wigs on the green I tell ya. Scallibalucci baby.” – Dan Hillier
The Aussie guitar maestro is back. Taken from the forthcoming EP Mirage – released December 1st – ‘Ember’ is a warm, initing and euphoric expression of dazzling progressive joy that only Pini is capable of producing. Featuring longtime collaborators Simon Grove and Chris Allison on bass and percussion respectfully, the track is a reaffirmation of Plini’s soulful and expressive take on technical guitar work that is void of the pomposity commonly found within this field of music. However, Mirage is set to hold more secrets and joys, with the record confirmed to be featuring live piano, strings, oud and more further instrumentation from other guest musicians. If ‘Ember’ is anything to go by, Mirage may be Plini’s most dexterous work to date. – Dan Hillier
Montreal beatdown mob No Hope X Mankind are back with another hard hitting single with ‘2X4 Fuck You Up’. They came with some backup this time in the form of Chicago beatdown unit Hostages, making for an absolutely crushing combination to say the least. It’s fair to say they bring the pain on this new track; three minutes of brutal Canadian beatdown from start to finish. Whether one likes it or not, No Hope X Mankind are clearly making a name for themselves when it comes to heavy hitting beatdown. Full of slamming breakdowns, more down-tuned guitars, brutal vocals, and some fantastic WWE samples tossed in the mix; ‘2X4 Fuck You Up’ is a brutally good time. – Nathaniel Maure
Vancouver deathcore act Carcosa are back with their first new single since the release of their track ‘Born To Lose’ back in February of this year. Bringing listeners the three and a half minute barrage that is ‘Nothing’, Carcosa don’t seem to be messing around one bit. Vocalist Johnny Ciardullo sounds better than ever in their delivery on the mic, displaying a remorseless approach to a genre already full of insane talents behind the mic. At the same time, Guitarist Andrew Baena provides the perfect melody and breakdown combination giving the group their signature sound fans have grown quite fond of. – Nathaniel Maure
Djenty metalcore unit Sixth Wonder have released their new single ‘Your Way’, a confident and polished song that shows melodic flair and brilliant emotional conveyance. Recorded and produced by Steven Jones (Bleed From Within) there is a clear proficiency and brilliant execution of what the band had envisaged for the song. Thematically ‘Your Way’ tackles being stuck in a toxic relationship but feeling torn between leaving and holding on with a cyclical pattern of looping emotion. Musically, Rebekah Kirk (vocals) treads through the verses with a serpentine delivery showing brilliant range with intricate intonations and controlled notes on the end of each line. This is juxtaposed with a stunningly melodic chorus and a surprisingly heavy screamed breakdown which, albeit brief, gives an indication of a huge amount to play with in terms of experimentation and reach. Guitar tones are dense and are complimented by the synth lines that add additional layers to the song. ‘Your Way’ is a powerhouse banger that shows promise and potential from Sixth Wonder. – Jac Holloway
Grinding stoner metalcore 5 piece Dead Slow release their new track ‘Post Bloom’ with its raucous noise being forced down your throat in spades. It’s a self proclaimed “feel bad hit of the winter,” that romps through the riffing gears, each one bigger than the last, augmented by squirrelly, fuzzy leads, as much at home in the peeling lead-painted walls of an abandoned sanitarium as it is levelling dancefloors on a Saturday night. The Brummy rockers have recently added two more members to the band, something which can only help make their sound harder, heavier and even more like a slab of unobtanium than it already is. Expect big things (and even bigger riffs) to keep coming out of this part of the Midlands, with Dead Slow leading the charge. – Rob Bown
UKHC band Splitknuckle are gearing up for a new round of bludgeoning with new single ‘Gutter Thoughts’. It’s taken from their upcoming album Breathing Through the Wound, out next year via the powerhouse labels DAZE and Northern Unrest. As ever, it’s a savage, uncompromising battering, with metal-leaning guitars and intense vocals that shift from guttural screams to rapid barks. In just over three minutes, the Essex quartet firmly reestablish themselves as a burgeoning, violent force in UKHC. – Will Marshall