This week our writers are sharing their thoughts on some major new releases, such as Paramore, You Me At Six, and Pierce The Veil.
Good News – Bakar
It’s been a long time coming for Bakar fans, and finally, we have Good News, a song that I see as a gift of sorts as it was released on my birthday (!). New music from Bakar could mean a number of things, as he has really shown his musical versatility lately. With his most recent release being a feature on the Aitch track In Disguise all the way back in June, Bakar shows the potential he has to blend in seamlessly with artists currently at the forefront of British hip hop. However, Bakar is sticking to what he does best with Good News. His gentle, echoing vocals implore his love to simply give their time to him, touching the core of what it means to love and the desperate need to feel it back. The soft, glowing joy of hearing good news is something palpable in the warmth of this song, and in true Bakar fashion it strikes a chord deep down; we feel this aching strongly but in a way that makes us want more and more. Tabitha Smith
Dynasty – Brand Of Sacrifice
Possibly the biggest (but definitely not the only) anime-inspired deathcore band right now, Brand Of Sacrifice, are in fine form. This is yet another formidable release up the sleeves of a band that frankly didn’t even need it. The song is written about standing up to oppression and throwing off the chains that bind us down, which is a message that many of us can resonate with considering the current state of affairs. It’s backed by a decimating soundtrack of pulverising drums, ear-splitting riffs, and also, surprisingly, a choir, which gives the track far more scope and breadth than I expected coming in. It’s an admirable effort from a band who are on the up, and I can’t wait to hear even more from them! Jake Longhurst
God Bless The 90’s Kids – You Me At Six
It may currently be 2023, but You Me At Six are completely aware of their fan-base demographic. They kick off God Bless The 90’s Kids with a nostalgic pop-punk riff, reminiscent of the long-gone era that we all grew up in. Having said this, the band’s eighth full-length Truth Decay – the album that the track is taken from – sees them sounding fresher and more inspired than they have done in a while. The lyrics of God Bless The 90’s Kids may not be anything to write home about, but if you are looking for a sharp burst of nostalgia to remind you why you fell in love with the band (and the genre) in the first place, this one is for you. Gemma Cockrell
Delusions of Grandeur – Trash Boat
Trash Boat, is this you? Your form is impeccable. Not that it wasn’t before, but you sound so confidently outside of your comfort zone. You tried a new recipe, it’s called: Crown Shyness fried punk served with some dirty Don’t You Feel Amazing production. It tastes delicious by the way. In fact, it’s exactly how you name it: Grandeur! Now that is your brand. It’s layered and multifaceted but by no means overwhelming or over the top. It’s punchy but unoffensive like we’re on the same team. In fact, you make punk that’s approachable and relatable because that’s exactly the sort of band you are. I, for one, am certainly hungry for more. Roxann Yus
State Of Unrest – Lamb Of God & Kreator
Lamb Of God and Kreator are finally touring the UK this March, and ahead of their demolition of multiple venues, they have released a collaborative track about the state of the world. This is, perhaps predictably, a heavily political song with riffs galore. Both bands have brought their beefy metal chops to the table, and the vocal battle between Randy Blythe and Mille Petroza is thrilling to witness. There are screaming guitars, searing solos, bombastic drums, and plenty more. The song is also dedicated to the sadly deceased former lead singer of Power Trip, Riley Gale, and all profits from the single are being dedicated to charity in his name. Jake Longhurst
(You) On My Arm – Leith Ross
After teasing the new release on TikTok for a number of weeks now, (You) On My Arm is finally out, just in time for Valentine’s Day. This pretty daydream of a track delicately confesses Leith’s feelings for a particularly intense crush. While they’ve been the perfect narrator for all things melancholy, this song is pure love and pure joy. Completely infatuated by every little thing this person does, lyrically the song accurately accounts the early stages of getting to know somebody and becoming wrapped up in romantic fantasies. Once again, Leith Ross continues to offer vulnerable, diary entry-like songs that are every part relatable and youthful. The chorus adds reverberating choir accompaniments and a memorable guitar motif, which may already be familiar to Leith’s loyal TikTok follower base. It’s melodic, soft and wistful, perfectly showcasing Leith’s unique aspirant vocals. (You) On My Arm feels like being wrapped in a nest of blankets, consumed with a symphony of feelings for someone new. Much as Leith is with the girl the song is about, I am entirely smitten, once again, with this enchanting song. Izzy Morris
Shared Trauma – Pierce The Veil
I got really excited about Pierce The Veil when Pass The Nirvana dropped. To be honest with you, I didn’t really listen to them before that. And to be honest, again, I am so fulfilled and satisfied by their latest album that I have no dire urge to scurry through their archives right now. Shared Trauma is a really beautiful song, and certainly a standout one for me on the album. It’s romantic, emo, ballad-like, and electronic. It meshes 2000s emo and heartbreak with the electronic craze that’s taking over the music world right now. To make that balance right against an angsty array of alternative artists right now is a difficult feat. But Pierce The Veil have done it excellently – you can tell by the way it makes me shed a tear and dance all at the same time. Roxann Yus
Running Out Of Time – Paramore
Returning for album no. 6, Paramore are back, and despite the name of the album’s final single, they’re definitely not Running Out Of Time. Well and truly an anthem for those constantly running late, the track pokes fun at Hayley Williams’ poor time management skills. The unrelenting passing of time is represented by a clocklike guitar loop that embeds the track, accompanied by a steady, but still infectiously groovy drumbeat from the incredibly talented Zac Farro. While upon first glance, these themes make the song seem quite tongue-in-cheek, there is edge to the song that you could read, especially towards the end where Williams’ beautifully goes down the scale in the final chorus – some fans have interpreted the track to be about existential anxieties and feeling like life moves too quickly. Her belts in each chorus of ‘time’ are like a cry out in frustration, equally impressive and fierce, showcasing her range in a way that still manages to err away from showboating, which is always the risk with some of the artists in her world. Paramore continue to set themselves apart from the pack, both with this track and the rest of the album – they’re back with a bang. Izzy Morris
Heritage – Distance ft. Will Ramos
Deathcore is always fun, and fun is always best with friends. This seems to be a prevailing theme for my reviews this week, with two out of three being collab tracks, both of those being excellent! This song in particular lends the formidable gutturals of Lorna Shore’s Will Ramos to the metallic deathcore group Distant, making for a brutal listen that will leave you swinging your neck in violent fashion (as is only right). Lyrically, this seems to be about outgrowing your heritage and making yourself into your own person, in a demonic-themed song about self-improvement. Whilst I’ve not heard a song mix these two themes before, it’s fun and it left a great impression on me, this song bangs! Jake Longhurst
Edited by Roxann Yus
Cover image courtesy of You Me At Six via Facebook.
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