The sounds of Notts, reviewed. If you'd like to write for us, or want your tunes chatted about, get in touch by emailing [email protected]...
Three Body
Palm Leaf (EP)
The long-awaited EP from Three Body is their first release on their Running Circle imprint; it’s electronica, re-imagined organically. Palm Leaf is undoubtedly danceable, but you can tell it’s been crafted by musicians with a live performance background. 808s are replaced by warm percussion slaps, offering earthy club tracks weaved together by layers of woodwind and brass samples. Goosebumps aplenty – if you like Nicholas Jaar, especially his Darkside project, then you’ll love these six tracks. Eileen Pegg
Coralie
Rickshaw Bleeps (Single)
Head of local party Obnu and popular figure in the local dance crowd, Coralie knows a thing or two about the electronic melodies that soundtrack our underground venues. Rickshaw Bleeps contains all the mucky energy that has come to define the Notts techno scene while still maintaining enough electro wobble to fit Coralie’s signature sound; a dancefloor-ready smasher proves why international DJs like Hessle Audio’s Bruce have been quick to spin his tunes. Rory Evans
Baraccuda
Persona (EP)
In his new incarnation as Baraccuda, Joe Weatherall strikes a delightfully frantic psychedelic chord. The metallic-yet-buoyant opener Anxiety Concerto is followed by bluesy ballad Held My Tongue, and Weatherall’s signature wobbly guitar hooks infiltrate Silhouette, along with the surreal lyricism we loved in his Crosa Rosa days. Persona sees Weatherall harnessing his experimental streak while maintaining those virtuosic flashes, most exuberantly on Hendrix-tinged closing track Ember. Becky Timmins
Jimi Mack
Soon (Single)
There ain’t no voice or finger-picking extraordinaire better to soundtrack this self-isolation period. On Soon, Mack fortuitously captures that state of being in-between, of waiting it out. Applying his satisfyingly nostalgic tones to notions like algorithms, he takes listeners on a bittersweet journey through time. Among rich instrumentals he sings: ‘Soon I’ll take your picture by European waterfalls’; we hear ya, Jimi. We bleddy hope so, too. Becky Timmins
Ella Knight
Q&A (Single)
Ella Knight is a reoccurring name on the Nottingham music scene, and the energy surrounding her only continues to grow. Debut independent release Q&A proves why her talent needs to be recognised. Funky and mellow, the track features a blend of pop, jazz, soul and RnB which makes for some unique melodies. Holding a laid-back beat, Ella’s soothing vocals ensure that if you need to wind down, Q&A is the perfect soundtrack. Molly Dodge Taylor
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