MUSIC ROUNDUP: June Releases 2022
Words by Ewan MacDonald
In alphabetical order
AMUNDA - Isn’t This What You Want?
British/Indonesian electronic artist AMUNDA has unleashed her fourth single of 2022 with Isn't This What You Want? Having garnered nominations for the SAY Awards and ARIA Awards, AMUNDA has been crafting her skills relentlessly. Isn't This What You Want melds together the best elements of alternative and mainstream pop music, with her own flare scattered across the melodies.
ASK ALICE - Demonia
With a great start to her career in 2021, ASK ALICE is back with a brand new single Demonia. This project from singer/songwriter Natalie Joy Reid is an exploration into a sonically diverse pallet of pop music. With Demonia, the first release since her debut EP Heartwork, we see ASK ALICE take on a haunting, bass driven sound. Eerie and ethereal synths flank the pulsating bass as Joy Reid enchants her cryptic vocal melodies over the top of the track.
Auntie Flo, Sarathy Korwar - Dha
With positive write-ups in the Guardian and shows in London and Glasgow, legendary producer Auntie Flo is back in full swing with the latest collaborative project featuring Sarathy Korwar. Bringing together Indian traditional music and the infectious rhythms of the sandy beaches of Ibiza on Dha, coming from the Shruiti Dances EP, the two artists create something completely unique. The percussion flourishes over the steady kick drum sound otherworldly, so much so that you can hear the boundaries being pushed with each beat.
Bikini Body - Young Dad
The snarky new single Young Dad from post-punk five-piece Bikini Body is a certified banger straight out the gate. Lyrically centred around the life of a younger father, with a penchant for Led Zeppelin and scratching himself, this track is filled with groovy baselines and slinky guitar leads that keep you entertained while you get to experience second hand what this young man gets to do in his life!
Cloth - Lucid
Former SAMA nominees Cloth have returned to the scene with this stunning new single Lucid. Released on Rock Action Records, Lucid marks the return of the band since their 2019 self-titled debut album. The harmonic guitar lick opening the song immediately transfixes you into a steady trance as the bass and drums join in. A slow and meditative song, as each note rings out in a quiet intensity. Cloth will be playing live at this years Connect Festival at the Royal Highland Centre this August.
Dio Zelus, Bluewave - lullaby
With backing from Shereen and Phoebe from BBC Introducing Scotland, Dio Zelus is making waves with her own brand of groove-laden alt-pop songs. Working with producer Bluewave on this latest single Lullaby, Dio Zelus croons over the top of icy synths. Perfectly mixing the club ready beats with a particular intimacy that will make you feel like you’re the only one dancing no matter where you are.
Dutch Wine - Sustainable
After a slew of singles sent an electric buzz throughout the local Glasgow music scene, alt-rock trio Dutch Wine have sent waves of excitement with each release. With a sold out show at the Hug and Pint already behind them, this latest double A-side release Sustainable / New Jersey Sound continues this momentum. In Sustainable the band present their visceral talent to create something so cacophonous and noisy, while being immediately catchy. Sneering guitar lines and thunderous drums ebb and flow in dynamics, reaching red-hot highs and emotive lows, while the groove of the bass line locks perfectly in harmony. Sustainable / New Jersey Sound also appear on the latest Gold Mold Records Spring Sampler.
Klahrk, KAVARI - Spliters
Fresh from two stellar sets at Riverside Festival and Hidden Door, local producer and techno artist KAVARI has dropped a fresh collaboration with Klahrk in the form of Spliters. Coming from the new album the pair have worked together on, entitled Wax, is a sonic adventure through the euphoric waves of synth and the punishing drums. Taking elements of hyper pop, gabber and merging them with some lighter moments, the track Spliters is a whirlwind of futuristic sounds that is an auditory experience.
MC Salum, Nayme - Bambooz Me
Multi-faceted artist MC Salum is back again with another slab of hard-hitting beats. Acting as producer, rapper and collaborator Salum is quickly rising to the top of the rap game in Scotland. With Bambooz Me, featuring Nayme on vocals, the young artist hits out with bar after bar of solid lyrics while the trap influenced beats keep the track going. Catch MC Salum live at Pitch - Scotland’s conference of hip hop on Saturday 27th August at Saint Luke’s Glasgow.
SoulStrike - Someone Told Me
Having already had a track feature on BBC Introducing Scotland, local Drum ’n’ Bass DJ SoulStrike has been cooking up a storm with his recent mixes. Teasing more new music to follow in the coming months, the latest track Someone Told ME is a hypnotic jam that is propelled by the energetic rhythms and catchy vocal samples.