Blackchords – Connected // Forgotten

Read our track-by-track review of the new Blackchords album, It’s the Melbourne quartet’s first album release in 9 years and it’s well worth the wait.

More Than You Will Ever Know

The opening track More Than You Will Ever Know sets the swoon counter high, it’s a dreamy account of love and admiration, and when the strings rush in, there are delightful touches of Nick Drake’s debut Bryter Layter. What better way to start!

From a beautifully gentle introduction, Connected // Forgotten now begins to fire. Blackchords have always been capable of shifting from downbeat introspection to high-energy, passionate indie and on their second album A Thin Line, there were glimpses of a more expansive electro-fused sound on tracks like Sleepwalker. But on Connected // Forgotten it feels like all of those influences and ideas have come together in one utterly coherent collection. This feeling is perfectly demonstrated on the next four tracks which feel like the heart-beat of the ‘connected’ part of this album.

Trawler

We’ve eulogised about ‘Trawler‘ before on this blog. It’s up there with the best things Blackchords have ever released. Combing funky guitar and disco-infused bass lines, it feels like the band has been digging in crates of early 2000s French-house vinyl. It’s easy to see why ‘Trawler’ was a finalist in the 2022 International Song-Writing Competition.

“Blackchords have pulled off a rare trick in creating an introspective banger.”

Mystified

One of five previously unreleased tracks on the album Mystified picks up where Trawler left off, it’s an oh-so-cool, indie disco floor filler and when the track hits the 3min mark there is even time for a crunching guitar solo that elevates the whole piece to another level and nods wonderfully to the bands earlier releases like Diplomat. 

Shadows

Shadows is beautiful, and I mean utterly beautiful. This very much falls into the ‘Connected’ theme of the album. It talks of recapturing lost love and rekindling what was once great.

You were right here beside me, you took my shadow, led me home.”

Unending Stream

One of many standout tracks on this album you won’t want ‘Unending Stream’ to ever end, and when it does it’s very easy to hit repeat. Structurally it’s clever, with the crescendo in the middle and an outro that sounds like it could be an intro. This all serves to perfectly communicate the idea of an ‘Unending Stream.’

Its dreamy intro introduces us to the lyrics ‘Connected but Forgotten’ and at this point, you realise this track is a key cornerstone in the creation of this album.  This track has everything, muscular biting guitars, introspective lyrics, sublime synths and a swell that threatens to melt the space between your ears. Fans of Pink Floyd will enjoy this.

Bonne Berceuse

It would be easy to dismiss ‘Bonne Berceuse’ as filler, but it’s so much more. Translated from French it literally means a housemaid, girl or woman who rocks a cradle or a lullaby. And that’s exactly what it is, a beautiful lullaby or meditation that wonderfully connects so many of the sleep references that run through this album.

Remember this album was written and recorded throughout the lockdown and the undertones of anxiety, stress, disconnection and isolation are never too far away. It perfectly frames the second half of the album.

No Place To Be

No Place To Be is an open letter of apology to our children and the children of the future. It gently seethes with anger and frustration at those in power who have continued to prioritise personal gratification over choosing to do the right thing for our planet. If the first half of the album was ‘Connected’ we have now reached ‘Forgotten’.

Through The Windows

Talking about Through The Windows lead singer Nick Milwright explains…

“As the pandemic was rocking the world, everything was thrown into disarray. Disconnected, Lost, Stressed, and Chaotic. No one knew what was going on or what was going to happen. It brought to the surface many cracks that were always there but somehow we ignored them. The song is the juxtaposition between the world that we once knew and the relationships we had falling apart. We could only watch from inside our apartments or through the windows of our smartphones. But it was too late… We took things for granted and we thought we could take advantage for far too long. Somehow we have another chance, I hope we have learned.”

Liminal Spaces

Much like Bonne Berceuse before it, Liminal Spaces serves an important role on this album. A liminal space is a place of transition or an eerie space between worlds. The track serves to take us away from the world that has been created during the album. It provides us with an opportunity to pause and forget where we are, to wander aimlessly in this liminal space and fall into our imagination before coming back around and being back in the room.

Wide Awake

So often bands choose to end albums with an epic, meandering ramble, you know the ones with an extended guitar solo or instrumental break that goes on forever and then it all fades out and wraps everything up in a harmonious way.

Blackchords have gone the other way, Wide Awake is stark, awkward and intimate. It feels like it was recorded at 3am under a duvet and seems intent on addressing the elephant in the room. The world is tricky, everything is not fine and we do often struggle. This is both a confronting and comforting message to leave with listeners and it could just be the perfect ending to an album titled ‘Connected // Forgotten’

The songs repeating refrain will stay in your head, just like those nights when you lay awake unable to switch off your anxieties or stresses.

“Walking on egg shells

And my friends won’t talk any more

Won’t pick up the telephone

And I can’t hold out for you no more”

Connected // Forgotten is a wonderfully authentic and honest album that perfectly captures the highs and lows of modern living.  Take time to get to know it. The album was produced by Nick Batterham.

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Words Mark Knight

The post Blackchords Return With Connected // Forgotten To Win Our Hearts appeared first on Right Chord Music Blog.

Blackchords – Trawler

It’s been a busy year for Melbourne’s Blackchords, with new single Trawler their 5th release of the year. All of this, ahead of their third studio album Connected // Forgotten. After the lost Pandemic years, it’s clear Blackchords are making up for lost time.

Trawler was a finalist in the 2022 International Song-Writing Competition and it’s easy to see why. Combing funky guitar and disco-infused bass lines, it feels like the band has been digging in crates of early 2000s French-house vinyl. Inspired by the likes of Mr Oizo, Etienne de Crécy and Daft Punk, this is their most danceable release to date, but long-time fans of the band can rest assured this isn’t a complete departure from their more melancholy signature sound. Blackchords have pulled off a rare trick in creating an introspective banger.

Blackchords’ ability to juxtapose brooding lyrics against a backdrop of energetic instrumentals is a testament to their musical style and creativity. Nestling in amongst the four-to-the-floor kick drums and funk-laden bass, vocalist Nick Milwright’s introspective lyrics explore themes of reflection, regret and resistance.

“This old ocean, with no horizon, seems like she’s got a lot to say, but I ain’t been listening.” Blackchords – Trawler

Continuing the good work from previous singles, acclaimed Melbourne producer Nick Batterham (Rone, Cordrazine) steers the production, and it’s gloriously rich, deep and immersive. With each subsequent release it feels like something truly exciting is building as Blackchords continue to push boundaries with their ever-expanding musical vision.

More about the band

Known for their captivating blend of melancholic soundscapes and brooding lyrics, the band already have two studio albums under their belt: Their debut self-titled release and sophomore A Thin Line, both garnered critical acclaim and a global audience after high-profile placements on TV shows including Suits, Shameless and Orange Is The New Black.  

“Blackchords have pulled off a rare trick in creating an introspective banger.”

With their upcoming third studio album; Connected//Forgotten; Blackchords are set to solidify their position as one of Australia’s most exciting and innovative musical acts.

Discover more from Blackchords

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Discover more on Right Chord Music

• Blackchords Make Their Feelings Known With No Place No Be
• Blackchords Reflect On Relationships Through The Windows
• Blackchords Return With Difficult Second Album A Thin Line
• Free Music Marketing Training For Independent Artists

The post Blackchords Announce ‘Trawler’ An Introspective Banger appeared first on Right Chord Music Blog.

Radiohead

I adore Radiohead, they were the first band I saw live (I set the bar high) and the first band I really loved. The Bends remains one of my favourite ever albums and the vinyl artwork is framed on the wall behind my left shoulder. I’ve been lucky enough to see them on four occasions but nothing will ever beat their hometown show in South Park, Oxford.

Here are 6 other bands and artists you probably don’t know but need to know and add to your next Spotify playlist.

1. Blackchords

Melbourne’s Blackchords first burst onto the scene back in 2010 with their debut self-titled album. The Fly magazine was quick to jump on them labelling them ‘The new Radiohead’ and they were duly added to new music festival lineups including SXSW and Great Escape.

The second album A Thin Line (2013) proved they were more than a one-trick pony and like Radiohead, their sound evolved with more electronic influences. The album landed them on TV soundtracks including Shameless, Suits, and Orange Is The New Black.

Now after an extended hiatus, they are back, and with two new singles (Through The Windows and No Place To Be) already in the world and a brand new album Connected // Forgotten fast approaching, Blackchords continue to be both exciting and relevant.

2. Midlight

After writing music together since school, Midlight first caught our attention by releasing a string of impressive singles in 2020 and 2021. For a while, they single-handedly soundtracked our Pandemic experience.

With a familiar Brit Pop sound that spans the sound of ‘Parachutes’ Coldplay to Ok Computer Radiohead, Despite the obvious reference points Midlight still managed to create their own slice of uniqueness most notably on their debut EP Above from Below.

3. National Service

National Service first began releasing music back in 2017, through the iconic indie label Fierce Panda. Since then, the four-piece band from North East London has been up and down the UK performing their music, a unique blend of tense, modern post-punk, new wave and indie rock. They are a band that somehow manages to summon delight and passion from darkness.

Caving a song about being crushed under the weight of self-expectation continues to stand out as a seminal release.

Their latest release ‘Milktooth’ is every bit as enthralling while their bleak yet poignant cover of‘Last January’ by The Twilight Sad should demand not only your respect but also your attention.

4. Officer

It’s fair to say Officer isn’t prolific, but when he releases music the wait is always worthwhile. While the world has rushed to consume the single, Officer continues to pour every fibre of his being into making brilliant albums. The sum really is greater than the parts.

So far there have been two albums: Myriads in 2015 and Night Tennis in 2020. Take time to drink them in, they get better with every listen, good headphones are essential.

Officer is also known as a compelling live act and frequently includes a cover of Radiohead’s Burn The Witch in his live set.

5. Brodie Milner

Brodie Milner’s latest single ‘hedonist’ continues with the blend of sharp lyricism and intricate melodies that have come to define his sound. There are as many flashes of Dylan as there are of Fontaines DC. It’s an intoxicating formula.

6. Supercaan

The post Love Radiohead? Here Are 6 Other Bands & Artists You Need To Hear appeared first on Right Chord Music Blog.

Blackchords – No Place To Be

No Place To Be, from Melbourne’s Blackchords, is an open letter of apology to our children and the children of the future. It gently seethes with anger and frustration at those in power who have continued to prioritise personal gratification over choosing to do the right thing for our planet.

From the opening lines, there appears to be a bleak inevitability, with the idea we are simply left waiting for the riots and the rising seas.  “I’m sorry at what we left for you” utters singer Nick Milwright. During this track, you’ll find certain phrases stick to you “It’s a nightmare” and “baby I’m a lost cause” spin continuously in your head. This is music laden with both power and responsibility.

But just when you could be forgiven for thinking ‘what’s the point?’ something changes. Halfway through there is a yelp from Milwright which seems to signal the start of the fight back. Backed by Damian Cazaly’s guitar, the track builds and swells to a glorious resolution, that any fans of Foals will immediately appreciate and adore. Just like the pressure being released from a tightly bound gas canister, there is a sense of air in your lungs and hope in your heart. From dark, impossible beginnings, this track emerges feeling both optimistic and hugely empowering. The revolution might not be televised, but let’s face it, we’ll probably see it on TikTok.

Released using the now customary waterfall method, Blackchords allow listeners a second chance to discover the previous release ‘ Through The Windows’ and it’s remarkable how this early release takes on a new life when sitting alongside No Place To Be. The sum of the parts does really add up. Suddenly there is a coherence to this unfolding story. We can’t wait to hear the next chapter.

Discover more from Blackchords

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• Blackchords Reflect On Relationships Through The Windows of The Pandemic
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Words Mark Knight

The post Blackchords Make Their Feelings Known With ‘No Place No Be’ appeared first on Right Chord Music Blog.

Blackchords – Through The Windows

‘Through The Windows’ is the first glimpse of new material from Blackchords since 2013 and it’s like reconnecting with a lost family member. The good news is there is more to come, with subsequent releases laddering up to a new EP in 2023.

‘Through The Windows’ is a gentle reintroduction, it doesn’t shout or demand attention, it slowly wins you over with its thoughtful lyrics and wonderfully rich sonic palette.

The track starts with a storm of crashing cymbals before Milwright’s honeyed vocals take over, they are immediately entrancing. Flickers of electronica, dance-around synths and a glorious bass line. There is a sadness to the vocals yet despite this ‘Through The Windows’ still manages to sound mildly euphoric as the track slowly swells to a gentle crescendo. There is so much to admire here, and you discover something new with every listen. Listen out for the female backing vocals – a new addition for Blackchords.

Nick Milwright explains the story behind Through The Windows…

“As the pandemic was rocking the world, everything was thrown into disarray. Disconnected, Lost, Stressed, and Chaotic. No one knew what was going on or what was going to happen. It brought to the surface many cracks that were always there but somehow we ignored them. The song is the juxtaposition between the world that we once knew and the relationships we had falling apart. We could only watch from inside our apartments or through the windows of our smartphones. But it was too late… We took things for granted and we thought we could take advantage for far too long. Somehow we have another chance, I hope we have learned.”

Blackchords

Blackchords first burst onto the scene in 2009 with their debut self-titled album. The album and its singles ‘Broken Bones’ and ‘At World’s End’ thrust them onto the world stage, they toured Europe, played SXSW and even supported legendary Australian band ‘Powder Finger’ for their final ever show.  Their effortless blend of incisive jagged indie rock and thoughtful introspection led to easy if lazy comparisons with Coldplay and Radiohead.

This was a band that had real artistry, every music video, album cover or gig poster was beautiful, Blackchords were and remain a band that is easy to love.

The first album took a lot from singer Nick Milwright, the pressure to deliver a follow-up album became all-consuming and ultimately led to drummer Nick Cheek leaving the band.

Blackchords – A Thin Line

But when the sophomore album ‘A Thin Line’ finally arrived a lot of the problems were forgotten. The David Odlum-produced release purred, with new recruit Tristan Courtney bringing a new electronic edge to further enhance their already wide-screen sound. The album further propelled them into the limelight when Into The Unknown was used in Netflix smash Orange Is The New Black.

This was an album made by a band that had hit their stride and landed on their own sound. While ‘Dance Dance Dance’ was clearly the commercial single, real fans found joy in Into The Unknown, The Day I Die, and As Night Falls.

But after the big release, it all went quiet. With the stresses and realities of life, money and relationships taking their toll on the band. But when you have music in your soul as lead singer Nick Milwright does you realise music isn’t a choice it’s a necessity!

It’s great having Blackchords back.

Discover more from Blackchords

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Words Mark Knight

The post Blackchords Reflect On Relationships ‘Through The Windows’ appeared first on Right Chord Music Blog.

Nick Batterham – Thirty Four

Following the subdued harmonies of ‘No Perfect Man’ and the propelling cacophony of sounds on ‘Turbulence’, ‘Thirty Four’ is the latest single to be taken from Nick Batterham’s forthcoming studio album Lovebirds, and it’s utterly sublime. The audio is enhanced by Thuy Vy’s poignant music video, which uses Polaroid pictures to reveal moments from a love story. It’s hard to recall a music video that slowly engages and charms the viewer in a similar way. The video stars fellow Melbourne musician Nick Milwright from Blackchords and his girlfriend Tiara Swain.

“The video is an extension of a long fascination with photographing my friends. I like that a photograph captures one perspective of a moment in time, yet in polaroid form, remains ephemeral. They take time to appear, then can fade over time. A romantic relationship is a collection of shared moments and experiences, which can be well communicated by photographs. They also capture the fractures within a relationship before either person can see it for themselves.” – Nick Batterham

Nick Batterham and his band will launch Lovebirds (Pre-order link) to a live audience at the Primrose Potter Salon, Melbourne Recital Centre this June. Performing the album in full on grand piano, Batterham will be accompanied by Kelly Day (Broads), Nick Murray, Ben Wiesner and award-winning theatre composer and sound designer Jethro Woodward,

With a voice described by Rolling Stone as “an almost other-worldly instrument of beauty,” and tender balladry infused with dry humour and self-deprecating storytelling, you simply cannot miss it. Get your tickets here.

Best known in Australia for his work with ARIA-nominated Earthmen, Nick Batterham is a master of crafting sparkling, melodic pop songs. Drawing deeply on his recent classical compositions for visual artist Rone, Lovebirds is a lavish feast of orchestral pop that celebrates love’s dizzy highs and heart-wrenching lows, with elegant orchestrations featuring some of Melbourne’s premier classical musicians. The album’s 11 sprawling tracks present a sometimes melancholic journey that leads to hope and healing. It is at times warm and inviting, but also knows how to convey the chill of aloneness.

About Nick Batterham

One of Australia’s best-kept secrets, Nick Batterham has quietly crafted an enviably back catalogue of superbly crafted music to soundtrack your life. Dive into this ‘best of’ playlist to discover what you’ve missed.

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If you like Nick Batterham you might also enjoy Blackchords

The post Nick Batterham uses Polaroid pictures to capture love story in the new video for Thirty Four appeared first on Right Chord Music Blog.

In total 49 different artists representing 12 different countries took to our virtual stage. To date The Takeover Festival has so far attracted over 500,000 viewers and raised over £4,000 for Nordoff Robbins. There is still time to donate via The Nordoff Robbins website, or thanks to our friends at Fifth Column T-Shirts you can buy a limited edition Takeover Festival t-shirt.

Choosing our favourite performances was almost impossible, there were just so many, but here are just a few that lit up Facebook feeds and raised money for Nordoff Robbins. All performances are now available to watch back on demand here

LYRA

London based neo-soul five piece Lyra wowed viewers with their sound and slick multi-camera show which upped the bar on live stream performances. The show has since been shared 36 times. Have you watched it yet?

KING CHARLES

Friday night co-headliner King Charles welcomed us into his home for this effortlessly cool showcase on VE Day.

MARK KING (LEVEL 42) & MARLEE

Mark King (Level 42) closed The Takeover Festival on Sunday with this high energy show, which got people dancing and the Internet buzzing with 189 shares and counting. With this blog focusing on independent artists, it seemed fitting that Mark King handed the stage to his daughter Marlee to close out the set and an incredible weekend of live music.

WD-HAN

‘We Don’t Have A Name’ delivered a high intensity full band blues rock set live from their base in Clearwater, Florida that immediately kick-started the Friday lineup. Suddenly this really was a music festival. Their cover of The Killers ‘All These Things That I’ve Done’ got people hitting the share button. The show has now been watched by over 37,000 times and been shared 59 times.

HAZEY JANE

Any band inspired by Nick Drake has our attention, and Hazey Jane frontman Roberto Bertoli didn’t disappoint, his intelligent original compositions including latest single ‘Sidetrack’ sparkled and would have made his hero proud. His decision to throw in a cover of Northern Sky only cemented his place in our hearts. We’ve been listening ever since. Hazey Jane raised £138 for Nordoff Robbins from direct Facebook donations.

KATIE MELUA

This simple, intimate, acoustic show with her brother was perfectly pitched and reminded us of her talent as a songwriter and musician. The show raised over £300 for Nordoff Robbins and has been shared 142 times so far.

JOE SLATER

When you have a voice this good, you really don’t need any fancy gimmicks. Joe Slater began with a Rod Stewart cover and that perfectly set the tone for a set that oozed quality and self assurance. Over 40,000 people have watched, with 52 shares. His talent also raised over £200 for Nordoff Robbins.

MONAD

Across the weekend we welcomed artists and viewers from all over the world including MONAD from Israel. MONAD is the the dream pop project of Tel-Aviv based artist and producer Eshchar Nachmany.  This full band set wowed from start to finish combining a retro style with futuristic multi-camera tech. The hazy, woozy sound sparkled and was perfect for the Sunday 6.30pm slot. If this was at a physical set, this would have been a glorious sun-down set.

BADLY DRAWN BOY

Badly Drawn Boy used his set to showcase tracks from his new album Banana Skin Shoes including set opener ‘I Just Want To Wish You Happiness’ which felt perfect for the times we find ourselves in. Classics including ‘The Shining’ got us reminiscing and listening back to his debut album The Hour of Bewilderbeast, which incredibly will celebrate it’s 20th anniversary this June.

DANNY STARR

His tender acoustic vocals amazed and soothed in equal measure. In just 25 minutes Danny Starr won over a legion of new fans and admirers from all over the world.

JOSIE PROTO

While some artists went to town on cameras and technology, Josie Proto focused on creating her own mini garden Glastonbury inspired stage. Her chirpy, infectious pop songs were an instant hit and bought smiles to viewers from across the world. With almost 7,000 views and 36 shares and counting.

NICK MILWRIGHT (BLACKCHORDS)

After an extended break from music, we were delighted to have Nick Milwright from Blackchords back performing on our stage. His sublime voice reminded us what we had been missing. Nick’s stripped back piano set included arrangements of Blackchords favourites Broken Bones and Into The Unknown alongside first glimpses of brand new songs that left audiences wanting more. The comments rained in, and despite his time away, it’s clear his music retains a place in many hearts.

THE TAKEOVER FESTIVAL PLAYLIST

Discover all of the artists that performed at The Takeover via our Spotify Playlist.

The post The Best of The Takeover Festival presented by Bose in Support of Nordoff Robbins appeared first on Right Chord Music Blog.

First Lineup Announcements

We are excited to announce the names of the first artists confirmed to play The Takeover Festival, May 8th, 9th 10th. Watch this space for further announcements soon.

The Takeover Festival Playlist

Discover more about the artists and the daily schedule by visiting The Takeover Festival website. Listen to their music via our The Takeover Festival playlist. This playlist will grow as more artists are added to the bill.

The Takeover Is An International Event

As an online music festival, The Takeover has no boundaries, and we are delighted to be welcoming musicians from all over the world including Australia, Denmark, France, South Africa, Sweden, The Netherlands, UK and US to our virtual stage.

How To Watch The Takeover

All music will be performed on the Right Chord Music Facebook page, to ensure you don’t miss a thing, confirm your attendance at the Facebook Event page to receive notifications when artists take to the stage.

The Takeover In Support of Nordoff Robbins

The Takeover Festival is our antidote to isolation. We believe in the power of music to connect people, which is why we’re supporting Nordoff Robbins. As the UK’s largest independent music therapy charity, Nordoff Robbins use music to enrich the lives of people with life-limiting illnesses, disabilities and feelings of isolation.

The post The Takeover Festival Lineup Announcements appeared first on Right Chord Music Blog.

Episode 255 Lost On Radio Podcast

Listen back to previous episodes of the Lost On Radio Podcast

You can listen back to all previous episodes of the Podcast at Right Chord Music.  Alternatively you can find and subscribe to the Right Chord Music, Lost On Radio Podcast via your favourite Podcast App. You’ll find us on all good Podcast Players including: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, aCast, Overcast & Entale.

Lost On Radio New & Undiscovered Music Playlist

If you prefer Spotify playlists to Podcasts listen, follow and share our playlist here. We add six or seven new tracks to the start of the playlist each week.

Discover the artists on this week’s Lost On Radio Podcast & Spotify Playlist.

1. Blackchords – Pretty Little Thing  (The Daydream Club Remix)
2. Handstand Parade – Beloved
3. St Humain – Fever Vibe
4. Deep Cut – No
5. Julian Brown – Whatever Comes Today
6. Cado – Satisfy My Soul
7. Halogram – Symphony of Regret

Buy Lost On Radio merchandise

Click our Spotify follow button below to ensure you never miss the new music added to our playlist.

You can now also buy a Lost On Radio t-shirt or sweatshirt. Listeners to Lost On Radio can now also claim a 10% discount on every purchase at Major Labl by entering the promo code LostOnRadio. Profits from the sale of everything at Major Labl are reinvested to promote Lost On Radio.

Spotify playlists are important for unsigned bands

Daytime radio is dominated by major label artists. Consequently as an unsigned band it is incredibly difficult to secure day time radio play-listing. Hiring a radio plugger is expensive and for unsigned artists the cost frequently outweighs the returns. Faced with these challenges Spotify provides a powerful and credible alternative way for unsigned artists to build buzz and earn an income.

Although landing a place on an official Spotify playlist can have a dramatic impact on your income, competition is fierce. Therefore, getting your music on independent playlists like Lost On Radio can provide a vital stepping stone to build online buzz to get on Spotify’s radar.

Getting your music on Lost On Radio

The Lost On Radio Podcast is curated by the Right Chord Music editorial team. It’s a democracy, if we love it, we playlist it. No radio pluggers or PR agencies required. To get your music on our playlist, visit our contact page and submit your music. We are now also accepting submissions via Squall.

The post Episode 255 Lost On Radio Podcast & Playlist appeared first on Right Chord Music Blog.

Introducing Ubiq and their debut four track EP called ‘The Obsolete.’ The band were formed by Tristan Courtney, the bass player in Blackchords and  The Tiger & Me. Not content with two creative outlets he formed Ubiq, originally a three piece, they settled as a two piece (Tristan Courtney and Jeremy Kirk) after original member Sarah moved to New York.

Before you even listen to this EP what strikes you is the love and passion that has gone into this project. It warms our heart when we see artists doing it for themselves, Ubiq epitomise what it means to be an independent artist. From music, video and website production, they have done it all.

The Obsolete is set against the current political backdrop, a time when logic and sense seem to have been replaced by increasing dystopia. The Ubiq artwork (above) also gives a clear nod in the direction of Orwell and 1984. But if you assume this EP will be nothing but a ride into endless, dark gloom you would be wrong.

The four track EP is a thrilling, and sprawling urban soundtrack. We encourage you to put some headphones on and travel across your favourite city with The Obsolete in your ears. It is as dark as it is light and as reflective as it is introspective. Proof if it was needed that music really can be restorative.

Essential track: Last & First. Joy Division-esque bass lines set against fizzing electronica – Joyous!

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