Author: acute.pop

[ep] Chalk – Conditions II

acute.pop

Everything that made Chalk’s Conditions great is maximised and perfected in its sequel. Belfast’s group put out another intense collection — their own mixture of noise rock, industrial, and dance-punk elements, creating a visceral and beautiful sound.

Musically, the trio aimed to deepen their exploration of the electronic aspect of the music, striving to capture the vibrancy of their live performances within the studio recordings. They surely don’t shy away from experimentation, incorporating a wide range of influences from electronic music (for example, Aphex Twin) and industrial/noise scenes to create a sound that’s both challenging and captivating.

Conditions II has been released and is now available for streaming and purchase across all major digital platforms via Nice Swan Records. The production work on this EP was handled by Chris Ryan, known for his collaborations with NewDad, Enola Gay, and Just Mustard, alongside Chalk’s Ross Cullen.

Stream below and buy the mini-album here.

[video] Amen Dunes – Boys

acute.pop

Amen Dunes followed up his recent hit “Purple Land” with another new cut “Boys”. Both songs are taken from his forthcoming album Death Jokes, set for release on May 10 through Sub Pop.

The single is accompanied by a cool music video directed by Steven Brahms. In it, Damon McMahon is seen sitting on a sofa watching television, as two younger men create some absolute chaos and destruction in the room around him.

Watch below and pre-order the LP here.

[song] Max Blansjaar – Anna Madonna

acute.pop

Today Amsterdam-born, Oxford-based artist Max Blansjaar announced his debut LP False Comforts, which will be out on June 21 via Beanie Tapes. This communiqué sees the musician arriving with a great new single “Anna Madonna”.

The song, recorded in Brooklyn with Katie Von Schleicher and Nate Mendelsohn (Market), is a beautifully simple yet powerful reminder to hold on to what we have, presented in a sparse arrangement that allows the lyrics and melody to take centre stage. It is a declaration emphasizing the importance of supporting one another to remain resilient.

Stream below and pre-order the LP here.

[album] Bingo Fury – Bats Feet For A Widow

acute.pop

Despite being released in the early months of 2024, it can be confidently stated that Bats Feet For A Widow by Bingo Fury already stands out as one of the most original and comprehensive records of the year so far.

It presents an intriguing collection of experimental, highly creative music combining Scott Walker-inspired songs, refined jazz, and dynamic no wave elements. The tracks on the LP may not be easily accessible, but with each playthrough, their unpredictable nature and overall eccentricity increasingly captivate the listener.

Bingo Fury demands a lot from his audience but in exchange offers rich rewards — moments of transcendent beauty and profound emotional resonance. He masterfully channels his innermost feelings into something that, while atypical and avant-garde, remains sentimental and intimately relatable.

Bats Feet For A Widow is a one-of-a-kind debut, a truly timeless-sounding experience poised to connect with an inquisitive audience.

FFO: Scott Walker, These New Puritans, Talk Talk, Bark Psychosis, Kim Gordon.

Listen below and purchase the record here.

[video] Pillow Queens – Like a Lesson

acute.pop
Photo by Martyna Bannister

Back in January Irish indie rock band Pillow Queens announced their new LP Name Your Sorrow, which will be out on April 19 via Royal Mountain Records. We already heard “Gone”, and now the group presents another new single/video “Like a Lesson”.

The guitar-centric cut delves into the yearning for intimacy and the pursuit of closeness, alongside the anxieties and vulnerabilities associated with revealing oneself. Through the brilliant track, Pillow Queens affirm their position as not just musicians, but as storytellers capable of touching hearts and stimulating minds with their art.

Watch below and pre-order the record here.