Category: songs

[song] Spielmann – It’s A Lifetime

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Photo by Thandiwe Zivengwa

In ten days Leeds luminary Spielmann will put out his debut EP Fifteen Minutes With Spielmann (arriving through EMI North/Launchpad+), and today we are getting a final preview of it, “It’s A Lifetime”.

The track strikes a balance between genuine emotion and irony, a recurring theme in Spielmann’s upcoming release. Once again the artist uses his songwriting to find humour in life’s challenges, resulting in the anthemic earworm with infectious energy and relatable lyrics.

Speaking about the single, Spielmann shared: “’It’s A Lifetime’ was the 2nd song I ever wrote as Spielmann a couple of years back and definitely was a bit of a marker of how I wanted to approach the lyrical content/vibe/world of Spielmann. It’s got some classic Spielmann bits in there, nihilism, getting old, losing my hair, as well as some stuff that I meant to be reasonably light hearted, poking fun at the futility of things, but my mum and dad wanted to check in on me after hearing it as they thought it was a bit dark, so maybe I didn’t quite get the tone right, they do worry though. If it was adapted into a Netflix drama (I’m open to offers) I think you’d categorise it as a Black Comedy’”.

Stream below.

[song] Martial Arts – Defector

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It is hard to resist an intense post-punk smasher, and this is exactly what Manchester outfit Martial Arts mastered on their latest offering “Defector”.

In the cacophony of modern discontent, the song emerges as a fierce anthem and a call for a positive change — a raw outpouring of frustration and defiance against the tide of helplessness and inequality engulfing our generation.

With razor-sharp lyrics and relentless energy, “Defector” confronts head-on the systemic issues and societal disparities that weigh heavy on our collective conscience.

Check it out below.

[song] splint – Continuing Endless

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Photo by Talie Rose Eigeland

One year after releasing their widescreen post-punk stomper “Awaiting Hills”, Manchester-by-Calderdale outfit splint are back with the new, heavy 6-minute shoegaze monster “Continuing Endless”.

Out now via Nice Swan Records, the song builds gradually, layering swirling guitars upon a foundation of pounding drums and throbbing basslines. Jake Bogacki’s vocals drift in and out of focus, buried beneath waves of feedback and reverb, adding to the foggy atmosphere. Yet, amidst the haze, there’s an undeniable sense of urgency and intensity that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Listen below.

[song] John Myrtle – How Do You Break a Heart?

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Photo by Larissa Blintz

Returning with his first new material in 3 years, John Myrtle, a singer-songwriter from Birmingham now residing in London, unveils his latest musical jewel, “How Do You Break a Heart?”.

The new single, recorded with the legendary Jonathan Rado (The Lemon Twigs, Weyes Blood, Father John Misty, Matt Maltese) is a vibrant and melodically rich folk song that encapsulates his retro-inspired sound. This release precedes Myrtle’s upcoming UK tour, where he will be supporting Cut Worms starting later this month.

Stream below and get the track here.

[song] My Best Unbeaten Brother – Time on Our Hands, Spider-Man

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Photo by Tony Robertson

My Best Unbeaten Brother is a new South London-based trio featuring the critically lauded Ben and Adam Parker (Nosferatu D2 / Tempertwig / Superman Revenge Squad) and bassist Ben Fry.

The group debuted with “Slayer on a Sunny Day” in November on Joyzine’s 20 Years of Joy compilation. Now they are sharing the new cut titled “Time on Our Hands, Spider-Man” — a raw, emotional, and unapologetically authentic single. It would be a part of Pessimistic Pizza, the debut mini-album, set for release on June 28.

FFO: Los Campesinos!, The Fall, Johnny Foreigner, Art Brut, The Hold Steady.

Listen below.