TRACKS

VOODOO BLACK EXORCIST - S/T EP

Words: Michael O’Neill

The marvellously named Voodoo Black Exorcist are a far more multi-faceted beast than their textbook death metal moniker may imply, and these four tracks are an incredible showcase for their talents. Fell In Love With A Witch is a tantalising scrap between a deep R&B groove and an intricately arranged string workout; Mega Vulva brilliantly answers the oft-asked question “what if The Jesus Lizard had bought a vocoder and listened to more Todd Rundgren?”; Psychic Vampire mixes Sabbathworthy riff workouts with delightfully wonky sonics; and the EP’s rounded off by the sludgy, frenetic stomp of Porn Tash. It’s all over in barely ten minutes, yet it manages to successfully cram 60 years of guitar music into a blender with effortless grace. Sublime.

Released: 16.01.23 www.voodooblackexorcist.co.uk

CHRIS MARDULA - TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT

Words: Tom Astley

Chris Mardula’s bio for Take It Or Leave it will surely resonate with myriad bedroom musicians, as he writes of the difficulties of getting a band together (and keeping it together), of having mountains of demo recordings spinning wheels on hard drives, and the final realisation that they have to be heard somehow. The result is a defiantly positive track, warm and assured, the well-rehearsed acoustic guitar and vocal reinvigorated in this iteration with synth strings and drums. There’s a sincerity in the vocals which really carries the song. His Britpop influence is apparent here, but with the orchestral strings it maybe veers a little more towards The Verve than other more familiarly brash Oasis-inflected sounds.

Released: 16.12.22 www.facebook.com/chrimardulamusic

BELASIS - THE MAN IN THE BIG HOUSE

Words: Matt Young

“I’ve heard it said, he can’t lie straight in bed” sings Griff of Belasis in reference to a certain recent US ex-President. It’s a mildly funny line in an otherwise standard rock song that the Billingham three-piece of Mozo, Griff and Chud walk us through. Childhood friends and undoubtedly not their given passport names, mates playing music together is never a bad thing, but as targets go Trump is an open goal, even if you’re late to the party, and the accusations you could hurl his way would work best coming from artists with real bite. The song is brief and strangely peters out after the final chorus, which is a jarringly bold choice held against the unassuming progression of the previous three minutes.

Released: 21.12.22 www.belasis.bandcamp.com

HEYMAN AUMS - THE NIGHT SEA JOURNEY

Words: Matt Young

There’s more Jungian inspiration at work here in Heyman Aums latest song, following on neatly from their EP released back in June. This time examining mythical allegory and an exploration of the psyche via depression. If that sounds a bit weighty then fear not, oozing synths, squishy bass and organic beats sound like they’re taking a journey around the wetter parts of the brain. Evoking similar artists like The Chromatics at times, the ethereal vocal floats melodically yet abstractedly over the song’s foundations and the mind wanders, drifting into reverie...if only the track was longer. The references may not register immediately but the moods at work will be familiar to fans of directors Lynch and Eggers, and the period music of John Carpenter’s movie soundtracks.

Released: 02.12.22 www.instagram.com/heymanaums

ZAMJ - MOVING EP

Words: Michael O’Neill

Across seven tracks, in a brief 22 minutes, Zamj is our guide through a fast-moving banquet of beats and bars that explores a myriad of genres and provides a fantastic showcase for his versatility behind the mic, from the junglist frenzy of DnB Bars to the more introspective, spaced out Massive Attack-esque atmosphere of Psilocybin and the 808-heavy grind of No Rehearsal and Fast, the EP is consistent but ambitious in its scope, with Zamj not seeking to stick to one firm musical blueprint but instead use a wide array of beats and genres as a foundation for his fantastic flow and brilliant, frank, raw and charismatic wordplay, showcased by the statement-of-intend closing track That Kid. Properly essential.

Released: 09.12.22 www.instagram.com/zamj0191

CRUX - SAVE ME

Words: Niamh Poppleton

Crux’s new single, Save Me, is somewhat peculiar. While the band is most commonly described as a mix of prog rock and punk, Save Me certainly does not fit into this category – it would be a stretch to describe it as indie rock. Yet, despite the dilemma of not fitting into their supposed genre, Save Me has something unusual about it that intrigues the listener: the ominous synth-wave effects at the beginning of the song, and the overall critique of people in power and their lack of actions to help change people’s lives. Recorded in a studio renovated from a church, there is an eerie, yet ethereal air about the song, with lyrics like chilling whispers, leaving the listener with goosebumps.

Released: 06.12.22 www.crux.band

ANALOGUE BLOOD - CONTROL

Words: Matt Young

I’m pretty well travelled. I’ve experienced different cultures. I’ve been to Darlington a few times, so I’m hardly surprised to hear this mash of guitar-driven EDM assault my ears when I slap it on the ol’ turntable (okay, computer). The initial come up, hand claps et al, could be heavier in my humble opinion, but as soon as the riffing starts and the synth stabs ring out I’m all in, throwing shapes like a sweaty, pilled-up chav outside McDonald’s at 3am. That is merely hyperbole for illustrative purposes of course. But you get my point. It’s pure banging. The growling Voldemort vocal that’s telling me it’s “out of control” is faintly disconcerting but nothing metal fans would worry about. To sum up then, it’s great fun and a real floor filler.

Released: 01.12.22 www.facebook.com/analogueblood

NTGB - TILL I’M GONE

Words: Jake Anderson

Sunderland’s NTGB have already returned with their newest track Till I’m Gone. With the excellent graffiti-style artwork, and the depressing title I was unsure where the sound of this track would take me. However, what unveiled itself was a really funky 90s pop rock throwback. The track emits that same fun energy that songs from that era did, with a lively vocal performance by Gaz Brown over some groovy bass lines – the song’s hook has burrowed its way deep into my skull. I don’t know if it was an influence on NTGB, but the song wouldn’t feel amiss on a They Might Be Giants projects, especially with the celestial-sounding organ that creeps into the mix.

Released: 02.12.22 www.nt-gb.co.uk

DARREN HOLMES - FOOD AND HEAT

Words: Maria Winter

Having lived in County Durham all his life, Darren Holmes writes original material touching on the relatable realities of life, such as falling in love in the most ordinary of places and personal goals and dreams. His newest single, Food And Heat, discusses exactly what the title infers – a choice between food and heat during the current turbulent financial climate. Instead of taking the melancholy approach by creating a solemn, slow song to correspond with the topic, Darren opted for an upbeat tune to bring an element of cheer and humour. This truly represents his down-to-earth attitude, reflected through both the rhythmic musicality and clever lyrics.

Released: 01.12.22 www.facebook.com/darren.holmes.7587

Image by Jay Dawson

REALI-T - NO CHANGE

Words: Tom Astley

Hackney-born Newcastle resident Reali-T offers a witty flow that crackles through No Change. Reali-T’s flow doesn’t rely on rhythmic gymnastics, sticking to a delivery that puts the lyrical content front and centre. And it needs to, because the wordplay here is off the charts good, and will have you pausing and replaying line-by-line. The heart of the track can be summed up in the line “Someone said I do real rap so boom bap’s what they expect / Why put me in a box, especially when I’m not dead yet’. Produced by Illektre, alongside the genregrounding snappy hi-hats and sub bass, there is a wonky vibraphone sound that warps in and out of focus, making a beautiful hazy canvas.

Released: 04.12.22 www.facebook.com/mrrealit

EARLY MAZE - WASTE OF YOU

Words: Jake Anderson

Opening with some hazy riffs, the shoegaze influence on this Hexhambased band becomes apparent immediately. Jaime Harwood’s reverbed and washed-out vocals soak into the track, drenching the listener. It gives the song a feeling of calmness, which juxtaposes the high-tempo indie rock drums that feature prominently and the track’s shredding bass melody. They should clash, but they complement each other well, heightening the ethereal vibe. It’s a track that feels like zoning out on the best high of your life, while at the best party ever planned. But don’t let that fool you into thinking this is a positive song; Harwood’s vocals and lyrics have a tinge of melancholy to them, with his sadness piercing through the shoegaze banger’s abrasive instrumentation.

Released: 09.01.23 www.earlymaze.bandcamp.com

MAT HUNSLEY - JUST THE FAMILY INSIDE

Words: Maria Winter

Newcastle-based singer-songwriter Mat Hunsley’s new single, Just The Family Inside, was recorded live in just a single take, capturing the beautifully raw nature of Mat’s performance. Featuring guitar and vocals, this delicately constructed single details the personal struggles faced by Mat during the pandemic, as he effectively dances between cheerful optimism and realistic honesty within the lyrics. With an impressive following, Mat has continued to set his musical bar high with the release of Just The Family Inside. His soothing vocal tone paired with the melodically graceful guitar playing is enough to captivate the listener. It’s exciting to anticipate which musical direction Mat will take next.

Released: 02.12.22 www.facebook.com/mathunsley