Check out our weekly reviews of new releases. Featuring tracks by Hippo Campus, Ratboys, Waterparks and more.
Kick in the Teeth – Hippo Campus
What a change in mood from Hippo Campus! When I saw they had released a new song I was excited to see what new electronic indie sounds they had created. To my surprise, I was met with a very simple country love song… It side-blinded me! Jake Luppen’s voice suits the song incredibly well, you would never guess their background is in operatic singing! The simple drums and guitars combined with the twang of the lap steel create the perfect image of a person singing about their love in the Southern States. If you’re looking to travel through some pleasurable genre whiplash, give Hippo Campus a listen! Sophie Kozlowska
Black Earth, WI – Ratboys Indie rock act Ratboys have always had a talent for sounding assured - a quality that shines through immeasurably on Black Earth, WI, their first release since 2021’s Happy Birthday, Ratboy. Although the track seems a little daunting at an eeight-and-a-halfminute runtime, the band makes the time fly - exquisite, swooping guitar tones with too much confidence to sound noodly dominate the track, bridging between vocalist Julia Steiner’s soft vocals with impressive grace, fading out to allow the backing vocals to come in towards the back end of the track with some impressively deft production - first suggested, then hinted, finally established in a satisfying instrumental swell. Given their limited time on the track, Steiner’s vocals really steal the show, sounding timid yet controlled in all the right ways. The ethereal vibe of the track is always handled well, always feeling a little detached, but never to such an extent that the track becomes self-indulgent, remaining comforting and measured throughout. I can only hope that this track is in advance of a new full-length release from Ratboys - if it sounds anywhere near as good as this, it’ll be one to watch out for. Hal Hewlett
Told You So – The Band CAMINO
Often something we find ourselves thinking to ourselves: “I told you so.” This song puts into words what we’re sometimes too scared to say. The indie rock band have pushed their music further towards the rocky side compared to the rest of their discography. The incredibly tight drums and guitars support the vocals and deliver the driving force behind this song. I appreciate the push towards heavier sounds; however, I couldn’t help but find myself left wanting more from this track. The halftime breakdown felt wasted, having filled the mix to a point where the fantastic drums are lost. The vocals appear to be treated to the point where any aggression and emotion are flattened. Overall, it is a catchy song that is fun to sing along to, but I don’t think it will blow anyone away. I would be interested to see if The Band CAMINO change anything to this song while performing live, I feel like there is an opportunity to really rile up audiences with well-timed builds and drops, which unfortunately can’t be replicated in a studio recording. Sophie Kozlowska
BRAINWASHED – Waterparks
We come to expect a certain level of cheek when it comes to Waterparks, and their latest release, BRAINWASHED, is no exception. Most pertinently, frontman Awsten Knight’s lyricism is more candid than ever in anticipation for their upcoming album INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. This may sound ironic coming from the band who released a song titled I Miss Having Sex But At Least I Don’t Wanna Die Anymore, but Knight has opened up about this being an important project for him to explore letting go of a lot of guilt in his life. In direct contrast with recent release FUCK ABOUT IT, Knight shamelessly admits to craving the intimacy his partner can give him, while coming to terms with why this should make him feel simultaneously so insecure. Entering their era of caps lock, catharsis and frogs, Knight loves messing with our expectations, with this album taking an entirely different thematic approach, while still maintaining their trademark, Violet-esque technique of writing an uplifting-sounding neon pop song with lyrics that don’t match at all. This is the audacity that they are known for, particularly as this song had already been leaked from their live shows from almost a year ago now…they know how to keep their fans in suspense! Tabitha Smith
Giant Feelings – Eloise
Stuck after a breakup? The pain and frustration of putting up with low standards, being broken up with and then watching the other person move on. This song says it how it is. The raw emotion delivered by Eloise is reminiscent of artists such as Norah Jones, Phoebe Bridgers and Laufey. Giving a poppier vibe compared to her previous jazzier style, it feels like she is developing as an artist. She may be moving more towards what she wants to say without worrying about what genre her music comes under, particularly with the anticipated release of her first album! The laid-back vocals and old-school drums blend beautifully with the acoustic guitar and involved bass guitar without the mix being overfull. “Giant Feelings” is uplifting yet simultaneously filled with sad and angry undertones, what a beautiful way to put into words and music what many are unable to describe. Sophie Kozlowska
Edited by Roxann Yus
Cover image courtesy of Hippo Campus via Facebook.
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