After a brief hiatus last week, The Mic Recommends is back and better than ever! Including new releases from Frank Turner, Marika Hackman, Years & Years, Mura Masa, and more.
IDC - daine
daine’s new single IDC is emo rap-tinged and moody, much like the rest of her discography. The second half of the track changes tone, moving towards more hyperpop sounds, with higher-pitched vocals. This mixture of emo rap and hyperpop (two of my personal favourite genres) leaves me continuing to enjoy daine’s music very much. Since beginning to release music in the first lockdown, she has mastered her unique and futuristic sound, whilst also accumulating a strong following on social media platforms such as TikTok. With a continuous string of singles being released since mid-2020, surely an EP or album is on the way from her soon? Gemma Cockrell
Trust Nobody - Ama Lou
Over a trash relationship? Heartbroken, yet relieved you’re free from toxicity? Londoner Ama Lou's Trust Nobody is the remedy. So, plug in your earphones, lay across your bed, and indulge in this anthem. With ingredients of wisdom, gentle guitar strums and RnB blues, Ama craves space to grow from this pain. There are strong sentiments of anger and distrust about her former significant other, as she performs her soulful, deep, and reflective thoughts. With a new and anticipated album just released (named At Least We Have This), fans are left to enjoy music after a two year wait from the young star. Fidji Gomis Mendy
Miranda - Frank Turner
Singer-songwriter Frank Turner has never been afraid to display his personal life within his music, and in new single Miranda, it is evident that this is a trend that is continuing and strengthening on his upcoming album, FTHC. The song opens with the striking line “My father is called Miranda these days”, and goes onto document how Turner’s relationship with his parent has improved since her transition. The two’s fractious past has been chronicled in Turner’s music since his 2006 debut album Sleep Is for the Week, but now, with album number nine on its way, the track provides a happy conclusion to the story, with Frank joyfully explaining to his audience how Miranda’s transition has allowed them to finally enjoy the relationship he longed for on tracks such as Father’s Day and Faithful Son. All the while, a catchy, country and western inspired guitar riff provides the song with what is sure to be a euphoric singalong part at Turner’s famed live shows. Overall, Miranda provides a story of hope, both for the transgender community, and for those who have strained or non-existent relationships with family. Frank’s happiness is laid bare, as the song closes with a poignant message to his parent: “Miranda, it’s lovely to meet you.” Ali Glen
Summerside - Federico Albanese feat. Marika Hackman
This week, Marika Hackman fans have been blessed with much-awaited new music from the velvety toned singer. Her collaboration with Federico Albanese, Summerside, is a testament to the talent of both Marika and Federico Albanese. The song perfectly pairs Federico’s moving and angelic piano pieces and Marika’s heavenly vocals. Evoking sad images and feelings of fading away, the lyrics, in typical Marika fashion, are poetically intriguing and sombre. Alongside the single, a music video was also released, featuring a male character who seems lost and despondent. According to Federico, the video aims to create a story of longing; searching for meaning in the protagonists waning life. The music video is as equally as striking as the single. This new release is definitely a treat for any fans of Marika Hackman who miss her earlier sounds. Millie Hopcott
Sweet Talker - Years & Years feat. Galantis
Years & Years have released their new single Sweet Talker ahead of their third album Night Call which will be arriving early next year in January. Vocalist Olly Alexander has teamed up with dance music superstars Galantis for the suitably dance-infused track, which follows previous singles Crave and Starstruck. Galantis bring a new element to Years & Years' sound, but I can't help but be surprised that the track wasn't released during the summer, since I can imagine it being a huge summer anthem. It may not receive its deserved success having been released at the end of November; however, this doesn't take away from the catchiness of the tune, and I'm excited to see what Olly Alexander continues to do with the Years & Years project now that it's a solo endeavour. Gemma Cockrell
Traps - Bloc Party
Bloc Party have teased their upcoming sixth album Alpha Games, with their triumphant single Traps. The hard-hitting alt-rock number is the bands first piece of new music in five years and it is well-welcomed. It’s a nostalgic tune, reminiscent of the post-punk frenzy of their 2005 debut Silent Alarm. It’s a perfect addition to the house-party playlist. Not sounding unusual if overlayed onto a scene from Skins, the rock track feels like a nostalgic retreat from the band. Sure, they may have used some experimental if unnecessary additions, such as licking sound effects that would make anyone with miso phobia cringe, but it’s an overall compelling listen. Traps is a bold retreat to the early 2000s that will make anyone in their twenties kindly remember listening to Banquet whilst drinking their cider and relishing in the track's distinct aged maturity. The instrumentals are energetic, Keke Okereke’s vocals intense, and lyrics witty and quintessential British. It’s a strong backbone to what will certainly be a stellar album. Maia Gibbs
2gether - Mura Masa
Mura Masa’s last record, 2020’s R.Y.C, was a pivotal step in his artistic evolution. The record foregrounded Alex Crossan’s voice as an artist; his knack for creating dreamy, lo-fi and alt R & B influenced electropop, through his skill as a multi-instrumentalist, whilst oozing nostalgia and drawing upon memories and emotions you didn’t know you had. 2gether is his first solo material since then. Despite the fact that this single seems to lack the compelling weirdness of most of the tracks on R.Y.C, it indicates that the third Mura Masa record will be no less interesting. It fits into Alex’s frequent support for under-the-radar musicians, by featuring the ghostly vocals of nineteen-year-old London artist Gretel Hanlyn; it would be great to see him make more of these left field choices in future. There’s a Flume breakdown halfway through the song, with a fragmented detuned synth and abrasive snare. It’s all very minimalist and groovy, but Alex is definitely capable of making more interesting production choices that don’t leave him sounding like every post-dubstep artist ever. Despite the slight forgettability of this track, it still indicates some interesting future Mura Masa material, which I’ll be excited to see. Caradoc Gayer
Edited by: Gemma Cockrell
Featured image courtesy of Frank Turner via Facebook.
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