Happy Halloween! Maybe you'll hear one of these new releases at a Halloween party or club night tonight. Check out our writer's recommendations, and maybe you'll request one of these tracks yourself.
SHE’S MY (SEXI BOY) – DE’WAYNE
SHE’S MY (SEXI BOY) is a highlight track from DE’WAYNE’s new album My Favourite Blue Jeans. It’s an alt-rock spin on a classic rock song template, whilst having a super iconic song title and motif throughout the track. DE’WAYNE articulates in such a way that powerful lyrics become all the more casualised, which bodes extremely well for a gender-bending, homonormative song such as SHE’S MY (SEXI BOY). Repeating “You can leave it or take it” expresses the viewpoint that everyone should have when debating whether to compromise their identity for love. And all of this is within an album that somehow gives me real country vibes. Whether that’s due to the album title and what I connote with such, or if it’s a purposeful contradiction between sex-positivity and progression and our traditional associations with country music. But that’s the beauty of music: we all have a personal relationship towards the sounds and lyrics presented to us. Roxann Yus
Wild Grey Ocean – Sam Fender
Once again, Sam Fender offers up a heartfelt study on youth and loss. Tentative yet steady percussion draws you in, the mechanical beat a reminder of his industrial roots which are intertwined throughout so many of Fender’s tracks. The musical starkness enchants you with the imagery of the bleak northern coastline, the “wild grey ocean” bearing heavily down. As ever, Fender’s underlying strength is his lyricism and sincere crafting of imagery, and this piece offers the listener an opportunity for personal reflection in this way. Breaking through the sense of brooding, shimmering piano keys provide a gleam of hope and escapism sought after by so many who feel trapped in their small-town bubble. As the track cautiously builds Fender guides us on his journey as he ponders past love, heartache and loneliness. Before long we are wrapped in a blanket of mellow saxophone tones, the recurrent influence of Bruce Springsteen shining through here. This single provides comforting familiarity, no doubt too familiar for those who feel a sense of repetition in his music. However, it is nonetheless an important piece; a glimmering reflection which cements Fender not only in his own musical style but also as the unfaltering representative for the waning voice of the left behind. Alice Beard
Mother – Matt Maltese Matt Maltese’s new single Mother radiates a mellow ambience reflecting a cosy yet sombre and comforting winter evening. Overflowing with honest charm and a catchy hook hopefully this is hinting at a new project for Maltese as listeners look forward to more of his hushed tones to soundtrack their heartbreak. The inventive nature of this song in which Maltese states ‘“You always feel like you’re the main one hurting in a break-up, but relationships can form these webs that intertwine the people around you into them” referring to the topic of his lyricism in comforting his mother at the loss of his ex-girlfriend. Underpinned by an irresistible melody and dreamy vocals saturated by vulnerability accompanied by an anthemic chorus this really is some of my favourite of Maltese’s work. He continues to excel both vocally and with crisp, refined production, I am patiently waiting for what is coming next for him. Olivia Hannant
Can You Afford to Lose me? – Holly Humberstone
Holly Humberstone’s new release Can You Afford to Lose me? haunts listeners with a plaintive combination of desperately breathy vocals and brutally poetic lyrics. The 22-year-old, bedroom-indie, singer-songwriter dares to dance upon the razor-thin line between love and hatred, pleasure and pain, tenderness and cruelty. The song painfully wrestles with unanswered questions regarding modern love and heartbreak, reaffirming Humberstone’s place within the sad-girl genre. The track perfectly encapsulates the frantic, final pleas that are made following the realisation that a relationship is reaching its conclusion and is a testament to Humberstone’s delicate vocal talent. Holly Humberstone remains a perfect listen for lovers of Clairo, Lizzy McAlpine, Lucy Dacus and Mitski. Can you Afford to Lose me? is the title track in Humberstone’s newest EP, in which she compiles and demonstrates her powerful musical journey to date. Madelaine Dinnage
Bad Idea – Dove Cameron
People are likely surprised when I tell them I’m obsessed with Dove Cameron. I get it: it’s a very different vibe from Bad Omens and Boston Manor. But what can I say? I just appreciate great music. Bad Idea only perpetuates my love of Dove’s music since hearing Boyfriend. In fact, it’s a very similar song: themes of heartbreak and relationships, sultry pop instrumentals and drama. She makes music for movie soundtracks, main character playlists and people from all different musical backgrounds. I might even stretch to say she’s becoming a gay icon among names like Cher and Lady Gaga in my books. I’m expecting to hear one of Dove’s songs, such as Bad Idea, as the lip-sync track on Drag Race one day. Until then, I’ll lip-sync to it myself. Roxann Yus
Edited by Roxann Yus
Cover image courtesy of DE'WAYNE via Facebook.
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