April is the cruellest month, apparently, although I haven’t seen too many dead lilacs. There has been a lot happening quietly in April as our days get shorter, internationally with the return of Arab Strap and Belle and Sebastian and locally with the release of George by 1300, Liz Drummond and Emma Russack. Actor and director Sam Morton has announced a debut record and Fontaines D.C. return with some serious prosthetics.
For our full round-up of April music favourites, read on...
Let’s Walk In The Night, Sam Morton
This Massive Attack-inspired ethereal project came to light after Morton’s collaborator, Richard Russel, heard her speaking on Desert Island Discs and felt an affinity with the way Morton wove music into her life. The full record, Daffodils and Dirt is out in June and will no doubt be a cinematic soundtrack to any situation the listener pairs it with.
Dark Waves, Men Seni Suyemin feat Kristina Li
Men Seni Suyemin is the nom de plume of Minona Volandova – a classically trained guitarist and producer from Kazakhstan – and this song is haunting and hypnotic despite its drive and menacing video (with swords of course, are you a even musician if you haven’t made a sword video these days?). However, I love that Men Seni Suyemin, means “I love you” in her native tongue and “it’s a moniker that honours the memory of a late relative, while also asserting a strong statement of intent: to be driven by love, not fear, is a powerful catalyst for meaningful creativity and connection".
Simplify, Liz Drummond
Simplify is a great commentary on contemporary escapism as Drummond sings about wanting to have her Tarot read by a witch that likes sci-fi and owning salt lamps. However, as this is set against a dark 90s inspired pulsating track that is as beautiful and uncomfortable as her video wig. We also want to drink organic wine with Drummond.
Strawberry Moon, Arab Strap
The Scottish institution that is Arab Strap are back with their definitive vocal and lyrical style of Aidan Moffat, who tells stories in a specific and unique way. The track is imbued with a frenetic chaos and a little messiness that adds depth and weight. However, upon watching the video we can see the band aren’t taking themselves too seriously…
What Happened to you, Son?, Belle and Sebastian
Speaking of Scotland…
Did I (Peaches Remix), Romy
Who doesn't like a queer dance track between the former The XX lead singer and feminist punk pioneer, Peaches?
Kiss Me (Kill Me), RINSE featuring Hatchie
A swirling reverb-drenched 90s homage to shoegaze with the sweetness of dream-pop offsetting the harsher elements of shoegaze. I do love that this is a husband-and-wife collaboration, partially because I am disgustingly romantic, and partially because it adds severity to the lyrics, which float across a guitar-washed landscape.
Doesn't Matter, HighSchool
A single from their recently released EP, Accelerator, some Naarm-to-London post-punk that is understated without being overtly minimal.
Losing Out, total tommy
Neo-grunge pop from Sydney/Eora with infectious melodies and a tight-as live band.
Born Ready, Joe Bevan
A curious song found during an internet deep dive. An impeccable chorus.
Only One, Cassandra Jenkins
A new single "encompassing guitar-driven indie rock, new age, sophisti-pop, and jazz".
Levitate, 1300
RUSSH favourites and expert hoppers 1300 have released their newest record George and will no doubt continue to grow and tour.
Starburster, Fontaines D.C.
Fontaines’ sound is clearly evolving ahead of their next record, ROMANCE, which is due in August. An exceptionally well-made video, which I’m sure we can hypothesise on the meaning of with classic iconography (and gimps) alongside this lyrically rich song.
Everything is Big, Emma Russack
A sweet indie song that marries global chaos with the simplicity of just wanting to see someone around. The video sees Russack contemplate her thoughts and get lost in her beautiful universe as we elevate into space.
Crybaby, Cults
I remember being pretty into Cults about 10 years ago, as Always Forever seemed to mirror a sun-drenched feeling I was going through. Their latest offering, Crybaby, retains their original sound with a little more clarity and directness, 12 million monthly listeners have approved this pop song.
You can listen to the full April 2024 favourites playlist on Spotify (there are some other fun releases in there from Fever Ray, Mount Kimbie and Cigarettes After Sex).
