‘Tune In’ has returned! Welcome back! This week has been really busy, with a tonne of announcements, brand-new releases, and incredible songs! Given that Sam Fender has been hinting about new music, is a tour imminent? Which artists should you have seen at Tramlines, and whose set was the best? You shouldn’t worry; that’s why I’m here! So, take a seat, settle in, and get ready as I walk you through this week’s music news!
Femininomenon: The Last Dinner Party cover Blondie’s ‘Call Me’
This week, The Last Dinner Party enchanted fans of alternative music with their dreamy rendition of Blondie’s iconic track ‘Call Me.’ It embodies everything that a great cover should have—it pays homage to the original while injecting its own spirit and vitality. Triple J’s “Like A Version” has given us some of the greatest covers in the past few years, and this one is no exception! Throughout this performance, every member is having a blast, and it is evident in the lively spirit of this cover. I think Abigail Morris is one of the best front women out there right now, and she really makes this song her own!
Mercury Prize Shortlist: Who’s up for the iconic award this year?
The 2024 Mercury Prize shortlist of nominees has been revealed; this esteemed award is among the most thrilling occasions on the music calendar, and the nominees are genuinely worthy of the honour! I’ve put together a list of artists I’d like to see win otherwise I’d be here all day going through every artist who is shortlisted! Nobody is more deserved in my opinion than Irish singer-songwriter CMAT and her album ‘Crazymad, For Me,’ which is nominated for the award. This album includes hits like ‘Stay For Something,’ ‘California,’ and ‘Vincent Kompany,’ which are among CMAT’s best work. She is going to be an icon and I hope she ultimately receives the credit she deserves! Other nominees for this esteemed award include the first albums of The Last Dinner Party and English Teacher. Two bands who have put in countless hours to craft a debut album masterpiece. With songs like ‘Apple’ and ‘360’ getting viral online, Charli XCX, the queen of BRAT summer, is nominated for a number of accolades this year. I have no doubt that Charli will take home numerous honours.
Plymouth Pavilions: Sam Fender Announces Boardmasters Warm Up Gig
Boardmasters was Sam Fender’s only UK gig this year until this week, but with the news of a warm-up show, are further tour dates imminent? We are still aching for new music from Fender, with his most recent album, ‘Seventeen Going Under,’ being released just shy of three years ago. Even though I cannot make it to his Boardmasters set, I cannot wait to see if he makes any additional announcements about new music or upcoming tour dates. Hopefully, it will not be long until we are belting out new songs. His ecstatic, hard-hitting guitar anthems are likely to bless us once more. His honesty and vulnerability throughout his compositions is amazing.
Perfect Me: Blossom’s Latest Track
Blossoms have released a new song titled ‘Perfect Me.’ The song is the most recent teaser for the Stockport group’s upcoming September release, ‘Gary,’ their fifth studio album. Blossoms shared the song on social media and described it as “a subconscious nod to ABBA, Springsteen, and The Killers.” Even so, they intended the words to convey an unrealistic quest for perfection. This joyful, energetic song has a completely different vibe than ‘Gary’s’ earlier releases! I cannot wait to hear what else this album has in store for us!
Tramlines & Truck Festival
Unless you have been living under a rock for the past week, you probably already know that this weekend was Tramlines and Truck Festival, where our incredible Rockstars team was present! Our websites and social media platforms are flooded with information, and Ruby and Ryan’s daily roundups have brought you all the action from the audience as well! Snow Patrol, Paolo Nutini, The Streets, Jamie T, and Wet Leg were among the headliners! However, I want to highlight a few smaller shows. Lock-In played to their largest audience to date on the Market Stage at Truck Festival, and they did not disappoint! Nieve Ella, a rising star in the indie scene, gave a memorable performance on the main stage. Visit our website to see the amazing work that the team has produced!
What have I Been Listening To This Week?
The Last Dance – The Mysterines: The track has a menacing opening to the band’s album ‘Afraid Of Tomorrows,’ which is heightened when frontwoman Lia Metcalfe’s fragile, yet insane voice enters the song’s scratchy, muttered outro (“Unholy kind of accidents / Happen when / The puppet cuts the string”). The tune is characterised by its dark, twisted, and mysterious sound that is sure to captivate you. The deep melodies evoke a spellbinding effect on listeners.
Burning House – The Lottery Winners: It is impossible not to adore The Lottery Winners! You will definitely be enthralled by their contagious, positive energy. They are portraying the thoughts of someone who is unable to find stability and serenity in this song. Catchy and enjoyable to listen to are the racing percussion and aggressive instrumentals. Rylance’s candour and openness are welcome, especially with this track, which has realistic and visceral lyrics about self-destruction and sabotage.
One Way Ticket – Alex Spencer: More than just an anthem for opposing the system, ‘One Way Ticket’ represents a generation that has had enough and is ready for change. In ‘One Way Ticket,’ Alex’s vocals have a tantalising trace of Oasis, appealing to all indie lovers. His reflective lyrics encapsulate the spirit of his generation, and he exudes conviction and bravado.
Laylow – Balancing Act: Bright and summery, ‘Laylow’ is a fantastic track in all aspects. It welcomes and celebrates everything the band has ahead of it. The song has such a contagious intensity that I cannot help but feel envious of anyone who gets to witness it performed live.
Separate And Ever Deadly – The Last Shadow Puppets: I am really missing The Last Shadow Puppets after watching footage from Miles Kane’s performances at several festivals this year. This is my favourite track that he and Alex Turner did together. Neither of them takes the lead; instead, they trade solos and blend their unique vocal styles to create something incredibly amazing. An indie classic!
Make sure to ‘Tune In’ next week and listen to our playlist in the meantime!
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