Tag: rock

Song of the Day: Retro-39 – Tilly Birds

Bangkok’s alt-pop sensations TILLY BIRDS have dropped their latest single, ‘Retro-39’, a shimmering synth-pop gem that dives deep into the bittersweet feeling of missing someone you can’t get out of your head. Known for their genre-blurring approach, the trio of Billy, Third, and Milo have once again crafted a track that fuses indie, funk, and 80s-inspired pop into a sound that feels both fresh and nostalgic.

Formed over a decade ago, Tilly Birds have always embraced their broad musical influences, from The Beatles to Queen, merging them into a modern approach that resonates with listeners worldwide. With millions of fans in their home country of Thailand and beyond, the band has become synonymous with crafting catchy, energetic tracks that leave a lasting impact.

Their album It’s Gonna Be OK (2021) earned them the Best Asian Artist award at the Mnet Asian Music Awards 2021, and it was also recognized by NME Magazine as one of the 25 Best Asian Albums of 2021. In Thailand, their success is unparalleled—they swept five major awards at the TOTY Music Awards 2021 (T-POP of The Year), including: Best Music of the Year (Male Group), Best Artist of the Year (Group), Best Producer of the Year, Best Song of the Year and Best Album of the Year.

In their latest offering ‘Retro-39’, Tilly Birds take listeners on an emotional journey of longing and nostalgia. The song paints a vivid picture of trying to escape the memory of someone you wish you didn’t miss—disconnecting from the world, turning off your phone, and retreating to music as a form of solace. With its irresistible hooks and sleek 80s-inspired production, the track blends funky synths and infectious chorus lines, making it a perfect addition to their already captivating discography.

Musically, ‘Retro-39’ showcases Tilly Birds’ knack for marrying infectious pop hooks with textured, layered production. The track opens with an immediate pull—sharp synth lines weaving through punchy beats, while Billy’s guitar riffs add a grungy edge beneath the polished surface. As the chorus hits, Third’s emotive vocals soar, delivering a melody so infectious it’s impossible not to get caught up in the moment.
Tilly Birds’ ability to inject emotion into danceable pop is what makes ‘Retro-39’ stand out. For fans of The 1975, HYBS, and Dayglow, the song is built on contradictions—retro vibes mixed with contemporary energy, upbeat grooves paired with lyrics of longing—but it works beautifully, creating a sound that’s both familiar and new.

In a music world saturated with fleeting pop trends, ‘Retro-39’ is a reminder of why Tilly Birds continue to thrive: they create songs that connect on a deeper level, pairing irresistible sounds with stories that resonate. As you hit repeat on ‘Retro-39’, it’s clear Tilly Birds are a movement, shaping the future of alternative pop one unforgettable track at a time.

‘Retro-39’ is out now…why not check out the video for the vibrant single below…

Follow Tilly Birds via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/tillybirds
FB: https://www.facebook.com/TILLYBIRDS/
X: https://x.com/tillybirds

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Song of the Day: Wrong Heart – Permafrost

Nearing two years since the release of ‘Come Back To Surprise’, the Nordic-British post-punk quartet PERMAFROST return with their latest single, ‘Wrong Heart’. This release kicks off the lead up to their new album, ‘The Light Coming Through’, set to unveil in October this year. In addition to the single, Mental Overdrive (aka Per Martinsen) has remixed the single, which will also be available on 4th July.

Formed originally in Molde, Norway in 1982 by school friends Frode Heggdal Larsen and Kåre Steinsbu, Permafrost has undergone numerous transformations over the years. Now joined by fellow Norwegian Robert Heggdal and Daryl Bamonte from the UK (who worked very closely with Depeche Mode and The Cure for several years), they continue to deliver the authentic post-punk sound of the early ’80s. While many contemporary musicians attempt to replicate this era, Permafrost have lived it. Their latest single, ‘Wrong Heart’, has also evolved over time, ultimately resulting in a dark, bass-driven post-punk track that transports listeners back to the shadowy, goth-filled clubs of the ’80s.

Alongside the single, they have released the music video for ‘Wrong Heart’. In a wholesome contrast to the song’s dark sound and nature, the video follows four young girls as they set out to create a music video. Of the video they said “In another dimension Permafrost could be a girl band. In this reality they are planning to create a music video. They have to drag their equipment into the forest to get to the preferred spot, making it into a road movie with a lot of obstacles on the way – like grazing sheep and deer in the blossoming Norwegian nature. When they finally arrive at the spot and want to start playing, the song finishes. All that work for nothing.”

Spread across Trondheim, Oslo and Margate, Permafrost’s creative process is a challenge which the band have had to overcome. During the pandemic, they held weekly video meetings to plan new songs and other band-related issues, leveraging improved long-distance collaboration technology to maintain momentum. The songwriting process typically begins with one member suggesting an idea, which bassist Robert (Bob Frost) then develops in Logic Pro, programming drums and other elements. Singer Kåre (Curry) creates a melody to match, and lyrics are selected from a collective vault they have accumulated over the years. The song is refined through a collaborative process, passing back and forth between all four members until everyone is satisfied.

Utilising their refined songwriting process, Permafrost meticulously crafted their forthcoming album, ‘The Light Coming Through’. Describing their sound as “Optimistic Melancholy”, the album aims to offer inspiration and escapism during challenging times. Infusing politically charged lyrics with dark, synth-infused post-punk instrumentation, Permafrost employs metaphors to convey their message effectively.

Permafrost has built an impressive discography over the years. They debuted with the ‘Godtment’ EP in 1983, released on a limited edition of 50 numbered cassettes. In 2019, they followed up with the ‘Permafrost’ EP on vinyl, later making it available digitally in 2021. Throughout 2021, the band dropped three critically acclaimed singles. ‘Femme Fatale’ and ‘Closed Eyes’ both achieved remarkable success, reaching #1 on the Indie Disko Top40 chart, with the latter maintaining the top spot for six consecutive weeks. These singles also performed well on the Deutsche Alternative and Native25 charts, while earning placements on influential playlists such as Apple Music’s ‘New in Rock’. The third single, ‘Restore Us’, continued their streak of success by hitting #1 on the Indie Disko Top40 and the Native25 chart.

‘Wrong Heart’ is out now across various music platforms. Why not check out the video for the single below…

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Jessica Wilde returns with highly anticipated sophomore album ‘Teach Me How To Love’.

Singer, songwriter, rapper and producer JESSICA WILDE has released her highly anticipated, soul touching, empowering and thought- provoking sophomore album ‘Teach Me How To Love’, with the amazing Afronaut Zu featuring on the title track.

Wilde fully utilizes her authentic expression through this powerful and truly unique body of work, where she bares her vulnerability on a personal journey of deep inner healing and an exploration of love for self, others, life and God. Authentically expressed though her soul searing, raw, raspy and heart hitting singing which Jess fuses with her sharp-witted rap & spoken word with undeniable South London grit.

Wilde, now four years sober, has openly shared her experience, from her debut project (2023) where each of the songs were like confessional diary entries, laying out brutally honest lyrics in her unique and original Wilde way, taking us on a ride of life through addiction, toxic relationships, escapism to a place of self-empowerment, self-love and living sober.

Wilde’s new album ‘Teach Me How To Love’ reflects all the inner work she has committed to that has brought her out of the darkest times of her life. Wilde has ventured on a spiritual path which took her on a transformational solo adventure from the concrete jungle to the Amazon Jungle and which gave the seeds of inspiration for this new chapter of her musical expression to take fruit.

In her recent interview with Carrie and David Grant on BBC Radio London she said: “The phase now is really feeling a lot more self-love, love for life and really wanting to uplift people with my music and spread the frequency of love”.

The new album project features some of Wilde’s close friends and incredible artists in their own right Josh Barry (Nile Rodgers, Gorgon City), Zoe Kyrpi (Black Coffee, David Lazarus), James Newman (writer of Rudimental’s Brit award winning song ‘Waiting All Night’ with Ella Eyre) and Afronaut Zu who’s raw and husky vocals are heard on the title track ‘Teach Me How To Love’. Zu is also a part of Steam Down Jazz collective and Rudimental. Wilde not only penned the tunes of the album but also co-produced it with producer and right hand man Tom Maine (Wu-lu, Ego Ella May).

Having released five singles in the lead up to the full album drop, Wilde has gained an immense amount of loyal and continuing support across BBC Radio from taste maker DJ’s, including Radio 1’s ‘Future Artists’ with Jack Saunders, Jess Iszatt on both Radio 1 and BBC Introducing, BBC 6 Music, Multiple BBC Radio London shows, including a recent in studio live performance and interview with Carrie and David Grant. She has also gained support from John Kennedy on Radio X, editorial playlist features across the board with Apple, Spotify, Youtube Music, TIDAL, Amazon and US Radio and streaming platform Pandora, plus also press acclaim from 1883, Clash Magazine, Complex, The Independent, Wonderland, The Daily Star and many more.

This summer was Jam packed, with Wilde hitting the stages of Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party, Camp Wild Fire and Soul Town festival where she’s opening the main stage for legends Earth, Wind and Fire. Not only is the festival season popping off, but Wilde is also set to headline Lower Third on 17th July for her album launch show, in collaboration with soul pioneering platform ‘Global Soul’ and Wilde’s very own PxSSY PWR platform.

‘PxSSY PWR’ is a platform Wilde created as a response to the disparity between support for male artists compared to female artists. The residency at Hootananny Brixton has become a hub and major platform for some of the most exciting underground female, non-binary and queer artists, including sold out shows with the likes of Etta Bond, IYAMAH, Zoe Kypri and Tamaraebi to name a few.

Listen to ‘Teach Me How To Love’ below…

Must Listens: Love Like This, FADE, Human, Teach Me How To Love

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Indie-pop group Thyra shares care-free album, ‘SENTIMENTAL’.

Consisting of Thyra Hilden (lead vocals and lyricist), Lucas Caddeo (Bass and production), Martin Drago (Guitar), and Bernado Batalla (Drums), THYRA continues their creation of dreamy pop from EP, ‘Lucid Dreampop’ (which claimed the #2 spot on New Lease Music’s Top Ten Albums of 2023) with latest body of work SENTIMENTAL. The similarity between the two albums ends with what the band calls ‘Existential pop’, as SENTIMENTAL possesses lighter and carefree feel to the downtempo genre, designed to take us on a rollercoaster of emotions.

The band is fronted by Visual artist Thyra Hilden, educated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Denmark, has previously been interviewed by the BBC, CNN, AP, Reuters, Euronews and others for her spectacular visual art. Despite a strong career in visual arts, she turned to music in 2021. Now, just a few years later, she debuted as a musician she has already landed two singles on NEW MUSIC FRIDAY as well as performing with her own dream pop band THYRA.

Speaking of the latest album 51 year old Thyra says, “Lyrics and energy on this album SENTIMENTAL are full of melancholic teen spirit. Danish focus track ALT OG MER is about difficulties to choose direction in life, no matter your age. My album is a tribute to all who wish to stay young by mind”

SENTIMENTAL is now available for you pleasure across various music platforms. Have a listen below…

Must Listens: ALT OG MER, TRIPPY, SWEETEST LIE

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OUT TODAY: Listen to Sy Smith’s Album, ‘Until We Meet Again.’

It’s been nearly six years since SY SMITH‘s acclaimed album, ‘Sometimes A Rose Will Grow In Concrete’. After guesting on Zo! and Tall Black Guy’s ‘The Ride’ for their excellent 2021 album Abstractions, the multi-talented, Emmy-nominated singer/songwriter and actress reunites with her frequent collaborators for her new album ‘Until We Meet Again’, released today (26th January) on all DSPs via +FE Music/EMPIRE. Produced entirely by Zo! and Tall Black Guy, and executive produced by The Foreign Exchange frontman and Little Brother co-founder Phonte, the album features the sensual lead single ‘Slide’ and serves as Smith’s long-awaited full-length +FE Music debut. Guest appearances include world renowned singer/drummer Sheila E, trumpeter Chris Botti, and more.

“You ever pick up an old photo album that you haven’t seen in many years and look through it? And all the memories of each photo come flooding back as if those pictures were just taken yesterday? That’s what “Until We Meet Again” feels like. It’s a sonic reverie down memory lane – making stops at every single emotion that comes with reminiscing.” – Sy Smith

Sy Smith is set to hit the road in March and April for her Until We Meet Again headlining tour. Dates and more info are available here. For now, have a listen to the breathtaking album…

Must Listens: Photograph, Slide, Summer of ’93, All The Ways,

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