Words: Felix Rayy | Photo: Sister Wanzala (press)
Sister Wanzala
‘Perfume’
The delicate and ethereal vocal approach on ‘Perfume’ sees a wonderful and otherworldly return from Sister Wanzala, the trio which consists of brothers Patrick, Christopher and Mark Wanzala-Ryan. Bringing together a love of Fleetwood Mac and Cocteau Twins on their new single, ‘Perfume’ drifts in a dreamlike state with vocalist and guitarist Patrick Wanzala-Ryan seeking dreamless sleep with a sound that feels as though we’ve dropped into a shimmering daydream that revels in the complex details of processing a daily grind. The track evokes the feeling of catching the overwhelming floral scent of a passerby and it immediately transporting you to a memory, despite the song’s hazy feeling ‘Perfume’ arrives potent in its ability to conjure immediate emotion.
Attawalpa
‘Too Much’
Attawalpa, a.k.a British Peruvian musician Luis Felber has shared new single ‘Too Much’, a track which melds shuddering space-age guitars and buoyant synthesizers, allowing the crystal clear pop melodies to shimmer above the sound. The superb music video – directed by Emma Chitty and featuring actor and dancer Will Kemp – shows the cut and thrust of a complex or toxic relationship, ending with an awakening of reality. Bringing to mind the upbeat pop sensibilities of Metronomy, ‘Too Much’ is a fit for the birth of the summer season, while carrying a depth of underlying darkness in the storytelling that walks with us every day.
Ead Wood
‘Lost and Lonely’
Bristol’s Ead Wood revel in the exploratory and carefree worlds of surf and indie, bringing 60’s-leaning, slow-burning pop melodies to a backdrop of meandering drums and sun-soaked guitars. ‘Lost and Lonely’ pulls you in and doesn’t let go, seemingly soundtracking jets of heartbreak and self-awareness. Though the storytelling explores bouts of sadness and loneliness, there’s a sense of resolution through saying things out loud which is reflected in the explosive elements as the groove and yearning guitars come to fruition. Penned during lockdown, the new single represents a more introspective brand of songwriting, a perfect contrast to the quartet’s more jangly and upbeat back catalogue.
Automan
‘Are You Happy Without Me?’
The trio bring a swirling psychedelic rock sound on their new single ‘Are You Happy Without Me?’, anthemic chorus sections and heartfelt lyricism melds with something more experimental, darker and primal. The chorus bounces in a reflective euphoria, with nods to indie heavyweights Pulp and Blur, or the raw and youthful energy of more contemporary artists such as Shame. As the trio gather pace, the final chorus and outro feels like a rush of blood to the head, with the psychedelic undercurrent carrying the sound into brave and exciting new territory, lyrically soaked in the everyday drama of a hyper-sensitive 21st century existence.
hardofhearingmagazine.com 