Another week of remarkable releases comes to a close. Here are the IINAG team’s favourite releases to wrap your ears around.
Wet Leg – catch these fists
“Catch These Fists” marks a bold shift for Wet Leg. Rhian Teasdale’s vocals initiate a thunderous groove, showcasing a heavier, full-band sound. Gone are subtle indie tones; replaced by pummelling rhythms and weighty guitars. Yet, their signature wit persists. This track is a defiant evolution, signalling a powerful new era for the band. – Lauren Morton
HAIM – everybody’s trying to figure me out
‘Everybody’s trying to figure me out’ marks a stark departure from the laid-back introspection of ‘Relationships.’ This track bristles with a newfound, defiant independence. Danielle Haim’s vocal delivery, a low, assertive growl, proclaims, ‘I’ll be the gatekeeper for the rest of my life,‘ setting a tone of uncompromising self-possession. The song trades gentle reflection for a raw, urgent energy, pushing back against external scrutiny. Where ‘Relationships’ offered a sun-drenched contemplation, ‘Everybody’s trying to figure me out’ confronts with a direct, almost challenging stance. HAIM doubles down on their autonomy, crafting a soundscape compellingly raw and unapologetically self-assured. – Katie Macbeth
Car Seat Headrest – CCF (I’m Gonna Stay With You)
Car Seat Headrest’s ‘CCF (I’m Gonna Stay With You)’ is an eight-minute, vibrant introduction to ‘The Scholars.’ Following ‘Gethsemane,’ it sets high expectations for their return. This charismatic single, with its animated video, introduces Beolco, a student in their fictional college world. ‘Beolco is a student of Parnassus University…he yearns for confirmation of this secret belief,’ the band explains. Musically, it balances indie rock with a grand, narrative-driven scope, making it an immersive preview of their new album. – Cerys Ferney
The Beaches – Last Girls at the Party
The Beaches’ latest delve into slacker-pop comes in the vibrantly wrapped package of the anthemic ‘Last Girls at the Party’. Released in conjunction with the announcement of their forthcoming record ‘No Hard Feelings’ (due late August), this newest offering from the Canadian quartet is a lush and triumphant cut that explores FOMO (“’Cause I don’t wanna miss out”) and not wanting the night’s frivolities to end (“I don’t wanna go home”). Bold and bright, ‘Last Girls at the Party’ revels in craziness and friendship. – Lana Williams
Search Results – Be Laurel
Former Dublin punk trio, now duo, Search Results have released the first single, ‘Be Laurel’, from their second album, ‘Go Mutant’. The first track since the departure of bassist Adam Hoban. Under two minutes in length, it’s disjointed yet delightfully chaotic, with Fionn Brennan’s gritty vocals the star of the show. – Henry Dunn
No Windows – Easter Island
Following ‘Return,’ No Windows present ‘Easter Island,’ a track steeped in folk intimacy. Morris and Slangen’s vocal harmonies, underpinned by delicate acoustic guitar and bass, conjure a captivating simplicity. Sparse sonic details enrich, rather than dominate, the soundscape. A subtle indie-pop inflection surfaces towards the track’s conclusion, dissolving into rich ambient textures. It’s a nuanced, engaging piece, highlighting the band’s aptitude for crafting intricate soundscapes with minimal instrumentation. They’ve demonstrated their adaptability. – Katie Macbeth
