New Sounds #20 14/12/15

WEIRDS - BLOOD TEST
Produced by Matt Peel, the Leeds outfit pummel your ears with this latest onslaught of a single. Grungey riffs and the menacing vocal of Aidan Razzall strike through in fierce form. Star rating: ***.5/5





RARE MONK - CALIFORNIA
Released last month and produced by Tom McFall (Weezer, Bloc Party) the lead track from the self-titled EP by the Portland, Oregon five-piece. Pairing rumbling indie pop arrangements with soulful instrumentation with strong pop songwriting. Star rating: ***/5





DAUDI MATSIKO - TAKE ME OLD
Taken from the Nottingham-based artist's (who Little Indie introduced here last year) new EP 'The Lingering Effects of Disconnection', which was self-released on his own label, ok, alright, last month. Becoming something of a favourite with the likes of Huw Stephens and Tom Robinson through his quietly affecting vocal and songwriting skills. Star rating: ***.5/5





I SET THE SEA ON FIRE - TASTES LIKE FUNK
Sheffield funk-rock quintet have signed to DMF Digital for the release of this next single, out on December 18, the lead track taken from their forthcoming self-titled album released March 2016. Flute and trumpet are not standard in garage rock instrumentation, but backed with raw guitar and a smooth bassline it works. Star rating: ***/5





PASSION FALLS - THE GREATEST ADVENTURE
Title track from the debut EP out February 19 2016 on MUK Records, by new Manchester four-piece. Recorded in London with producer Dave Pemberton (Prodigy, Groove Armada) and Manchester with Jim Spencer (New Order, The Charlatans, Johnny Marr). Emotive indie electronica. Star rating: ****/5