Artist Spotlight alumni Katie Malco and mui zyu have teamed up for ‘When You’re Sleeping’, a stirring song about living in the same house with your ex. The British Hong Kong artist also features on the song’s accompanying video by Tom Levinge. Check it out below.
“Have you ever broken up with someone, but you have to carry on living together for a while?” Malco said in a statement. “I think it’s a pretty relatable experience in the current climate, when you cohabit with someone, you might not be able to move out straight away. So, then you just have to change your entire dynamic with your now-ex and figure out how to be around each other in uncomfortably close quarters, with all this unbearable tension.”
“So that’s why I wrote ‘When You’re Sleeping’ from the perspective of the person that ends the relationship,” Malco added. “We’re so used to hearing songs from the viewpoint of the heartbroken one, the perceived “victim” – and it’s rarer to hear from the person who makes that difficult life-changing decision.”
Of collaborating with mui zyu, Malco commented: “I had been following Mui Zyu’s musical output for a while, and I knew her voice would be perfect for what I was going for with this song. Not only did she sing vocals and some beautiful harmonies, but she also sent stems with all these dark atmospheric sounds she recorded using a hologram chroma console, which really placed the whole song in this Mui Zyu world. I love how it turned out.”
Last year, Malco released two collaborations, the SOAK-assisted ‘Babette’ and the Laura Stevenson-featuring ‘Fatal Attraction’.
SPRINTS have announced a new album called All That Is Over. The follow-up to the Irish punks’ 2024 debut, Letter to Self, is slated to arrive on September 26 through City Slang (worldwide) and Sub Pop (North America). It’s led by the ferocious new single ‘Descartes’, which comes paired with a video from director Niamh Bryson. Check it out and find the album cover, tracklist, and SPRINTS’ upcoming tour dates below.
“‘Descartes’ was written on a plane while reading Outline by Rachel Cusk,” the band’s Karla Chubb explained. Great book! “Sparked directly from the line ‘Vanity is the curse of our culture’, the rest of the song spilled out of me quite instantaneously. ‘Descartes’ explores the idea of needing to write and create as a means of survival, not just a means of expression, and how important that is to me as a person to try to understand and process the world around me.”
All That Is Over Cover Artwork:
All That Is Over Tracklist:
1. Abandon
2. To The Bone
3. Descartes
4. Need
5. Beg
6. Rage
7. Something’s Gonna Happen
8. Pieces
9. Better
10. Coming Alive
11. Desire
SPRINTS 2025/2026 Tour Dates:
Jun 29 – Shepton Mallet, UK – Glastonbury
Jul 3 – Paris, FR – Paris Philharmonie #
Jul 4 – Amersfoort, NL – Wilde Weide
Jul 11 – Cheltenham, UK – 2000trees
Jul 17 – Dour, BE – Dour Festival
Jul 18 – Herk-de-Stad, BE – Rock Herk
Jul 19 – Cuxhaven, DE – Deichbrand
Jul 25 – Beccles, UK – Latitude
Jul 27 – Thirsk, UK – Deer Shed
Aug 4 – Leipzig, DE – Parkbühne @
Aug 5 – Berlin, DE – Zitadelle Spandau @
Aug 14 – Charleville Mezieres, FR – Cabaret Vert
Aug 15 – Rotondes, LU – Congés Annulés
Aug 19 – Bonn, DE – Kunst!Rasen @
Aug 20 – Stuttgart, DE – Freilichtbühne Killesberg @
Aug 21 – Freiluftarena, AT – Graz – Freiluftarena @
Aug 22 – Portsmouth, UK – Victorious Festival
Oct 17 – Saint Brieuc, FR – Carnavalorock Festival
Oct 18 – Le Havre, FR – Ouest Park Festival
Oct 19 – Joué-lès-Tours, FR – Le Temps Machine
Oct 21 – Nimes, FR – Paloma
Oct 22 – Lyon, FR – Marché Gare
Oct 23 – Etagnières VD, CH – Croc the Rock Festival
Nov 2 – Belfast, UK – Empire Hall
Nov 6 – Glasgow, UK – SWG3 Galvanizers
Nov 7 – Leeds, UK – Leeds Beckett Student Union
Nov 8 – Manchester, UK – Albert Hall
Nov 10 – Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK – Newcastle University Student Union (NUSU)
Nov 11 – Sheffield, UK – Foundry
Nov 12 – Nottingham, UK – Rock City
Nov 14 – London, UK – Troxy
Nov 15 – Bristol, UK – O2 Academy Bristol
Nov 18 – Oxford, UK – O2 Academy 1 Oxford
Nov 20 – Dublin, IE – Vicar Street
Mar 10 – Tourcoing, FR, Grand Mix
Mar 11 – Brussels, BE, Botanique
Mar 12 – Amsterdam, NL Melkweg
Mar 17 – Copenhagen, DK, Loppen
Mar 20 – Warsaw, PL, Voodoo
Mar 21 – Prague, CZ, Akropolis
Mar 24 – Zürich, CH, Bogen F
Mar 25 – Milan, IT, Arci Bellezza
Mar 28 – Paris, FR, Cabaret Sauvage
Fashion, as they say, is cyclical. What was once old inevitably becomes new again, and for Spring/Summer 2025 (SS25), menswear is taking a significant look over its shoulder. But this isn’t about dusty relics; it’s about reinventing timeless pieces and aesthetics for the modern man. If you’ve ever thought “they don’t make ’em like they used to,” you might just be in luck this season. Designers are dipping into the archives, bringing back silhouettes, patterns, and key items that feel both familiar and refreshingly current.
The Comfort of Classic Cuts
One of the most noticeable nods to the past is the return to more relaxed and comfortable silhouettes. After years of super-slim fits, SS25 is embracing a bit more room. Think trousers that aren’t quite so clingy, and jackets with a slightly boxier, easier feel. This shift often echoes the laid-back tailoring seen in decades like the 70s and 90s, prioritizing comfort without sacrificing style. This trend is less about sloppy and more about a considered ease, a way of looking put-together without appearing overly formal.
Patterns with a Past
Nostalgia is also playing out in the patterns and prints making a comeback. Classic checks, for instance, are set to be a significant trend, appearing on everything from shirts to blazers. These aren’t just your grandad’s old plaids; they’re updated with modern color palettes and fabrications. Alongside checks, expect to see a resurgence of stripes and vintage-inspired florals and prints.
Key Throwback Pieces to Watch
Several specific garments are making a strong return, updated for today’s sensibilities. One such item is the humble polo shirt, which is being re-imagined in various fits and fabrics, including the elevated designer polo that can bridge the gap between casual and smart.
Other pieces to look out for include:
Relaxed Denim: Think less skinny jeans and more straight-leg or even slightly wider cuts, often in classic indigo washes.
Utility-Inspired Gear: Cargo pants and multi-pocketed jackets are back, but with a more refined, contemporary edge rather than purely utilitarian.
Loafers and Boat Shoes: These classic footwear choices are seeing a revival, perfect for warmer weather and versatile enough for various looks.
Lightweight Blazers: Often in linen or breathable cotton blends, these offer a relaxed take on tailoring.
Making Retro Work for You
Incorporating these classic-inspired trends doesn’t mean you need to look like you’ve stepped out of a time machine. The key is balance and thoughtful integration into your existing wardrobe.
Start Small: Pick one retro-inspired piece and pair it with modern basics. For example, try a pair of relaxed-fit jeans with a clean, contemporary t-shirt and sneakers.
Focus on Fit: Even if the silhouette is more relaxed, ensure it fits well in the shoulders and isn’t overly baggy.
Modern Accessories: Ground a vintage-inspired item with modern accessories to keep the look current.
Confidence is Key: As with any style, wear it with confidence. If you feel good in it, you’ll look good.
The SS25 season is proving that some styles truly are timeless. By drawing inspiration from the past, designers are offering a fresh yet familiar take on menswear that prioritizes comfort, practicality, and enduring appeal. It’s a chance to appreciate the quality and design of bygone eras, all while looking firmly planted in the present.
Comedians don’t have comfort zones — they have open mics. Similarly, that tool paved the way for Theo Von to get into the spotlight. With a mic and his talent, he steadily rose to become one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary comedy. Theo’s stand-up performances blend Southern charm and self-deprecating humor. It helped him gain widespread acclaim. Likewise, the Theo Von comedy specials continue to attract fans around the world. And here is extensive information about his comedy specials, where to watch them, and his nearing tour dates.
The Theo Von Comedy Specials
No Offense (2016)
No Offense showcases Theo’s early breakout style. Specifically, he used to combine observational humor with his personal experiences. Similarly, this special included his weird take on dating fails, and chasing chimpanzees. He also recalled his interaction with Brad Pitt.
30lb Bag of Hamster Bones (2017)
Though not a visual special, the Southern charmer’s comedy album earned praise. Also, it topped the iTunes comedy charts.
Regular People (2021)
In Regular People, Theo hits the stage and takes audiences on a journey through some wild stories. Specifically, he discussed the “regular people” he grew up around during childhood.
Where to watch Theo Von’s Comedy Specials
The two Theo Von comedy specials (No Offense, Regular People) are available on Netflix. On the other hand, his comedy album (30lb Bag of Hamster Bones) is still accessible through Spotify and Amazon Music. Also, you can check out the official links of his podcasts on the Theo Von website if you want more of him.
Theo Von Upcoming Tour Dates
The official website of Theo announces that he is going on a tour called Return of the Rat. Based on TicketMaster, here are the dates with full details:
July 09 (Wednesday, 7:30 PM) at Philadelphia, PA | Wells Fargo Center
July 10 (Thursday, 7:30 PM) at Rochester, NY | Blue Cross Arena
July 11 (Friday, 8 PM) at Detroit, MI | Fox Theatre Detroit
July 12 (Saturday, 8 PM) at Detroit, MI | Fox Theatre Detroit
July 20 (Sunday, 6:30 PM) at Winnipeg, MB | Assiniboine Park
August 14 (Thursday, 7:30 PM) at Hollywood, CA | Dolby Theatre
August 16 (Saturday, 7 PM) at Anaheim, CA | Honda Center
August 17 (Sunday, 7 PM) at Oceanside, CA | Frontwave Arena
August 23 (Saturday, 2:30 PM) at Calgary, AB | Prince’s Island Park
August 23 (Thursday, 7:30 PM) at Calgary, AB | Prince’s Island Park
The Punchline
The Theo Von comedy specials stand out for their mix of humor and genuine storytelling. Likewise, he has the ability to turn ordinary life into hilarious moments. So, if you’re looking for a relatable comedy, see Theo Von live!
If laughing is a form of the best medicine, comedians are unlicensed doctors. And the individual who gives people their daily dose of laughter is Tom Segura. Due to his witty storytelling and delivery, he stood out as one of the most recognizable names in stand-up comedy. Of course, there is also a series of hit Tom Segura comedy specials on Netflix. Similarly, this mainstream exposure contributed to his success. So, here is a run-through of his comedy specials, where to find them, and news about his tour.
The Tom Segura Comedy Specials
Completely Normal (2014)
Tom casually riffs on hotels, hobbies, and random stuff.
Mostly Stories (2016)
He dives into body piercings and the mystery of the “Area 51” of men’s bodies. Likewise, he talked about that one time he lied to Mike Tyson.
Disgraceful (2018)
The special focuses on the messed-up stuff we’re all thinking about but would never admit it. Also, he tackled everything from porn to parenthood and beyond.
Ball Hog (2020)
Tom makes the crowd laugh with honest stories about parents, chasing dreams, and more.
Sledgehammer (2023)
In his most recent Netflix show, he delivers jokes about marriage, life, and everything in between.
Where to watch Tom Segura’s Comedy Specials
Based on the official website of Tom Segura, his stand-up specials are available exclusively on Netflix.
Tom Segura’s Upcoming Tour Dates
The famous comedian is currently touring worldwide with his Come Together live show. As per TicketMaster, this is Segura’s approaching schedule:
August 31 (Sunday, 6 PM) at Evans, GA | Columbia County Performing Arts Center
September 04 (Thursday, 8 PM) at Windsor, ON, CA | The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor
September 06 (Saturday, 6 PM) at Akron, OH | Akron Civic Theatre
September 07 (Sunday, 5 PM) at Akron, OH | Akron Civic Theatre
September 18 (Thursday, 7 PM) at Daytona Beach, FL | Peabody Auditorium
September 26 (Friday, 8 PM) at Allentown, PA | PPL Center
September 27 (Saturday, 8 PM) at Poughkeepsie, NY | MJ Nesheiwat Convention Center
September 28 (Sunday, 7 PM) at Ledyard, CT | Premier Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino
October 02 (Thursday, 8 PM) at Dubai, AE | Coca-Cola Arena
October 15 (Wednesday, 7 PM) at Newark, NJ | New Jersey Performing Arts Center
October 18 (Saturday, 5 PM) at Westbury, NY | Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair
October 23 (Thursday, 7 PM) at Gary, IN | Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana
October 24 (Friday, 8 PM) at West Lafayette, IN | Elliott Hall of Music
October 25 (Saturday, 8 PM) at Fort Wayne, IN | Embassy Theatre
October 26 (Sunday, 6 PM) at Bloomington, IN | Indiana University Auditorium
November 07 (Friday, 7 PM) at Tucson, AZ | Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
November 08 (Saturday, 7 PM) at Tucson, AZ | Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
November 20 (Thursday, 7:30 PM) at Pasadena, CA | The Pasadena Civic
November 21 (Friday, 10 PM) at Las Vegas, NV | Dolby Live
November 23 (Sunday, 7 PM) at Long Beach, CA | Terrace Theater – Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center
November 28 (Friday, 7 PM) at Friant, CA | Table Mountain Casino Resort
November 29 (Saturday, 8 PM) at Tacoma, WA | Emerald Queen Casino
November 30 (Sunday, 7 PM) at Oakland, CA | Paramount Theatre Oakland
December 04 (Thursday, 7 PM) at Huntsville, AL | VBC Mark C Smith Concert Hall
December 05 (Friday, 7 PM) at Birmingham, AL | Alabama Theatre
December 06 (Saturday, 7 PM) at Columbia, SC | Township Auditorium
The Punchline
With five killer Tom Segura comedy specials on Netflix and a jam-packed year of touring, the stand-up scene is on a roll. As for Tom, he is at the top of his game. Catch him live during the tour and expect a night of funny comedy.
There’s so much music coming out all the time that it’s hard to keep track. On those days when the influx of new tracks is particularly overwhelming, we sift through the noise to bring you a curated list of the most interesting new releases (the best of which will be added to our Best New Songs playlist). Below, check out our track roundup for Monday, June 23, 2025.
Caroline Polachek – ‘On the Beach’
Caroline Polachek’s lumbering, hypnotic new song, ‘On the Beach’, is her contribution to the soundtrack for the new PlayStation 5 video game Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, which is out this week. Accompanied by an alternate ‘Timefall Mix’, the track was co-produced with Danny L Harle and co-written with Harle and Hideo Kojima, the game’s writer, director, and designer. “I was listening to Caroline Polachek last year and became a big fan of hers,” Kojima said in a recent interview. “After I put that on my Instagram, she contacted me, and then she DM’ed. We kept in touch and then eventually met up in Paris, and that’s when she told me she wanted to write a new song for Death Stranding 2. She works very fast. You heard her song when you saw the Plate Gate — it’s called ‘On the Beach’.”
In a press release, Polachek shared: “‘On The Beach’ was actually one of the first songs I ever made with Danny L Harle, but it was too alien and industrial- almost too evil – to work sense on Pang, so I set it aside til the right thing came along. When Kojima approached me about DS2, I showed him the sketch of it and he agreed that it was a perfect fit, and so eight years after starting this song, it got reopened, extended, and finished for the perfect setting.”
Wet Leg – ‘davina mccall’
Wet Leg have put ‘davina mccall’, the third single of their upcoming album moisturizer, which is breezier and more relaxed than the first two. The sweetness is appropriate: it’s “a song about pure, unadulterated devotion,” according to a press release.
The Lemonheads – ‘In the Margin’
The Lemonheads have released a fuzzy, infectious new song called ‘In the Margin’, which accompanies the announcement that their new album Love Chant will be out October 24. “I wanted to have a riffy song, so I wrote riffs all over it,” Evan Dando said of the track. “The body of the song was Marciana’s. It’s like a full-on eighth grade girl revenge song: ‘Stupidly I left the escape plans out so they could find my way.’”
Superchunk – ‘No Hope’
Superchunk’s latest single, off their forthcoming Songs In the Key of Yikes, brought to mind a song I haven’t thought about in a long time: the Vaccines’ pretty great 2012 single of the same. It’s not surprising you can spin the same words into a chorus these days, and Superchunk’s is pretty catchy, too. “The last…10 (?) years have given us plenty of material for crushing nights and endless days, and this rollercoaster is only going down at the moment, but here we are singing,” Mac McCaughan commented.
Ada Lea – ‘something in the wind’
“I had a dream about this song and remember nothing,” Ada Lea said of ‘something in the wind’, the latest single from her forthcoming LP when i paint my masterpiece, which pulls you right into its spell. “There is a constant in everyone’s life, which is the dream. When we recorded the song, Luke, who produced it, suggested we slow it down so Tasy could improvise a busy drum solo. Then, Jonas, engineer, sped the song up to its regular speed. Like a slowed down wink to Leonard Cohen himself.”
Golden Apples – ‘Noonday Demon’
Golden Apples have announced a new record, Shooting Star – September 19 – with the gauzy, fuzzed-out ‘Noonday Demon’. According to bandleader Russell Edling, the song “addresses the way anxiety and paranoia can make you sort of lose track of yourself and your identity — turning your world upside down and alienating you from the people around you at the same time.”
Kae Tempest – ‘Diagnoses’
Kae Tempest has dropped ‘Diagnoses’, the third single from the forthcoming Self Titled LP, Co-produced by Fraser T Smith and Tom Rowlands of The Chemical Brothers, the track is “a Summer banger about antipsychotics and HRT,” in the artist’s own words. “And loving each other regardless of how mental we are.”
Kneecap – ‘THE RECAP’
Kneecap have officially released ‘THE RECAP’, their defiant single featuring drum & bass artist Mozey. Taking aim at UK politician Kemi Badenoch, the song was previously available on SoundCloud and is being shared on streaming ahead of the group’s Glastonbury performance.
Horsepower – ‘Coins’
Horsepower – the moniker of the New York-based singer-songwriter Charlotte Weinman – has shared a new single called ‘Coins’. Featuring contributions from brothers Noah (aka Runnner) and Ben Weinman, the project was inspired by the likes of Hole, Sleater-Kinney, and Lomelda, though this new track also brings to mind Samia with a more pronounced slowcore influence. “This is the first song I wrote for the EP,” Weinman said. “I started writing it the night my partner of many years and I decided to break up. The version I wrote that night was like a million verses longer and the lyrics were completely raw and pathetic, which I say with love. They were open wounds. The only lyrics that remain from that first pass is the chorus. As I’ve gotten distance from the situation that begot the song, a lot of my sadness has been energized, and I’ve been more interested in exploring the anger. So we fanged this song, too. It’s been fun watching people connect to it when we play it live.”
Coral Grief – ‘Paint By Number’
Seattle trio Coral Grief have previewed their debut album, Air Between Us, with a mesmerizing new song called ‘Paint By Number’. “For this song, we started playing around with rhythmic elements that were fun to bounce off of each other,” the band said. “It developed into a contemplation on learning how to bring liveliness and color into bleak times, which is a constant effort these days.” Who doesn’t resonate with that?
Summer is the perfect time to hit refresh on your wardrobe and present your most stylish self. Whether you’re heading to beach parties, rooftop bars, or simply want to look more put-together during the hotter months, upgrading your style doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a roundup of top tips every man can follow to enhance his summer look effortlessly.
Get Your Clothes Tailored
A perfectly tailored outfit can be a game-changer for any man’s wardrobe. It ensures that your clothes hug your body in all the right places without feeling tight or restrictive. Ill-fitting clothes, even if expensive, can appear sloppy or unfinished.
On the other hand, tailored clothing enhances your physique, boosts your confidence, and communicates a sense of intentionality in your style. Focus on having key pieces—like your trousers, shirts, and blazers—adjusted by a tailor to suit your build. Even casual items like jeans or polo shirts benefit from small tweaks. Tailoring doesn’t have to be costly, and the long-term return in style value makes it a worthwhile investment.
Invest in a New Watch
A stylish watch can be a subtle yet powerful addition to your summer look. In the summer, opt for watches that are lightweight, breathable, and versatile. Consider investing in a timepiece from UK Specialist Watches—not just as a stylish accessory, but as a collectible that adds sophistication to your wardrobe. High-end watches like these are best reserved for special occasions and should be stored properly to maintain their condition. With the right care, a luxury watch becomes both a style signature and a long-term investment.
Bonus tip: Avoid overly bulky styles in the heat—they can feel uncomfortable and look out of place with summer attire.
Wear Light Fabrics
When the temperature rises, your choice of fabric can make or break your comfort. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, chambray, and seersucker help regulate body temperature and wick away moisture. These natural fibers also offer a casual, relaxed aesthetic that’s perfect for summer. Opt for looser fits that allow air to circulate freely. Linen shirts, cotton t-shirts, and drawstring shorts are all smart staples.
Look for blends that combine comfort with durability. Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester that trap heat and sweat, leading to discomfort. Dressing smart means dressing for the climate, and light fabrics are your best ally.
Upgrade Your Accessories Game
Accessories are the secret weapon of summer style. They add character and individuality without the need for layers. A quality pair of sunglasses not only protects your eyes but also frames your face and enhances your features—go for styles that suit your face shape. A leather or woven bracelet, or even a subtle chain necklace, can provide a personal touch without overpowering your look.
Lightweight canvas or fabric belts are ideal for summer—they add texture and interest without adding heat. Choose pieces in natural tones or soft colours that complement the rest of your outfit for a cohesive, stylish ensemble.
Choose the Right Footwear
Summer demands shoes that strike a balance between comfort and sophistication. Start with the basics: clean white sneakers that can be dressed up or down. Add in loafers—suede or leather—for evenings or smart-casual settings. Espadrilles are another great choice; they’re lightweight and effortlessly stylish.
For sandals, choose well-structured leather or fabric versions over plastic flip-flops. No-show socks are a must—they keep your shoes fresh while giving you that barefoot, sleek look. Ultimately, your footwear should not only match the formality of your outfit but also handle the summer heat gracefully. Pay attention to breathability, support, and clean lines.
Embrace Seasonal Colours & Prints
Summer is your opportunity to get adventurous with colour and pattern. Swap out dark, muted tones for lighter, more playful hues like mint green, pale yellow, dusty rose, and soft blue. These shades are not only seasonally appropriate but also flattering against tanned or sun-kissed skin.
Don’t shy away from prints either—small florals, micro-checks, and vertical stripes can make a subtle yet striking impact. When mixing colours and prints, keep balance in mind: pair bold pieces with neutrals to avoid clashing. Experimenting with these details lets you express your personal style while embracing the vibrant energy of summer.
Switch to Summer-Friendly Bottoms
Choosing the right bottoms in summer is crucial for both comfort and style. Chino shorts are your go-to for casual days and can easily be dressed up with a polo or short-sleeved shirt. Linen trousers offer elegance without the weight, perfect for dinners or garden parties. Don’t underestimate tailored swim shorts—they’re versatile enough to wear straight from the beach to a bar.
Look for options with subtle patterns or classic colours like navy, khaki, or olive. The key is fit: shorts should sit above the knee, while trousers should taper slightly for a modern silhouette. Breathable waistbands and light materials are essential.
Don’t Neglect Grooming
Your grooming routine is an integral part of your summer style. A fresh haircut that suits your face shape can instantly update your look—shorter styles often work best in warmer months. If you have facial hair, keep it tidy and well-maintained. Invest in a good trimmer and beard oil to prevent frizz or dryness.
Skin health also matters more in summer, so use a moisturiser with SPF to protect against sun damage. Regular exfoliation and hydration will keep your skin clear and vibrant. Nail care, breath fresheners, and deodorants round out a grooming routine that keeps you polished from head to toe.
Use Fragrance Wisely
Fragrance is a finishing touch that often gets overlooked. In summer, opt for lighter scents with fresh, citrus, or aquatic notes. These evoke feelings of cleanliness and energy without being overwhelming. Because heat intensifies fragrances, apply sparingly—one or two spritzes on pulse points (like wrists and neck) is enough. Consider keeping a small travel-size bottle with you for freshening up throughout the day.
Avoid heavy, musky colognes that can feel oppressive in warm weather. The goal is to leave a pleasant impression, not to dominate the space. A well-chosen summer scent can boost your confidence and complete your warm-weather look.
Earlier this year, Evan Dando announced the first Lemonheads album in 19 years, sharing a new single, the J Mascis and Juliana Hetfield-featuring ‘Deep End’. Today, the group has revealed the album’s release date: Love Chant arrives October 24 via Fire Records. Check out the new track ‘In the Margin’ below, and scroll down for the album cover and tracklist.
“I wanted to have a riffy song, so I wrote riffs all over it,” Dando said of the loud, propulsive new song. “The body of the song was Marciana’s (Marciana Jones). It’s like a full-on 8th grade girl revenge song: ‘Stupidly I left the escape plans out so they could find my way.’”
Much of the new LP was tracked in Brazil, where Dando is now based. It was produced by Brazilian multi-instrumentalist Apollo Nove, and, along with Mascis and Hatfield, features contributions from Tom Morgan (who co-wrote ‘Deep End’), producer Bryce Goggin (Pavement, Antony and the Johnsons), Nashville singer-songwriter Erin Rae, John Strohm of the Blake Babies, Nick Saloman of the Bevis Frond, and Adam Green of The Moldy Peaches.
Dando’s memoir, Rumours Of My Demise, arrives via Faber on November 6.
1. 58 Second Song
2. Deep End
3. In The Margin
4. Wild Thing
5. Be-In
6. Cell Phone Blues
7. Togetherness Is All I’m After
8. Marauders
9. Love Chant
10. The Key of Victory
11. Roky
Ahead of their set at Glastonbury this weekend, Kneecap have officially released their new single ‘THE RECAP’ on streaming services. The single, which was initially available as a “bootleg” on SoundCloud and debuted at London’s Wide Awake Festival, is a collaboration with Mozey. Take a listen below.
At their recent live shows, HAIM have been broadcasting statements that not only promote the titular message of their new album – I quit – but recontextualize older songs from their discography. “I quit giving up,” read the sister trio’s sign as they launched into their Women In Music Pt. III highlight ‘Don’t Wanna’ at Primavera. It’s often not hard to connect their songs, even if they were written a decade apart. You’d have no issue fitting ‘The Wire’, one of the best breakup songs they’ve written, into the new album, which is chock-full of them. (If you know one thing about this record, it’s that it was informed by the breakup between Danielle Haim and the band’s longtime producer Ariel Rechtshaid.) With longtime collaborator and former Vampire Weekend member Rostam Batmanglij now co-producing, I quit presents a version of the band that is pointed, assured, and melodically brilliant – especially on the singles – but also anxious, scattered, and teetering on (or taking refuge in) stylistic obscurity. They say it’s the sound of the band they always wanted to become, which is another way of saying, as Danielle sings on the opening track, “You never saw me for what I was.” Which is not to discredit their first three good-to-great albums – just an opportunity to see it all through a new lens.
1. Gone
The effectiveness of sampling George Michael’s ‘Freedom 90’ on I quit’s opening track may be up for debate, but I think “muddling” is the more appropriate verb, which is why it works – there is frustration and exhaustion embedded in the freedom, which isn’t newfound so much as newly fermenting. The guitar solo is almost discordant, but it helps spew out some of that negative energy. “Can I have your attention, please?/ For the last time before I leave,” Danielle Haim sings, suggesting she’s been there many times over. So she may reference ‘Born to Run’, but she’s careful to slow and strip things down. Show us how it really feels.
2. All over me
HAIM could have gone in a much glossier direction with ‘All Over Me’, but Rostam’s fuzzy production, accentuated by Dave Fridmann’s fried-up mixing, deconstruct its sunny, nostalgic country-pop melodies in an interesting way. “You want us locked in,” she sings, but clearly something’s off.
3. Relationships
When you’ve got a summer jam in your hands, you don’t mess with it too much, so HAIM keep ‘Relationships’ smooth and bouncy as they boil the album’s thesis down to, “Fucking relationships, am I right?” There’s something absurd and unifying in taking pleasure in that conclusion, which is what the song does over a pristinely sleek R&B beat. It absolutely makes sense as I quit’s lead single, and in the context of the album, it oddly picks things up: the line “You really fucked with my confidence” may be validated by other songs on the album, but this one’s too much of a delight not to sound confident. It may sound conversational, but there’s no “he said, she said.” Just an acknowledgement that we’ve all – even that you – been there, and can bob our heads along.
4. Down to be wrong
“It was all a dream, huh.” In the second verse of ‘Down to Be Wrong’, another promising advance single, HAIM capture the particular feeling of being on a flight, fresh off the end of a relationship, and getting hit by the surreal realization that it was all illusory. Danielle Haim holds it down on the drums, then absolutely goes off, her instrument so emotive it almost matches the soaring vocals on the chorus. It doesn’t all sound so easy anymore – way more than “an innocent mistake [that] turns into seventeen days.” Sometimes the dream lasts much longer, and this is the point of rupture. The language is more potent, too: instead of saying it’s soul-crushing, she sings: “I crushed my whole heart/ Tryin’ to fit my soul into your arms.” You can’t fake that.
5. Take me back
With a mix of glockenspiel, harmonica, sax – not to mention that title – it’s easy to view ‘Take Me Back’ as HAIM indulging in a healthy bit of indie rock nostalgia. But its propulsiveness is also a reminder of the relentless pace at which the group is wont to run, keeping any sense of real permanence out of reach. “Trying to waste the day away/ I never get to do that now,” it goes – so what’s wrong with conjuring the memory when it still feels so fresh?
6. Love you right
Rostam’s sitar and vocal processing adds some colour to an otherwise muted moment in the tracklist, one that seems to put more stock in the melodic structure than its raw vulnerability. It sits in an uneasy space, leaving you eager for the next move.
7. The farm
‘The farm’ follows to deliver what’s lacking, or reserved, on the previous song. HAIM are taking a bit of a gamble by placing two break-up country ballads in the middle of the album, but Danielle’s impassioned vocals earn the spotlight on this one, enunciating each word and stretching out the feeling. When she sings, “The distance keeps widenin’/ Between what I let myself say and what I feel,” you can feel the gap, between what she sings and what she feels, closing. If you’re the least bit invested, it’s a stirring performance.
8. Lucky stars
If the dissolution of a relationship can be stark and resolutely unpoetic, HAIM are smart to contrast it with the haze of enduring love on this shoegaze number, which is also the point where I quit starts becoming more experimental with its form. It serves them here, strange as it may sound to hear them echoing out lines like “The constellation of our lives/Shifting every night” a la Beach House. (Gotta thank them.)
9. Million years
The group stays in hazy, infatuated territory, though it feels muddier and less sure-footed on this song, despite the skittering breakbeat that drives it along. It’s hard to pay attention to the lyrics after the early lines “I’d stop every war/Even if it takes a million years” – or maybe you just ache to hear them loud and clear again.
10. Everybody’s trying to figure me out
The anxiety creeping through the previous song takes real form on ‘Everybody’s trying to figure me out’, which started taking shape after a panic attack Danielle had after getting back from tour. Co-written with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, the song avoids complicating the experience, coming to a close by repeating a popular grounding mantra: “You think you’re gonna die, but you’re not gonna die.” It could have landed a little flat were it not for Rostam’s subtle production flourishes, including filling out the space between “I got” and “mine” or simply beefing up the guitar. It’s not simple, they seem to say, but we can make it sound a little more straightforward.
11. Try to feel my pain
“I’ll try to hide my pain/ But I don’t know which way,” Danielle sings, and the song ends up (however purposefully) watering it down. It’s a neat soul experiment, but it’s the one outlier – given how brief it is – that could have been a bonus cut.
12. Spinning
HAIM prove themselves capable of delivering a synth workout that puts you in a daze rather than simply sounding, like, say, the 1975. With their reticence back (“There are some things I keep to myself”), this is the song that risks sounding the most anonymous, but the dizziness pays off.
13. Cry
Another emotional 180, this time with Este earnestly taking the lead: “I’m past the anger, past the rage/ But the hurt ain’t gone,” she sings. Compared to a song like ‘The Farm’, the outpouring is smooth and amiable, but not unaffecting.
14. Blood on the street
Remember that line, “I’d stop every war/Even if it takes a million years”? Now hear this: “I swear you wouldn’t care/ If I was covered in blood, lying dead on the street/ And I can count on my one hand/ All the times that you really made me feel free.” As a ballad, ‘Blood on the street’ may have been a touch too revealing for a single, but as the penultimate track on I quit, its rawness (and ruthlessness) – especially as the sisters trade lead vocals – is vivifying. When they want to, they really aren’t pulling any punches.
15. Now it’s time
If the George Michael sample on the opener was curiously understated, ‘Now it’s time’ plays up the utter absurdity of them interpolating U2’s ‘Numb’. HAIM have already made a point of their eclecticism with various stylistic detours; this is just a bold yet baffling choice. And perhaps it’s a good one for this group – known for ushering in a particularly tasteful brand of indie rock and, here, often reprimanding themselves for being a little to discreet. You can go out with a bang, or you can go out with a question, in this case: “Am I reaching out to say/ I never gave two fucks anyway?” That bit of carelessness suits HAIM, who sound liberated taking the long, messy way home; not changing the game, necessarily, just how they’re playing their hand.
