The latest in new music from Black Honey, Rio Kosta, PUNCHBAG, Little Simz & more in this week’s 1883 On Rotation playlist.
On rotation this week, Brighton rockers Black Honey are back with the gorgeously cinematic and electro-tinged single, “Psycho”. There are melodic pop hooks, otherworldly synth and lush vocals. Speaking about the song, Black Honey’s Izzy B. Phillips said: “Psycho is a nonsensical, down-the-rabbit-hole feeling of being a voyeur in something that feels really surreal. It’s about wondering if this life is “the movie”, maybe it’s written badly”. Catch the band in Manchester, Brighton and London during a small run of shows in April.
LA-based duo RIO KOSTA, comprised of multi-instrumentalists Mike Del Rio and Kosta Galanopoulos, are the new kids on the block. Their debut single “Ancients” is a glorious concoction of 70s groove, falsetto vocals, on-point harmonies, and utterly sublime sonics. When it comes to the lyrics, Mike penned them based on déjà vu and the concept of past lives. Don’t sleep on this exciting act.
Electronic artist Jack Garratt is back with the new tune, “Catherine wheel”. There are strong vocals, anthemic choruses and colourful electronic texture. It’s the first song to be lifted from his new studio album Pillars which lands on August 15th via Cooking Vinyl. The record is a celebration of love, community, and self-discovery. Jack will be playing a special show at the Village Underground in London on May 1.
American country singer-songwriter Tucker Wetmore has shared the track “Casino”. It’s taken from his debut album What Not To which is out now. Already proving a popular hit, Tucker has performed at Country 2 Country in London, Belfast and Glasgow before headlining a sold-out show at Electric Ballroom earlier this month.
Culture Wars have released their new song “Typical Ways”. It’s a powerful alt-rock song with strong vocals, gritty guitars, and belt-worth choruses. Thematically, vocalist Alex Dugan penned an angry letter to his former self. A new Culture Wars record is slated for this year, so keep an eye on what the group does next.
Sibling duo PUNCHBAG have dropped the electric new single “I’m Not Your Punchbag”. It’s a sharp alt-pop tune that offers a message of defiance. Punchbag’s singer Clara said: “It comes from a ‘harmless’ small remark made to me at a dinner table once that really cut deep. From this small seed the song grew into a kind of anthem for fighting back”. Their debut EP lands on May 2nd.
joan have shared the heartfelt new single “Face”. It’s full of emotive vocals, delicate instrumentals, and vibrant production. The duo have gone from strength to strength over the last few years, having played shows across the globe and 15,000+ capacity venues in Asia, alongside support slots with COIN, Block Party, and The Aces.
Finally, the iconic rapper and songwriter Little Simz has released another taster from her forthcoming new record. Entitled “Free”, the song explores the dualities of love and fear. You can expect an effortless flow and rich instrumentals. Her sixth studio record, Lotus, landson May 9th.
Listen to all this and more via the playlist below.
