Xmas Bleakness

Every year, xmas barges its way into our lives completely uninvited, derailing whatever shit you've got going on. Capitalism on overdrive. It's more horrifying than Halloween. The crushing inevitability of hearing 'those songs' again, the same bunch of tired, ubiquitous tunes, like a pair of socks with holes in you probably should have thrown away years ago. Then there's the panic and stress, it's such a difficult time for so many, and for what? Maybe it's time to reframe xmas?

On that note, I've compiled a bleak xmas playlist featuring the alternative delights of Smoke Fairies, The Sonics, Eels, The Wandering Step, The Handsome Family, Anita Bryant, The Fall, Billy Nomates, Au Reviour Simone, Holly Golightly, Viv Albertine, The Long Blondes, The Sinclairs, LCD Soundsystem, Andrew Bird, Frightened Rabbit, The Walkmen, Khruangbin, Six by Seven, PINS, Christopher Lee, Sparks... 

HAVE A LISTEN

MERRY XMAS

Firestations - Protection Spells

...from the Hash & Brew article:

With trademark intertwined vocals from Mike and Laura, it also features special guest Neil Walsh (Smoke Fairies, Videocean, Shattercones) on viola, as well as a rare, scorched-earth guitar solo (like a frustrated dad going epic in a guitar shop) from the band’s lead guitarist Martin (who is not a dad).

For fans of emotional alt-country - think Sparklehorse, John Cale, Wilco, Jessica Lea Mayfield, Neil Young, Herman Dune, Sharon Van Etten - albeit selectively filtered through refined (repressed) British sensibilities.

Shattercones - In the Bleak Midwinter

 

                                

Hot on the heels of October’s This Septic Isle EP, Shattercones gift us a slab of Christmas cheer(?) with their take on the popular school hymn ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’. Pedal steel guitar floats over a bed of insistent, woozy drones, chugging guitar, deep, pulsing, and a vocal that’s almost as cold as the song title itself. Recorded specially for the Joyzine Advent Calendar, the song is a warped but soothing missive for those who prefer their Christmas tunes with a slice of Brexit canapés and some homemade rocket fuel. It’s also a potent taster for their forthcoming 3rd EP, due next year. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS. LISTEN TO SHATTERCONES!

Download ‘In The Bleak Midwinter‘
Find out more on Shattercones’ official website.

 

Shattercones w/ Maggie the Cat & Naomi in Blue - Paper Dress Vintage - 22nd Feb

 Tickets: bit.ly/sonictonictickets

 

 

 

Firestations & The Leaf Library at Paper Dress Vintage - 21st Jan

Tickets: bit.ly/sonictonictickets

Pleased to be joining forces with Joyzine for a couple of shows at Paper Dress Vintage, the first being Firestations, who have a sparkly new tune on the way, and support from The Leaf Library and some special guests to be revealed soon!