Starting our wrap-up of August, we take a look at some of our favourite singles from the past month, including the latest single from the sublime Blodet, two great releases from Year of the Rat Records in Save Us and Kite Thief, and the grand debut track from Trauma Bonds. (Cover: Trauma Bonds – Numbing Retreat)
Lilith’s Demise – I’m a Whore (Independent)
Of all the recent revivals, the return of Myspace deathcore is one of the most welcomed in recent years. The likes of On Solid Ground, Implosive Disgorgence and the now-returned Job For A Cowboy saw deathcore peak with it’s ignorant crackhead sound. Florida has become a hotbed for deathcore; Mantikore, Tracheotomy and Lilth’s Demise all emerging from the southern state. The former’s single “I’m A Whore” further delivers on the promise they showed with debut single “Abyss of Torment“, and they are now becoming a staple for those looking for more proper deathcore.
FFO: PSYCHO-FRAME, Thus Spoke Zarathustra & Tracheotomy
Blodet – The Hour (Church Road Records)
“The Hour” is a foreboding track from Blodet, based in Skellefteå in the far north of Sweden, fusing slow atmosperhic rock with the soul of post punk. Three guitarists fill this track with frigid swells and a charged conclusion, each member’s contribution distinct. It’s the restraint that Blodet have that keeps them so enigmatic, embracing the spectre of the quiet, grand space they fill as another band member.
FFO: Esben and the Witch, King Woman & Year of No Light
Seventh Dose – Drift (Independent)
“Drift” is the very first inkling from Seventh Dose. It’s an up-tempo shoegaze track, marrying urgency and atmosphere, underpinned by a crisp, steady beat. Juxtaposing this upbeat mood are the resigned vocals which tell a story of deep loss in initially ethereal terms (“Are you drifting? Wandering on another plane?“). As the song goes on, it becomes increasingly specific and down to earth (“If only to tell you one last time that you belonged here”).
FFO: Grivo, Slow Crush & Narrow Head
SAVE US – New Light (Year of the Rat Records)
The first release from SAVE US is a classic alt metal track that embraces modern guitar sensibilities. The “New Light“‘s central sound is a bouncy riff with tasteful siren-synths sitting just under the rich guitar tones, most deliciously during the bridge-breakdown. The vocals run a full range, vulnerable and soft and times, yet full bodied and charged in the chorus. It’s good to see this track has racked up some streams, captured some hearts and minds already.
FFO: Holding Absence, Blanket & The Comfort
Fearing – Destroyer (Profound Lore)
This is the title track from their upcoming record, a chilly electronic goth track for gently swaying under dashboard lights. “Destroyer” is a groovy song about toxic relationships, texturing itself with dual guitars, retro synths, and, of course, ultra-cool bass. Fearing have had some big moments this month in their support run for Portrayal of Guilt, and their label Profound Lore hints at influences far beyond the 80s heyday of post punk.
FFO: Naut, Sunrise Patriot Motion, VVV [Trippin’you]
Kite Thief – The Tide (Year of the Rat Records)
There are plenty of words to choose from to describe what is packed into four minutes on “The Tide“; infectious, encaustic, playful, unrelenting, and forceful. On the first single from their upcoming EP, Kite Thief flex their intoxicating melodies and pounding riffs. In kicking off a new chapter for the band, “The Tide” serves as an impressive offering of what is to come.
FFO: VUKOVI, Delaire The Liar & Your Misery
Values Here – Will Be Tomorrow (End Hits Records)
New band formed of vocalist Chui, guitarist John Porcelly, bassist Tim Brooks and drummer Vinny Panza dropped their debut single, “Will Be Tomorrow“, showing their blend of hardcore and pop punk. A cocktail of shredding guitars, catchy drum rudiments and an assertive vocal delivery give a much anticipation for their upcoming record, Take Your Time, I’ll Be Waiting.
FFO: Masochist, GOD AWFUL & Engage
Trauma Bonds – Numbing Retreat (Independent)
In what is their debut single, Trauma Bonds have shown they will become a force to be reckoned with going forward. Ferocious and abrasive vocals matched with blasting riffs that are intertwined with moments of brief melody make for an encompassing and impressive listen that opens the imagination as to what the new unit could achieve.
FFO: Serration, Incision & POOL
Error – Hopeless (Independent)
Returning with their first single since 2021, Error display the sheer magnitude of their sound with new track “Hopeless“. Juicy guitars laced with reverb and loaded with pedals take command here. Atmospheric vocals, flipped with fearsome harsh takes, and a backbreaking breakdown to close things makes for an absorbing journey that will soon be slapped on repeat.
FFO: vein.fm, long.way.down & Balmora