Kicking off our July recap, we take a look at some of our favourite singles to release this past July. Including the likes of genre blending MANAPOOL, the latest single from UK upstarts the great nothing and Futakuchi Mana‘s sublime cover of “Makka“.
Utsu-P – 下品 (feat. Ci flower)
Japanese vocalist producer Utsu-P teams up with Ci flower for another infectious and spirited metallic track 下品. Don’t let the provocative artwork fool you; this is a diverse track filled with smooth vocals, understated melodies, and superb production which culminates in a ferocious kick-led breakdown.
cohen_noise – The Hand That Feeds
cohen_noise hit us with possibly their most pop track yet. The main riff is exactly the kind the bassist would write: simple, groovy, and emotionally ambiguous, wisely passing on the emotional work to the singer. Aesthetically, there’s some hints of a nu metal throwback, with some modern guitar toneage and proud synth leads to keep things fresh. “The Hand That Feeds” is a catchy track worth checking out whether you’ve enjoyed their past material or not.
二口魔菜 Futakuchi Mana – Makka
Futakuchi Mana kicked off the month with a stellar cover of Yuyoyuppe’s “Makka“, which redefines and heightens the psychotic, yandere energy of the track with heavy guitars and a predictably excellent vocal performance. Her cover of YOASOBI’s “Idol” that released later in the month is also well worth a listen.
Primal Horde & Scorching Tomb – Dungeon Stomp / Sentenced to Rot
Two blossoming US death metal projects make a squechy splash together on this split single. “Dungeon Stomp” is Primal Stomp‘s offering, a two minute bruiser with includes an atmospheric intro before its fetid riffs. The guitar take the HM2 chainsaw tone with extra gargled bogwater, and every low note riles in its own discomfort. Scorching Tomb’s “Sentenced to Rot” is more truly dungeon-esque, sampling the dragging of chains. Its main riff somewhat writhes under mid-register death metal vocals, singing “sentenced to rot in piss” in the chorus. Both tracks had me instant-downloading the band’s recent EPs for further enjoyment. They share the same untechnical approach, “caveman” in both logic and delivery.
the great nothing – the dirt
One of the UK’s most promising up-and-comers, the great nothing, return with their most gritty track to date in “the dirt“. Chock full of their usual infectious melody and groove, seen in spades on previous singles “coming clean” and “dirty dishes“, “the dirt” provides a glimpse at the more keenly aggressive-angled side of the great nothing’s diverse sound. Feral screams and nine-string grooves are juxtaposed by ethereal clean vocals and crunchy six-string riffing to provide the UK alt-metal export’s most dynamic and electrifying track to date.
Gray State – Desire for Salvation
Finnish unit Gray State dropped rager of a track “Desire For Salvation”, ahead of the release of their upcoming LP. An exquisite blend of brooding riffs and guitar solos alongside abrasive vocals make for a rough yet drawing listen. With some hard as fuck artwork and a fist-throwing sound, GRAY STATE will be a dark horse to keep an eye on.
MANAPOOL – Reverse Side of Beauty
Genre-blending artist Manapool once against delivers a mesmerising experience with “Reverse Side of Beauty“. Mixing jungle, DnB and breakcore elements into a cocktail that its embrace is easy to get lost within. It only addsto what is an ever-growing discography that shows progression in their craft and only bleeds into the anticipation of what will come next.
DARLAH – Differ
Fresh from the release of their debut single, DARLAH are right back at it with their brand new
heavy hitting single, “Differ”. Giving a nod to the world of 2000’s post-hardcore & metalcore, effortlessly combining the nostalgia of the past with their own fresh faced approach to heavy music, creating something eerily familiar yet equally unique.
SURGEON – Monopoly
Surgeon continue their violent foray with single “Monopoly“, and with more on the horizon now seems the ideal time to get into what Surgeon are offering up. The no bullshit sound with vocals that balance perfectly with their instrumental counterpart make for a sound that is feral but harmonious. There is no trauma dump to be found here, just sheer aggression and violence to be embraced.