Written by Millie Cain
Edited by Eve Moat

Branching into a more electronic, indie pop sound, The Utopiates released their new single “Love Pill” on the 16^th November 2023, following their blinder of a debut album released earlier this year, “The Sun Also Rises”, available on all streaming platforms. Leeds born lead singer Dan Popplewell, described the influence for the new single: “I think I did a good enough job of trying to sum up exactly how my girl makes me feel. We’ve had some pretty hedonistic times together and it’s basically about that and the love between us in those moments! I’m so happy with the production and what all the lad’s brought to it too. We really think this track showcases another side to us without losing that Utopiates’ party vibe we like to lean towards.” 

The band have a real groovy tone, and have set a real precedent for feel good, snappy lyrics and infectious beats, they’ve got a real different sound to a lot of other bands at the moment. My favourite track from the debut album “Ups and Downs” features 90s esque piano, and building tempo, with electronic mixing and tight drumbeats. Their signature fast-paced rhythms made for a perfect summer debut album, and we can look forward to how they branch out in 2024, following the release of this new single to really top off a huge year for the band. 

Recording locally at The Nave in Leeds, they also played at Belgrave Music Hall on 2^nd December. Now, after a sold-out summer tour, they’re back in the studio for their second album after being signed to V2 last year. They may have only formed in 2021, but they’ve had very promising statements of “band to watch” by promotors, such as This Feeling, who have a historically excellent track record of finding the best up and coming bands.  

Written by Elsie Oulton
Edited by Eve Moat

New hair colour = new album campaign. Come one folks, we know the drill. As soon as Dua Lipa donned those luscious red locks in an Instagram post in mid-October, we’ve known something’s been a’ brewin. The result is the immaculate, club banger ‘Houdini’, which was released today.

Soon after a similar occurrence in late 2019, when a blonde barnet made its debut alongside a string-drenched sample of ‘Don’t Start Now’, the pandemic hit and Lipa was forced to rethink everything planned for the release of her sophmore record Future Nostalgia. In the first week of the national lockdown, she was frantically creating at-home performances and music videos, whilst navigating the new way of doing press at the time – entirely on zoom. The album shot to the top of the charts and a disco record was, surprisingly, exactly what people needed for some Covid escapism (much like Jessie Ware’s What’s Your Pleasure, released in May of that year). However this time, she’s doing properly, and she’s doing it in person. Red hair n all.

The star held a launch party last night at the English National Ballet in London, giving fans the “first play on earth”, alongside a screening of the music video. And good god- the track is glorious. Co- produced by Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker and Danny Harle (PC music), pounding basslines envelop Lipa’s luscious vocals, with glimmering synths dancing over the top. Lyrically, Lipa commands attention from a romantic interest, channeling the titular escapologist and whilst warning them she could vanish at any given moment. Although not the most profound lyrical content in her catalogue, she is incredibly unbothered and assertive; “it’s your moment baby, don’t let it slip”, elevating the concept with both her attitude and ever-strengthening voice.

Following the release of Future Nostalgia, Lipa shot to stratospheric levels of fame and efficiency; starting her cultural newsletter and podcast Service 95, as well as countless collaborations, with Elton John to name but one, and topping the charts this summer with Barbie’s theme song ‘Dance the Night’. As refreshing as it is to see a pop star harness their influence in a variety of ways, it’s thrilling she’s back to music. ‘Houdini’ ushers in this new era with confidence and classic Lipa sophistication and is a promising indication of what’s to come. Catch her if you can.

Written by Millie Cain
Edited by Eve Moat

We’ve missed her sultry tones and punch-in-the-heart lyrics, so nearly five years after her last album No Words Left, Lucy Rose releasing the new single ‘Could You Help Me’ this October had her fans in a frenzy.

Fast-paced, jazz-influenced piano sets the tone for the song from the get-go: she’s affected, dreamy yet exasperated. This beginning of jazz-pop piano drifts into a more ethereal sequence, which is punctuated by careering, electric guitar solos. With a full band behind her, she confidently controls the song with such alluring ease, almost like spinning the tale through her sound. With the addition of spattering drums, echoing vocals, and hints of electronic production – it gives a chaotic beat which can only be reflective of her own vaguely scattered mind, as she swings between her punchy lyrics, and finds a cathartic end in crooning, almost lullaby-like notes.

Channelling frustrations from parenthood, she discusses the intense back pain that came from it which made living her day-to-day life almost impossible. She even remarked recently: “I sought medical help but was dismissed repeatedly.” But, never one to be swayed, Lucy Rose explained in her press release how she’s listening to different influences, the likes of “Erroll Garner, Duke Ellington, Kiefer, Debussy, Little Simz, and finding myself drawn so much more to writing at a piano.”

After previously singing and working on records by Bombay Bicycle Club, Manic Street Preachers,
and Paul Weller, she’s got real poise and experience that brings a true masterfulness to her works. This single was co-produced and composed by artist Kwes, who has produced for the likes of Loyle Carner, Solange Knowles & Damon Albarn. Especially after launching her own independent label – Real Kind Records – in 2020, I sincerely hope that a fourth album of hers is to come, as this is “the beginning of a new chapter” as she transcends into further maturity and parenthood.

Lucy Rose will be playing an intimate one-off sold out at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London on 6th
January 2024. Her new single (and previous albums and singles) are available on all streaming platforms!