Lawn Chair - Bones Ate Arfa - Dog Park - Soot Sprite

Photo - Frederike Wetzels

Lawn Chair - The Next Big Thing.

German indie punk outfit Lawn Chair is set to make waves with their highly anticipated debut album, You Want It! You Got It!, slated for release later this year. Following their return with ‘Fancy Car, Girlfriend and the Big House’, the band now drops their new single, ‘The Next Big Thing’, a biting reflection on self-optimisation, ambition, and the often absurd pursuit of success in the music industry.

For three years, Lawn Chair has been a vital force in the German indie scene, captivating audiences with their dynamic sound. Their previous two EPs, crafted in collaboration with producers Olaf Opal (The Notwist) and Chris Coady (Beach House, Yeah Yeah Yeahs), solidified their reputation as one of the most exciting acts in Germany. With countless gigs across the country, a successful tour in the UK, and unforgettable performances alongside bands like Sleaford Mods and Deadletter, as well as at festivals like Reeperbahn and Fusion, the band has proven their staying power.

‘The Next Big Thing’, showcases a new sonic direction for Lawn Chair. A pulsating bassline leads the charge as the band experiments with electronic-infused drum patterns and stripped-back guitars. Claudia Schlutius’ lyrics paint a wry picture of the pressures of self-improvement and the relentless chase for fame - echoing the false promises of an industry that thrives on ambition but offers no guarantees.

Written during a time of personal and creative transition, You Want It! You Got It! was crafted between November 2023 and September 2024, with extensive pre-production shaping its unique sound. The album’s title, a lyric drawn from the new single, is a tongue-in-cheek response to the relentless demands of the music industry. Inspired by the absurdity of late-stage capitalism, fragile male egos, Schlutius’ complicated relationship with her US roots and the eternal pursuit of happiness, the album blends playful experimentation with raw energy, making it Lawn Chair’s most daring work yet.

LAWN CHAIR · The Next Big Thing

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Photo - @ethnephoto

Bones Ate Arfa - Just Bananas (EP).

Brighton alt-rock trio Bones Ate Arfa release the anticipated new EP ‘Just Bananas’. With a growing sense of momentum, the band have most recently hit over 120k TikTok followers and linked up with skating brand Wasted Paris. The band are heading on a UK tour through April and early May.

Made up of Bones (guitar), 8 (drums), and Arfa (vocals & bass), the trio have made a significant mark on the UK’s southeastern gig circuit within a short period and continue to showcase what an exciting up and coming band they are.

Building soundscapes that blend the energy of punk, the riff heavy approach of alt-rock, and some infectious and melodic vocal melodies, the band have become renowned for their instantly recognisable sound. Punching drums, fuzzy guitar and driving bass tones flow across the ‘Just Bananas’ EP as the band showcase their most complete work to date.

Following a wave of national acclaim across the likes of Dork, 1883, Clash, Punk News, Louder Than War, New Noise, BBC Radio 6 Music, Radio X, Earmilk, Total Rock, Ones To Watch and Amazing Radio (A-List) the band are set to head on a mammoth UK tour through April to support their EP release. Describing their sound as psychedelic-street-punk-desert-rock, the trio (Bones on guitar, 8 on drums, and Arfa on vocals & bass) have gained recognition online and made fans of a number of renowned artists such as Muse, Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit), Isaac Holman (SOFT PLAY), Royal Blood, Tigercub, cool sorcery, Demob Happy, and Bad Nerves.


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Dog Park - Kaleidoscope.

Over the past three years, Dog Park has documented the various stages of its debut album Festina Lente. To mark the album's first anniversary, the Kaleidoscope video captures the moments that welded the band together, from recording in the studio to their first festivals. Against a backdrop of Atlantic rooftops, the question “Have you seen the world outside?”.

Sometimes, it takes a series of coincidences for four individuals to meet and become a band. Erica is American, Isabella is Brazilian, and Sarah and Jean are from Paris. It's at a venue in Paris in 2021 that they get to know each other. As they quickly bond together in the excitement generated by a situation of overcoming a crisis, the urge to play music together arises.

Because they all know how to play multiple instruments and have a desire for freedom, they naturally play musical chairs from the start. This is what makes their quartet unique: instruments and microphones change hands from one track to the next.

A particularly surprising and impressive dance to observe in concert, which a wide audience has already experienced. Despite having released only two singles in the fall of 2022 and spring of 2023, Dog Park has secured stages such as La Boule Noire or the Auditorium of the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, as well as several summer festivals across France.

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Soot Sprite - Vicious Cycles.

Exeter, England alt-indie trio Soot Sprite share new single ‘Vicious Cycles’. Rising Exeter trio Soot Sprite are set to release their debut album, Wield Your Hope Like A Weapon, on May 16th via Specialist Subject (FRESH, Jeff Rosenstock, Doe, Muncie Girls). Since the release of their debut single in 2018, Soot Sprite has grown from a one-woman lo-fi bedroom pop project to a fully-fledged touring alt-indie shoegaze outfit. Their debut album sees Elise Cook (lead vocals/guitar), Sean Mariner (bass/backing vocals), and Sam Cother (drums/backing vocals) fully embrace the dynamic highs and intimate lows that define their sound.

At its core, Wield Your Hope Like A Weapon is a record about refusing to let apathy take hold. Cook explains, “it’s about embracing empathy over apathy, despite the constant stream of worldly horrors. If we have empathy we can have hope, and with hope then change is always possible.” Inspired by Rebecca Solnit’s book ‘Hope In The Dark’, the album title reflects the urgent need for action in an increasingly chaotic world.

“Hope is not a lottery ticket you can sit on the sofa and clutch, feeling lucky. It is an axe you break down doors with in an emergency.” Rebecca Solnit

Of their new single, 'Vicious Cycles', Cook says: “The single is about addressing your patterns of behaviour and the damage done in previous relationships. The fear of retribution for the smallest of hiccups that sticks with you long after the impacting relationship is done ‘Can’t wash off the oil from your spill.’ The thought that you’ll never fully shake it off.”

Soot Sprite · Vicious Cycles

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Soot Sprite - Winter Gardens - LAWN CHAIR

Photo - Sofia Irini

Soot Sprite - Days After Days.

There is a beautifully distinct feel to Soot Sprite's music, that includes simmering power alongside a passionate determination to deliver both the message and the fabulous music, this trio are really impressive. 

Following the announcement of their debut album last month, rising Exeter trio Soot Sprite have shared their new single 'Days After Days' and announced that they will be touring the UK in May and June.

The single is the second to be taken from Wield Your Hope Like A Weapon, which is set for release on May 16th via Specialist Subject. Thematically, the record reflects on activism, mental health, and the cycles of personal and societal trauma.

Since the release of their debut single in 2018, Soot Sprite has grown from a one-woman lo-fi bedroom pop project to a fully-fledged touring alt-indie shoegaze outfit. Their debut album sees Elise Cook (lead vocals/guitar), Sean Mariner (bass/backing vocals), and Sam Cother (drums/backing vocals) fully embrace the dynamic highs and intimate lows that define their sound.

Sonically, Wield Your Hope Like A Weapon takes influence from many alt-indie greats, creating a sound that blends shimmering melodies with raw, visceral energy. “When I started Soot Sprite I was hooked on Clean by Soccer Mommy and Hovvdy’s Cranberry but with this record I was listening to a lot of Sweet Pill’s catalogue, Ovlov & Wednesday,” explains Cook. Written over a span of four years - some tracks taking shape just weeks before recording - the album was captured in September 2024 at The Bookhouse in London, with the help of former lead guitarist Abi Crisp and production by Tom Hill.

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Winter Gardens - Uncomfortable/Unlovable (EP).

Brighton-based quartet Winter Gardens release the anticipated new EP Uncomfortable/Unlovable ( today March 26th).

Engineered & mixed by Luke Marsden and mastered by Andy Miles at Star Delta,the EP showcases the bands instantly recognisable layering of synths, pianos, and electronics with the punching live drums and biting shoegaze influenced guitar riffs. Led by dual vocals from Ananda Howard and Jasmine Ardleys, the celestial harmonising takes listeners on a journey through an eclectic ray of dynamic, disparate sounds, resulting in a genre defying, stadium darkwave sound - A kaleidoscopic assembly of ethereal shoegaze atmospheres glued together with a pulsing post-punk attitude and a brooding gothic undercurrent.

Since the band’s inception, Winter Gardens have secured support slots for a number of high-profile names including Echo & The Bunnymen, Gary Numan, Modern English, Piroshka and Pale Blue Eyes. The band have also been regular festival favourites, most recently playing Rockaway Beach in January alongside the likes of OMD, Self Esteem and Peter Hook & The Light. Through the last few months, the band has had a number of European performances (Left Of The Dial, Supersonic) as well as playing live for John Kennedy’s The Remedy and Season and packing out countless shows in their home city.

With increasing support across Radio X, BBC Radio 1, Notion, Dork, Upset Magazine, Earmilk, Atwood Magazine, BBC Introducing, Louder Than War, Punktastic, Ones To Watch and For The Rabbits to name a few, Winter Gardens have garnered widespread acclaim as they continue to showcase their unique sonic approach.

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Photo - Frederike Wetzels

LAWN CHAIR - Fancy Car, Girlfriend and the Big House.

After a brief but intense period of studio seclusion, German indie sensation LAWN CHAIR is back with their latest single, ‘Fancy Car, Girlfriend and the Big House’. The single marks a bold return for the band, known for their energetic performances and sharp lyrical storytelling.

For three years, LAWN CHAIR has been a vital force in the German indie scene, captivating audiences with their dynamic sound. Their previous two EPs, crafted in collaboration with producers Olaf Opal (The Notwist) and Chris Coady (Beach House, Yeah Yeah Yeahs), solidified their reputation as one of the most exciting acts in Germany. With countless gigs across the country, a successful tour in the UK, and unforgettable performances alongside Sleaford Mods, as well as at festivals like Reeperbahn and Fusion, the band has proven their staying power.

In 2024, LAWN CHAIR took a step back from the spotlight to focus on their highly anticipated debut album. Countless hours in the studio were spent refining a sound that pushes the boundaries of the German indie landscape. Now, they re-emerge with ‘Fancy Car, Girlfriend and the Big House’ - a track that captures their signature energy while offering a biting critique of unshakable confidence and unchecked privilege.

Driven by infectious guitar riffs, pulsating synths, and a dancefloor-ready beat, the song serves as a sonic adrenaline rush. Claudia Schlutius’ vocals cut through with precision as she narrates the life of men even Jordan Belfort would admire - untouched by self-doubt, financial struggles, or social rejection. Yet, an unsettling voice lingers in the background, whispering reminders of the other 99% of humanity. With ‘Fancy Car, Girlfriend and the Big House’, LAWN CHAIR cements their place as a band unafraid to challenge societal narratives while delivering irresistibly catchy indie anthems. The single is now available on all major streaming platforms and stay tuned for more news on LAWN CHAIR’s upcoming debut album.

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Billy Idol - Soot Sprite - Winter Gardens - Adore - Jo Schornikow

Photo - David Raccuglia

Billy Idol - Still Dancing.

Rock legend Billy Idol is set for the release of his first full-length album of new music in over a decade. 'Dream Into It' is out on 25th April on Dark Horse Records, featuring appearances by Avril Lavigne, Joan Jett and Alison Mosshart of The Kills. In anticipation of the forthcoming record, today Billy Idol is debuting the new single 'Still Dancing' alongside a video directed by Steven Sebring.
 
“‘Still Dancing’ is really a reflection of my whole journey,” explains Idol. “From the punk rock period through to now. And I’m still looking towards the future, still living the life I set out to live. At the start of the song I’m recalling the early times in London, when I was living in squats or at friends’ apartments, all my belongings in a plastic bag. Everybody at home or work told you what you were doing was never going to happen. But punk rock gave me an opening. I was surrounded by people who loved the music as deeply as I did and you were going to throw caution to the wind, believe in what you were doing and grab on for dear life. “As the song says, there have been many moments along the way where I’ve been self-destructive. But what’s seen me through is that unflinching belief in the music that started all those years ago. That’s been the greatest gift of all.”
 
Additionally, Idol is returning to the road for It’s a Nice Day To…Tour Again! Produced by Live Nation, the run of arenas and amphitheatres kicks off at the Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix on 30 April and will see him return to the UK for a very special date at the OVO Wembley Arena on Tuesday 24th June. This show comes two days after Billy’s appearance at the Forever Now Festival at The National Bowl, Milton Keynes. These are Billy’s only UK appearances in 2025. He will be joined by special guests and post-punk legends New Model Army.

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Soot Sprite - All My Friends Are Depressed.

Rising Exeter, England trio Soot Sprite have announced that their debut album, Wield Your Hope Like A Weapon, is set for release on May 16th via Specialist Subject (FRESH, Jeff Rosenstock, Doe, Muncie Girls). Alongside the announcement, the band have shared new single 'All My Friends Are Depressed', is a reflection on the widespread mental health crisis.

Since the release of their debut single in 2018, Soot Sprite has grown from a one-woman lo-fi bedroom pop project to a fully-fledged touring alt-indie shoegaze outfit. Their debut album sees Elise Cook (lead vocals/guitar), Sean Mariner (bass/backing vocals), and Sam Cother (drums/backing vocals) fully embrace the dynamic highs and intimate lows that define their sound.

Of their new single, Cook says: "This is my observation of the mental health crisis we’re in, how widespread it feels and how sociopolitical factors are playing such a huge part. It’s also a reminder to myself that I need to stop distracting myself from my issues and try and change something or face things or nothing will happen and I’ll never shake off the episode,"  

Sonically, Wield Your Hope Like A Weapon takes influence from many alt-indie greats, creating a sound that blends shimmering melodies with raw, visceral energy. “When I started Soot Sprite I was hooked on Clean by Soccer Mommy and Hovvdy’s Cranberry but with this record I was listening to a lot of Sweet Pill’s catalogue, Ovlov & Wednesday,” explains Cook. Written over a span of four years - some tracks taking shape just weeks before recording - the album was captured in September 2024 at The Bookhouse in London, with the help of former lead guitarist Abi Crisp and production by Tom Hill.

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Photo - Fern Rose

Winter Gardens - Anthropocene.

Brighton-based quartet Winter Gardens return with their new single, ‘Anthropocene’ (today), the final stand alone single to be taken from their forthcoming EP Uncomfortable/Unlovable (March 26th). Engineered & mixed by Luke Marsden and mastered by Andy Miles at Star Delta, ‘Anthropocene’ layers synths, pianos, and electronics with the punching live drums and biting shoegaze influenced guitar riffs to create a soundscape which is atmospheric and dark. Led by dual vocals from Ananda Howard and Jasmine Ardleys, the celestial harmonising takes listeners on a journey through an eclectic ray of dynamic, disparate sounds. A kaleidoscopic assembly of ethereal shoegaze atmospheres glued together with a pulsing post-punk attitude and a brooding gothic undercurrent creates a stylistic and instantly recognisable sound topped with lyrics evoking a sense of cryptic intimacy.

Speaking about the track, the band adds: “The Anthropocene reflects our growing sense of entitlement to pleasure and satisfaction, often at the expense of everything else. In an era dominated by over consumption, materialism, and insatiable greed, we rarely stop to consider the true cost of our indulgences.

Whether it’s human exploitation, the suffering of animals, or the degradation of the environment, our immediate gratification consistently takes priority. The relentless pursuit of personal desires has led to a world where we expect comfort and convenience, disregarding the long-term consequences. In this age, the planet and its inhabitants—who ultimately pay the price—are pushed aside in favour of short-term satisfaction.”

Since the band’s inception, Winter Gardens have secured support slots for a number of high-profile names including Echo & The Bunnymen, Gary Numan, Modern English, Piroshka and Pale Blue Eyes. The band have also been regular festival favourites, most recently playing Rockaway Beach in January alongside the likes of OMD, Self Esteem and Peter Hook & The Light. Through the last few months, the band has had a number of European performances (Left Of The Dial, Supersonic) as well as playing live for John Kennedy’s The Remedy and Season and packing out countless shows in their home city.

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Photo - Paula Trojner

Adore - Stay Free Old Stranger.

 Irish trio Adore today release new single 'Stay Free Old Stranger,' ahead of three nights supporting Chalk in Belfast. Adore today also announce their debut headline shows in the UK with stops in Southampton, Hull and London in May. Adore's music is crystallised in its dichotomies; emotional, dynamic, loud, sensitive. Hailing from Dublin, Donegal and Galway respectively, the trio consisting of Lara Minchin (guitar, vocals), Lachlann Ó Fionnáin (bass, vocals) and Naoise Jordan Cavanagh (drums) possess an innate understanding of one another - "We are three feens with guitars and drums. We make music that feels right to us," the band say.

Produced by and recorded with Gilla Band bassist Daniel Fox, new single 'Stay Free Old Stranger' explores an acceptance of detachment, delivered with an urgency that is distinctly Adore's. "I wrote Stay Free Old Stranger when I was 16 years old with my best friend Lauren, and sonically was inspired by a lot of what I was listening to when I was a teenager: The Jam, Misfits, Frank Iero, Sleater-Kinney, Le Tigre," says singer Lara Minchin.

With its scorched guitars, energetic drums and an unexpected jazzy interlude a fitting precursor to the song's explosive, chaotic finale, 'Stay Free Old Stranger' embraces the idea of peaceful coexistence with "old strangers" who drift in and out of your life, and ultimately celebrates the "freak" within.

Speaking more on the song's inspiration, Lara says: "It was written at a time of great social anxiety which was seemingly breaking into a carefree disregard for small talk and empty relationships which I had once harboured to make myself feel wanted. I was badly bullied throughout my childhood and into my teens and because of that I was so eager for people to like me -and I would give time to people who didn’t have my best interests at hand. I had always been a freak and I had grown up in an unconventional manner. And although I didn’t change my interests and my way about life, I definitely covered up parts of myself to make myself more palatable. The lyrics are juvenile. They are telling the story of being aware that some people might not care for you and that’s okay because you don’t have to care for them either. You don’t have to be everybody’s friend."

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Photo - Emily Dorio

Jo Schornikow - Upstream.

Jo Schornikow shares the new single “Upstream,” the first track from Quiet Excerpts. The EP is a collection of meditations– instrumental pipe organ pieces, ambient washes, and downright hooky pop songs collected as Quiet Excerpts. Schornikow writes about “Upstream”: “I was sitting with the ache of wanting something out of reach. And thinking on the time I saw a ghost. What exactly is energy, anyway?”

The EP follows her 2022 album ALTAR, which burst at the seams with joyful talismans of love and relationships. The longtime Phosphorescent keyboardist recorded these songs in the Nashville church she plays piano and organ at and in her mate's Melbourne, Australia living room. It's a document of a musician's life, basking in moments of calm between motherhood, studio recording, and Phosphorescent tours.

“For me, Quiet Excerpts is like hearing music in the far-off distance. Walking toward the sound, a huge old wooden door slowly creaks open. I find myself in a sacred space.” Since releasing ALTAR, Schornikow has delved deeper into community in Nashville, recording albums and performing live with Sunny War, Sean Thompson’s Weird Ears, Tré Burt, and William Tyler and the Impossible Truth.

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