Jellyskin - Milk of Magnesia

Milk of Magnesia

Whilst we kick off the year with a continuation of the shit storm that was last year, given that Trump is now president and the UK's government still in dismay, it would seem 2017 isn't ready to offer any kind retribution as of yet. But never fear, Leed's based trio Jellyskin have released a new track as of this month, representing "the smell of pain and the end of days" that could be upon us, whey-hey!

Not quite avant-punk but still avant-garde, and signed to independent record label Blak Hand Records, Jellyskin come back again with a track that's dark and brooding. Following their first two tracks, Milk of Magnesia is a little different and a little heavier. Having expected another single with ethereal vocals and wavey vibes, Milk of Magnesia is displacing but in the best way possible; showing off what the band can really do, and that guitarist Will can double up as lead singer too.

Jellyskin

The track is instantly eery and encapsulating, kicking off the song with distorted synths not too dissimilar to the sound of organs you would find in the Phantom of the Opera. As weird as this sounds it works, setting the darker tones for the 6 minute long track. As the track continues you can really sink you teeth into sounds that are reminiscent of possible predecessors such as Sonic Youth, and even The Velvet Underground, 'White Light White Heat' era. Although in saying this the song itself sets them apart in their own right, utilising classic hypnotic riffs and monotonous drums to make it completely trancing. Needless to say its weird and its equally as melancholy, and it comes with a trippy music video, what more could you ask for?

You can also catch the trio on lurking round the stages of Leeds, considering that they have been gigging now since September. Having already secured some support slots for Crocodile and Will Joseph Cook, it's worth watching this space.

Got milk? No? Then get yours here:
Jellyskin / YouTube
Jellyskin / Souncloud
Jellyskin / Facebook 

sealand - Holy Head

sealand

Finding ourselves back in what seems to be the birthing pool of musical talent, the North, we find yet another little musical gem: sealand. Manchester students Rory Calland and Lucio Gray are the ambitious minds behind this post-punk-dream-pop-shoe-gazer combo that some would say is impossible to pull off. With two songs under their belt, this duo show off their musical diversity through a limited playlist.

Releasing said songs on their soundcloud in the same month, it's hard to tell that they were curated together. Their first track Vehicle is one of which is like Stone Roses spin off (somewhat like an indie equivalent of S Club 7's S club Juniors). But don't get it twisted, whilst the song has it's roots deep with the soil of their predecessors, it has a back bone that is completely their own. And even though the song may not sound as enticing as the idea of a fresh Mancunian newcomer, their second song Holy Head definitely changes this.

Holy Head

The song is slow but intense, and sounds as though Joy Division has had an anarcho-punk child, born holding a sitar. Creating a stream of consciousness that's just about audible, mixed with the overlapping drone of guitars and synths, sealand have made a song that makes you feel as though you're wandering round the unconsciousness of our generation. This hybrid of dream-pop and spoken word makes for an interesting listen to say the least, that could be controversial and meaningful but you might need to squint your ears to hear it. However, one thing that is for certain is that it's alluring and hypnotic, and once you've heard it it's as if you've bathed in the holy water of sealand.

Holy Head will also be featured on the band's independent DIY record label Sea of Skin Records (co-owned by their plan Jellyskin no less) first compilation album, which comes out on the 15th of this month. Keep your ears to the ground, as it won't be long until we're soaked through by the splash of sealand.

Swim with them in their serene pool:
sealand/souncloud
sealand/facebook
sealand/twitter