On my stereo this week: Wolf Alice, Wet Leg and Jessie Monk.

Hello everyone. With so much new music coming out, I honestly don’t know where to start in letting you know what I have been listening to lately. But let’s start anyway with two of my favourite modern rock bands and an avant-folk musician and multi-faceted artist who has seriously won me over. I hope you like her too. Enjoy!

Wolf Alice – ‘Bloom Baby Bloom’.

As Wolf Alice gets set to release their forthcoming album The Clearing (slated to arrive late August), I thought it would be a great time to check out the new single Bloom Baby Bloom the Londoners dropped to tease us. Lyrically the track explores themes around self-empowerment. In the pre-chorus, I really like how seemingly pissed and angry Ellie Rowsell sounds – “Look at me trying to play it hard/I’m so sick and tired of playing it hard.” Then moments later she’s changing tact to deliver a cathartic release – “But I’ll Bloom, Baby, Bloom/Watch me, yeah, you’ll see just what I’m worth.” Vocally, Rowsell is extraordinary here. It’s no wonder she’s been hailed as one of the best vocalists and songwriters currently going around. Moreover, I just love how this reluctant rock star has managed to successfully navigate all the shit thrown at her about being a front woman and guitarist.  Sonically, Bloom Baby Bloom is different to what I’d expected to hear from a Wolf Alice (single release) with its jaunty piano-led sound. While the song hints at the start of a new era for the band, we’ve been warned it isn’t necessarily representative of the full album’s sound. More on this in the near future. 

Wet Leg – ‘Catch These Fists’.

There’s no band quite like Wet Leg. From their novelty song inspired debut Chaise Longue to my favourite song of 2022 Ur Mum, they truly set themselves apart from the pack of wanna-be indie artists. That said, they’re distilled the hallmarks of their signature indie pop punk sound into their new song Catch These Fists, which incidentally has a killer live vibe. Just watch Wet Leg’s performance on The Jonathan Ross Show HERE. With Rhian Teasdale’s deadpan lead vocals and riffs that just wont quit (Personally I can’t get enough of that chugging bass), this song is a perfect introduction to Wet Leg for those who missed the hysteria around their self-titled debut album. It’s fair to say Wet Leg revels in social commentary in particular life’s hang-ups; and on their new single they have set their sniper scope on deflating the ego of night club pickup artists. Teasdale in particular is as sharp as ever, with her witty commentary. From disdain (“He don’t get puss, he gets the boot”) to disgust (“I just threw up in my mouth/ When he just tried to ask me out”) where could you possibly go wrong with all the in-jokes? In short, Wet leg still prove they are relatable, defiant and hilarious.

Jessie Monk – ‘Metamorphosising’.

A deeply personal concept album from an exciting Australian talent came across my desk in recent weeks. Blending ethereal vocals with avant-garde instrumentation, Jessie Monk’s Mis O’ The Mountains feels like an emotional charged gift from god. Inspired by the ancient Celtic myth of Mis, Monk reimagines the tale of Mis—a woman transformed by loss into a winged creature of the wild, to her own experience of grief following her father’s passing. Each track reflects this journey, moving through an array of tangled musical arrangements which include elements of experimental folk and contemporary dance. This haunting and transformative album is best listened to from beginning to end. Choosing one song to highlight here is next to impossible. That said, I’m smitten (if that is the right word) with Metamorphosising, the fifth track from the album, a wonderful example of Monk’s daring exploration of grief and transformation.