Hi Gigantic gang,
Who knew that there was more water in the clouds than the entire North Sea?!? I mean, we’re used to British summertime being more than a bit wet but we’ve seen buses being cut up by whales on our way to work.
While we’re busy trying to genetically engineer gills here in the Gigantic offices, we have also been scouring the internet for the brand-new music that you definitely need to know. Not only do we have the latest LPs, singles and videos but we also have gig and festival tickets so you can hear your favourite tunes being played live.
Chin up and keep your powder dry x
Video
AMBER MARK – ‘What If’
Having hit a staggering 100 million streams across all her online platforms, New York R&B songwriter Amber Mark is celebrating with the release of a new video for her sultry single ‘What If’ which is taken from her ‘Conexão’ EP.
“What If is as of right now my most cherished song. It deals with going through heartbreak and the realization of amazing opportunities you gain & learn from the dark times in your life. I hope you all love this song as much as I do.”
Amber Mark tickets are currently available.
Singles
THE ACADEMIC – ‘SUPERLIKE’
Irish indie rock upstarts The Academic are fast becoming the favourite band of listeners around the globe with the release of their debut album ‘Tales From The Backseat’ last year. Not resting on their laurels, the lads are back with upbeat love song ‘SUPERLIKE’.
The boys are so proud of their new single, they have even released a video explaining how they went about writing it which you can see right HERE! Make sure you swipe right for these lads and see them smash it at Scala London on Tuesday 15th of October – tickets on sale right now!
The Academic tickets are currently available.
Albums
TUSKS – ‘Avalanche’
Many have found themselves captivated by the ambient electronic pop of Emily Underhill AKA Tusks marking her as a true cult sensation, and with the release of her second album ‘Avalanche’ she looks set to tip over into a massive mainstream success.
Featuring the incredible singles ‘Be Mine’ and ‘Peachy Keen’, Underhill has started embracing a wider sphere of sound on her new record showing a real development in her considerable song writing skill: “I got really into My Bloody Valentine, Foals, Marika Hackman, Wolf Alice and a lot of female-led grungy guitar music”
Underhill took a trip to Norway whilst developing her follow up LP. Impressed with the epic mountainous landscapes, it would directly inform the title, artwork and feel of ‘Avalanche’ and turn it into a truly compelling listen.
Tusks tickets are currently available.
CHARLIE CUNNINGHAM – ‘Permanent Way’
Acoustic guitarist Charlie Cunningham developed his unique style after spending two years in Saville, learning Spanish guitar where it originated from. Cunningham may be reserved day to day, but he is unafraid to push himself artistically and create truly wonderous observational music as heard on his debut album ‘Permanent Way’: “I’m quite a private person outside of performing. There is some autobiographical stuff in the lyrics, but it flits in and out quite a lot; it’s much more about people generally and their interactions”.
Co-produced by Duncan Tootill (who adds keys) and engineer Sam Scott (who brings brass plus percussion) with a session in LA with Rodaidh McDonald, ‘Permanent Way’ shows off Cunningham’s impressive powers as a storyteller through lyrics and his deft skill on the six string.
Charlie Cunningham tickets are currently available.
CALEXICO + IRON & WINE – ‘Years To Burn’
“A short but sweet album of eight immaculate songs bringing out the best of the two acts.” – Jimi Arundell, Indie Is Not A Genre
Nearly fifteen years ago, beloved Americana act Calexico and Sam Beam AKA Iron & Wine teamed up to release their acclaimed ‘In The Reins’ EP. Thrilled with the results but sensing the job was somehow incomplete, both parties had always wanted to work together for a full length record and their Christmas wish was granted when they recorded ‘Years To Burn’ during December 2018
“This project had to find the right time. We’re all different people than we were in 2004, and music helps to bridge some of the gaps. For all the things going on in our world and in each of our lives, this connection, this friendship, this love that we have—this album is a vehicle for that bond. It’s a chance to see where we’re at, take stock and be there for our friends.” – Joey Burns (Calexico)
While we may have been forced to wait for almost an era, it certainly has been worth it. ‘Years To Burn’ is more than just a curiosity for fans of Iron & Wine and\or Calexico as their meticulous efforts and substantial talents have combined to create an essential record. Out now on Sub Pop.