News Roundup

 Another dry week for music news means another new music update, and this week’s involves a new Soccer Mommy EP, Declan McKenna’s upcoming album and ‘Stranger In The Alps’ turning six. 

To start with, Soccer Mommy’s ‘Karaoke Night’ EP is finally all out as of Friday. It features five covers in her distinctive style, which include Taylor Swift’s ‘I’m Only Me When I’m With You’ and R.E.M.’s ‘Losing My Religion’. Soccer Mommy is an artist who rarely releases cover songs, but those that she features on live, for example her live cover of ‘Iris’ with Snail Mail, are some of the most well-executed I’ve ever heard, staying true to the song while maintaining the stylistic features of her music. Generally, I would say that what I’ve heard of the EP is in keeping with this, and it’s another job well done by one of the most distinctive voices of modern indie music. 

Secondly, Declan McKenna has announced that his third album ‘What Happened To The Beach?’ will be coming out on the 9th February 2024. The announcement is a long way in advance, but this hopefully means that singles, live dates and merch will be made available to occupy eager fans until the release date. With the announcement, Declan released a single from the album, titled ‘Nothing Works’, which follows up the single ‘Sympathy’ which he released prior. So far, I’ve been enjoying both of these songs, and I’m loving that the pyschedelic pop rock vibe of Declan’s music seems to be continuing as he matures further into his own sound. So, another important release date to add to your calendar. 

Finally, Phoebe Bridgers debut album turned six this week! ‘Stranger In The Alps’ is an indie folk album packed full of emotionality which demonstrates Phoebe’s raw power, even back in 2017. My personal favourites from the album include ‘Demi Moore’, ‘Would You Rather?’ and, from the deluxe edition, Phoebe’s cover of ‘It’ll All Work Out’ by Tom Petty. This album is a must-hear, and it’s birthday is as good a time as any to tell anyone who’s holding out on listening to Phoebe Bridgers to bite the bullet and press play on her debut album.