From Blackpool, England
For fans of Grouper, Sinéad O’Connor, and Dean Blunt.
Coming soon: New album Blurr out September 19 via AD 93.
The UK underground scene thrives on a raw, gritty energy—a sound steeped in unease. You don’t need an explanation; just listen to Moin, Mark William Lewis, Quade, or Still House Plants and let that mood seep into your bones. A key influence here is Dean Blunt’s experimental edge, and if you know his work, you’ve likely heard Joanne Robertson, his longtime collaborator (featured on Black Metal 2 and Backstage Raver). For those unfamiliar, Robertson is poised to break through with Blurr, her new album that weaves folk textures into this murky, compelling soundscape.
Robertson is also a painter, embracing improvisation in both art forms. “I want the work to almost fail,” she once said. “I struggle with conventional ideas of beauty.” Blurr’s songs drift like spiderwebs—her hazy, deep-strummed guitar loops endlessly, grounding her wandering vocals. There’s a heaviness to her playing reminiscent of ’90s Kentucky post-rock, while her melodies hypnotize. The single Gown echoes Sinéad O’Connor’s Celtic hymns, while sharper moments recall early Cat Power, and softer touches bring Jessica Pratt to mind. Her distant delivery evokes Grouper’s ghostly presence, as if wandering through fog. Oliver Coates’ cello adds an eerie glow, finding unexpected light in the gloom.
— Laura Snapes
### This Week’s Best New Tracks
Snooper – Worldwide
Nashville’s anarchic “egg punk” pioneers return with a Devo-inspired track, frontwoman Blair Tramel delivering frenetic, gymnastic commands.
Oren Ambarchi / Johan Berthling / Andreas Werliin – Chahar
The trio’s Ghosted project continues with a rhythmic jazz odyssey, driven by Berthling’s killer bassline, Werliin’s funky drums, and Ambarchi’s restless guitar.
Nourished By Time – Baby Baby
A standout from the underground pop artist’s upcoming album, blending political frustration with psychedelic new wave and ’80s R&B.
Enny – Cabin Feva
Her slam-poetry-meets-hip-hop flow shines over sparse jazz beats, rapping about self-respect in unbalanced relationships.
Rema – Kelebu
The Nigerian star refuses to play it safe after Calm Down’s success—this track is a thrilling, chaotic sprint.
Witch Fever – Fevereaten
Manchester’s goth-rock force confronts divine oppression with brooding intensity and explosive rage.
Ondo Fudd – Limelight
Call Super revives his alias for a futuristic Chicago house cut, its bassline shifting like light through a prism.
— Ben Beaumont-Thomas
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