Neu The Neu Bulletin (Man/Woman/Chainsaw, Oslo Twins, Native James and more!)

Man/​Woman/​Chainsaw are back with new track ​‘Grow A Tongue in Time’ — our second glance at the quintet’s upcoming EP. Sitting somewhere between an orchestral score and a punk rebellion, their sound continues to defy boundaries and break tradition. Taking influence from the pioneers of south London’s DIY community, ​‘Grow A Tongue in Time’ sounds like a pastiche of Black Country, New Road’s later work; here, ethereal vocals coalesce with a cacophony of strings, resulting in a beautifully cinematic melange of sounds. (Neve Dawson)

London-based outfit Oslo Twins return with a rejuvenated creative vision on ​‘Sally’. Venturing into new sonic territory, the electro-infused track sees shimmering synths collide with syncopated beats to create an equally nostalgic and futuristic soundscape that glimmers with reinvention. Overlaid with lyrical reflections on hidden emotions and self-created facades, it’s a multi-faceted showcase of the quartet’s growth across songwriting and production. And, as the first offering since their 2023 debut EP ​‘Back To Nothing’, ​‘Sally’ marks a vibrant first step into a new era for Oslo Twins. (Emily Savage)

Pulling no punches and making every lyric count, Native James stays bang on brand with ​‘Field’. It’s a powerful, empowering, heady blast; it’s a wake-up call, packed with rage but directed carefully by an unashamed political voice. ​“That’s the way I feel”, the Ipswich-based rap/grime/rock-blending artist repeats here over huge, organic beats and roaring guitars. Native James delivers his bars with raw emotion, but vitally, ​‘Field’ doesn’t descend into angry noise. There’s a careful guiding hand behind those big sounds and furious words, resulting in a track which rises and falls like breaking ocean waves, carrying boundless but beautiful energy. (Phil Taylor)

Powerhouse singer-songwriter Ruti​’s new single marks their triumphant return, following the release of their EP ​‘Lungs’ earlier this year. A track which, lyrically, is about overthinking, ​‘Break My Own Heart’ fuses electronic, pop and alternative elements, seeing Ruti shelf their usual jazz influences as they continues to evolve their sound and push artistic boundaries. Ruti’s vocal range and prowess are, as always, out in full force here, placed at the forefront of the track. The atmospheric instrumental, meanwhile, weaves around them, providing scaffolding as all the layers come together in the track’s final third for a moment of show-stopping emotional release. (Gemma Cockrell) 

Lifted from her upcoming debut EP ​‘Control the Ending’, Cork-born artist Balderdasch serves up clever commentary on new single ​‘Service with a Smile’. Having thus far been likened to Jockstrap and Lynks, Balderdasch has her own unique take on experimental pop sounds, and this latest effort is an anthem for anyone who has experienced the woes of working in hospitality. Its booming bass and static‑y synths aren’t all-encompassing, but rather arranged in a way that leaves space for her widely relatable spoken word observations (which run the gamut from the mundanity of customer service to her overall distaste for the industry’s polite facade). With excitement bubbling for the forthcoming project, ​‘Service with a Smile’ is another peek at how Balderdasch artfully conceptualises day-to-day experiences. (Kayla Sandiford)

On the psychedelia-infused ​‘Flaws’, GARDENS offer an initial glimpse into their forthcoming debut album. Honing the Vienna quartet’s confessional storytelling over a buoyant backdrop of jangly guitar lines and cascading percussion, the track is an intricately crafted piece that glistens with warmth and depth. ​“I’m a keeper of my flaws / All the patterns that I store / Deep inside my mouth / Is where dark treasures can be found”, the entrancing lead vocals opine. Laced with themes of self-discovery and personal growth, ​‘Flaws’ firmly sets the tone for what to expect from its eponymous parent record. (Emily Savage)

Tags: Neu, Neu Bulletin, Balderdasch, GARDENS, Listen, Man/​Woman/​Chainsaw, Native James, Oslo Twins, Ruti, Watch