Neu The Neu Bulletin (Moreish Idols, Slow Fiction, pem and more!)

Moreish Idols’ new single ​‘Slouch’ is a captivating blend of personal introspection and genre-blending musicality, showcasing their unique place in London’s indie scene. Released via Speedy Wunderground, it departs from their early post-punk intensity, instead venturing into lush, hook-laden terrain, echoing influences from the psych and indie realms whilst retaining the band’s distinctive sound. Inspired by frontman Jude Lilley’s experiences with ankylosing spondylitis — an autoimmune disease affecting the spine and pelvis — the lyrics reflect both gratitude and resilience, as he expresses appreciation for the NHS in helping him navigate chronic illness. The result is a stirring, contemplative release, and one which marks a new chapter for the band. (Gemma Cockrell)

Slow Fiction are a rising force on the New York guitar scene, and latest single ​‘Brother’ should only bolster this reputation. There’s an element of late ​’80s/​early ​’90s indie at play here, as the band’s swaggering, propulsive sound builds into a fascinating segment where the bass and Julia Vassallo’s vocals are isolated, before the drums and guitars kick back in. If you dive into Slow Fiction’s sound, you’ll find there’s a palpable excitement emerging from the Brooklyn group’s corner. (Chris Connor) 

Steeped in its titular mystery, it’s hard to predict where ​‘ellipsis’ will turn after its quiet, sighing opening, but Pem (aka Bristol musician Emily Perry) soon enters the scene to douse us with a brooding kind of intimacy, musing on life’s miscommunications. Her voice, while beautiful and capable, retains an other-worldly fragility: she communicates so much with every tiny inflection, telling as much by omission as inclusion, proving she’s risen above the frustrations of which she sings. It’s full of genuine emotion, and finds Pem more than brave enough to leave things unresolved… (Phil Taylor)

The opening moments of Essence Martins’ newest single almost sound like she could be Ilene Woods, voicing Cinderella’s waltz around the ballroom in 1950. Quickly, though, it’s clear that’s not the case. Rather than twirling around with her soulmate, Martins is ruminating on all the relationships — including one with a well-dressed, magazine-owning BBC employee — that have left her feeling like a stepping stone to their brighter, happier futures. Led by her guitar, there isn’t much distress, sadness or anger in her honeyed vocals; instead, it feels more like a quiet resignation washing over her. However she’s feeling, the track is another testament to her entrancing voice and immersive storytelling. (Caitlin Chatterton)

Effortlessly blending folk sensibilities with ethereal melodies, Annahstasia​’s ​‘Sunday’ is a meditative escape. Anchored by her commanding voice, the track’s gentle guitar strums and delicate harp evoke an atmosphere that’s both grounding and transcendent, with Annahstasia delivering a performance that feels timeless. It’s drenched in a serene beauty, and hints at an artist unafraid to traverse emotional depths, positioning her alongside icons like Tracy Chapman and Sade. Expect her forthcoming debut album, due next year, to continue in this same beautiful vein. (Gemma Cockrell)

The art deco, Parisian-styled restaurant just off London’s Piccadilly Circus plays host to Luvcat​’s latest cut, a declaration of infatuation as well as a love letter to her ​‘favourite spot in Soho’. Having arrived on Halloween, the single is only Luvcat’s third release, but the London-via-Liverpool artist has already spun herself a world of darkly glamorous, Cabaret-infused whimsy. On this outing she’s demanding to be wined and dined, white tablecloths and all, as high-kicking production builds to a high drama crescendo. It’s all a bit Harley Quinn, and more than a bit irresistible. (Caitlin Chatterton)

A soul-driven pleasure and the final single from Koteri​’s debut EP, ​‘Know It All’ rolls with a silky-smooth, old school groove. Defined by the heartbeat of a syncopated bass, with a percussive strut lined with a pondering key progression, the track plays like a deep, mindful inhale, grounding the dreamy vocal melodies that dance throughout the track. Adding vibrant electronic flecks to liven up timeless warm tones, Koteri possess a tantalising, honey-drizzled sound, pointing to their ​‘Heaven’s A Lonely Place’ EP as an absolute must-listen. (Kayla Sandiford) 

Raised in Jordan but now based in London, Ziyad Al-Samman has been steadily building a reputation via his unique blend of psychedelic-disco-pop. Latest single ​‘Ya Habibi’ delivers on the hype with an irresistible groove — one which, in an ideal world, should be best enjoyed on a packed dancefloor. It’s a melting pot of his heritage and musical influences — not quite one thing or another — but this melange comes alive in wonderful, unexpected ways. (Chris Connor) 

Alternative folk-rock band The Slow Country​’s debut single ​‘Walking Song’ is a brooding anthem of romantic symbolism and wailing vocals. Depicting a disorientating journey through a dream, the track discusses memories and feelings of self-doubt as its narrator tries to find a way home. As an opening gambit, it encapsulates everything the band has to offer — skills mastered via their recent turns performing with acts such as The Last Dinner Party and Trudy and the Romance. With a debut as bold as this, the London six-piece look to have a bright future. (Kyle Roczniak) 

The final single from their debut EP ‘scrap’, wonderbug’s ‘answers’ is perhaps the project’s most striking offering. Lyrically, it’s like stumbling upon a private conversation that winces with exasperation (“So, there’s no use in hoping / Another door closes / You’ve fallen short again”), whilst sonically the track’s hardened riffs and level-headed percussion underpin the back and forth between verses, simmering into driven choruses and swinging breaks with an inquisitive, improvisational sound. (Kayla Sandiford)

Tags: Neu, Neu Bulletin, Annahstasia, Essence Martins, Koteri, Listen, Luvcat, Moreish Idols, Pem, Slow Fiction, The Slow Country, Watch, Wonderbug, Ziyad Al-Samman