Neu The Neu Bulletin (Francis Of Delirium, Etta Marcus, Dove Ellis and more!)

Jana Bahrich is back, and her writing is — somehow — stronger than ever. ​‘Little Black Dress’ is an incredibly well-rounded song: punchy and satisfying in the way it guides the ear, but also just a tad unpredictable. Heady vocal harmonies lead the way, followed by thrummy, rich guitar, and the track soon settles into a rolling pace, all grungy rock and cymbal-heavy drumming. And then, after rising chords and Jana’s strident vocals push the song to triumphant levels, its shimmery bridge section throws us a curveball with an unexpected variation on the main theme — just the kind of subtle touch which lifts Francis of Delirium above her peers. (Phil Taylor)

Etta Marcus continues to launch her ​‘Devour’ era with ​‘Teenage Messiah’, a track that feels both lush and volatile. It’s cinematic in scope, layering moody atmospherics with a gothic energy that simmers into something urgent and electrifying. Marcus’ voice, rich and commanding, guides the song through moments of tension and release, marrying vulnerability with defiance. The result is a striking statement of intent: heavier, harsher, and unapologetically bold. ​‘Teenage Messiah’ signals a fearless new chapter for one of South London’s most compelling voices. (Gemma Cockrell)

Galway-born singer-songwriter Dove Ellis finally hits streaming platforms with a reimagined version of his debut single, ​‘To the Sandals’. Described by Ellis as ​“reflections on a failing shotgun marriage in Cancún”, the track finds the Irishman in an enigmatic mode, pensively strumming his guitar and singing in a soaring falsetto à la Thom Yorke circa 1995. It’s not your typical indie ballad, though. The drumming is jerky and the saxophone whimpers as Ellis and co. turn the song into a gorgeous, experimental gem that even late-career Talk Talk would have approved of. Can we have an LP, please? (Attila Peter) 

Having spent the past few years putting their distinctive stamp on underground electro-punk via a string of high-octane EPs, raucous duo Shelf Lives return with ​‘like heR’ — a number that, over its three minute runtime, shifts gear from scuzzy synths to explosive guitars (and back again) with apparent effortlessness. A satisfyingly lo-fi mediation on the fine line between jealousy, admiration, and obsession, it’s a comeback track that’s sure to inspire all of the above. 

Weaving art-pop composition with a chamber folk palette, Truthpaste re-emerge with their dreamy and gardenesque single ​‘Bleary Eyes’. Intricate acoustic guitars tumble over planing violins while bass harmonics chime atop pattering yet shrouded percussion. A track that rises with a contemporary post-rock flourish akin to caroline or Racing Mount Pleasant, the lead vocal lines are stunning in their emotive range and sensitivity, elevating and intoxicating in equal measure. Blending the sonic worlds of Richard Dawson, Songs: Ohia and The Books, Truthpaste carve out an image of sentimentality and sincerity all while brimming with promise and potential. (A. L. Noonan)

Tags: Neu, Neu Bulletin, Dove Ellis, Etta Marcus, Francis of Delirium, Listen, Shelf Lives, Truthpaste, Watch