Neu The Neu Bulletin (Paige Kennedy, Fuzz Lightyear, sm^sher and more!)

The latest from Manchester-based artist Paige Kennedy, ​‘Life In Fear’, sees them grappling with finding acceptance when challenged by scrutiny. Outspoken in its fragmented, synth-driven, dance-pop sound, it plays with a pulse that serves as a buzzy undercurrent to Kennedy’s electronic, falsetto hook. Lyrically, the track does well to singularly communicate Kennedy’s struggle, which they have described as “…the way lifestyle can be performed online, with our darker secrets hidden, leading to shame about the realities of our average lives.” 

Disguised under a compression mask in the accompanying video, they critique the performative angle of a picture perfect life: freshly pressed clothes, taking their vitamins, a green smoothie in the morning — all the healthy habits your average self-help book would recommend for someone in the pursuit of a balanced, happy lifestyle. Under the surface, though, this facade crumbles as they sink into a grotesquely indulgent underbelly, showing the reality of living as someone that you’re not. It’s a thoughtful, innovative take on a personal mental battle that ties into a widely identifiable experience, all while highlighting Kennedy’s quirky, artful approach. (Kayla Sandiford)

Newly signed Leeds four-piece Fuzz Lightyear not only have one of the best names going, but, with latest single ​‘My Body’, they seem to have landed on those magic ingredients that elevate a song from good to great. Relentless guitars, big metronomic drums, a rapid pace, and furious vocals set the scene, while lyrical themes of personal boundaries and our place in society are worthy and intriguing. It’s loud and no-nonsense, but it’s the adept, energetic delivery and the track’s progressive rise and fall that elevates it above the noise. Many have attempted this, and many have failed. Step up Fuzz Lightyear. (Phil Taylor)

Contending with a loosening grip on reality, new single ​‘the reaction’ sees sm^sher — aka Imogen Mason, perhaps better known as one third of wonky electro-psych trio Voka Gentle — dimming the lights and tightening the rhythmic notches until all residual lucidity dribbles away into a smoky, brutalist ether of choppy, industrial techno beats. Something akin to if PVA were replaced by heavy machinery and their mainframe was hacked by an evil supercomputer, ​‘the reaction’ will funnel you down a factory conveyor belt of Mason’s own mind, pulverising you before slicing, dicing, and baking at 1000 degrees. (Hazel Blacher)

Liza Lo​’s new single ​‘Gipsy Hill’ is a tender and melancholic ode to the feeling of slow separation from a place that once felt like home. Inspired by her five years in South London, the track features Lo’s evocative vocals layered over stripped-back acoustic guitar and subtle strings, capturing a wistful blend of indie-folk and pop that’s reminiscent of the likes of Alice Phoebe Lou and Julia Jacklin. Following her recent UK headline tour and signing to Gearbox Records, ​‘Gipsy Hill’ continues to solidify Lo’s rise in the indie-folk scene, bringing raw emotion and poignant reflection to the forefront. (Gemma Cockrell) 

A dramatic swathe of pads and feedback announce the entry of Hachiku​’s latest offering, while lo-fi beats quickly morph into crisp organic drums, offset by the entirely electronic instrumentation that swirls around them. This is the ideal setting for Annika Ostendorf’s dream-pop vocals to lead us in a merry, space-age dance — one that’ll have you bouncing off the zero-gravity walls. The sometime spoken-word lyrics only emphasise the melody and sweetness of their sung counterparts, and while the words feel wholesome and affirming, as always with Hachiku, there’s a sense of ambiguity. Then, there’s the genius sudden ending; not that that’s a new musical device, of course, but Hachiku has a unique way of implementing the unexpected. (Phil Taylor)

Tags: Features, Fuzz Lightyear, Hachiku, Listen, Liza Lo, Paige Kennedy, sm^sher, Watch