Neu The Neu Bulletin (Yazmin Lacey, GRACEY, Adore and more!)

Fresh off her collaboration with Ezra Collective on ​‘God Gave Me Feet For Dancing’, Yazmin Lacey is back with ​‘The Feels’. An infectious blend of soul and disco with Lacey’s distinctive vocals at its core, it recalls the groove of the ​’70s whilst still retaining a modern feel; evidently, she’s an artist who’s in touch with her influences, but who is unafraid to put a fresh spin on them. Building on her well-laid foundations, there’s an irresistible energy to ​‘The Feels’ which packs plenty of promise for future material. (Chris Connor) 

Pop multi-hyphenate GRACEY has returned with ​‘Back To Then’, the latest glimpse into a new chapter for the recent Glassnote signee. Arriving as a nostalgic follow-up to October’s ​‘Rhetorical Questions’, it provides a refreshingly mature reflection on a past relationship. Suffused with the cinematic songwriting that has already gained her a catalogue of credits stretching from Raye to Kylie Minogue, the atmospheric track wraps feelings of nostalgia, longing, and hope into a delightfully synth-laden package. Securing her self-assured return to the limelight, GRACEY is back and better than ever. (Emily Savage)

Irish trip Adore​’s latest release ​‘Can We Talk’ surges with an unrelenting drive. Tackling the topic of being trapped in a cycle of abuse — which vocalist Lara Minchin describes as ​“a horror film — the threat is always there” — the experience is presented via a dusky grunge scuzz of thickly laid bass and crumpled riffs, with more intense spurts which channel the idea of a dangerous, steady-growing force. Through the unrelenting instrumentation, there’s a notable lyrical shift: ​“Strength falters / So I follow your rules,” becomes ​“Unhand me / I’ll cut all ties, I’ll be alright.” Taking you through an emotional loop which captures a sense of entrapment and need for an escape, ​‘Can We Talk’ exudes an unflinching rawness with incredible staying power through each pulse of its powerful sound. (Kayla Sandiford)

Displaying a mastery of personal storytelling through song, Ellur​’s latest single sees her take ownership of her true self. It features a beautifully smooth, grand build across its whole, generous breadth, taking us from introductory guitar to a multi-faceted ending, complete with triumphant sax solo. Ellur’s remarkably fluid voice is the standout here, beginning with intimacy and progressing to soaring passion, while ranging from low-pitched alto to a high, broad cry. ​‘Yellow Light’ leaves no stone unturned, while still allowing plenty of room for interpretation. (Phil Taylor)

A darkened mirror to 2022 predecessor ​‘Late Summer’ and an accompaniment to recent release ​‘To Believe (To Repel Ghosts Part 2)’, Saint Jude​’s hauntingly hypnotic new track ​‘To Believe (Late Summer Part 2 — Autumn)’ delivers a more personal plea for something to believe in. Defined by moody, sludgy guitar, an atmospherically industrial soundscape, and a brooding isolation in his restrained vocal delivery, there’s a wintry feeling of being stuck within unshakeable concrete confines. ​“Give me something to believe / Give me a way to feel free,” are his departing words, closing off a track of lucid, cerebral intrigue. (Kayla Sandiford)

Tags: Neu, Neu Bulletin, Adore, Ellur, GRACEY, Listen, Saint Jude, Watch, Yazmin Lacey