Hi Gigantic Gang,

Welcome back to another fine edition of #NewMusicFriday – Gigantic’s essential blog & playlist bringing you all the deets of the latest releases you need to know. Not only the ultimate soundtrack to the weekend, we also have tickets to see all your favs play life at their own shows plus the very best festivals.

It won’t be long till we can all enjoy the thrill of live music altogether once again. Until then, stay safe and look after each other xx

NEW ALBUMS

DECLAN MCKENNA – ‘Zeros’

Indie rock upstart Declan McKenna first grabbed attention winning the Emerging Talent Competition at Glastonbury 2015 before making good on his promising young talent with the release of debut album ‘What Do You Think About the Car?’ which narrowly missed breaking into the Top 10. Now he returns (albeit slightly delayed by the pandemic) with successor record ‘Zeros’ – and it’s a real cracker!

Taking his ques from the bombastic glam rock of the 70’s, the Enfield born songwriter is unafraid to go wonderfully over the top in ten ever-evolving songs which have a timeless singalong quality which have all the hallmarks of becoming a brand-new modern masterpiece.

“I knew that the album had to detail this cycle of life in which you’re thrust into a [path of destruction. I was dwelling on the same ideas and trying to explore my own emotions and those of other people, without forcing a specific narrative or concept. I finally managed to find this space where I could create and be free, and talk about myself and about the world at the same time.”

‘Zeros’ is out on Columbia Records and available on CD, Cassette, Vinyl and Limited Edition Glow In The Dark Vinyl.

You can see Declan McKenna play iconic Nottingham venue Rock City on Monday 5^th of April – tickets already selling fast!

Declan McKenna tickets are currently available.

YELLE – ‘L’Ère du Verseau’

French electropop trio Yelle were an immediate hit at home and across Europe and in the US when they released debut album ‘Pop Up’ which has since reached Silver certification since its release in 2007. Led by Julie Budet, their profile has steady risen across the globe with each new release.

‘L’Ère du Verseau’ (The Age Of Aquarius in English) is their first album in six years and takes a more mature tone than their previous output, dealing with issues of regrets, loss and mortality through innovative blends of sophisticated electronica and bright pop beats.

“This is a new moment, a moment of love, of fraternity, of equality for people. I really like this idea about going through something very hard but something good is going to come. Even if this album is maybe a little bit darker than the previous one, I think it’s because we grew up and we are maybe not naive anymore.” – Julie Budet

Don’t miss your chance to see Yelle play The Garage in London on Wednesday 16^th of December.

Yelle tickets are currently available.

TRICKY – ‘Fall To Pieces’

Bristol based triphop pioneer Tricky is renowned for his authenticity, transforming real life experiences of the street into sublime tracks that speak to a generation. On his latest LP ‘Fall To Pieces’, the rapper/producer takes this honesty to a whole new raw level as he publicly explores his personal grief following the tragic death of his 24-year-old daughter.

‘Hate This Pain’ directly addresses his daughter Mina Mazy’s suicide. The track repeats the refrain “What a fucking game – I hate this fucking pain” whilst minimal piano keys are joined by despondent guitars and strings. It’s an elegant show of sorrow, reminding the listener of the aching pain that never leaves but dulls with time.

Whilst anguish is at the core of his 14^th LP, Tricky is never entirely consumed by despair and somehow turns the hurt into a nuanced and compelling listen, marking it as one of the most evocative records of the year and proving that he still remains unmatched by his peers of yesterday and contemporaries of today.

Tricky tickets are currently available.

ESSENTIAL BUYS

OASIS – ‘(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?’ 25^th Anniversary Limited Edition

Return to the 90’s with the definitive sound of the decade. With their brash attitude, and huge anthems that celebrated northern working-class life inspired by the best of British guitar music from the 60’s and 70’s; Oasis elevated themselves to legendary status to become one of the most important bands – ever.

Their first album ‘Definitely Maybe’ had marked them at the forefront of a new generation of indie but it was the follow up record ‘(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?’ which saw them truly explode and become the very essence of an optimistic time and immediately hit No. 1 upon release in 1995.

Though the Gallagher brothers may no longer be speaking, you can bring back the glory days with ‘(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?’ 25^th Anniversary – a remaster of the album that still means absolutely everything.

‘(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?’ 25^th Anniversary is available on Limited Edition Silver Coloured Double Vinyl.