Left Bank Magazine

05/28/2020

Review: Jenny Slate “Little Weirds”

Perhaps second only to Virginia Woolf, Jenny Slate: Stage Fright thoroughly explores, and explain, the importance of a sense of place—both outside and within—as a totem of the female experience.

Through her book “Little Weirds,” Slate writes weird essays that in some areas feels like a stream of consciousness and in other places, reads like childish short fiction. This new format of not-quite fiction, not-quite memoir serves her well though.

At times it is hard to follow her train of thought, but towards the second half of the book, everything just starts to make so much sense: Jenny Slate is a woman who feels things, lives life fully, and sometimes it fits into nice packages and other times it takes the format of nonsensical fiction essays about making out with rabbits.

Check it out on our site now x

Perhaps second only to Virginia Woolf, Jenny Slate thoroughly explores, and explain, the importance of a sense of place—both outside and within—as a totem of the female experience. Through her book…

05/28/2020

“A Day Without Women” protest forces femicide into social consciousness

A little something we love to look back on from @HighStreetDisco:
On Monday March 9, women in Mexico participated in a 24-hour strike called, “The Day Without Women,” leaving schools, offices, public transportation, and social spaces half-empty all across the country.

Read more about it on our site now x

On Monday March 9, women in Mexico participated in a 24-hour strike called, “The Day Without Women,” leaving schools, offices, public transportation, and social spaces half-empty all across the cou…

05/28/2020

Video: Abbie Ozard // Crocodile Tears (Official Video)

How much does effortful emotional rejection really free the rejector? That seems to be the question just below the poppy-pretty surface in Manchester-based artist Abbie Ozard's new single ‘Crocodile Tears’.

Check it out now x

How much does effortful emotional rejection really free the rejector? That seems to be the question just below the poppy-pretty surface in Manchester-based artist Abbie Ozard’s new single …

05/27/2020

Sounds: CHARMPIT // Wild Wild Westfield

“Montage!” the lead singer of Charmpit shouts before a short, surfy guitar solo leads into the final, celebratory chorus on their track ‘West West Westfield’. The London-based band consists of members who identify in press materials only by their first names—Anne-Marie, Rhi, Alex, and Estella—recently released their record Cause A Stir (on blue vinyl, for those colorful collectors) on Specialist Subject Records.

Check it on our site now x

“Montage!” the lead singer of CHARMPIT shouts before a short, surfy guitar solo leads into the final, celebratory chorus on their track ‘West West Westfield’. The London-based band cons…

05/26/2020

The Orielles: the Halifax trio taking over the world (and the universe)

Words by #JanelleBorg

The Orielles are a British indie-rock band that is going from strength to strength.

Their latest release, the shimmery, space-infused Disco Volador, blends disco-funk, electronica, dream pop and 70s influences, resulting in a truly innovative sound that makes them stand out from the crowd.

I caught up with drummer Sidonie amid the coronavirus crisis (virtually, of course) to talk about the current state of the world and band. Check it x

Words by Janelle Borg The Orielles are a British indie-rock band that is going from strength to strength. Their latest release, the shimmery, space-infused Disco Volador, blends disco-funk, electro…

05/26/2020

Models demand respect, write letter to Victoria’s Secret CEO

On February 1, The New York Times released a shocking report detailing the extensive sexual harassment and abuse allegations against former Victoria’s Secret CEO Ed Razek and L Brands founder Leslie Wexner. As a response, over 100 models from Model Alliance have signed an open letter to Victoria’s Secret CEO John Mehas to address and change their, “culture of misogyny and abuse.”

Read more about this on our site x

On February 1, The New York Times released a shocking report detailing the extensive sexual harassment and abuse allegations against former Victoria’s Secret CEO Ed Razek and L Brands founder Lesli…

05/25/2020

In Conversation with The SoapGirls

If you’ve never heard of The SoapGirls prepare to be astounded. Noemie Debray and Camille Debray have been operating under the name ‘The SoapGirls’ for quite a while now, and have toured the world with their music and their strand of fearless activism.

I caught up with these two DIY artists just before they were about to kick off their next world tour, to talk about their music and the issues that affect them the most.

Check it out on the site now x

If you’ve never heard of The SoapGirls, prepare to be astounded. Noemie Debray and Camille Debray have been operating under the name ‘The SoapGirls’ for quite a while now, and hav…

05/25/2020

10 books to read during your quarantine

As we continue to power through our days of self-isolation and the daily dosages of boredom and anxiety that come along with it, picking up a book may just be the best, most welcome way to escape.

Not only is cozying up with a good book a great way to practice stress-relief and self-care, it’s also fun, entertaining, and a quick way to steer your mind away from the chaotic pandemic news-cycle and towards new and exciting literary worlds.

I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorites, all of which are available to buy everywhere where books are sold.

Check it out on our site and happy reading, Disco Babes!

As we continue to power through our days of self-isolation and the daily dosages of boredom and anxiety that come along with it, picking up a book may just be the best, most welcome way to escape. …

05/23/2020

Video: PRIG // Plants

Disaffection reigned in ’90s lo-fi, and its reach—with cheery pop guitars, punk lackadaisical vox, and sardonically playful lyrics—continues healthily into today.

“Drive with me into this dry oasis,” sings Nethaniel Ratsaby, one half of Berlin-based PrIG.

In the video for ‘Plants’ from their debut EP, Nethaniel and bandmate Ambroise Prieur launch a half-hearted attack against a giant, cartoon flower—

charmingly animated by Ariel Glencer (Ariel My Friend). The attack doesn’t quite succeed, and they’re forced to retreat on their sea-creature bottom-halves, pursued by zombie flower children.

We love it - check it out on our site now x

05/22/2020

Sounds: Hotel Leo // Our Love

Sometimes you need a downtempo, indie electronic tune to sooth you from the stress that is the outside world.

Hotel Leo’s “Our Love” is that tune for us. Featuring deep, dark vocals and instrumentals and a chorus vaguely inspired by Hot Chip, “Our Love” is the kind of track that you can get lost inside.

The track is the second single from their upcoming album, Matters, which Hotel Leo has been writing and recording at home over the past couple of years.

You can listen right now on our site x

05/22/2020

Premiere: Exit Daze // Back to the City

In true quarantine fashion, we are here to regale the prospect of staying in our quarantine haven for a long period of time with this stunning video from Harlem, New York band Exit Daze. Led by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Nick Lotto, he sings “there’s no way I’m ever going back to the city,” which is a common sentiment for all of our friends who have fled New York City, Berlin, London, and other large cities for a bit of quarantine respite.

Check it out now x

05/21/2020

Video: archmotors // Space

Left Bank Magazine was started some 6 odd years ago to surface the artistic talent that was largely undiscovered around the world. Since then, we’ve covered festivals, done interviews with pretty big artists, launched a creative agency, etc. And then, something like this comes across our desk and reminds us of our roots.

Archmotors has created a super creative music video for their track “Space,” featuring simplistic, yet daring animation. Check it out now x

05/21/2020

Sounds: Yune // Odd One Out

Words by Lane Dombois

The foundation of Danish indie quintet Yune's new single ‘Odd One Out,’ from their debut album ‘Agog’, is bass player Mads Flethøj Ege’s Radiohead-reminiscent, octave jumping groove.

Overlaid with sometimes reedy, sometimes spacey guitars from Erlend Eggstad and Nikolaj Bugge, the spiraling treble disorientation is calmed by Tobias Sachse’s effected vocals and Tobias Andreassen’s timbrels-laden beat.

Hear it now on our site x

Words by Lane Dombois The foundation of Danish indie quintet Yune’s new single ‘Odd One Out,’ from their debut album ‘Agog’, is bass player Mads Flethøj Ege’s Ra…

05/21/2020

R8: Black Beach Baby // Hold On

Royally obsessed with this tune by Stockholm-based Black Beach Baby. The indie rock tune soothes us like a lullaby—and is the perfect medicine for these coronavirus times that we are living in.

Listen to their tune “Hold On” and rate it below. And, if you can’t get enough of Black Beach Baby, check out their isolation playlist on Spotify (linked on our site) x

Royally obsessed with this tune by Stockholm-based Black Beach Baby. The indie rock tune soothes us like a lullaby—and is the perfect medicine for these coronavirus times that we are living in. Lis…

05/20/2020

Sounds: Sealife // Night Flower

Sounds: Sealife // Night Flower
“Each breakthrough eventually slides, and loses its edge, to reveal how shockingly predictable newness can be.”

Thus Sealife—Seattle-based solo project by Brennan Moring—describes their debut album, On a Paler Shade of White.

Check it out now on our site x

“Each breakthrough eventually slides, and loses its edge, to reveal how shockingly predictable newness can be.” Thus Sealife—Seattle-based solo project by Brennan Moring—describes their debut…

05/19/2020

TL;DR review: SIS // Hold It Against You

TL;DR review: SIS // Hold It Against You
tl;dr 3 emoji review: 😢 🏄‍♂️ 🌴

Who: SIS

New nickname: Morrissey on a Surfboard

Where: LA/The Internet

Lit level rating (out of 5): 🔥🔥🔥🔥

tl;dr 3 emoji review: 😢 🏄‍♂️ 🌴 Who: SIS New nickname: Morrissey on a Surfboard Where: LA/The Internet Lit level rating (out of 5): 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Feels like: You’ll 🖤 if you: Washed Out, Surf Rock is De…

05/19/2020

Sounds: Duet for Theremin and Lap Steel [ambient]

Duet for Theremin and Lap Steel is an improvising duo from Atlanta Georgia who has performed extensively nationally and internationally for the past 14 years.

They are too well described by their own moniker to merit a headcount or instrument breakdown—Scott Burland is the thereminist, Frank Schultz the lap steelist. For ‘Maelstrom’, a track from their recent release ‘Halocline,’ they’re joined by Dane Waters on vocals.

Check it out now x

05/18/2020

Sounds x Review: CocoRosie // Restless

A semi-epic story of folly in love’s blindness, CocoRosie's “Restless,” from their seventh album Put The Shine On, is based on a classic, straight-eighths piano progression.

But layered upon this familiar lightness are the surreal images of a woman lost in passions, unable to see beyond her restless soul.

You can hear it now on our site x

A semi-epic story of folly in love’s blindness, CocoRosie’s “Restless,” from their seventh album Put The Shine On, is based on a classic, straight-eighths piano progression.…

05/18/2020

Tête-à-tête with Sally Haze

We just can’t get enough of Sally Haze, and don’t care who knows it! In addition to premiering their new track “All That Matters” (which you can listen to on our site) we also sat down with them — just kidding, it’s quarantine, so we actually just emailed them — to discuss their new track, plans after quarantine, and the best clubs in London.

Check out the interview below x

05/17/2020

Left Bank Music Industry News | Week of May 11, 2020

Left Bank Music Industry News | Week of May 11, 2020

Join our host Rebecca Sansom, Founder of Blonde Artist Management, as she recaps top music-related headlines each week.

Made in partnership with our friends at Blonde Artist Management.

Join our host Rebecca Sansom, Founder of Blonde Artist Management, as she recaps top music-related headlines each week. Made in partnership with our friends at Blonde Artist Management.

05/17/2020

Mixtape: Father Space Cadet’s Quarantine Dance Party

Words by Father Space Cadet:

Hello all my space kittens! I figured now is a good time to put together a playlist of tracks that I’ll be dancing—and mixing—in future DJ sets.

This playlist is a bit of a deviation from my Space Cadet Mixtape #1 (which was, as you guessed, space themed).

Here you’ll find some of my favorite house tunes from mostly up-and-coming artists because even I need a break from all that Bakermat I’ve been blasting.

Check it on the site now x

05/16/2020

Weekly mixtape: Week of May 11th

What day is it? What week is it in quarantine? What’s my age again?

Around the world, places are starting to open again—for better and also for worse—but regardless if every place opens up (please don’t) it won’t change the fact that the coronavirus threat is still very much out there.

To brighten up the rest of your week, here are some new tunes that we’ve discovered from around the globe.

Check it now x

What day is it? What week is it in quarantine? What’s my age again? Around the world, places are starting to open again—for better and also for worse—but regardless if every place opens up (p…

05/15/2020

Premiere: Sally Haze // All That Matters

NEW MUSIC FRIDAY

"The new tune “All That Matters” is their first single off their upcoming EP Wet Dream. It’s a heavenly mix between fuzzy dream pop and shoegaze, featuring soaring vocals, layers upon layers of guitars, and lyrics that hit home—musing on longing and frustration which all of us in quarantine can probably relate to. The result is four dizzying minutes of tension and catharsis."

Listen to the new Sally Haze song on our site xx

https://leftbankmag.com/2020/05/15/premiere-sally-haze-all-that-matters/?fbclid=IwAR14roZHs_rUIdRc--ma_NUI71S1l7xEiTso_1ku315VtJ0oZfbr3omnaBs

We are absolutely stoked to premiere this new track by our new favorite band Sally Haze. With a name like Sally Haze you might think this Chicago act was a solo artist, but it’s actually the projec…

05/15/2020

Sounds: Expensive Music Band // Couples Weekend Away

Australian suburban garage rock group Expensive Music Band has just released this amazing—and funny—track about couples and friendships.

“Couples Weekend Away” is off of their debut album Leisure Rock, an aural journey that explores the absurdity of the modern world (which seems to be a common theme in albums being released in 2020).

Check it out now x

“I only lasted three days” Australian suburban garage rock group Expensive Music Band has just released this amazing—and funny—track about couples and friendships. “Couples Weeken…

05/14/2020

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Understanding your state of mind right now is a bit tough, I won’t lie—if you’re feeling anything like me it’s shock, confusion, sadness, anxiety, etc. What I like about this track by The Customers is that it personifies the feelings and state of emotion I’ve experiencing. “Feel It” is a quintessential punk track that relieves your inner angst—if only for a few minutes.

Check it now x

05/13/2020

If anyone knows the artist of this we’d love to credit them. Little midweek truth x

05/12/2020

Left Bank Music Industry News | Week of May 11, 2020

Covering Lakeith Stanfield's new project, M the Myth on Sasha Geffen's new book, Music Ally's new TV show, Blonde Artist Management's Rebecca Sansom raps Roddy Ricch The Box and Goldilocks teaches how to make loops. Life has been given.

W A T C H N O W
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yoOkd45G_o

05/12/2020

We are releasing this week's Left Bank News segment tomorrow -- but before we do, make sure you catch up on last week's news (featuring our correspondents M the Myth Celeste Krishna Blonde Artist Management and Goldilocks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGd2asehyt4

05/11/2020

Sounds: PLAY DEAD // Whistable

If you need some good tunes to get through the week (or to serve as a soundtrack for the next few hours of drinking), we’ve got you covered. Literally, we are right there with you.

The South London based band PLAY DEAD is the post-punk antidote to bedroom boredom.

Check it out on our site now x

Who else is bloody f**king tired of what’s going on in the world? If you need some good tunes to get through the week (or to serve as a soundtrack for the next few hours of drinking), we̵…

05/10/2020

💐 Happy Mother’s Day to all x

05/08/2020

Sounds x Premiere: Dräger // Stayin’ Cool

Hey all you cool cats and kittens, it’s a very special Friday today because we are sharing Dräger Music’s new tune with the world.

Check it on the site now x

Hey all you cool cats and kittens, it’s a very special Friday today because we are sharing Dräger’s new tune with the world. The New York-based psychedelic-synth-pop band channels theme…