The Zine UK

So Slimey Sunak has called an election. It’s like choosing between Cholera and Disentry out there, innit? Anyway - at least we have some tunes to get us through the bombardment of austerity propaganda for the next month.

First up, ^David Ike Voice Activated^ something is happening in Bristol. We’re no strangers to the fact Bristol has some raving music right now (See our enthusiastic endorsement of Expo Stars TheBigBadSad.) but my god does it have a scene and a half right now. Further evidence is here in first track Doppelgänger by Knives. A song challenging queerbaiting and homophobia, with the catchiest chorus and shades of Pre-Starmer circle wank Idles? It’s THE punk song on repeat this Pride Month.

Followed by Zeenage faves MOSES and their new offering Guilty. Why aren’t this band in stadiums yet? With each release they get catchier - this track is more infectious than TB
…And don’t get me started on that Muscle pulling mosh worthy guitar solo.

Frankie Flowers up next with LUST. Giving us hedonistic dark psychedelic disco magick that leaves you wanting more, I’d be amazed if this song doesn’t go HUGE.

Compliementing LUST perfectly is Pop of The Tops alumni and Goddard-esqe French muse Mango in Euphoria and Lovestruck.
Whilst Mango has constantly released top tier music, there’s an artistic maturity to Lovestruck that makes it her best so far. Present as always are her diaryific lyrics with a Sylvia Plath sensibility… but that synth!

I owe my Irish mate for the next one, Sprints - Heavy. I have to admit to have been sleeping on this band, with this song coming out in January - but never has a panic attack in a song sounded so good.
There’s a ghost of PJ Harvey in singer Karla Chubb but the entire Letter to Self album is uniquely catchy hooks and kitchen sink lyrics.

Up next Runouts with the sugary vocals Wide Eyed. There’s definitely an element of The Gits within the vocal delivery and guitars of this song that makes it unbelievably catchy. I can’t wait to hear more.

Alien Chicks with Steve Buscemi for track 7. Vocals delivered with an increasing Ritalin high, guitars that sound so dirty that you might just catch something from them and off the wall lyrics? We’re in.

IRKED’s Move is proper 21st Century Riot Grrl from a proudly anti-Tory, politically minded band. With lyrics like “Another day in la la land, Another chance to navigate this insanity” and fast, punktastic guitars - yeah we feel that.

Where have you been if you’ve not heard of Girls in Synthesis? Their new album has been making a buzz and a half and track Picking Things out of The Air is dark, gloomy and has all the best bits of second wave punk. It delivers a nostalgia kick for all us Shacklewell Arms Dwellers in in 2010’s, but somehow still sounds so fresh.

Pulse by Shader next. High energy indie to start the (British?) summer off right. It is full of rock n roll swagger but with lyrics about overcoming trauma, there’s a depth that’s often missed in indie anthems. This song is made for festival stages in the sun.

Midlands boys and Bukowski-esqe Genius of The Crowd next with What Shall Be. A lament on the capitalist trap of only having the weekend to live life, and the endless cycle of work without being able to own anything… but don’t let that give you the wrong idea - the Genius (of the crowd) is to take this relatable feeling and turn it into a jump up and down anthem.

Another diva makes an appearance with Porcelain Doll and Everybody Wants Me Dead. Grungey-Pop goodness with such powerful vocals from the Brighton-based band, which only leaves you with the question: “Why aren’t this band bigger?”

The Thief from The Rolling People come to my attention when they were picked up on by our mates at Northern Exposure. Who rightly called it a glass shattering anthem. More than this, for 18 year olds, their maturity of the politically charged lyrics, vocal delivery and guitars are nothing short of marvellous. The kids are alright by us.

Last but in no way least is Wigan’s Hannah Mazey and PRETENTIOUS. It’s a song I’m sure most of us #Zeenagers can relate to, even if we wish we didn’t. It’s the ultimate Fuck Off for those tragic dating app moments, with punchy guitar.

Fancy being on the #ZeenageDaydreams playlist for July? Just click here to email me with a link to your Spotify. It really is the best way to get your tracks heard by us!