Listen: Esther Joy Lane - I Hope [New Track]

Words Saam Das

Pretty much everyone with ears (or at least one ear) has been enjoying the evocative soundtrack to Netflix sci-fi thriller smash 'Stranger Things'. Oxford experimentalist Esther Joy Lane's latest offering, 'I Hope', is smothered in a moody outlook that would not appear out of place on the aforementioned collection of music.

Festival Review: Are You Listening? 2016

Are You Listening? Festival (various venues across Reading, 23 April '16) // Words: Saam Das

Undoubtedly in the shadow of August's Reading Festival weekend, but never overshadowed, Are You Listening? returned to Reading town centre in arguably its best and biggest edition to date. Following a speedy wristband pick up, I waddled over to Reading's Purple Turtle to catch Moonbow, a musical side project of sorts from artist Eleanor Hardwick. We actually recommended Moonbow in our 2015 preview, without ever managing to catch them. Our loss, as Hardwick et al's hypnotic offerings proved.

Festival Preview: Ten Acts To See At Are You Listening? 2016

Are You Listening Festival (Reading, 23 April '16) // Words: Saam Das

It's fair to say that Reading's Are You Listening? Festival is somewhat overshadowed by its geographically similar August-held music festival. But perhaps it shouldn't be. At just £15 for dozens of top notch bands across various venues, and none of the logistic issues of camping and what not, Are You Listening is certainly worth investigating.

Surfacing: Esther Joy Lane [New Artist]

Words: Saam Das

We've had our eye on Oxford's Esther Joy Lane since she started popping up on some festival line-ups earlier in the year, and reminded us a bit of Zola Jesus. Mutating new track 'Make A Way' dropped this month, ahead of a new EP, arguably demonstrating Lane's talents in the most impressive manner yet.