Singles Bar | OMR Reviews July 2nd

Singles Bar – this week, releases from Stooshe and Grizzly Bear.

Two new singles are picked apart by the pop guzzling cretins ofOne More Robot magazine (new issue in shops now!).

Stooshe – ‘Black Heart’
[Warner Music UK]
★★★☆☆
The second single released in the buildup to their impending debut album, ‘Black Heart’ see’s R&B triumvirate Stooshe explore vaguely Amy Winehouse-ish territory. Old soul influences thrive in a song with lyrics about falling for a ‘monster’ recited above a bass-driven groove, embellished by sighing strings and a springy piano line. The London trio delivers their lush vocals with powerful aplomb, singing in turn while complimented by subtle harmonies from their band mates, demonstrating the full extent of their vocal prowess. This is most evident in a powerful chorus that entices the listener to belt along with each repetition. A little more variety might have been nice, but this stellar song remains a potential hit in the making; the track has hit the Irish charts at number 19 and with only two weeks behind it, could be set to rise still. – Conor William O’Brien

Grizzly Bear – ‘Sleeping Ute’
[Warp]
★★★★☆
‘Sleeping Ute’ is the first cut from Grizzly Bear’s forthcoming (still nameless) album that lands on September 17th. The band’s brand of hypnotic, melody-rich indie rock works a treat with this new song as the soothing vocals from Daniel Rossen harmonise beautifully with lush guitars crafting a tranquil atmosphere. Grizzly Bear will also commence a lengthy North American and Europe tour trek this September. – Jonathan Keane