Welcome back to the Real Gone Singles Bar, the place where we explore some of the more interesting individual tracks that have landed in our inbox over the past couple of weeks. This time out, we’ve got something folk based with a strong 60s vibe, some well crafted pop with strong harmonies, and some dark alt-country. There’s also something with a twist of alternate pop, and a 90s influenced rocker that makes the best of a classic sounding riff. As usual, we hope the variety offers something of interest for many of our visitors and that you find something new to enjoy.

*

La Nouvelle Musique’s previous single ‘The Mirror’ was a beautiful, folky affair that captured a genuinely floaty quality. Although the opening of ‘Spirit Level’ is cut very much from the same cloth – sharing a blend of ethereal vocals and folky guitar lines inspired by the likes of Vashti Bunyan – the track features a slightly rockier chorus, which places perfect vocal harmonies over a 60s tinged backdrop. With the “louder” parts of the number sharing a sound that feels like a natural update to a Mamas & The Papas inspired arrangement, there’s a great contrast at play here. Throw in a haunting whistle that tips the hat to an Ennio Morricone western score, and this becomes a number that bristles with retro charm, but manages to show off this musical act’s talents as perfectly as before.

Following the deep synth bass grooves set in place by the relentlessly catchy ‘Crying In Marseille’, Glaswegian art-poppers Pistol Daisys take things up a gear with the equally cool ‘Honey’. Retaining their love for synths and harmony vocals, but adding a touch of extra toughness, the end result sounds like the greatest tribute to ‘It’s Blitz’ era Yeah Yeah Yeahs. From the outset, the band’s shameless pop streak takes centre stage when a pulsebeat, dirty synth line and bright vocal come together to create a sound that’s immediately catchy. The number springs into life when the chorus hits, though, since a broad vocal melody and brighter synth sounds create something that really soars; leading with a high toned “ooh”, the band set the ultimate musical bait, and with a strong lead vocal curling against a colder sound with a huge inviting tone, the contrast between the mechanical music and beautifully human voice (unlike a lot of pop, there’s no need for masses of filters here), a near perfect melody is shared with ease. If that’s not enough, a classic sounding guitar solo rears up to create a climax that makes Pistol Daisys sound a little more like up and coming US funk rock band Sugar Bones. …And that certainly isn’t a bad thing.

A world of glitchy beats and odd folky guitar notes make odd bedfellows throughout ‘Sharks’, the current single from Grim17. The self confessed “Northern Ireland born cocophanist and song ‘n’ dance man” aims to push boundaries, and like Tom Waits and Current 93 before him, he creates a world where unsettling atmospheres take centre stage. That said, if you can find a way into this track, it’s never less than fascinating. The way the performer’s quietly disquieting voice jostles against the sharp rhythms sets a great contrast further in place, and his rather moody sense of melody cuts through a slow burning chorus where a guest vocal from Abby Oliviera fills out a great sound. With a rise of a deep bass groove – sounding immense during a middle eight, coupled with sinister laughter – and the presence of an unexpected rap, this is a proper kitchen sink production that shouldn’t work. Hats off to yer man Grim17 for having unending self belief here…

People keeping an eye and ear on the rock underground over the past couple of years will possibly be aware of Adult Leisure making some big musical waves. Following an enjoyable EP (2023’s ‘Present State of Joy and Grief’) and a run of very strong singles, they’ve returned with the brilliant ‘The Rules’, a radio-friendly number that blends chugging guitar lines with some great pop hooks. The slightly dirty rhythm guitar work could fit alongside any number of bands at the time of release, but a light vocal that lifts the arrangement, absolutely soaring throughout a superb pre-chorus, gives Adult Leisure a commercial punch that some of their peers miss. Not only that, but the band takes everything up a gear for the chorus itself, latching onto a pop-rock melody adorned with bursts of piano, sharing a feel-good vibe that feels very early 90s. It’s very different to their previous single – the sparky, Bleachers-esque ‘See Her’ – but certainly no less powerful. This is the sound of a band about to hit the big time.

Although the opening guitar twang and rumble of drums suggests a garage rock influence, it takes Mother Vulture all of about three seconds to throw themselves into a world of very different sounds. A crushing riff and an injection of speed immediately takes everything in a punkier direction, before something even heavier introduces a riff more attuned to an alternative metal crowd…and then an abrasive riff and inhuman sounding vocal brings a hint of industrial to the fore. Eventually, everything settles into an alt-metal arrangement where driving guitar lines crush everything in their path, and the band’s combination of sharp rhythms and huge vocal cries sells a surprisingly big hook. Occasionally sounding like a cross between early Placebo in a really aggressive mood and Biffy Clyro at full force, this is a rock single that really hits the mark.

Alternative country artist Morgan Wade has released some really strong singles over the past couple of years, but a strong case could be made for ‘High In Your Apartment’ being one of her finest. Right from its opening notes, dominated by a huge, monolithic chord shared with intent, the track sets a dark atmosphere in place, and the way the music rolls rather slowly almost throughout keeps an ominous feel at the forefront. The darker tones of the arrangement very much show off Wade’s rockier interests, but are offset by a bright and confident vocal, where the performer applies a strong country influenced curl in a perfect contrast to the backdrop, and although the melody doesn’t change throughout the bulk of the song, her presence is so captivating that the listener will be completely absorbed. So much so, in fact, that when the music finally adopts a faster tempo at the eleventh hour, sweeping away the somewhat maudlin backdrop, it comes as a surprise. This isn’t chirpy, but it’s a perfect example of how to build an atmosphere with the minimum of fuss. A wonderful track.

Loaded with rolling piano lines and huge harmonies, The Herron Brothers’ ‘This Machine’ weaves a classic blend of retro pop, light rock, and even a flourish of country. The latter is especially clear within the chosen vocal melody. All of this combined creates something with a very old soul, but it’s not a single you’d consider dated in any way. The Brothers’ ease with a harmony certainly makes the track, but the sentiment is also rather lovely. By likening human emotions to old style machinery, there’s a wonderful juxtaposition that allows the song to explore feelings of friendship, loyalty, love and loss, but without coming even close to resorting to any songwriters’ clichés. In terms of adult oriented sounds, this is very smart indeed.

Ahead of their second EP, Newcastle’s Cane Rouge make a confident return with ‘Lights Out’. Moving from an acoustic, emo tinged opening verse, the track weaves a rather introspective sound – at least as far as retro sounding alternative rock is concerned. Even with vocalist Ant attacking the track’s opening line at full volume, there’s something thoughtful at stake. Bringing in an overdriven electric guitar, the track gives the feeling everything will explode into a Pixies-esque anger, but the band continue on a reflective path, choosing at first to use the guitar riff as more of a colourant. The rousing riffs appear in time, of course: midway through the number, Ant delivers a crashy guitar part inspired by Superchunk in tandem with a semi-raucous lead break, and when creating the greatest climax, he shares an ascending/descending riff that provides one of this number’s strongest musical hooks. With drummer Dale and bassist Joe putting in some hard yards throughout, this is a genuine banger in the quietLOUDquiet tradition that promises more greatness from the band’s forthcoming EP.

July/August 2025