Our weekly fix of the best new music as Julia Mason brings us her reviews of new singles from Annie Taylor and Megan Black
Artist: Annie Taylor
Track: Schoolgirl
Zurich band Annie Taylor have released their new single Schoolgirl via Taxi Gauche Records. It’s taken from their forthcoming second album Inner Smile which was recorded in Bristol, UK with producer Ali Chant (who has worked with, amongst others, Yard Act, Katy J. Pearson, Aldous Harding and Sorry).
The track is a fabulous short sharp blast of indie rock. Catchy hooks and tight snappy guitar riffs make for a fun track with a sing-a-long chorus which will be met with inevitable delight by the bouncing moshpit. The vocals with their layers capture the excitement and yet uncertainty of falling in love.
It can make you feel bold and shy, excited and nervous but still, it’s a feeling that fills you up with energy and hedonism
Lead singer Gini Jungi says of the single: “Falling in love can be thrilling and confusing at the same time. Especially when you’re not sure what you’re about to get yourself into. It can make you feel bold and shy, excited and nervous but still, it’s a feeling that fills you up with energy and hedonism.
Schoolgirl is a reflection on the early stages of a relationship where everything is new and exciting, but it can also make one feel extremely confused and nervous. The lyrics capture the feeling of being young and in love, not knowing where it will all lead, but being excited to find out”
The four friends Gini Jungi, Tobias Arn, Michael Mutter and Daniel Bachmann combine in Annie Taylor and it’s interesting to note that the band supported Skunk Anansie on their tour in 2022. On the evidence of Schoolgirl its easy to see just how enjoyable their live shows must be with their mixture of grunge and rock creating an uplifting vibe and an atmosphere perfect for dancing with a big grin on your face.
* * *
Artist: Megan Black
Track: MOTHER. SISTER. LOVER.
Edinburgh-based Megan Black has released her new single MOTHER. SISTER. LOVER. and has reinforced its themes by taking a collaborative approach, inviting women and people who resonate with the lyrics to showcase their voices. MOTHER. SISTER. LOVER. emphasises how power can be harnessed when voices unite to challenge societal norms and inspire positive change. The song features the voices of female identifying and non-binary vocalists: Megan Black, Rachel Duns, Sam Moffat, Mima Merrow, and Niamh Maclennan.
However, it’s Megan’s vocal that grabs attention from the very beginning. The track succeeds in honouring the experiences of female-identifying and non-binary individuals who have had to navigate the burden of society's unrealistic standards and the pressure the patriarchal system has placed on women. The call for unity rather than division and acknowledging the strength that is created by coming together, supporting one another is central to MOTHER. SISTER. LOVER. and this is reflected in the powerful vocal - strong, proud and confident with a drive that sets the intention to make progress together.
“She's not my enemy you see, I'm tired of fighting for something that I never chose”
I wanted to use this song to spread the message that we don't need to fight against each other. The women in my life bring me more strength, wisdom, and love than I could ever begin to describe. There is so much power in us coming together
Reflecting on the songwriting process, Megan says: “We're taught from a very young age that women should compete with one another - you have to be prettier, smarter, funnier, more talented. I wanted to use this song to spread the message that we don't need to fight against each other. The women in my life bring me more strength, wisdom, and love than I could ever begin to describe. There is so much power in us coming together.
This song is for everyone who has experienced this in any way. You don't have to identify as a woman to know the power of womanhood and feel part of it. This is not an attack, it's a wake-up call”. With a focus on themes such as feminism, mental health, the LGBTQ+ community, and addiction, Megan is creating an inclusive and diverse space through her music. Recorded by Megan's band: Megan Black, Estefanía Badilla Mora, Paul Lamberton, Stephen Buggy, and Lewis Ross.
Upcoming live dates
20 July - Endless summer festival - Headline show at the Hug and Pint, Glasgow.
28-30 July - Bute Fest, Isle of Bute
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and never miss out on gig info and our latest deals