LeftLion's Latest Listens #37: Notts music we're spinning in 2026

EP: Daudi Matsiko - Dead Bird Dream

Introspective folk ‘King of Misery’ Daudi Matsiko brings his brilliant harrowing lyricism, raw acoustic talent and deep reflections to surface in his brand-new extended play: Dead Bird Dream. Expect alternative musings and discussions of mental health through symbolic dark dreams, beautiful harmonies and warm collaborations with Divorce’s Tiger Cohen-Towell (Tiger’s Dream) and Ríoghnach Connolly (How Can I Love?) Daudi’s gentle guitar pickings and searching exasperations of his identity and wellbeing weave a haunting yet comforting tapestry that invites listeners to confront their own lingering shadows with empathy and hope. Matsiko’s latest melodic venture is the perfect supplement and guiding hand for the inevitable winter melancholy that affects us all. @daudi (Katherine Monk-Watts)

EP: Verbal Warning - Revolutions 45

Verbal Warning recently celebrated their 45th birthday at a launch party for their latest EP Revolutions 45, marking this remarkable milestone just before Christmas at The Latch Lifter in Ilkeston. The band cut their teeth playing pubs and festivals locally; their shows are high energy affairs untiringly driven along by enigmatic frontman John Lomas. This new record showcases their latest self-penned compositions admirably with four full-on, punky tracks. 

The EP kicks off in frantic style with Burning The Candle At Both Ends with Sam Hadfield’s choppy guitar riffs reminiscent to those of Steve Jones, while John’s vocals tell an amusing account of weekend excesses. A short cymbal roll announces the arrival of Fake News with its alternating guitar chords suggestive of police sirens along with a hard hitting narrative. McDonald’s Girl is the sort of tune that might possibly appeal to Don Letts, with its fascinating fusion of reggae and punk driven along by Ant Smith’s solid drumming. Finally, Paul Tomlinson’s bass dominates on the uproariously entertaining I Don’t Want To Be A T**t, a number that is sure to go down a storm at pub gigs. (Claire Spencer)

Single: ktlyle - Falling

Falling is a buzzy, upbeat yet ultimately relaxing track, fizzing with energy right from the start. A four-to-the-floor beat underpins a clever combo of droning and chirpy synths with ktlyle's hazy vocals gradually taking a leading role. As the track continues, we're given plenty of room to breathe: there's a sense of space and light making the perfect chillout track for sunset (or sunrise after a big Notts night, maybe). Falling is only ktlyle's second single, but it makes an attractive and very strong addition to her catalogue, showcasing a real increase in confidence and skill. Check out the extended mix, too, for a bonus chance to unwind. @ktlyle_ (Phil Taylor)

Single: LYVIA - Reload

Pure acapella vocals over sparsely plucked guitar open this track from LYVIA, released late in '25. And the song continues in that vein for its entire two minutes. No beats, no bass, no frills. The only concession LYVIA makes to embellishment is a sprinkling of auto-tune and vocal harmony, just enough to lift the right sections of the song. The effect is low key, but intensely bold. This is the first song LYVIA has released independently and she is making a clear and brave choice here; there's nowhere to hide, nowhere to run. And that's OK - LYVIA herself is more than enough, and her closely personal and unambiguous statement of intentions is the message to be heard. @lyviamusic (Phil Taylor)

EP: Ruby Aeron - what are you scared of?

Five tracks doesn't sound like much, but Ruby Aeron ("writing music for the whimsical and slightly deluded") makes this EP feel like a life-story. what are you scared of? is an intimate portrayal of experience and emotion from this Nottingham artist (who has recently - and rightly - received some great support from Dean Jackson at BBC Introducing). There is a lot to discover here, including some remarkably pure and beautiful vocals on ballad Empty Pavements, the impossibly cool and sparklingly intimate sounds of Chapters (with a brief and winning foray into French lyrics), and Ruby's most recent single, Atlantic, which closes out the record.

What comes across most clearly throughout the EP is Ruby's skill at songwriting. She has a timeless style, reflecting some of the best classic jazz and soul numbers of the past, but combining that sound with youthful energy and a modern, unflinching exploration of emotion. That probably shines through most on Girl in the Mirror, which develops from a soulfully crooned ballad into a punchy blast of strident energy.

what are you scared of? may be a rhetorical question for Ruby - with an EP like this in her repertoire, she certainly doesn't need to be scared of what the future holds for her. @rubyaeron (Phil Taylor)