LeftLion's Latest Listens #39: Notts music we're currently spinning

Single: Book of Churches - Song for a Stranger

Following hot on the heels of widespread acclaim for local rising stars Divorce, their co-vocalist and guitarist Felix Mackenzie-Barrow has embarked on a venture of his own with Book of Churches, and I feel that it’s going to have an impact similar to that of his principal band. Song for a Stranger is the opening track of Felix’s upcoming self-titled album (due for release in March, ahead of a nationwide tour in April). It’s a tender and thought provoking song, with introspective and brooding lyrics, the kind of which you might attribute to seasoned songsmiths such as Leonard Cohen or Tom Waits.

Here, Felix gently takes us by the hand and leads us on a journey that explores his deepest hopes and fears, or as he describes it “the raw contents of my brain.” It’s a song stripped down to bare bones, which has a definite spiritual feel to it, providing a disconnect from the world’s troubles with just the acoustic guitar and vocals effectively carrying Felix’s innermost feelings clearly and honestly. @bookofchurches (Claire Spencer)

Single: ALT BLK ERA - Tissues

Photo credit: Liam-Maxwell

The perfect anthem for this current spell of dreary weather we are experiencing, the latest track from Notts sister duo ALT BLK ERA is both vulnerable and intense, once again showcasing the duo’s talent for turning raw emotion into a powerful bop.

The track moves between hushed reflective verses and an explosive chorus, driven by sharp percussion and distorted textures, which mirror its themes of emotional overload. As ever the sisters’ vocals are the standout element here, fragile one moment while fiercely defiant in the next breath. The result is a cathartic, memorable single to add to their already stacked collection, with the impact lingering long after the track ends. Get this on repeat and learn the words ahead of their huge homecoming show at Rescue Rooms in May! @altblkera (Karl Blakesley)

Single: The Red Line - Holding On

The third single from Midlands five-piece The Red Line is an emotional rock ballad, where singer Jamie sings that he is "holding on to something, I can’t have, that I can’t grasp." We've all been there; we've all felt that way. The song opens with a guitar solo, before the lead singer's distinctive vocals kick in, building to a catchy solid track that will get you singing along with the refrain during the first listen. Fans of Keo, Wunderhorse and Pixies should definitely give this a listen.

The Red Line includes two former Nottingham students and have been featured on BBC Introducing twice and tipped for success by Dean Jackson. They will be performing at Mist Rolling Inn tonight, Friday 13th February (for those who aren't superstitious). (Faye Stacey)

Single: People Laughing - One Thing

This band are relative newcomers - heck, they're only a few months old - but they burst onto the scene in a big way with a support slot for The Molotovs at Rescue Rooms. That takes confidence and energy, and People Laughing clearly have heaps of both. You can hear it in the band's latest (and first) release, One Thing. It's a song packed with crispy, crunchy, jagged guitar riffs and passion-distorted vocals - a song which brings a taste of on-stage energy and a boundless future. All of that combined with the band's laser focus on delivering a banging rock experience, produces something irresistible and hugely exciting. People Laughing will be taking residency as featured artist at Acoustic Rooms over the next few months. @peoplelaughinghq (Phil Taylor)

Single: Pict - Without Warning

Five-piece post-folk group Pict are Nottingham through and through. Their latest single was recorded at The Grove, a place dear to their hearts (and ours). The song is a beautifully arranged and moving combination of layered guitars, yearning vocals and organic rhythms, pierced through like an unerring arrow by a forcefully melancholic trumpet line. The precision of the composition and the skilful way in which voices and instruments blend reveals the talent of this group of musicians - another band we can be rightly proud of. @pict_band (Phil Taylor)