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New gym leader in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

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Iono and Bellibolt in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | Nintendo

Exciting news, trainers! The Paldea region just got even more electrifying with the introduction of Gym Leader Iono and her partner Pokémon, Bellibolt!

Iono, the “Supercharged Streamer”, hosts a popular show called the Iono Zone in the Levincia city of Paldea. And her Electric-type partner Bellibolt has a unique ability, Electromorphosis, which boosts the power of its next Electric-type move when hit by an attack.

Category: EleFrog Pokémon​
Type: Electric​
Height: 3’11” (1.2 m)
Weight: 249.1 lbs. (113.0 kg)
Ability: Electromorphosis / Static

This dynamic duo will appear in the upcoming Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet video games, launching exclusively on Nintendo Switch systems on November 18th.

Are you ready to face off against Iono and Bellibolt in Paldea? Let us know in the comments!

It Was All A Dream’s debut EP

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It Was All A Dream, the new musical project from London-based multi-instrumentalists Amy Maskell and Sophie Lowe, has released their debut EP, ‘Never Forget You Are Free’. The record combines 90s pop, dance, dub, soul, and RnB elements to create a lush sonic landscape.

The duo met over a decade ago and have played music together ever since. They even released material with tastemaker labels Speedy Wunderground and One Little Independent under their previous band, Peluché. However, the pair was in a creative drought after Peluché disbanded in 2019. That is until Amy’s mother reminded them to “never forget you are free” and start creating again.

In addition to their work in music, Maskell and Lowe are both mental health advocates. The EP reminds us to take control of what is ours and embrace the excitement of rediscovering our self-worth.

‘Never Forget You Are Free’ is on all streaming platforms. Keep an eye out for It Was All A Dream’s upcoming live performances, as they are sure to be a dynamic force on stage.

Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Actor Robbie Coltrane passes away at 72

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With a heavy heart, we must announce the passing of beloved actor Robbie Coltrane at 72. Best known for his role as Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter film franchise, Coltrane brought warmth and love to the character and will forever be remembered for his portrayal.

“Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on the set,” remarked Daniel Radcliffe. “He was an incredible actor and a lovely man.”

Coltrane not only starred in all eight Harry Potter films but also appeared in BAFTA-winning Cracker and was the voice of adored children’s monster, The Gruffalo. He recently commemorated the 20th-anniversary of the Harry Potter film franchise in HBO Max’s reunion special, ‘Return to Hogwarts‘, with fellow cast members.

“The legacy of the movies is that my children’s generation will show them to their children,” Coltrane said with tears in his eyes. “So you could be watching it in 50 years time, easy. I’ll not be here, sadly, but Hagrid will, yes.”

Emma Watson, who starred as Hermione Granger in the franchise, also paid tribute to Coltrane on her Instagram Story. “Robbie was like the most fun uncle I’ve ever had, but most of all, he was deeply caring and compassionate towards me as a child and an adult,” she wrote. “His talent was so immense that it made sense he played a giant — he could fill ANY space with his brilliance.”

His loss will be felt deeply by the Potter community and beyond. Our thoughts go out to Coltrane’s loved ones during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.

Build your dream town in Outlanders

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Are you ready to leave the real world behind and embark on a peaceful journey to the Outlands? Then prepare for Pomelo Games’ town-builder, Outlanders, which will launch on Steam in early 2023.

In Outlanders, players take on the role of a town leader tasked with managing resources and constructing buildings to keep the inhabitants, known as Outlanders, happy. But don’t expect wars or raids in this relaxing take on the genre.

Instead, the game offers a campaign mode with mission-based levels and a sandbox mode for more experienced builders to create their themed towns. And with a refreshed UI based on player feedback, every action is just a few clicks away.

The game’s lush landscapes and natural soundscape create a truly peaceful experience. So, prepare to coexist with the world around you and help the Outlanders achieve their wildest dreams.

Keep up with Outlanders by following Pomelo Games on Twitter, checking out their website, and joining the Outlanders Discord. Let the peaceful town-building begin!

Watch the Outlanders trailer below:

The dreamy sounds of A.O. Gerber

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In her sophomore album, ‘Meet Me at the Gloaming‘, A.O. Gerber explores themes of desire, relationships, and family through dreamy instrumentation and introspective lyrics. The record’s lead single, “Looking For The Right Things”, sets the tone for the rest of the album with its moody synth-pop sound and raw vocals.

Throughout the album, Gerber delves into complex emotions, particularly in ‘For‘ and ‘Only Mystery‘, where Gerber delves into the duality of human nature, examining the push and pull between pleasure and responsibility. The album’s closer, ‘Only Mystery’, shows Gerber unpacking her complex relationship with her father while touching on the loneliness and betrayal in a strained familial dynamic. Yet, despite its heavy subject matter, ‘Meet Me at the Gloaming’ offers glimmers of hope as Gerber ultimately embraces all parts of herself.

With Madeline Kenney’s and Danny Reisch’s production, Meet Me at the Gloaming is a beautiful, evocative journey through self-discovery and healing.

But Meet Me at the Gloaming isn’t just a rumination on pain and heartache. In ‘Noon of Love‘ and ‘Hunger,’ Gerber expresses desire and longing in a vulnerable and empowering way.

Gerber’s vocals are intoxicating throughout the album, but the record’s dreamy instrumentation truly shines. The string arrangements on tracks like ‘Walk in the Dark‘ and ‘What Are You Reading?‘ add depth and texture to Gerber’s hauntingly beautiful soundscape.

‘Meet Me at the Gloaming’ is a sonic and lyrical exploration of the complexities of human emotion, offering an introspective journey through pain, longing, and, ultimately, healing. Reflective listening invites listeners to confront their inner demons and explore the shades of grey in life’s struggles and joys. With her stunning vocals and atmospheric production, A.O. Gerber is a valuable addition to the indie music scene.

Listen to Meet Me at the Gloaming here.

A.O. Gerber will embark on a U.K. tour next month. Tickets are on sale now.

A.O. GERBER TOUR DATES:

21st Oct – Los Angeles, CA @ The Airliner
3rd Nov – Brooklyn, NY @ Union Pool
11th Nov – Manchester, U.K. @ Gullivers 
12th Nov – Glasgow, UK @ The Great Western 
13th Nov – Newcastle, U.K. @ Cumberland Arms
15th Nov – Bristol, UK @ Crofters Rights 
16th Nov – London, UK @ Folklore

Bad Hammer transports listeners with ‘Call Me’

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Bad Hammer by Chris Filippini

Berlin-based synth-pop duo Bad Hammer has announced the new single ‘Call Me,’ an almost six-minute exploration of the connection between a mother and child, from their upcoming debut album, ‘End of an Age’. The release comes with tour dates aplenty, as the band heads to the UK and Europe next month.

Bad Hammer says: “It’s about communiation, through the umbilical cord, then through touch, then through words, through machines like a telephone, through thoughts and eventually through energies when one is not there anymore. There is that desire, that feeling of solitude and vastness when that connection has become ethereal.”

Bad Hammer, consisting of Lisa Klinkhammer on synthesisers and vocals and Johannes Badzura on guitar, drums, and vocals, draws inspiration from the past with its use of analogue synths and drum machines. Yet it manages to subvert traditional songwriting techniques and mix genres, resulting in a nostalgic and fresh sound.

Their passion for music is also reflected in their visual aesthetic, as seen in the music videos they have produced for each release. Drawing inspiration from the 90s/2000s music videos, Giallo movie posters, and American artist Paul Thek, Bad Hammer’s visual style complements the dreamy nostalgia of their sound.

‘End of an Age’ is promising to be a stunning debut. The duo’s signature blend of dreamy pop and shadowy undertones explores themes of love, loss, and coming of age. Keep an eye out for its release on November 25th.

Tour Dates

22.10.22 Krakow (Club Re)
23.10.22 Warsaw (Chmury)
26.10.22 London (The Garage)*
28.10.22 Antwerp (Trix)*
29.10.22 Rotterdam (Rotown)*
2.11.22 Munich (Rote Sonne)^
3.11.22 Berlin (SO 36)*
4.11.22 Prague (Underdogs)*
5.11.22 Jena (Kuba)*
6.11.22 Frankfurt (Milchsackfabrik)*
7.11.22 Dortmund (Junkyard)*
11.11.22 London (Servant Jazz Quarters)
12.11.22 Bristol (The Lanes)
14.11.22 Glasgow (The Glad Cafe)
1.12.22 Berlin End of an Age Release Show (Arkaoda)

* w/ Black Marble ^ w/ Xeno & Oaklander

End of an Age Tracklist

Everyday
Call Me
Court Of Love
Away
Interlude (Moonlightshadow)
River
Come Down
Stay 
Waltzing Lost
American Themes

Chase Woods explores nostalgia in ‘Landlords.’

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Māori artist CHASE WOODS has just released his new single, ‘Landlords,’ from his upcoming debut EP, ‘Terrace End Tapes.’ The track serves as a time capsule for Woods, reflecting the harsh realities of his childhood in Palmerston North, New Zealand, and exploring themes of growth and responsibility.

Woods’ heartfelt lyrics about financial hardships and nostalgia for youthful innocence, combined with playful melodies, optimistic hip-hop beats, and monopoly-inspired visuals, create a beautiful juxtaposition, encouraging listeners to keep moving because “time don’t stop for nobody, there’s no sorry on a clock”.

Woods’ smooth vocal delivery throughout the song is captivating and effortless, adding depth to the lyrics and demonstrating his talent as an artist. The track builds towards a memorable chorus, with layered harmonies emphasising the emotions conveyed in his words. Joshua ‘Shush’ Crosland’s production is also impressive, with skillfully blended elements of R&B and hip-hop seamlessly woven into the soulful soundscape.

Overall, ‘Landlords’ is an uplifting track that shows us CHASE WOODS’ potential. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for the rest of his debut EP, Terrace End Tapes, which will be available on 25 November 2022.

Listen to ‘Landlords’ below:

Witch Fever deliver feminist punk anthems

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Witch Fever by Nic Bezzina

Today, indie-punk band Witch Fever released their latest single, ‘Beauty and Grace.’ It is a powerful anthem about resisting oppressive beauty standards placed on women.

Singer Amy Walpole explains that the track wasn’t initially one of their favourites, but producer Sam Grant brought it to life in the studio. The song confronts society’s limiting expectations of femininity and celebrates finding power in embracing one’s femininity.

Femininity is not a weakness,” says Walpole. “If it empowers you and brings you joy, it’s a strength.

Witch Fever has cemented its place in the punk scene with a raw and unapologetic approach to feminist themes. Their upcoming debut album, ‘Congregation‘, draws upon lead singer Amy Walpole’s experience growing up in a Charismatic Church and tackles issues of control, abuse of power, and patriarchal violence.

Frontwoman Francesca Walpole’s vocals soar over gritty guitar riffs in tracks like “Blessed Be Thy,” where she takes religious language and subverts its power.

Their playful yet bold music videos and electrifying live performances have earned them spots at The Great Escape’s First Fifty acts and a string of tour dates in the UK. But not just their talent separates them – Witch Fever refuses to be confined by gender or genre.

Throughout the album, Walpole’s lyrics are raw and aggressive but never without a sense of humour and playfulness. But it’s not just Walpole’s lyrics that make Witch Fever stand out. The band’s aesthetic combines a punk attitude with a stylish edge, from music videos to live shows.

‘Congregation’ is a must-listen for punk and alternative music fans, as Witch Fever defies expectations and carves out its own space in the genre. They prove heavy themes can coexist with fun, an ethos reflected in their dynamic live performances. Simply put, Witch Fever is a band to be reckoned with, and ‘Congregation’ cements their place as a standout act in the punk world.

Look no further than Witch Fever for a dose of raw punk energy with a feminist twist. ‘Congregation’ is out October 21st and is not to be missed.

Catch Witch Fever on their upcoming UK tour dates, starting October 21st in Brighton.

Tour Dates:

October 21st – Resident, Brighton (Album Release)
October 22nd – Rough Trade East, London (Album Release)
October 24th – Key Club, Leeds (Album Release)
October 25th – YES (Basement), Manchester (Album Release)
November 15th – The Victoria Dalston, London (TGE X First Fifty)

Stormzy announces ‘This Is What I Mean’

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Artwork shot by Henry Jay Kamara 

Stormzy is BACK! It’s been a minute, but after a nearly 3-year hiatus, the British musician has announced his eagerly awaited third album, ‘This Is What I Mean‘.

After drumming up anticipation and excitement last month with the massive viral sensation ‘Mel Made Me Do It,’ Stormzy has finally returned to social media to unveil the artwork for his third album: a letter placed on a doorstep with the handwritten words ‘This Is What I Mean.’

The album promises to be an “an intimate love letter to music”, and despite having his unmistakable sound, it’s unlike any iteration of Stormzy you’ve heard before. His new record incorporates a variety of styles and genres, resulting in an energetic and thought-provoking listening experience.

 “When you hear about music camps, they always sound intense and sombre,” says Stormzy.

“People saying: “We need to make an album.” “We need to make some hit records.” But this felt beautifully free. We’re all musicians, but we weren’t always doing music. Some days we played football or walked around taking pictures. And the bi-product to that was very beautiful music. Because when you marry that ethos with world-class musicians and the best producers, writers and artists in the world, and we’re in one space, that’s a recipe for something that no one can really imagine. You can’t even calculate what that’s going to come up with. And it came up with a big chunk of this album.” 

‘This Is What I Mean’ will be released worldwide on 25th November 2022. Pre-order now.

Tracklisting:

1. Fire + Water
2. This Is What I Mean
3. FireBabe
4. Please
5. Need You
6. Hide & Seek
7. My Presidents Are Black
8. Sampha’s Plea
9. Holy Spirit
10. Bad Blood
11. I Got My Smile Back
12. Give It To The Water

Black Belt Eagle Scout says ‘Don’t Give Up’

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Black Belt Eagle Scout, also known as Katherine Paul, returns with the new single ‘Don’t Give Up,‘.

If you’re looking for a gentle reminder to keep going when things feel too much – look no further. The track touches on topics like mental health awareness and the importance of connection to our surroundings – something we can all relate to over these past few years. Its heartfelt lyrics and calming melodies will leave you hopeful for better days ahead.

Paul says, “‘Don’t Give Up’ is a song about mental health awareness and the importance that my connection to the land plays within my own mental health journey,” She wrote the track over two years, first starting right before the pandemic in 2020 at a songwriting residency in Coast Salish territory.

She elaborates: “Spending time with the land and on the water are ways that strengthen my connection to my ancestors and to my culture. It helps heal my spirit and is the form of self-care that helps me the most. The lyrics ‘I don’t give up’ mean staying alive. I wrote this song for me but also for my community and anyone who deals with challenging mental health issues to remind us just how much of a role our connection to the environment plays within our healing process. At the end of the song when I sing ‘the land, the water, the sky,’ I wanted to sing it like my late grandfather Alexander Paul Sr. sang in our family’s big drum group – from the heart.”

Black Belt Eagle Scout is no stranger to writing about complex topics. Much of her music touches on issues like colonialism, racism, queerness, love, and loss. But her experience as a queer Indigenous woman gives her a unique perspective that sets her apart from other artists in the indie folk scene. Her music speaks to her listeners on a deep level, which is evident in lines like “You heard it here today, I told you my story / That I found healing in you / Windy leaves are flowing / And in these leaves / They come from people who grow / But we’re to listen, guide us / I want everyone to know / I don’t give up.”

Listening to ‘Don’t Give Up’, it is clear that Paul’s connection to the land runs deep. Throughout the song, her thoughtful, dreamy vocals take you on a reflective journey punctuated by swelling guitar, percussion, and mellotron. She weaves natural imagery and personal experiences to create a tapestry of being connected to something bigger than oneself.

Don’t Give Up Charity T-Shirt featuring artwork by Willow Tomeo.

In addition to the release of ‘Don’t Give Up,’ Black Belt Eagle Scout is now selling a special charity t-shirt design, with proceeds supporting the Chief Seattle Club.

The Chief Seattle Club is dedicated to helping Seattle’s houseless Natives get off the streets and back on their feet.
Missing and murdered Indigenous women and people are tragically especially prevalent in Seattle.

Black Belt Eagle Scout will commence her UK and EU touring debut next year, so be sure to catch her at a date near you.

Black Belt Eagle Scout Tour Dates

Fri. Feb. 24 – Manchester, UK @ Night & Day
Sat. February 25 – London, UK @ Moth Club
Mon. February 27 – Paris, FR @ Le Pop Up
Tue. Feb. 28 – Belgium, BE @ Botanique – Witloof Bar
Wed. March 1 – Netherlands, NL @ Paradiso Upstairs
Thu. March 2 – Copenhagen, DK @ Stengade
Sat. March 4 – Rotterdam, NL @ Rotown
Sun. March 5 – Germany, DE @ Badehaus