Words: Andrea Naess

Wow! It’s been such a looong summer break for NMF, so it’s nice to finally back on track now with the ritual of providing you the best music right now, every Friday. This summer has given us with very hot weather and even heatwaves, so it’s nice to finally have the autumn weather here, with those cosy, snuggly nights in front of the TV.  And in today’s edition we’ll take you to the land down under as well as other countries… Tag along on today’s psychedelic rock-focused NMF. 

#1 Gorillaz ft. Tame Impala and Bootie Brown – New Gold 

The incomparable virtual music group Gorillaz have paired up with Australian music project Tame Impala and Bootie Brown for ‘New Gold’, and it’s safe to say it’s been on repeat for us since it came out… The best of UK meets the best of the land down under and the result is a bliss for the ear. ‘New Gold’ has a solid and very beguiling beat throughout it all, and with Kevin Parker’s John Lennon-inspired vocals it feels like coming home. It’s a perfect song for that after work drive home on a Friday, where you can pat yourself on the shoulder and just enjoy the well-deserved weekend. Out now via WMG and Sony Music Publishing.  

#2 King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard – Iron Lung

LDN is enjoying the beach life in Australia, so we figured we might as well stay there a little longer… That way we can also present to you the latest song by Australia’s hyper-productive pride King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard, ‘Iron Lung’. The song – taken from ‘Ice, Death, Planets, Mushrooms And Lava’, the first of three albums out this month (!) – alongside the video, is very funky and jazzy, and we must say one of the most incredible music videos we’ve ever seen. It contains a lot of groovy colours and patterns and for even being almost 10 minutes long, we still crave more! Well done King Gizzard, you have really outdone yourself this time. 

#3 The Mighty Orchid King – Symbiomedome

Our next song is complete psychedelic mayhem, and it’s presented to you by St Albans’ The Mighty Orchid King. ‘Symbiomedome’ is a part of their latest album ‘Mycelium Music Volume I: “Pinedemonium Awakes”. Canadian music mag The Revue have described the band in the past as if ‘Ty Segall and Tame Impala hijacked the Yellow Submarine”, and we think it’s a very fitting portrayal. The distorted vocals harmonising with the chaotic guitar riffs gives us a feeling on being taken on a journey – in our mind. So if you want to travel in your mind this weekend too, this song hits the mark. 

#4 The Black Angels – Without a Trace

Enough dreamy synths and vague vocals! Let’s rock it up a little with The Black Angels and their ‘Without A Trace’. The Austin-based band is a psychedelic band too; however, they have a darker and more serious undertone to their songs. ‘Without A Trace’ is their opener on their latest album ‘Wilderness of Mirrors’, and it sounds like being taken to the woods and listening to the wolves’ haul, because of its special background hauling. The beautiful chord progression on the guitar solo, played by Christian Bland, makes this song really stand out this week.  

#5 Born Without Bones – Fistful of Bees 

This week’s final song choice ‘Fistful Of Bees’ by Massachusetts’ Born Without Bones feels nostalgic. It’s 90s grunge guitar-playing is paired with a music video showing the band play on an old box TV, and its upbeat and hooky sound is the perfect antidote if you are feeling a little frustrated. Reminiscent of Kings Of Leon and Nirvana, ‘Fistful Of Bees’ is ideal for all grunge and indie rock fans out there. Out now via Pure Noise Records.