Tracks of the Week (006)

Summer ClothesMichael Kiwanuka

I'll be real, I am due to do a separate article dedicated to Kiwanuka's artistry, talent and longevity ahead of his 'Fudge' album release later this month. The news he broke when announcing this album hit me for six, but I'm just glad Michael is recovering and releasing music. I hope he finds some peace in this release as he recovers.

'Summer Clothes' is as smooth as you could ever hope for. The instrumental is giving Madlib vibes, no drums, just bass looping with dreamy guitar, keys and a beautiful string arrangement. Another thing with Kiwanuka, string arrangements on his projects are a thing of dreams, literally. They accompany his vocals so well, every time.

Roll on 'Fudge', out 23rd October 2026.

TourniquetBleech 9:3

Okay, Ireland need to chill. Fontaines DC, Just Mustard and now Bleech 9:3? This band caught my ears earlier this year with their song 'No Surprise'. That tune still gets reupped weekly, at least.

'Tourniquet' is a release part of an upcoming album, out in 2027, called 'Bleed'. This band has gone from strength to strength, with their Winter 26 tour already sold out. I actually lacked on London tickets, they went within the month of release, they only had one EP out, kinda like Bitcoin in 2013.

Anyway, Bleach 9:3 give grunge vibes with mesmerising vocals and lyrics referring to addiction and sobriety, definitely something a lot of people can relate to, with lead singers Barry and Sam actually meeting on a 12 step recovery programme before moving to London where they started this journey. 'Tourniquet' shows the levels they're hitting, the bass is chunky, drums heavy, guitars ringing out panning left to right - this one is a grunge ballad.

Can't wait to hear more of the new stuff.

Dead CompanyRoyal Blood

Legends of the game, these guys are still rocking it four albums deep. 'Dead Company', named after the upcoming album 'Dead Company' on 9th November, is a typical Royal Blood track, Mike's riffs ringing out in my right ear with Ben killing it on the drums, heavy hitting. By the time the chorus runs out, the riff hits tenfold as Mike makes his way up and down that bass guitar. Royal Blood have the special recipe and always deliver.