BristolMusic Weekly

A plea for peace and love gives “Hope” its centre: September Song’s John Douglass and Steve Hogg turn a response to difficult times into an invitation to keep looking forwards. Recorded at J&J Studios in Bristol, it introduces The Perfect View, produced by Douglass and Mark Aubrey, with an extensive cast of local musicians. We’re especially drawn to the care in the production. The music is listenable on Bandcamp now; the page lists 11 October for “Hope” and 18 October for the album, so this is an early independent pick.

Bristol-born, Brighton-based Alina brings five songs into a pop-rock setting on her second EP, out on 2 October. The first half tackles self-preservation after difficult relationships; the second turns towards the anxieties of a new one. Jack Grace’s studio instrumentation sits alongside a striking exception: “I Think…” keeps its original one-take cabin vocal and the birds captured with it. Begin with the title track below, then hear the complete EP.

Sam Eason’s new single is a fresh starting point. The Bristol songwriter says his Good Times Live support slot on the Madness bill rekindled the urge to write, and this was the first song of the resulting collection. His focus on personal stories and melodies that can move from fragile to anthemic makes this a fitting introduction to With Feeling, Once More. The single is out on 2 October; the longer project is still forthcoming in October.

A fast-punk detour from Bristol’s Absolute Unit. “Stranglehold” comes from the self-titled release dated 27 September, placing the band’s hardcore-punk approach in a compact, direct setting. A good point of entry for anyone wanting the guitars in this week’s selection to bite.

“Pincors” opens a door into Ramu’s Gargantua EP, released on 26 September. The Bristol page places the project among acid, breaks, electro and house: a useful pick for listeners who like their electronic music to cross club boundaries. Follow the track through to the EP for the wider picture.

Axle pairs “Snooker Effect” with “Last Orders” on PIVOT002, dated 28 September. The Bristol producer’s page spans dubstep, garage, grime, breaks and techno, making this two-tracker a natural stop for the bass-music side of our weekly listening. Start with the supplied A-side, then give its partner a turn.