New Release Rundown: February tunes

As another month approaches and we experience a leap year, here are a selection of some new releases you may have missed this February. 

Tune previously reviewed new music from Kasabian, Catfish & the Bottlemen, Kate Nash, and Declan McKenna this month, which can be found on our site. 

Alfie Templeman - Eyes Wide Shut

The multi-musical talented 21 year old - Alfie Templeman is back with new single ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ after almost two years since his previous release. 

The track is retro sounding with a definite 80s-esque bassline and synth throughout. It certainly has an energetic feeling to it which could pair with the lyrics which highlight feelings of anxiety and the fast-paced thoughts spiral which can come with this. 

This is Alfie’s first single since his latest album ‘Mellow Moon’, of which he teased this new song on his tour - which Tune reviewed previously.

When speaking about this release, Templeman expressed that this song helped him deal with life on tour and winding down after the adrenaline of playing live.

Alfie Templeman performing live - Image by Natasha Judge

As the lyrics “learnt to swim but I’m still drowning” suggest it can be immensely overwhelming being alone with thoughts. It echoes that at times it can feel like you are living subconsciously, whilst having an internal conflict with your inner thoughts and experiencing burnout. 

He also added on social media that there is “more big weird pop coming” so it looks like ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ is just the start of this new music era for Templeman.

Holly Humberstone - Dive 

Singer-songwriter Holy Humberstone is back with the track ‘Dive’ which comes from her ‘Work In Progress’ EP.

This track has tones of 90s music, especially the likes of Alanis Morrisette and is an easy listen.

The tune describes the feelings of wanting something to work with someone -  but ultimately fearing it going wrong. It personifies an internal monologue of emotions that come with meeting someone new, and conveys the protagonist as being more closed off to the possibilities and potential that a connection with someone may have, due to past relationship lows.

This is just one song from the new catalogue to be released, and will accompany other tracks that Humberstone has rediscovered from her past demos. 

She said: “This EP is lost, older versions of myself mixed up with the present.

“I’m very much a work in progress and I just really wanted to share these tunes with you guys cause I still love them.”

Holly Humberstone performing at Tramlines - Image by Natasha Judge

Humberstone’s EP ‘Work In Progress’ is to be released on March 15, 2024 and will embark on a UK and Ireland tour the same month - with more information here.

Cassia - Gamma Rays 

Indie-pop band Cassia dropped their latest EP ‘Home Soon…’ which includes new single ‘Gamma Rays’. 

The trio from Macclesfield are growing in popularity on the indie UK scene and recurrently produce idyllic, catchy tracks with each release. 

The new five track EP is a summer playlist staple - especially single ‘Gamma Rays’ which is a calm, collected, easy listening track. 

Also, includes a collaboration with band Kawlala with track ‘Circular Motion’ which is an upbeat, bouncy song that takes on new perspectives. 

Cassia performing at Manchester Victoria Warehouse - Image by Natasha Judge

The EP is a melodic, worthwhile listen and really showcases the band's abilities in creating catchy, uplifting songs. Even when covering more sombre topics like the ending of different phases of your life - like with track ‘Whatstheuse’, they manage to build a genuine, sincere song with memorable melodies. 

The EP nods to the band's first album, and was written across the world with the new music video having been filmed in Cape Town - featuring some four legged friends.