This is one of the best songs I've heard so far in 2025. A slice of dream-pop every bit as invigorating as "Blue Velvet" by Childhood was 13 years ago, or "De-Luxe" by Lush was even longer ago than that, this is surely going to signal the start of major things for London outfit Whitelands.
The video, directed by Cameron Perry, and starring Jess Porteous, has a hazy, summer vibe to it. The lyrics are another matter altogeter. When Etienne Quartey-Papafio sings, "Don't look away, step into the light, uncover the lie that burns through the heat of the summer", you feel like time's up for all of us, though the song has a weirdly hopeful energy that makes me feel totally alive. I love stuff like this!
"Heat of the Summer" is available via Sonic Cathedral on limited edition flexi (but those are nearly sold out), but you can still buy it via digital download via Bandcamp. Details below.
[Photo: Edward Sogunro]