New Music Friday: MINAS, The Rolling Stones and Courting

MINAS performing live. Credit: James Minas

Three fresh tracks to get yer teeth into.

Happy Friday everyone! Miss ‘Rona is stopping no one as 2020’s new releases are coming thick and fast. Here are some tunes that have caught my ear as of late.


MINAS – DRINKER

Credit: MINAS

Released: 24th July 2020

The dial is turned way down for this new release from Greek-Welsh artist Minas, who’s debut album is coming soon. Lyrics about mental struggle meet a finessed trip hop-derived beat, whilst the vocals catch you off guard with their serenity. An excellent addition to any lofi/chill playlist, bringing subtle, electronic warmth with the extra charm of being made in Wales!

Verdict: A seriously accomplished single.

Listen on YouTube and Spotify


THE ROLLING STONES – SCARLET

Released: 22nd July 2020

Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones joining forces? It’s an “I was born in the wrong generation” YouTube comment section’s dream! Let’s be honest, the mastering is far from finished on this unreleased cut from the band’s blues rock era. But come on, just listen to Jimmy’s guitar shine through on this cut. The image of them all jamming this out late one night after a couple of drinks in proper rockstar fashion is palpable.

Verdict: As good as you’d imagine Jimmy Page guitaring for the Stones would be.


COURTING – DAVID BYRNE’S BAD SIDE

Released: 15th May 2020

A month on airtime of the BBC 6 Music and I’m yet to get even remotely bored of Courting’s fiery, cynical wit. “David Byrne’s Bad Side” has it all; a Clash-esque riff, biting commentary about British male culture and a saxophone solo too! It’s as if the shouty vocals are trying to drown out the oh-so-content tone of the folk it demolishes with such unforgiving sass. A beacon of hope in this era of armchair political experts.

Verdict: Top of my list to see live (when things are back to normal)


Check out these tunes and many more in Sourhouse’s MUSICBOX playlist.

Munro Page

Munro Page is a music blogger and former student radio host based in Cardiff, Wales. He likes: thrift stores, cooking and parrots. He dislikes: chain restaurants, the M25 and Simply Red.