Reflecting the dislocation and identity drift of diaspora across the globe, ‘Aloof’ was penned by Bokito frontman Moses after his siblings followed him to London in search of employment. Their growing desire to move back home was tempered by a sense of not feeling welcome there any more. "It's not a specifically angry or political song but rather just about a feeling that Ireland will never really feel like home again, or at least that's how it seems currently," says Moses.

‘Aloof’ stands as sonic affirmation of this, its folksy celtic intro ushering in Moses’ extraordinary soprano before erupting into breakneck West Indian rhythms delivered with boisterous gypsy-punk gusto. As another irresistibly anthemic Bokito chorus segues into the intense percussive lunacy of an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink climax, you’ll rest assured that regardless of their origin or current abode, Bokito’s own identity is that of a band consistently banging out deliciously gregarious and infectious tuneage. ‘Aloof’ is out now.

Having signed to Lost In The Manor Records in early 2017, Bokito’s first release, ‘Better at Getting Worse’, took plaudits and radio plays in plentiful measure, while the band’s jaw-dropping live sets included rousing the rabble in front of a feverish full house at Brighton’s Great Escape and a clamorous full field at LeeFest. As new single ‘Aloof’ drops, Bokito, London-based but largely Irish-bred, will be heading back west to perform at Dublin’s Hard Working-Class Heroes showcase at the end of September. Peddling an uproarious blend of rock, soca, funk and roots, Bokito have coined a phrase for their unique genre mashup: tropical indie.

See Bokito live

Monday 11 September: The Old Blue Last, London EC2 (official single launch)

Friday 29 September: Workmans Club (Hard Working Class Heroes Festival), Ireland 

Saturday 28 October: The Lexington, London N1

Welcome to HeartSongs, our regularly scheduled (probably) look at songs and the people who write them. With our Blogtober show fast approaching [http://musosguide.co.uk/component/k2/item/4369-musos%E2%80%99-guide-goes-to-that-london-blogtober-preview] ,we spoke to one of our meticulously selected acts , Up Down Go Machine, about their recent single ‘Gambler’.

“Inspired by the epic gangster movies of the ‘80s and ‘90s, we wanted to make this a snarling monster of a track. The vocals and lyrics have pretty dark undertones, as it tells the story of a man whose addiction has taken him to the dark side, and getting this atmosphere and tone across was important to us. The video, which was filmed using a drone on a beach in Liverpool, brings depth to the overall feel of the track, creating a feeling of unease, constantly running away, but effectively not really getting anywhere.”

‘Gambler’ lyrics

Fool me now, into another world

I roll this dice for a living, lady lucks not forgiving

I'll phase it out, but I don't tell the truth

She says, try to be better, I say I'll try to be better

But my heart won't let me

Oh lord let me go

It’s over now, it’s over now

Bruised crimson, dried my head

It’s over now, it’s over now

Yeah he calls me out, seen me for what I am

I try to speak, my breath is weak, final words of a desperate man

And I'm lost in hope that I'll be heading home

I beg him, try to be better, he smiles I'll try to be better, but my heart won't let me

No, my heart won't let me...

Oh lord let me go

It’s over now, it’s over now

Bruised crimson, dried my head

It’s over now, it’s over now

Oh Lord let me go