Brought to our attention by Memorials of Distinction (who's roster includes Porridge Radio, caroline and Grove), 'Phlebotomy' is Dear Laika's spellbinding debut for the label and management hybrid. Comprised predominantly of glacial layered vocals that inhabit a grand, church-like space, Dear Laika's celestial lead soars emotively through the ambience. Sonically enacting a heartbreaking sense of longing and suspense, the artist explains: "queer time" is a phrase coined by gender theorist jack halberstam to describe the ways in which gay and transgender people experience time differently, often because a lifetime is conventionally measured in heteronormative expectations e.g. marriage, having children. my new single "Phlebotomy" briefly explores the concept of "queer time" in the context of medical transition. every six months i get a blood test to check my hormone levels, which requires three vials of blood to be drawn from my arm. the last time i had one, i fainted for the first time in my life. transitioning is a constant process and it takes a long time, made longer in the UK by the shamefully and dangerously long waiting lists for treatment. often trans people find their lives temporarily “put on hold” while they wait to finally become happy with their bodies. it’s a painful, lonely experience. i’ve spent most of the past 5 years waiting. i’m still waiting. and so we can begin to process time in a different way. years of empty waiting can simultaneously feel like time is standing still and like time has been stolen away from you." Listen to this stunning track here now. -Holly Mullineaux