Following on from the delicate single ‘It’s Nice To Have A Break’, 18-year-old Honey Mooncie treats us to a new release, ‘Checkmate’, which was written alongside Tobie Tripp. Unlike that first track which was a quiet acoustic moment, ‘Checkmate’ instantly smacks with contemporary pop melodies, while Mooncie’s earnest vocals once again step to the fore. After the creeping one minute introduction, this song launches into disco textures and funk rhythms, making this an utterly uplifting listen. In contrast to this warm, organic bop and energy-giving guitars, the lyrics try to lift those rose-tinted glasses. Here Mooncie explains: “It’s about seeing your friend in a relationship that isn’t particularly good for them and them not being able to see it as they’re so taken by this person.” It’s such a fresh perspective on this well-worn topic of relationships and it makes us even more eager to hear more from Honey Mooncie. - Hannah Thacker