The most wonderful singer-songwriter Katy J Pearson has gifted us with another banger in the run up to the release of her sophomore album Sound of the Morning (out on the 8th of July via Heavenly Recordings). Opening with yet another a killer vocal hook, 'Game of Cards' explores the role of chance in romantic relationships, breezing through comparatively subdued, almost country-tinged, verses before bursting back into the energetic chorus that exudes a sense of empowerment. Pearson explains: "‘Game of Cards’ dates back two years ago, initially written with my friend Ben Hambro (who was the lead singer of Lazarus Kane). We hung out a lot together as I’d sing in his band, and he used to be part of the KJP ensemble. I forgot about the song for a while, then rediscovered it and sent to Heavenly who liked the chorus but the verse wasn’t quite working. I wanted to give it a chance so took it with me to the Dan Carey sessions where we assembled fresh verses – he really helped me work out where the song should go. ‘Game of Cards’ is about finding someone you click with on a romantic level and how it really is a game of cards in that you don’t know what hand you’ll be dealt. It’s about the vulnerability of a blossoming relationship and not knowing where it’s headed." Katy J Pearson will open our showcase at the Alternative Escape (in association with The Great Escape) on the 12th of May, followed by Tony Njoku, deep tan and Tiberius b. -Holly Mullineaux