Colours Through The Air Best of 2022 Albums and Songs

It was so hard to choose but here is the Colours Through The Air 'Best Of' post. My favourite albums and songs of 2022. With the songs, it is one song from each artist.

I felt these albums were the strongest overall and had the most impact on me. You can find the reviews for all the albums apart from Young Guv (Listen here) and The Jangles (Listen here)  

Albums

1. The Shop Window - A 4 Letter Word

2. Michael Head & The Red Elastic Band - Dear Scott

3. Young Guv - III

4. Field School - When Summer Comes

5. The Fernweh - TORSCHLUSSPANIK!

6. The Jangles - Pioneer

7. Gabriel's Dawn - Gabriel's Dawn 

8. Kevin Robertson - Teaspoon of Time

9. The Sadies - Colder Streams

10. Armstrong - Happy Graffiti

Songs

1. RW Hedges - Charm Song

2. The Wends - What A Heart Is For 

3. The Pierce Kingans - Giving It Up 

4. Michael Head & The Red Elastic Band - American Kid

5. Young Guv - It's Only Dancin'

6. Cactus Blossoms - Love Tomorrow 

7. Nell Davies - What The Heart Wants

8. Davoli - Sleep Deprived

9. Luca Nieri - Never To Learn

10. Sam Kogon - Barbed Wire

All in all, it has been a good year and I have found so much great music from doing this blog. Thanks so much to everyone who has shown an interest/sent music to me.

Field School - When Summer Comes

Released: 18 Nov 2022
Label: Bobo Integral

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This is is a superb collection of songs from Washington indie pop band Field School. They are the new band of Charles Bert who was originally in Math & Physics Club (who I reviewed here back in 2020). 

The album is jangly indie pop of the highest standard, recalling The Smiths. It has that lo-fi charm and a very stripped back sound. Highlights include - 'I Just Want to Paint You in Pictures' which is very heartfelt and upbeat. I love the simplicity, and it is instantly memorable.

'I'm Starting to feel a bit Like Myself Again' is beautifully melancholic. It also brought to mind The Magnetic Fields, especially their 69 Love songs album. 'Don't Let This Moment Pass You By' is so emotional, and again has that heartfelt simplicity that makes it so effective. 'Is This Our Love Song?' is hugely melodic and has some sublime vocal harmonies.

A wonderful album with songs which will stay in your mind from first listen. Highly recommended.

Aviator - Av8or

Released: 1 Dec 2022
Label: AV8 Records

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Aviator are back with a new album. They are best known as the band of Pete Wilkinson (who has played bass in bands - Shack, Cast and Echo & The Bunnymen). 

Their music is quite different to that of his previous bands, and has more of a heavier Psych sound. It opens with 'Breakout and Drive' which is an epic and moody 6 minute song. It is quite hypnotic and there are hints of The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Sunstack Jones e.t.c.    

Other highlights include 'Johnny 23' which will get your foot tapping and again has that hypnotic groove. It brought to mind Spiritualized - Come Together too, although its not as mainstream sounding. 'The Love That You Bring' is another standout, an atmospheric ballad with hints of Pink Floyd. 

My favourite here is 'Catch Me if You Can' which is wonderful guitar pop with hints of Psych. It even brought to mind  Waterpistol era Shack, more specifically the song 'Mr. Appointment'.

A glorious psych rock album full of epic soundscapes. Highly recommended.

The Shop Window - A 4 Letter Word

Released: 25 Nov 2022
Label: Spinout Nuggets

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The Shop Window are back with their second album. Like their debut, it is a superb listen, recalling the best of 90s indie. 

Their sound is heavily inspired by RIDE and The Stone Roses. The album opens with 'Eyes Wide Shut' which is wonderfully anthemic. It is instantly memorable, with a hugely uplifting chorus.    

Other highlights include 'With Love To Lead' which is melodic guitar pop of the highest standard, with some great harmonies.

'Lay of the Land' is another standout, again it is anthemic, but not overly, and also sounds psychedelic in places. 'Its By Design' is my favourite here, although its hard to choose! The opening riff is the kind which draws you in straight away, and the chorus really soars. 

Love song - 'That Feeling' is sublime, the emphasis here being on the vocal harmonies. The lyrics are so heartfelt - "I'll be your rock on a stormy day. I'll be your sun when the skies are grey."

A superb follow up with some of the finest anthemic guitar pop I have heard this year. Highly recommended.

Scott Robertson - Footprints in the Butter

Released: 25 Nov 2022
Label: Subjangle

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This is the solo debut album of Scott Robertson of Scottish band, The Vapour Trails. It is a wonderful listen, full of guitar pop gems, inspired by 60s Psych. A lot like with his Dad - Kevin Robertson, the main influence here are The Byrds. 

The album opens with 'Lost My Curtains' which is heartfelt with a big chorus. It feels melancholic, yet with thought-provoking, quirky lyrics - "I'm bald as a coot..." about the sadness of losing hair.    

Other highlights include 'The Death of Daylight Saving' which is lovely and Summery, with hints of REM. 'Doorstep Kisses' brought to mind Aztec Camera and there are some superb vocal harmonies.

'Lean Green Flying Machine' is fun and trippy Psych pop, with some excellent guitar solos, sounding different from anything else on the album. My favourite here is the brilliantly atmospheric 'Fever Dream' which brought to mind 60s band - LOVE. 'Thats Rock N Roll' is epic and dreamy, reminiscent of The Beatles - Tomorrow Never Knows. 

A superbly Psychedelic debut from an artist well worth checking out. Highly recommended.

The Lunar Towers - Hurry Up and Wait EP

Released: 18 Nov 2022
Label: Colorama Records

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The Lunar Towers are a new band from London and this is their debut EP. It is full of superbly melodic indie pop with great hooks. 

Opening song 'Plastic Glass Towers' is very jangly, recalling late 80s/early 90s indie pop. The guitars are quite fast and energetic, with hints of RIDE and early Teenage Fanclub.

'Southern Love' is wonderfully uplifting, Byrds-inspired guitar pop. It is infectiously catchy and a song to enjoy on repeat.

My favourite here is the lovely ballad 'Back To You' which is simple and heartfelt, with hints of The Velvet Underground - Sunday Morning. Again, the hooks are superb and it is instantly memorable.

 

A great EP, from a band well worth investigating. Highly recommended.

Crossword Smiles - Pressed & Ironed

Released: 16 Sept 2022
Label: Big Stir

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Crossword Smiles are a band from Michigan, consisting of Tom Curless (Your Gracious Host) and Chip Saam (The Hangabouts). This is their debut, which I felt was overlooked at the time, so thought I'd go back and review. 

The album opens with 'Feet on the Ground' which is superbly anthemic guitar pop. Their sound is reminiscent of Big Star, and also the 90s power pop band - Velvet Crush.

My favourite here is the upbeat 'The Girl With A Penchant for Yellow' which has brilliant pop hooks and is a lot of fun.

Other highlights include 'Where's The Sense' which again is wonderfully catchy. There are some lovely vocal harmonies. 'Walk Softly' is more melodic and atmospheric, with hints of Country and Folk.

 

A superb album, from a band well worth checking out. Highly recommended.

Dot Dash - Madman in the Rain

Released: 5 Nov 2022
Label: The Beautiful Music

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Dot Dash, from Washington D.C. have been making music for a while but are a relatively new discovery for me. Their sound is a mixture of more melodic indie/jangle, with hints of Punk. 

The album opens with 'Forever Far Out' which is my favourite here. It is wonderfully catchy, bringing to mind classic 70s Mod/Punk of The Jam.

Other highlights include 'Tense and Nervous' which is fast 2 minute pop and joyously energetic. 'Animal Stone' is moody 60s-inspired Psych at its finest, bringing to mind The Action.

'Everything = Dust' is slightly heavier Punk, but more fun than angry, which is often the case with the genre. 'Wokeupdreaming' is sublime and more laid back, with hints of Velvet Underground and The Byrds.

 

A superb album, full of memorable melodies and a variety of styles. Highly recommended.

Ian M Bailey - You Paint The Pictures

Released: 28 Oct 2022
Label: Kool Kat

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Ian M Bailey is back with a new album, of Byrds-inspired guitar pop. Again it is co-written by Daniel Wylie (of Cosmic Rough Riders). 

It opens with 'Paint The Pictures', which is wonderfully uplifting and Summery. It has a big anthemic chorus and like many of the songs here, is instantly memorable.

My favourite here is 'I Wanted The Sun To Shine' which is a sweet love song, bringing to mind R.E.M. The lyrics are melancholic and thought-provoking. - "This World is a mystery, like a sound in a Cemetery. Like a wheel that turns this life, but no-one really dares."  

Other highlights include 'I Don't Want To Start Again', which is more jangle of the highest standard and brought to mind later Teenage Fanclub. 'Hey Little Girl' is beautifully melodic, with orchestral production adding to the emotional impact. 'Lover's Song' is reminiscent of Neil Young, with hints of Americana. 

 

A lovely Album, with Summery vibes, even on these cold Autumn days. Highly recommended.

Professor Yaffle - Let There Be Light

Released: 17 Oct 2022
Label: _

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Professor Yaffle, from Liverpool, is back with a new album. It is a beautifully uplifting listen, the sound being a mixture of indie, folk and psych.  

It opens with 'Most Of My Air' which is wonderfully laid back, yet with some bleak lyrics. The production is superb, with some excellent guitar work. It is hard to find comparisons but there are definitely hints of Pink Floyd's more ambient music.   

Other highlights include 'Something Beyond Beautiful', which is lovely and melodic, with heartfelt lyrics. Again, it is well produced with sweeping strings and intricate piano. 'Tears In My Eyes' is more Folk sounding and melancholic. 'Someday' is one of the sweetest love songs I have heard lately. It is honest lyrically, with magical sounding xylophones. 

My favourite here is 'You Make It All Worthwhile' which has some lovely vocal harmonies and a chorus which instantly stays in your mind.

 

A brilliant album, with great attention to detail, full of epic soundscapes and heartfelt songs. Highly recommended listening for Autumn evenings.

The Wends - Its Here Where You Fall

Released: 28 Oct 2022
Label: Subjangle

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The Wends (formerly known as Smile), from Italy, are back with a new album. It is hugely enjoyable and full of 80s/90s inspired jangle goodness.  

It opens with my favourite here 'What A Heart Is For' which is one of the finest guitar pop songs I have heard this year. It is wonderfully melodic and heartfelt and brought to mind The La's. The chorus will stay in your mind from first listen.   

Other highlights include 'Worthy of Nothing' which has a slightly heavier edge and a big anthemic chorus. The sound is reminiscent of early REM. 'The Way We Die Tonight' is more melancholic, with emotional lyrics and epic production. There are hints of early Radiohead. 

'Best Behaviour' is slightly post punk sounding with some superb pop hooks, bringing to mind Guided By Voices.

 

A brilliant album from a band well worth investigating. Highly recommended.

The Mellons - Introducing The Mellons

Released: 21 Oct 2022
Label: Earth Libraries

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Utah Baroque pop band - The Mellons are a new discovery for me. Their debut album is a gloriously psychedelic listen full of 60s inspired pop gems. 

'So Much Today' is wonderfully Summery and recalls The Beach Boys. There are some lovely vocal harmonies and heartfelt lyrics. It is well produced and captures the feeling of 60s Baroque pop perfectly.

My favourite here is the superb 'What A Time To Be Alive'. This one is more Beatles-inspired, and strangely hypnotic. The chorus is quite anthemic and its simplicity makes the song instantly memorable.   

Other highlights include 'Strawberry Girl', which is full of charm with whimsical lyrics and great pop hooks. 'Hello Sun' is so epic with a huge chorus, sounding like Abbey Road era Beatles. 'Magic Spell' has hints of soul and brought to mind Unknown Mortal Orchestra. 

 

A hugely enjoyable album and recommended for fans of 60s Baroque pop.

Vernons Future - Aquaplaning

Released: 7 Oct 2022
Label: VF Records

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UK indie band - Vernons Future, are a recent discovery for me. This is their first album under this name and is a collection of singles and other songs from 2019 onwards. They released one album back in 1990 (Smithdown Road) as The Vernons. 

Their sound is wonderfully catchy indie pop, reminiscent of late 80s/early 90s. It opens with 'Call To Arms' which is anthemic indie with hints of Echo and the Bunnymen. It is about climate change with some hard-hitting lyrics - "Don't expect a sympathetic ear, when the World you love will quickly disappear."

My favourite here is the superbly upbeat 'Holy Joe' which is feelgood guitar pop at its finest. There were hints of The Coral - In The Morning, and you will want to play it on repeat!  

Other highlights include 'Just Can't Help Myself' which is instantly memorable with 70s prog vibes, bringing to mind Greg Lake. 'Lights Have Changed' is more moody sounding, with some bleak lyrics - "The stars in the sky will not last forever..." and again has a big anthemic chorus. 

 

A hugely enjoyable album and highly recommended for fans of 90s indie.

Librarians With Hickeys - Handclaps & Tambourines

Released: 14 Oct 2022
Label: Big Stir

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Librarians With Hickeys, from Ohio, are back with their second album. It is more enjoyable jangle with plenty of great pop hooks.   Their sound is inspired by 80s REM with hints of the 60s Psych of The Byrds. 

It opens with 'I Better Get Home' which is superbly catchy and brought to mind The Buzzcocks - Ever Fallen In Love, so there are hints of Punk here too.

My favourite here is 'I Can't Stop Thinking About You' which is a wonderful love song, and instantly memorable. It shows simplicity is often the key with this music and I could imagine it would have been a college radio hit.  

Other highlights include 'Can't Wait Till Summer' which is highly melodic and anthemic. 'Lady Overdrive' is a fun listen with a huge chorus and handclaps e.t.c. 'Last Days of Summer' is beautifully Autumnal with some lovely viola playing, which also adds variety to the album.

 

Highly recommended Autumn listening, especially for fans of 80s jangle.

Granfalloon - Calendar Volume I

Released: 30 Sept 2022
Label: _

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Granfalloon, from Manchester, are a new discovery for me. Their latest album is a wonderfully unique and enjoyable listen. The sound is a blend of indie and more traditional Folk.   

It opens with 'Archive' which is beautifully arranged, with big orchestral production. It is quite uplifting yet melancholic, the lyrics reflecting on memories of love, from scraps of paper receipts e.t.c. 

My favourite here is 'Please Write Responsibly' which is Folk style storytelling at its finest and will have you hanging onto every word. It is so imaginative and about a written story coming to life. The sound brought to mind Pulp and also the indie folk of Ralfe Band.  

Other highlights include 'Bee on a String', which is more 'pop' sounding than anything else here. It is brilliantly whimsical and perfect if you have a love for animal themed songs, as I do. 'O Joyce' is more lovely storytelling about the 'circle of life'. It ends on 'Rushmore' which is rather epic with some philosophical lyrics and soaring harmonies.

 

A superb album, and recommended Autumn listening, especially if you want to hear something a bit different.

Pixy Jones - Bits n Bobs

Released: 16 Sept 2022
Label: Strangetown Records

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Pixy Jones, once of the Welsh indie band El Goodo, releases his debut album. It is a superb listen, full of 60s-inspired Psych/Garage pop gems.   

It opens with album standout - 'I'm Not There' which is moody sounding with some wonderful harmonies, reminiscent of The Zombies. It is beautifully arranged and produced, sounding like it could be straight from the Psychedelic era.  

Other highlights include 'Bad Throat' which demonstrates superb storytelling. It is quite sad lyrically about someone's struggle with Cancer. Another favourite here is 'Maureen Dreams No More' which has a brilliantly catchy guitar riff and brought to mind early Kinks. 

'There's Something Wrong' is upbeat and more Beatles sounding with melancholic lyrics about depression. 'I'm Coming Home' has more Country vibes, reminiscent of The Flying Burrito Brothers.

 

A superb album, full of 60s Psych goodness, with memorable melodies and quirky lyrics. Highly recommended.

The Orchids - Dreaming Kind

Released: 2 Sept 2022
Label: Skepwax Records

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Scottish indie pop band The Orchids are back with a new album. They have been making records since the 80s and were once on the legendary Sarah Records label.   

It opens with album standout - 'Didn't We Love You' which is brilliantly catchy guitar pop with an anthemic chorus. 

Other highlights include 'What Have I Got To Do', which is a more stripped back ballad with heartfelt lyrics. It recalls the best of 80s indie pop, bringing to mind Aztec Camera. 'This Boy Is A Mess' has New Order vibes and again has a big anthemic chorus.

'Isn't It Easy' is more Folk sounding, with atmospheric, orchestral production. It is a very moving listen with some heartbreaking lyrics - "Its much too late and the damage is done. We are flying in the sky too close to the Sun." 

'I Don't Mean To Stare' is more chilled out electronic/synth pop and is wonderfully uplifting and ambient.

 

A superb album, full of sophisticated pop songs and a variety of sounds. Highly recommended for fans of 80s indie.

The Photocopies - Pop Trivia

Released: 26 Aug 2022
Label: Subjangle

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The Photocopies is the work of Sean Turner, originally from London but now based in Michigan. This is a compilation double cd of singles and rarities, full of C86-inspired jangle pop goodness.   

There are so many songs here to choose from, but my favourite is 'You Used To Tell Me Everything'. It is a heartfelt breakup song of the highest standard, with hints of early Teenage Fanclub. The production is very fuzzy and lo-fi, giving it that authentic retro feeling. 

Other highlights include 'Anywhere Without You' which is ultra melodic with brilliant pop hooks. There are also hints of The Jesus and Mary Chain. 'Vexed' is 2 minute pop with a Punk edge, and is a lot of fun. 'Might As Well Talk To Myself' is melancholic and instantly memorable, like many of the songs here. 'Better Than Nothing I Suppose' is simple yet so catchy, you will be reaching for the repeat button.

 

A hugely enjoyable compilation, full of addictive jangle pop gems. Highly recommended.

The Rotary Fifth - The Rotary Fifth

Released: 6 Jun 2022
Label: _

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This is the debut album from The Rotary Fifth, from Liverpool. Their sound is a mixture of indie,  Psych and Jazz and is more experimental than the music I typically review here.   

It opens with 'Unknown Unknowns' which is beautifully ambient. It is hard to find comparisons but their music has hints of Folktronica Singer/Songwriter - Jane Weaver and also Portishead. 

My favourite here is 'Home', which is anthemic, yet hypnotic. The vocals are haunting and the melody/song as a whole instantly stays in your mind.

   

Other highlights include 'The Peoples Temple' which is wonderfully atmospheric and would easily fit in a film soundtrack. There are hints of Pink Floyd's more ambient music. 'Sacred Geometry' is a lovely and uplifting listen.

A superb album and ideal End of Summer/Autumn listening. Highly recommended.

Neil Brogan - Things Keep Getting In The Way

Released: 8 Jul 2022
Label: _

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Neil Brogan, from Belfast, is a relatively new discovery although I was aware of his music when he was in the band - Sea Pinks. His new album is superb jangle/indie pop with 80s vibes.   

It opens with 'August to October' which is straight to the point, 2 minute pop at its finest and instantly memorable. His sound recalls Flying Nun records bands - The Bats, The Chills e.t.c.

Other highlights include 'Watercolours' which is a wonderfully simple and heartfelt love song. 'All We Know' is superbly melodic and jangly with hints of The Byrds too. The lyrics are bleak - "The World is a depressing hell hole, don't I know"

   

My favourite here is 'Things Keep Getting In The Way' which is upbeat with brilliant pop hooks, like many of the songs here.

A superb album full of short-but-sweet, catchy jangle pop gems. Highly recommended.

Phil Yates & The Affiliates - A Thin Thread

Released: 15 Jul 2022
Label: _

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Phil Yates, from Chicago, is a relatively new discovery for me. His new album is feelgood guitar pop at its finest.   

It opens with 'I Can't Wait' which is straight to the point, 2 minute pop, full of superb hooks. The sound recalls Thirteen era Teenage Fanclub, and of course The Byrds.

'Trash Carrots' has a slightly heavier Punk edge, which is unexpected, and adds variety to the album. 'The Door No. 3' is a wonderfully melodic and heartfelt breakup song, which will get you emotional - "You're still the one that I adore. Should I grab my things and walk right out the door?"

   

'Green Eyes' is more instantly memorable power pop, with an anthemic chorus, to enjoy on repeat. 'The Fool' is upbeat, recalling ELO Mr. Blue Sky at times, with some dark lyrics. The melancholic 'Smithereens' is stripped back and atmospheric, reflecting on a relationship.

A superb album full of catchy guitar pop gems. Highly recommended Summer listening.

RW Hedges - Long Summer Days EP

Released: 20 Jul 2022
Label: High Tide Records

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RW Hedges is back with a new EP of beautifully crafted songs, which captures all the magic of the Summer season.   

The songs are all under 3 minutes long, with lovely melodies and superb pop hooks, reminiscent of the music of the 60s.

The standout on the EP is opener 'Charm Song' which has hints of Jazz and Folk. It has an uplifting chorus which will stay with you from first listen. 'This Heart' is a 50s inspired love song, which brought to mind Buddy Holly (the song even mentions 'True Love Ways').

Heartfelt ballad - 'A Flower or a Song' is an emotional listen, with the simplicity of early Beatles and The Left Banke. 'A Robin's Song' is joyous with elements of childrens storytelling, old Disney e.t.c. Describing the Robin as "Like an Angel who has come here to watch over me", is a reference to Gershwin's Broadway standard (obviously a huge influence here).

The closing song, 'Long Summer Days', is delicate and sentimental, with stripped back production by co-writer Luca Nieri. There is some intricate piano work and it had hints of the jazz standard 'Fly Me To The Moon.'

A wonderful EP, full of Summer cheer, to be enjoyed all year round. Highly recommended.

The Fernweh - TORSCHLUSSPANIK!

Released: 1 Jul 2022
Label: Winterlude Records

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UK indie band - The Fernweh return with their long awaited second album. Their debut was one of my favourites of 2018, with plenty of 60s inspired goodness. The main influences being The Beatles, Fairport Convention and early Pink Floyd.   

On their new album, they have gone for a more 70s sound.  It opens with 'The Wounds of Love' which has hints of the glam rock of Bowie and T-Rex. It references Pink Floyd - Another Brick in The Wall and U2 e.t.c. Admittedly, the new sound took a bit of getting used to. The orchestration is rather epic with superb guitar work and violins.

Other highlights include 'Pas Devant Les Enfants' which is more anthemic guitar pop, reminiscent of the music on their debut. 'End of the Summertime' is gloriously psychedelic with quirky lyrics.

   

My favourite here is 'I Want to See Your Name in Lights' which is beautifully melodic with hints of The Byrds. It has a big anthemic chorus, which brought to mind 'Hey Jude'. 'The Pike' is a bit silly lyrically but is a lot of fun. 'What's Jesus For?' is thought provoking with some wonderful storytelling.

A hugely enjoyable album and a brilliant return. Highly recommended Summer listening.

Theatre Royal - Beneath the Floor EP

Released: 14 Jul 2022
Label: _

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UK indie pop band - Theatre Royal return with a new EP. Their sound recalls the best of 80s/90s indie, making it a hugely enjoyable listen.   

It opens with '1994' which is heartfelt and anthemic guitar pop at its finest. It is instantly memorable with soaring harmonies in the chorus. The subject/lyrics are melancholic and the overall sound had hints of New Order, The Cure e.t.c.

'Ship Beneath the Floor' brought to mind Ocean Rain era Echo and the Bunnymen. It is a laid back listen, perfect for Summer evenings.

   

'You Didn't See It' is more stripped back and Folk sounding with superb vocal harmonies and heartbreaking lyrics. 'Talking to Tracey' is more uplifting with great pop hooks. 'The End' is very bleak lyrically about death and losing all hope e.t.c. - "When I lose my heartbeat, when its gone forever. I'll be hoping that its as light as a feather."

A superb EP full of memorable melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. Highly recommended Summer listening.

Michael Head & The Red Elastic Band - Dear Scott

Released: 3 June 2022
Label: Modern Sky

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I realise that Michael Head is a bigger artist than those I typically review here. But keeping with the theme of the blog, I wanted to write a few words about the new album.   

This is his second solo album with The Red Elastic Band, but those aware of Michael Head will know he has released many superb albums over the years with his past bands The Pale Fountains and Shack.

I like Michael Head the most for his simple and heartfelt love songs (of around 2 to 3 minutes) like 'As Long As I've Got You', 'Cadiz', 'Josephine' e.t.c. There are not too many like this on the new album, but I realise that songwriters can't keep writing the same songs and that change can be a good thing.

   

The standout on the album, and the closest to the above songs, is 'American Kid'. There are a lot of references to Old Hollywood and I felt this did over-complicate the song a bit. On the whole it is wonderfully uplifting, with a soaring chorus, reminiscent of Fable era Shack.

Other highlights here include 'Gino and Rico' which has Jazz vibes and brought to mind 'Stranger' from Shack album Waterpistol. There are some brilliantly inventive melodies and lyrics - "Life is for living and living is for life". The strength of the song 'Broken Beauty' is in its emotional impact, heartfelt delivery and superb production (by Bill Ryder-Jones past member of The Coral). 'Pretty Child' is an enjoyable take on a lullaby originally from The Night of The Hunter soundtrack. The result is glorious and there are hints of 60s Psych. 'The Ten' has some lovely melodic arrangements and vivid lyrics about life in old Liverpool.

The strongest album of the year so far, even though some of the songs here I didn't love instantly, as I did with his previous work. There are not many recent artists making music like this and Michael Head is still one of the best Songwriters around.

Gabriel's Dawn - Gabriel's Dawn

Released: 30 May 2022
Label: _

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Gabriel's Dawn are an indie pop band from The Midlands, UK and this is their debut. It is a highly enjoyable listen, recalling the best of 60s West Coast guitar pop.   

The band consists of members of other bands, including - The Silver Factory and Alfa 9 (who I absolutely love).

'Loose Canyon' opens the album and it is melodic, Americana-tinged guitar music at its finest. There are some glorious vocal harmonies and the chorus is wonderfully uplifting.

   

Other highlights include 'I Don't Believe (In the Summer of Love)' which has more chiming guitars, of course recalling The Byrds. The lyrics are melancholic and full of longing - "You took my heart and its not enough for you." 

'We' has some lovely melodies and also brought to mind indie pop band Alvvays. 'Tell Me Which Way' is another favourite here and is instantly memorable like much of the best retro guitar music.

A superb debut from a band well worth investigating. Essential Summer listening.

Kevin Robertson - Teaspoon of Time

Released: 13 May 2022
Label: Subjangle/Futureman

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Kevin Robertson, of Scottish band The Vapour Trails, is back with his second solo album. Like the previous ones, it is full of Byrds-inspired, 60s style guitar pop with lovely melodies and hooks.   

The album opens with 'Tough Times (Feels like That)', which has an iconic opening guitar riff, reminiscent of rock classic - Smokestack Lightning.

The standout on the album is 'Trippin' Back' which is wonderfully catchy, with West Coast style harmonies. It is instantly memorable and the chorus will have you singing along.

   

Other highlights include 'Rather Hide' which is a lovely pop gem and at just over 2 minutes, it will have you reaching for repeat. 'Moments of Reflection' is more melancholic and brought to mind Teenage Fanclub's later music. 'Don't You Dwell' is gloriously Psychedelic and a joy to listen to. 'Misty Dew Soaked Mountains' is uplifting and atmospheric, with hints of Country.

Highly recommended Summer listening, especially for fans of retro guitar pop.

The Shipbuilders - Spring Tide

Released: 6 May 2022
Label: Mai 68

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Liverpool indie band The Shipbuilders have just released their much anticipated debut album. Their sound is a superbly melodic blend of indie, folk and 60s Psych.   

The album opens with 'Stranger's Lament', which strongly recalls fellow Liverpudlian bands - The La's, and The Coral. It is brilliantly atmospheric, about a Sailor returning home from their travels.

The standout on the album is 'Hanging Me At Dawn' which has elements of traditional Folk storytelling, with heavy Psych guitars. The result is so effective and wonderfully unique for recent music.   

Other highlights include 'Fault Line' which is catchy and upbeat, with some bleak lyrics about living in poverty e.t.c. 'Silk Road' is a lovely guitar pop song with hints of The La's - There She Goes. 'The Moon' is an epic Indie Folk anthem which brought to mind The Stone Roses.

A hugely enjoyable album, and recommended listening for fans of both retro guitar music and 90s indie.

The Jerrys - Ready or Not

Released: 4 May 2022
Label: _

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The Jerrys, from Chicago, are a recent discovery for me. Their new album is an enjoyable listen full of energetic and catchy guitar pop.   

The album opens with 'Alicia' which is full of superb pop hooks. The sound is reminiscent of great Power Pop bands of the 70s, especially one of my favourites - Flamin' Groovies.

The standout on the album is 'Love Me Now and Leave Me Never' which is melodic and instantly memorable, showing that simplicity is often the key with music.   

Other highlights include 'Lean on Me' which brought to mind the 60s Psych of The Seeds and The Rolling Stones. 'Just Us Three' has Americana vibes and is more stripped back with twangy guitars.

A superb album, and perfect listening for fans of more retro guitar music and Psych. Highly recommended.

M Ross Perkins - E Pluribus M Ross

Released: 18 Mar 2022
Label: _

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M Ross Perkins, from Ohio, is an artist I discovered last year, from his wonderful cover of Bill Fox - Bird of the World (A Byrdsian jangle gem, well worth checking out). His new album is full of his own Summery guitar pop with 60s West Coast vibes.   

The album opens with 'Industrial Good Day Mantra' which is highly melodic and uplifting, with Beatles vibes. The production is very retro and Baroque Pop in style.

'Wrong Wrong Wrong' is my favourite here and superbly catchy, of course it recalls The Byrds and also The Beach Boys - Come Go With Me. The lyrics are quite sad about not being understood, relationship problems e.t.c. - "Spare me all your mighty sources, curb your complimentary courses, I've been through a few divorces."  

Other highlights include 'Tired of Me' which is more instantly memorable, Byrds-inspired jangle. 'Mr Marble Eyes' is glorious Psych with surreal lyrics. 'Pinball Blonde' is hugely enjoyable and demonstrates superb storytelling. 

A brilliant album, full of wonderfully melodic pop gems, with entertaining lyrics. Highly recommended.