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.