One Morning in August - Another Morning

Released: 24 Nov 2023
Label: _

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Irish indie band - One Morning In August, are a recent discovery for me and this is their second album. 

Opening song 'Moment' is wonderfully ambient and atmospheric. The album on the whole has a laid back feel to it, with some beautiful instrumentals to come later on.

'Lovers By Surprise' is the standout song here. The sound brings to mind the 00s indie of Idlewild, and there are also hints of R.E.M.  The chorus is superbly anthemic and instantly memorable. 

'Local Minor Superstar' sounds like it could have been a radio hit in the early 00s. The lyrics are quite humorous "You act just like a teenager, you're almost 52..." 

Other highlights include 'Those Days' which is beautifully heartfelt Folk. 'Get it Right' sounds different from anything else here, being really dark, heavier rock. It brought to mind Nick Cave and Mark Lanegan. 

Closing instrumental - 'A Long Journey West' is more electronic with other-worldly synths, taking you away to another place.

A superb album, with a variety of styles and sounds, making this an essential listen. Highly recommended. 

The Lunar Laugh - In The Black

Released: 3 Nov 2023
Label: Big Stir

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The Lunar Laugh, from Oklahoma, are a recent discovery for me but have been making music for a while. This is apparently going to be their final album, which I think is a huge shame judging by the quality of the songs here.

Opening song 'Born Weird' is catchy Power Pop at its finest, with edgy punk sounding guitars. 'Allegiance' is my favourite here and brought to mind Plans era Death Cab For Cutie, with hints of The Beatles and Big Star too. The vocal harmonies are wonderful and it has so much emotion. 

Other highlights include 'Timeless Time' which has some melancholic lyrics and lovely melodies. 'Still Gets To Me' is Byrds-inspired jangle of the highest standard. It ends on the Country-tinged 'Picture Perfect' which is a very moving love song, with some philosophical lyrics.

A hugely enjoyable album, full of heartfelt, well-written songs. Highly recommended. 

The Yellow Melodies - Sunshine Pop

Released: 7 Nov 2023
Label: The Beautiful Music

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The Yellow Melodies, from Spain, are a recent discovery for me although I think they have been making music since the early 00s. Their new album is full of Summery indie pop goodness.

Opening song 'Follow The Sun' is feelgood guitar pop at its finest, recalling Teenage Fanclub, and also The Cure song - Inbetween Days. It is wonderfully catchy and anthemic. 

Other highlights include the moody sounding 'La Magia de Aquellas Noches' which has hints of 60s Psych. The melody is instantly memorable, and its an enjoyable listen. You don't have to understand the words to appreciate it.

'What I Do' is melancholic with hints of doo wop, bringing to mind The Flamingos - I Only Have Eyes For You. Closing song 'The Sunshine In Your Eyes' is another favourite here and has some great pop hooks.

A superb album, from a band well worth checking out, especially if you love indie pop. Highly recommended. 

Ian M Bailey - We Live In Strange Times

Released: 24 Nov 2023
Label: Kool Kat

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Ian M Bailey is back with a new album. It is a lovely listen as you'd expect, full of jangling Byrds inspired guitars. Again, it is co-written by Daniel Wylie (more known for his work with Scottish band - Cosmic Rough Riders). 

Opening song 'The Last Chime' is wonderfully Summery and anthemic, even on these cold winter nights. The guitars really chime, like the title suggests.  

My favourite here is 'It's Summer Rain' which is instantly memorable. Like many of the songs here, the focus is on the soaring melodies and superb pop hooks.

Other highlights include 'The Clock is Ticking' which has a slightly heavier edge and a catchy chorus which will stay in your mind from first listen. 'Dance Around The Room' is beautifully subtle and a blend of Folk and Americana. 'Country Girl' is a heartfelt love song of the highest standard.

A superb album, full of well-written songs with intricate harmonies. Highly recommended.

Smokey Angle Shades - Let Go Of The Past

Released: 29 Sept 2023
Label: Europa Sun

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Smokey Angle Shades, from the UK, release their second album after 2015's wonderful 'Shades of Joy'. Their sound is a blend of Americana and 70s sounding rock. The band features Ned Crowther from The Fernweh.

Opening song 'Let's Start All Over Again' is a very moving ballad, which brought to mind solo Paul McCartney and of course The Fernweh. 

Other highlights include the instantly memorable 'A Star Called Youth' which is melancholic with a big anthemic chorus. 'And You Tied A Ribbon on It' is uplifting with hints of electronic and brought to mind ELO.

My favourite here is 'Green Eyes' which is Americana tinged guitar pop at its finest. It is lovely and heartfelt, with hints of The Flying Burrito Brothers. 'Prize Fighter' demonstrates some superb storytelling and beautiful orchestral arrangements.

A hugely enjoyable album, full of well-crafted and memorable songs. 

Mike Gale - Thanks For Always Waving

Released: 8 Sept 2023
Label: _

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Mike Gale, from Southampton, has been releasing his own wonderfully melodic, lo-fi Folk music for a while. His latest album is a beautifully ambient listen.

The album opens with 'Yipee' which is laid-back, with hints of solo John Lennon. The production is acoustic and stripped back, giving it retro charm. 

Other highlights include 'Summer Be Gone' which sounds like a more modern version of  Harry Nilsson's 'Everybody's Talkin'.

'Grumble Pie' is another favourite here and is uplifting and Summery with more African vibes. Of course, it brought to mind Graceland era Paul Simon. 'I Know Her' is a a sweet song with some lovely vocal harmonies.

'They're Closing the Marina' is heartfelt and melancholic, with more of a Spanish feel to it.

A superb album, highly recommended for fans of lo-fi indie/folk. 

Tamar Berk - Tiny Injuries

Released: 18 Aug 2023
Label: _

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Tamar Berk, from California, is back with a new album. It is more wonderfully heartfelt and melodic guitar pop, as you would expect. Her sound brings to mind the 90s alternative pop/singer-songwriter of Aimee Mann, Liz Phair e.t.c. 

The album opens with 'If U Know, U Know' which is brilliantly catchy and anthemic. There are some superb guitar solos towards the end.

Other highlights include 'Whats Become of Me, My Friend' which is a stripped back and melancholic piano ballad. The lyrics are very honest and it is an emotional listen.

'Permanent Vacation' is another favourite here and is uplifting and Summery. 'Drop In The Bucket' has plenty of attitude and more edgy, heavier sounding guitars. It still has the memorable hooks of Power Pop.

'I Was Saved By The Beauty in the World' is a highly emotional song, reflecting on life. There are some philosophical and thought-provoking lyrics - "We're all just precious stones, floating down the river, going home."

A superb album, full of well-crafted guitar pop anthems. Highly recommended Summer listening. 

Sandra's Wedding - The Hopeful Boy Replacement Service

Released: 14 July 2023
Label: Subjangle (cd) Self-released (vinyl)

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Sandra's Wedding, from Goole UK, are back with a new album. Their previous album (Pleasure Grounds) was one of my favourites of 2021, so I had high expectations for this one. It did not disappoint and is full of wonderfully uplifting 80s-inspired indie. 

The album opens with the title track, which is superbly anthemic. Their sound has hints of The Housemartins and also The Pale Fountains! The lyrics are quirky - "Hey little Goldfish in a sandwich bag..." is one of my favourite opening lines I have heard in a while.

Other highlights include 'French Girls' which is Summery and fun. It is brilliantly catchy and will have you singing along. 'This Be The Verse' is very jangly and upbeat. As is 'The Running Joke' which has more unique lyrics and superb pop hooks.

'To The Beat of Slamming Doors' is another favourite here and is again wonderfully 80s, the opening riff bringing to mind Martha and The Muffins classic Echo Beach. There are hints of The Smiths here too!

A hugely enjoyable listen and recommended for fans of 80s indie pop. 

Fort Not - Depressed For Success

Released: 7 July 2023
Label: Meritorio Records

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Swedish indie pop band, Fort Not, are a recent discovery for me. Their music is wonderfully lo-fi and melodic, with hints of The Velvet Underground. It also reminded me of the recent band - Rural France (also on the Meritorio label) so fans of them will also enjoy this. 

The album opens with 'Love Will Find You' which is heartfelt 2 minute pop at its finest. There are hints of Jonathan Richman here, and it is wonderfully laid back.

Other highlights include 'Tell Me Nothing' which again has that lo-fi simplicity and is a lot of fun. 'Ringo Starr' is a bit more Punk inspired, with hints of The Ramones. The lyrics are humorous, yet melancholic at the same time.

'Baby Maybe' is brilliantly catchy and upbeat, with hints of The Beatles classic - Twist and Shout. 'My Love' is superbly melodic and reminded me of The Traveling Wilburys - Last Night.

Highly recommended Summer listening from a band well worth checking out! 

Parallax Project - Autologous

Released: 5 May 2023
Label: Kool Kat Musik

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Parallax Project, from Pennsylvania, are a recent discovery for me. The band features members of The Split Squad, Minus 5 and The Junior League (who I was familiar with). So its full of wonderfully catchy guitar pop, as you would expect. 

The album opens with 'Put It Out' which has superb pop hooks and is a lot of fun. There are hints of 80s Power Pop, and it especially brought to mind The Romantics, The Cars e.t.c. 

My favourite here is 'I've Gotta Change My Life' (a cover of the Fleshtones classic), which is brilliantly melodic, with a big memorable chorus you will be singing along to. The production has hints of electronic, bringing to mind New Wave band Devo.

Other highlights include 'Mary Houdini' which is beautifully Summery and has more of a 60s sound. 'You Were Never There' is melancholic with a country twang, and there are also hints of Teenage Fanclub.

It ends on the epic 'Don't Want to Live Inside Myself', which is a superb cover of the Bee Gees classic.

A hugely enjoyable album and recommended Summer listening. 

Lost Ships - Atoms Collide Forever

Released: 30 June 2023
Label: Subjangle

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UK indie pop band - Lost Ships return with a new album. It is more wonderfully jangly guitar pop with catchy melodies and quirky lyrics.

The album opens with 'The Brittle Heart Foundation' which is anthemic with a great opening guitar riff and superb hooks. Their sound has hints of late 80s/90s jangle bringing to mind The Wedding Present, Martin Newell e.t.c.

Other highlights include 'I'm In Love With Your Girlfriend' which recalls early Teenage Fanclub. Its simplicity is so effective and is instantly memorable, like many of the songs here.

'Highway 62' demonstrates some superb storytelling, with plenty of references to American culture e.t.c. 'Derek from Domino's' is humorous with dark lyrics about a Pizza delivery man who committed some murders. But it didn't last - "Late September he turned himself in with a written confession on his rolling pin"!

'Toaster Song' is a heartfelt break-up song, full of melancholy. The lyrics are wonderfully vivid and there are themes of loneliness.

A hugely enjoyable album and recommended for fans of 90s indie/guitar pop. 

The Parlophonics - Dying of the Light

Released: 7 Jul 2023
Label: Kool Kat Musik

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The Parlophonics are a trio, based in Germany, London and North Hollywood, and a new discovery for me. Their album is an enjoyable listen, full of memorable guitar pop, rich in melody. The beautiful album cover also drew me in, which is created by the legendary Klaus Voormann (the artist behind The Beatles - Revolver album cover!)

The album opens with 'Fill My Sky' which has hints of 60s Psych, with gorgeous vocal harmonies and orchestral production. It has a chilled, laid back vibe, perfect for Summer evenings.

Other highlights include 'Reading Kerouac', which is upbeat with hints of Fleetwood Mac, yet with bleak lyrics. 'The Dying of the Light' is a heartfelt ballad with a big anthemic chorus, and brought to mind The Beatles - Let it Be.

Another standout here is 'Heaven Can Wait' which has hints of country, again the vocal harmonies are superb. It ends on an excellent cover of Badfinger's 'Song For a Lost Friend' which is beautifully melancholic.

A wonderful album and essential Summer listening. 

Vanity Mirror - PUFF

Released: 12 May 2023
Label: We Are Busy Bodies

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Vanity Mirror is the new project from members of L.A. Baroque Pop band - Electric Looking Glass. The album is a wonderfully retro listen with plenty of 60s inspired guitar pop goodness.

The album opens with '(I First Saw You There on) Tinpot Lane' which actually sounds like it could be a lost Kinks song. It is superbly melodic and catchy, and will have you reaching for the repeat button.

Other highlights include 'Tuesday's News' which is guitar pop of the highest standard and brought to mind The Beatles - You Never Give Me Your Money. 'Dandelion Wish' recalls the Psychedelia of The Rolling Stones and has some lovely harmonies.

The standout here is gentle ballad - 'Somehow You Know', which is very heartfelt, bringing to mind Paul McCartney's more acoustic solo music. It also had hints of John Lennon - Oh My Love. It ends on the beautifully whimsical 'Happily Ever After' which has that timeless Baroque Pop production.

A hugely enjoyable album and essential Summer listening. 

The Hannah Barberas - Fantastic Tales of the Sea

Released: 26 May 2023
Label: Spinout Nuggets/Subjangle/Gazer Tapes

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London Indie Pop band - The Hannah Barberas, return with a new album. It is full of catchy 80s inspired Jangly gems. 

The album opens with 'You're So?!' which is a short but sweet love song and a lot of fun. It is a highly quirky duet with the simplicity of Rock n Roll and hints of Punk.

Other highlights include 'Ugly Cry' which is more of a stripped back ballad, full of melancholy. Lyrically it is very heartfelt and about finding comfort in music. 'Party From Hell' brought to mind the 80s Jangle of Orange Juice.

'When You Were My Boyfriend' is the standout here. It is wonderfully innocent and twee, with a big anthemic chorus. The sound has hints of The Popguns. 'Fantastic Tales of The Sea' has some lovely vocal harmonies and superb guitar riffs. 'Happy Winter' is more traditional Folk/Americana sounding and has a timeless quality to it.

A highly enjoyable album and recommended Summer listening, especially for fans of 80s indie pop. 

Alex Pester - Better Days

Released: 26 May 2023
Label: Violette

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Alex Pester, from Bath, UK, is a recent discovery for me and the latest Artist to be signed to the superb Violette records (which was once the label of Michael Head). 

The album is full of lovely, more traditional sounding Acoustic Folk. It opens with 'Dear Friend' which has some intricate guitar playing and brought to mind the more melancholic music of Nick Drake.

Other highlights include 'I See You' which is ultra melodic, with orchestral production adding to the emotional impact. It also brought to mind some of The Clientele's more Folk sounding music. 'In The Night' is very heartfelt with hints of Jazz. The Baroque pop production is hugely impressive with some wonderful melodic arrangements.

'You're My Kind' is a simple yet timeless love song which will stay with you from first listen. 'Are You Gonna Make Her Choose?' is a heart-breaking ballad. Its power is in the epic production which could almost be from a Film Soundtrack. For me, it had a similar emotional effect to Michael Head's 'Something Like You'. 

It ends on 'Bye Bye, Teddy' which is stripped-back, with a child-like innocence to it and some lovely Ukulele.

A superb album with so much ethereal beauty. Highly recommended. 

Adam Camm - Mirror, Mirror

Released: 12 May 2023
Label: _

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Adam Camm, from London, is a recent discovery for me. This is his debut and it is a wonderful listen, his sound being an experimental blend of guitar pop and 60s inspired Psych. 

The album opens with 'Feel The Fuzz' which is very lo-fi and Garage sounding. There are hints of 13th Floor Elevators, The Seeds e.t.c. It still has the hooks of guitar pop and is a joy to listen to.

Other highlights include 'Mirror, Mirror', which has hints of Syd Barrett. It has the perfect balance of melodies and heavier guitars in the chorus. My favourite here is the wonderfully Byrds-inspired - 'Guardian Angel', which is melodic and jangly with the rock hooks of The Rolling Stones.

'Please Sincerely Mr Jones' is feelgood retro guitar pop at its finest and again has catchy melodies. It ends on 'Abandoned' which is Summery and has lovely Psychedelic Indian sounding production reminiscent of Revolver era Beatles.

A hugely enjoyable album and highly recommended for fans of 60s Psych. 

Alfie Firmin - Absentee

Released: 12 May 2023
Label: Bobo Integral

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Alfie Firmin, from Southend On Sea, is a new discovery for me. He has released a number of solo albums, also with the band Vestiges (it is well worth checking out their song Evelyn too if they are new to you). 

The album opens with 'Can't Stop Thinking About You' which is a wonderfully melodic and heartfelt ballad. His sound recalls the classic guitar pop of the 60s/70s (Beach Boys, Harry Nilsson e.t.c.)  and there are hints of Soul too. It also brought to mind the more recent band - Whitney.

Other highlights include 'Lost on Me' which had hints of John Lennon - Jealous Guy. It is sublime and laid-back like most of the songs here. 'Drivers' is stripped back and melancholic. 

'Pure O' has more Americana vibes with some lovely pedal steel. 'Absentee' is more Folk with hints of Simon & Garfunkel. It ends on the gorgeous love song 'For The First Time' which has glorious vocal harmonies, giving it a timeless quality.

A superb album full of subtle melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Highly recommended. 

Super 8 - Hoopla

Released: 5 May 2023
Label: The Beautiful Music

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Super 8 return with a superb new album. It is more Summery Beatles-inspired guitar pop goodness, as you would expect!

The album opens with 'For All My Friends' which is very Abbey Road era Beatles, with epic orchestral production. It is anthemic in quality and moving to listen to.

Other highlights include 'Susan Revolving' (a cover of an unreleased Andy Partridge demo) which is swirling Psychedelia, more reminiscent of Sgt. Peppers. 'All My Worries' is very surreal lyrically - "I was floating on a sea of green, eating tangerines..."

'Jennifer Anne' is feelgood guitar pop at its finest and brought to mind Paul Simon. 'Love Ya' is a short but sweet love song of the highest standard and a lot of fun.

'Be My Yoko' is a favourite here and is so heartfelt. I love the Beatles references and it is charming rather than too twee. The Byrds inspired 'Moments in Time' could be a lost radio hit with its lovely chiming guitars and big, uplifting chorus. 

Highly recommended Spring/early Summer listening, especially if you love 60s guitar pop! 

Kevin Robertson - Magic Spells Abound

Released: 31 Mar 2023
Label: Subjangle/Futureman

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Kevin Robertson, of Scottish band - The Vapour Trails, is back with a sublime new album. It is more wonderfully melodic Byrds inspired Jangle. 

The album opens with 'As The Crow Flies' which is also the standout here. It is beautifully uplifting and Summery with a chorus that really soars.

Other highlights include 'Make Believe' which is joyous with some superb pop hooks. It is instantly memorable and there are also hints of 60s Pysch.

'The Crest of a Dream' has some lovely melodies and arrangements, with high attention to detail, like many of the songs here. 'Cloak and Dagger' is a lot of fun, with beautiful harmonies reminiscent of Crosby, Stills & Nash. 

'Wander On' is under 3 minutes of guitar pop perfection. 'Sunset' is very Folky with hints of The Beatles - Norwegian Wood. It ends on the epic 'Equilibrium Blues' which is more melancholic.

A hugely enjoyable album with so much Summery charm. Highly recommended. 

James Redmond - Video City 2

Released: 21 Apr 2023
Label: AV8 Records

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This is the debut album of James Redmond from Liverpool and it is a brilliantly unique and Psychedelic listen. 

The album opens with 'Castle of Illusion' (many of the tracks here have videogame references) which is an eerie sounding instrumental with hints of electronic.

'Running With The Devil' features James Skelly of The Coral (Redmond once recorded demos with the band) and is a moody blend of Psych and Beats. It is quite lo-fi but hypnotic and it really draws you in.

My favourite here is 'Child of the Ocean', a very anthemic 60s sounding Sea Shanty. The sound of course brought to mind The Coral and Waterpistol era Shack.

'Rainbow Road' is a Hip Hop homage to all things Mario. It is wonderfully humorous and the sound effects brought back memories of playing Super Mario Bros on my Gameboy Color as a kid! 

'Will She Meet Me in The Morning' is a heartfelt love song and would not have sounded out of place on an early Coral album. 'The Fang' is more 90s sounding with hints of  The Verve. It is quite surreal with some really quirky lyrics.

A superb album with so many different styles and sounds. Highly recommended.

Andrew Gabbard - Cedar City Sweetheart

Released: 24 Mar 2023
Label: Karma Chief Records

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Andrew Gabbard from Ohio is a recent discovery for me. I first heard of him through last years excellent - The Gabbard Brothers album. His sound is largely Americana but not overly and has the hooks of guitar pop. 

The album opens with 'Glum and Empty' which is superbly heartfelt. There are hints of The Flying Burrito Brothers, Jayhawks e.t.c. It is instantly memorable, like many of the songs here.

'Surfboard City' is wonderfully laid back with lovely harmonies and Summery vibes. It has a retro 60s sound and even references Brian Wilson. 'Lonesome Psychedelic Cowboy' is melancholic and reminiscent of Gram Parsons.

My favourite here is 'Take Me Away From You' which is a highly melodic love song with Byrds vibes. It has a big, uplifting chorus which will stay with you from first listen. 'Cool Ranch' sounds like a Country version of The Beatles - Paperback Writer. It ends on 'Yer Time'll Come' which has vivid and motivational lyrics, and an anthemic chorus. 

A hugely enjoyable album from an artist well worth investigating. Highly recommended. 

Sarah Buckley - Magic Powers EP

Released: 24 Feb 2023
Label: _

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Irish Singer-Songwriter - Sarah Buckley is a recent discovery for me. Her new EP is a lovely listen, full of well-crafted and heartfelt Folk songs.    

The EP opens with 'Can't Explain' which is stripped back and moody sounding. Lyrically it is reflecting on a relationship and a breakdown in communication. At times it can be quite heartbreaking and her unique vocals have so much emotion. 

'Dream Catching' is a beautiful Folk song with magical sounding production. The theme is stepping into the unknown and the lyrics are melancholic and thought-provoking - "Come catch dreams with me, You'll be lost but feeling free. You'll be full of life 'cause you'll see, that its not what they said it should be."    

'Louisiana' is my favourite here and has Americana vibes, with storytelling reminiscent of Bobbie Gentry. 'Magic Powers' is a bittersweet love song, with honest lyrics. It ends on 'You've Got Me' which is acoustic Folk at its finest and about a troubled relationship.

A highly recommended EP from a new artist well worth investigating.

Luca Nieri - This Path

Released: 19 Mar 2023
Label: High Tide Records

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Luca Nieri returns with a new album of beautifully ambient Folk. Over the years, he has released an impressive number of albums (many of them being  instrumental), as well as collaborating with another favourite songwriter of mine - RW Hedges.    

The new album opens with 'Rest My Soul' which is wonderfully subtle and enchanting. There are hints of jazz, and it brought to mind the 50s harmony group The Fleetwoods.

Other highlights include - 'This Path' which is a heartfelt love song of the highest standard. It is so laid back with some lovely melodies and arrangements. 'March On' is Autumnal in sound and brought to mind Luca's earlier band - The Monks Kitchen.  

'Never Get To Love You' is a superb cover of a lost gem by Burt Bacharach. It fits in so well here and on first listen, it had me quite emotional. The intricate production gives it a timeless quality.

'Picture of A Song' is a stripped back ballad, reminiscent of the old jazz classic - 'That Lucky Old Sun'.  The lyrics are beautifully vivid - "Leaves are like boats that swim the sky...". It ends on my favourite 'Baby Lets Leave it Right Here' which sounds like it could have been a hit anytime before the early 60s. There are hints of Billie Holiday.

A highly recommended listen and the strongest album of the year so far. It is also well worth investigating the rest of his catalogue on High Tide Records.

Hollow Hand - Your Own Adventure

Released: 3 Mar 2023
Label: Curation Records

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I first heard Hollow Hand, from Brighton, last year. It was actually a song of theirs from 2017 ('A World Outside') which caught my attention as its a lost Psych pop gem.  

The new album is more of the same gloriously melodic guitar music with hints of Americana and 60s Psych. 'Before Tomorrow' is wonderfully ambient with hints of Pink Floyd but with more pop hooks. The lyrics are superbly heartfelt and vivid.

'One Last Summer' has more Americana vibes, with lovely harmonies reminiscent of George Harrison and The Byrds. 'I'm Going to let You Break my Heart' is a love song of the highest standard with some great vocal harmonies.  

'Heaven Just Watched' has a slightly heavier edge and sounds so different from anything else on the album. It is full of quirky guitar riffs, bringing to mind 70s Post Punk band - Television. Lyrically it is very surreal which again makes this so unique for recent music.

Other highlights include 'All My Love' which is beautifully atmospheric with so many changes before descending into melodic chaos. 'Jealous King' is an epic ballad and sounds like The Beatles 'Let It Be' meets the Carol 'Silent Night'. The lyrics are angry and also melancholic at the same time.

A stunning album and an early favourite of the year so far. Highly recommended. 

Goliath - The Garden EP

Released: 10 Feb 2023
Label: _

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Goliath, from Glasgow, is a recent discovery for me. I first heard their music late last year and especially loved the song 'Everybody Cries', which is well worth checking out too.  

This new EP is a lovely listen. It opens with 'The Garden' which is a beautiful, yet devastating, piano led ballad. The sound is more indie folk and brought to mind Elliott Smith, Ben Folds e.t.c. The lyrics are raw and honest, with huge emotional impact.

'Hannah' is more upbeat and pop sounding. It is superbly catchy and Summery with hints of 10s indie pop band - Real Estate.  

There is also a wonderful cover of the BMX Bandits classic - 'Serious Drugs'. It is more Folk sounding with beautiful vocal harmonies, bringing out the emotion of the original song even more.

It ends on 'Cliche' which is a heartfelt love song. The simplicity makes it stay in your mind, long after listening.

A highly recommended EP from an artist, well worth looking out for. 

The Happy Somethings - A Gathering of All Sorts

Released: 17 Feb 2023
Label: Subjangle

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UK indie pop band - The Happy Somethings, are a recent discovery for me. Their music is wonderfully uplifting and humorous with hints of 80s indie. 

The album opens with 'Worried Fools' which is quite folky in style and a run down of the highs and lows of the typical year. It is lovely and laid back, and the vocals have a childlike innocence.

'Anglepoise' is more punk sounding with plenty of attitude. The production has that lo-fi charm. 'I Wish You Could Sing like Tracey Thorn' is a homage to the iconic indie pop singer and manages to be funny yet sad at the same time. 

Other highlights include 'The Present',  which is about the problems of buying and receiving gifts, something we can all relate to! 'Sweet Little Sad Song' is very moving, and about loss. Again it has that childlike simplicity which makes it so effective.

It ends on 'Some Happy Thing' which is stripped back with vocal harmonies. The lyrics are quite motivational and its definitely a good song to listen to if you are feeling low.

A hugely enjoyable album from a band well worth investigating. Highly recommended. 

Peter Hall - About Last Night

Released: 13 Jan 2023
Label: Subjangle

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Peter Hall, from Nottingham, is back with a new album. It is more wonderfully melodic and sophisticated indie pop with 80s/90s vibes. 

The album opens with 'About Last Night' which is brilliantly upbeat with soaring harmonies and heartfelt lyrics. His sound brings to mind later Teenage Fanclub, Trashcan Sinatras e.t.c.

My favourite here is 'In Plain Sight' which sounds like a radio hit of the 80s era, with hints of Aztec Camera. It is a hugely enjoyable listen and will have you reaching for the repeat button. 

Other highlights include 'For Love' which is beautifully uplifting and instantly memorable with an anthemic chorus. 'Waiting For Nothing' is more melancholic with vivid and wistful lyrics. The production is epic, with sweeping strings and a more 70s sounding guitar solo. 'Click Your Fingers' is catchy 3 minute guitar pop at its finest.

A superb album with well-crafted and heartfelt songs. Highly recommended, especially for fans of melodic indie music from the 90s or before.

Marlody - I'm Not Sure At All

Released: 13 Jan 2023
Label: Skepwax

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Marlody is a new discovery for me. Her debut album is a lovely listen, the sound being a mixture of Folk and hints of electronic. Most of the songs are piano based, rather than guitar like most of the music I review here. 

The album opens with 'Summer', which is a powerful song, reminiscing about childhood and loss. It is hugely atmospheric and emotional. It is hard to find comparisons but it brought to mind Joni Mitchell and Tori Amos.

Other highlights include 'Change', which is more traditional folk sounding and stripped back, with layered vocal harmonies. 'Wrong' is devastating, with some heartbreaking lyrics -  "There's no way to rewind and unravel these layers of longing in me...". 'Words' is another beautiful song and also seems to be about regret.

It ends on 'Otherly', which is haunting and again has an eerie ambience to it. The more electronic production is reminiscent of some of Radiohead's later music.

A stunning debut from a wonderfully unique singer-songwriter. Highly recommended.

Skytone - Adrift

Released: 18 Nov 2022
Label: _

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Skytone, from Canada, are back with a new album. Their sound is a bit different to the music I typically review here. Its a mixture of chillwave, 80s-inspired synth pop and jangle pop. Their previous album 'JangleWaves' is well worth checking out too if they are new to you (especially the song 'Slow Down').

The new album opens with 'Here and Now' which is a catchy pop song of the highest standard. I could imagine this being a potential radio hit. It is very chilled and laid back with hints of dream pop.

Other highlights include 'Don't Look Back' which is more of a slowed down ballad, with a big anthemic chorus. 'End of the Summer' is a wonderfully atmospheric love song with hints of The Beach Boys. 'Adrift' is beautifully ambient with lovely vocal harmonies.

A highly recommended album - feelgood, Summery jangle pop at its best. Its also well worth checking out their acoustic covers on Youtube:

The Sundries - Full of the Joys of Spring and Magic Johnson EPs

Released: 31 Dec 2022
Label: Subjangle

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The Sundries, from London, are a new discovery for me and one of the latest bands to be signed to the superb Subjangle label. 

The album is full of wonderfully jangly 80s-inspired indie pop. It opens with my favourite here - 'Full of the Joys of Spring'. It is highly melodic and heartfelt, with melancholic lyrics. Their sound brought to mind the early 90s indie of The Popguns. It also reminded me of more recent band - The Hannah Barberas (also on Subjangle).

Other highlights include 'Triumph Herald' which is feelgood, upbeat guitar pop, with hints of Kirsty MacColl and The Smiths. 'A Line Between Us' is a very moving listen with some heart-breaking lyrics about a failing relationship. '22' has some great pop hooks and lovely vocal harmonies.

A hugely enjoyable album, with heartfelt and memorable songs. Highly recommended.