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.