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!