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. 

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.

Kevin Robertson - Sundown's End

Released: 28 May 2021
Label: Subjangle/Futureman Records

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Kevin Robertson, of Scottish band - The Vapour Trails, releases his first ever solo album. I had high expectations for this and it did not disappoint. As you would expect, it is another album of jangle pop perfection.   

It opens with 'Into The Black' which is ultra melodic and Summery. The gorgeous harmonies, of course, recall The Byrds and Teenage Fanclub.

Other highlights include 'Settle Down' which has fantastic pop hooks and a slightly more Country sound. The subtle banjo sounds really add to it too and at times it brought to mind The Traveling Wilburys. 

'See How We Love' is very heartfelt with some wonderful harmonies. It launches into the superb 'Telepathic Minds' which recalls the best of 60s Psych and is one of my favourite songs here.

'Loves Blue Yonder' is the standout of the album and is memorable guitar pop of the highest standard. It is one of those songs which sticks in your mind and has you singing along straight away. 

It ends on 'Yesterdays Reign' which has vibes of The Beatles - Tomorrow Never Knows. A hugely enjoyable listen, particularly if you love 60s inspired guitar pop. Highly recommended.

The Click Beetles - Pop Fossil

Released: 14 Jun 2020
Label: Futureman Records
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This is another wonderful release from Futureman, who are already becoming one of my favourite Record Labels. The Click Beetles are a new discovery for me and according to discogs, they had one previous album in 2014 (Wake Up to Music)

Their sound is a lovely blend of The Byrds and the 80s/90s Power Pop of The Smithereens and Material Issue (right up my street, obviously).

'If Not Now Then When?' is a perfect opening song and insanely catchy. It has the Byrdsian charm and big 80s Pop sound. 


Other highlights include 'Don't You Call My Name' which is more of the same and also has Tom Petty vibes. 'Nobody's Girl' is great fun and very anthemic. 'Roseanne' has a simple yet superb melody running throughout and is more moody sounding.

A hugely enjoyable album, which may not be doing anything different, but is not short of brilliant memorable songs. For me, this is what great music is about.

Brandi Ediss - Bees and Bees and Bees

Released: 1 May 2020
Label: Futureman Records
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Brandi Ediss, of Massachusetts, is a new discovery for me. Her album is full of melodic, heartfelt folk pop songs and well worth a listen.

It opens with 'Bees and Bees and Bees', which is quite short with quirky lyrics. Its about dwelling on conversations with a potential love interest, comparing it to bees buzzing. 

Her sound is stripped back and folky and she has a unique voice with a lovely tone. 'Chicago' is about being in a new place and feeling isolated. It is raw and honest lyrically, like many of the songs here. 

'I Didn't Try' is my favourite on the album. A great pop song about life not going quite the way you wanted it to. Its something a lot of people in their late 20s and 30s could relate to - 'By now I could have had my shit together if I'd only tried. I could have had a job and a dog and a place in the city, and a boy who would call me pretty. But I didn't try.' There is something quite heartbreaking about it too.

'Stupid Boyfriend' is humorous and playful in tone. 'I'll Keep You Warm' is a beautiful love song. The lyrics are very moving, with such sweetness and innocence. It is wonderfully produced and the strings really add to the emotional impact.

A superb album, full of charm, with memorable songs and quirky lyrics. Highly recommended.

The Vapour Trails - Golden Sunshine

Released: 19 June 2020
Label: Futureman Records
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Scottish band - The Vapour Trails are back with the follow up to their album 'See You In The Next World' (which finished towards the top of the Colours Through The Air best of 2019 List). I had really high expectations for this album and it didn't disappoint.

The new one is more 60s Psych guitar pop greatness. Opening song 'Golden Sunshine' was familiar to me. It was originally released as a demo on the 'Godspeed It' single from last year. This new recording really brings the song to life with sparkling guitar riffs and superb harmonies.

'Dr Barnes' strongly recalls The Beatles and The Byrds, who are clearly the biggest influences here. 'Lonely Man' is the best song (other than Golden Sunshine) on the album and a great memorable guitar pop anthem. 

'Sometimes (Thinking of You)' is more of a moody ballad and sounds different to anything else on the album. The focus is more on the vocal harmonies and the lyrics are quite heartbreaking. 'Nothing rearranges. I'm spinning to the ground from your roundabout.'

Other highlights include 'Strange' which has a big anthemic chorus. 'Behind you' features an opening riff reminiscent of Gene Clark's  Elevator Operator, obviously a deliberate reference. The band wear their influences on their sleeve. 'The Conversation' has more Mexican vibes, and melodically it brought to mind Husker Du - Pink Turns To Blue.

'Why Wonder Why' has vibes of Love - Live and Let Live. The album closes on the beautifully delicate 'Seabird'. A strong follow up album, and the songs really shine. Perfect Summery guitar pop. 

The Tor Guides - Backwards in Reverse

Released: 8 Nov 2019
Label: Futureman Records
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Swedish band - The Tor Guides are a new discovery for me. There have been a lot of great melodic power pop albums this year and this one is also definitely well worth investigating. 

The strongest song on the album is the sublime opener - 'To Be'. Its harmonies are so perfect, you will be hooked straight away just as I was. There are hints of The Beach Boys and also Nick Lowe's song - Cruel To Be Kind. Its such a well-written song, it would sit well alongside anything by those two artists.

Other highlights include 'My Wits About Me' which has wonderful melodies and catchy hooks. 'Just A Smile' is a cover of the 70's classic by Pilot. It is a beautiful version and it fits in with the album perfectly.

'My Midas Touch' is a slow ballad and there are quite a few on here but this just adds to the laid-back listening experience. Piano ballad 'Writers Block' is about the frustrations of every day life, and not feeling like you are getting anywhere with your art. It is something many could relate to, including myself.

'My Hippie Mess' adds some more fun to the album and is gloriously chaotic.

On the whole, this is a very strong melodic pop album. The first song 'To Be' is especially brilliant and I have been playing it on repeat. Well worth checking out.

The Vapour Trails - See You In The Next World

Released: 2 Aug 2019
Label: Futureman Records
Listen on Bandcamp

I have been listening to The Vapour Trails for a while now and this is their long awaited debut. It is full of psychedelic pop gems and I'd highly recommend it.   

The band hail from Aberdeen, Scotland and include father and son - Kevin and Scott Robertson. They are exceptional musicians and there is some really great guitar work on this album.

The album opens with 'Sonic Wave', which is very melodic and laid back with 60's jangle vibes. I would say The Byrds are the biggest influence here. 'The Inner Truth' reminds me of 'Turn Turn Turn' but is just as enjoyable and a great song. 

'Drag it Around' is my favourite song on the album. There are really sweet harmonies throughout and it reminds me of Teenage Fanclub at their most melodic. 'Shatter The Sky' has more of a Neil Young feel to it, especially with the brilliant guitar solos at the end.

'Godspeed It', a break-up song, is one of the best songs here and brought to mind New Order - 'Regret'. The album ends on the psychedelic anthem and title song - 'See You in the Next World'. Again, it features some really great guitar work and superb harmonies.

This is such an impressive debut album and anyone who likes 60's inspired guitar pop should check it out. I hope there is a lot more to come from them.