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. 

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 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. 

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. 

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.

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.

Scott Robertson - Footprints in the Butter

Released: 25 Nov 2022
Label: Subjangle

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This is the solo debut album of Scott Robertson of Scottish band, The Vapour Trails. It is a wonderful listen, full of guitar pop gems, inspired by 60s Psych. A lot like with his Dad - Kevin Robertson, the main influence here are The Byrds. 

The album opens with 'Lost My Curtains' which is heartfelt with a big chorus. It feels melancholic, yet with thought-provoking, quirky lyrics - "I'm bald as a coot..." about the sadness of losing hair.    

Other highlights include 'The Death of Daylight Saving' which is lovely and Summery, with hints of REM. 'Doorstep Kisses' brought to mind Aztec Camera and there are some superb vocal harmonies.

'Lean Green Flying Machine' is fun and trippy Psych pop, with some excellent guitar solos, sounding different from anything else on the album. My favourite here is the brilliantly atmospheric 'Fever Dream' which brought to mind 60s band - LOVE. 'Thats Rock N Roll' is epic and dreamy, reminiscent of The Beatles - Tomorrow Never Knows. 

A superbly Psychedelic debut from an artist well worth checking out. Highly recommended.

The Wends - Its Here Where You Fall

Released: 28 Oct 2022
Label: Subjangle

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The Wends (formerly known as Smile), from Italy, are back with a new album. It is hugely enjoyable and full of 80s/90s inspired jangle goodness.  

It opens with my favourite here 'What A Heart Is For' which is one of the finest guitar pop songs I have heard this year. It is wonderfully melodic and heartfelt and brought to mind The La's. The chorus will stay in your mind from first listen.   

Other highlights include 'Worthy of Nothing' which has a slightly heavier edge and a big anthemic chorus. The sound is reminiscent of early REM. 'The Way We Die Tonight' is more melancholic, with emotional lyrics and epic production. There are hints of early Radiohead. 

'Best Behaviour' is slightly post punk sounding with some superb pop hooks, bringing to mind Guided By Voices.

 

A brilliant album from a band well worth investigating. Highly recommended.

The Photocopies - Pop Trivia

Released: 26 Aug 2022
Label: Subjangle

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The Photocopies is the work of Sean Turner, originally from London but now based in Michigan. This is a compilation double cd of singles and rarities, full of C86-inspired jangle pop goodness.   

There are so many songs here to choose from, but my favourite is 'You Used To Tell Me Everything'. It is a heartfelt breakup song of the highest standard, with hints of early Teenage Fanclub. The production is very fuzzy and lo-fi, giving it that authentic retro feeling. 

Other highlights include 'Anywhere Without You' which is ultra melodic with brilliant pop hooks. There are also hints of The Jesus and Mary Chain. 'Vexed' is 2 minute pop with a Punk edge, and is a lot of fun. 'Might As Well Talk To Myself' is melancholic and instantly memorable, like many of the songs here. 'Better Than Nothing I Suppose' is simple yet so catchy, you will be reaching for the repeat button.

 

A hugely enjoyable compilation, full of addictive jangle pop gems. 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.

Man Behind Tree - 3

Released: 29 Apr 2022
Label: Subjangle

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German indie band - Man Behind Tree, are a recent discovery for me. Their new album is an enjoyable listen, recalling the best of 90s guitar music.   

The album opens with 'California Zephyr' which is catchy with an uplifting chorus. The sound is a combination of West Coast harmonies (Crosby Stills & Nash) with the slightly heavier guitars of 90s Yo La Tengo.

'Bird Survivor' is slower and more melancholic, with an anthemic chorus. It is instantly memorable like many of the songs here.  

Other highlights include the gloriously Summery '99' which has more superb harmonies. 'Just Like Everyone' has great pop hooks and brought to mind Teenage Fanclub. '86 Mustang' is very upbeat and fun, ending the album on a high.

A superb album, and perfect listening for hazy Summers Afternoons. Highly recommended.

The Pierce Kingans - May I Pierce Upon You

Released: 25 Feb 2022
Label: Subjangle

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The Pierce Kingans, from Vancouver, are back with another wonderful compilation cd on the Subjangle label. It follows on from the previous one - Pierce and Love to All The World (2020). It is an epic two disc collection of songs from a number of EPs released last year.   

They have a unique lo-fi sound. I still find it hard to find comparable bands, but amongst the closest are outsider artist - Daniel Johnston. It also brought to mind The Strokes, especially vocally. 

The first disc opens with 'Giving it Up' which is ultra melodic and catchy guitar pop. The hooks are superb and it is instantly memorable, like many of the songs here. The layered vocal harmonies are used effectively.   

There are an impressive 30 songs here, each one sounding entirely different. Other highlights include 'Validation' which is quirky and a lot of fun, with more uplifting melodies. 'Thinking about Someone Else' has Kinks vibes and is an insanely simple but captivating song about a relationship going wrong!

My favourite here is 'To Lose', which is under 2 minute pop at its finest. It will have you reaching for the repeat button straight away. The second disc ends on 'Don't Love The Ones You Trust', which is more of a gentle love song. It is upbeat in melody but with melancholic, heartbreaking lyrics. 

A superb compilation, full of lost gems, perfect if you want to hear something a bit different. Highly recommended.

Blake - Kaleidoscope

Released: 24 Sept 2021
Label: Subjangle

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Blake is the work of songwriter Julian Pugsley and he is back with a new record after last years HMS Blake album and best of double cd (the perfect introduction to his music, should you require one). The new album is also full of superb guitar pop gems with plenty of great hooks.   

His sound is heavily inspired by The Beatles and Donovan. It is also reminiscent of more recent bands Gorkys Zygotic Mynci and Belle and Sebastian. The production is fairly retro, using old equipment from the Abbey Road studios to give it an authentic 60s sound.

It opens with 'So Good', which is wonderfully catchy, recalling the energetic 70s Power Pop of Cheap Trick. 'Andrea Everywhere' is uplifting and fun with Summery Mexican vibes. Title track - 'Kaleidoscope' is a homage to The Beatles, especially their more Psychedelic side. 

'Paisley Patterned Love' is a favourite here and is 60s inspired jangle of the highest standard, recalling The Zombies. It is instantly memorable and will have you singing along.

Other highlights include 'Let Yourself In' which is superbly melodic with heartfelt lyrics - "There's a key that matches my emotion and you can let yourself in." 

'Blood On Their Hands' is an angry protest song about Capitalist corruption and the lives lost as a result of it. It has a heavier edge than anything else here, showing there is a lot more to Blake than just pretty pop songs. It ends on the acoustic 'Whenever You Call My Name' which is subtle with lovely harmonies.

A superb album, full of well-written songs with a variety of styles and influences. Highly recommended.

Eggs on Mars - Brighter Now EP

Released: 25 June 2021
Label: Subjangle

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Eggs on Mars, from Kansas City, are a new addition to the ever growing Subjangle label. They have had quite a few self-released albums and would say 'Mama Pancake' (2018) is well worth checking out too. The song 'Red Haired Darling' especially stood out. Their sound is wonderfully lo-fi, with hints of Velvet Underground and the 80s jangle of Flying Nun records (The Bats, The Chills e.t.c). 

The new EP opens with 'Fingers and Lips' which is lovely and melodic with strong pop hooks. There are hints of early Teenage Fanclub in here too. 'More' is very short and sweet with 60s vibes.

Other highlights include 'Brighter Now' which is very upbeat with simple melodies which stick in your mind. The production is quite basic with added electronic keyboard bits, giving it that bedroom pop/lo-fi charm. It ends on 'Handbills' which is still quirky and upbeat pop.

A highly recommended EP from a band well worth checking out, especially if you love more lo-fi jangle.

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.

Lost Ships - Nostalgia EP

Released: 30 Apr 2021
Label: Subjangle

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Lost Ships, from Portsmouth UK, are back with a new EP and it is more superb jangle with 90s vibes.   

It opens with the wonderfully anthemic 'Weight of the World' and it immediately drew to mind Teenage Fanclub's more upbeat earlier music.

'Shirley from Shirley' is more enjoyable indie pop and was reminiscent of more 80s jangle/C86. There is some great storytelling and describes a mundane day in the life of Shirley with some quirky lyrics. 

'Inside My Head' is my favourite here and is very catchy with more unique ideas and lyrics - 'In the takeaway of love, theres no refunds and no returns. All you see on your receipt is that your purchase is complete.'

'Come to Me' is more melodic and catchy indie pop of the highest standard. A hugely recommended EP full of memorable songs.

The Umbrella Puzzles - A Slowly Dawning Realization

Released: 26 Feb 2021
Label: Subjangle
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The Umbrella Puzzles, is the work of Ryan Marquez of California, and this is their debut album after an EP in 2019. The sound is very lo-fi with hints of the Velvet Underground. 

I was a bit late in 'getting' this artist, but on hearing the opening track - 'Slip Through The Cracks', I was immediately hooked. It has that 60s chiming guitar sound and there are hints of The Byrds here too. It is super melodic with memorable hooks.

Other highlights here include 'Sinking Ground'  which has more 80s jangle vibes and brought to mind The Go-Betweens.  'Everyone Knows It' is more heartfelt indie pop goodness. 'A Stone's Throw Away' has more lovely melodies, it reminded me a bit of 80s band The Vaselines too with its simplicity.

It ends on 'A Slowly Dawning Realization' which is more laid back with vivid lyrics and again the hooks are strong.

A wonderful debut and a hugely enjoyable listen. Sadly cds sold out very quickly (its easy to see why!) but its still available to download. It is well worth keeping an eye on the Subjangle label too.

The Pierce Kingans - Pierce and Love to All The World

Released: 13 Nov 2020
Label: Subjangle
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The Pierce Kingans, from Vancouver, have been one of my favourite new discoveries of this year (found through the brilliant Janglepophub music blog). This is a new compilation featuring the sublime Rona Sessions EP of this year, and a selection of songs from their previous EPs. 

Pierce Kingan has played in other Canadian bands - The Prettys and Psych band The Orange Kyte. His solo material is wonderfully lo-fi, with glorious melodies and unique lyrics.

It opens with 'How Could I Forget' which is a gorgeous and simple love song. Only having one line, its power is in the melody, and it is very moving. The sound is reminiscent of The Everly Brothers and The Beatles.

'So Close' is a beautiful, stripped back ballad. The fragility and intense emotion in the vocals, is remarkable. 'Only Wanted To Be' is another standout here and the layered vocal harmonies are superb. 

Some of the songs here do have a slightly heavier sound too, although still filled with melody. 'It's Bleed Too Long' is upbeat and anthemic, recalling Pixies and early Radiohead. 'Spontaneous Human Busting' reminded me of the most thrash punk side of Nirvana. 'Pray' is eerie, hypnotic and brilliantly weird. 

'Opportunity Opus' is more charming Beatles-inspired guitar pop. Despite having old influences, the music still feels modern and relevant. It stands out against many other artists in the genre.

A wonderful variety of songs, with melodies which will stay with you from first listen. A superbly talented artist, well worth investigating.

Blake - HMS Blake

Released: 25 Sept 2020
Label: Subjangle
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Blake is the work of Julian Pugsley, a songwriter based in Wiltshire, UK. This release comprises of his latest album 1971 (from earlier this year) and a special bonus 'best of' disc of his earlier work.

It is an extensive collection of some of the best 'lost' guitar pop songs you will ever hear. His sound is reminiscent of 90s jangle - Belle and Sebastian and Gorkys Zygotic Mynci. 

1971 has some lovely songs. Highlights include the heartfelt 'Peter Green', which pays homage to the legendary Fleetwood Mac guitarist who passed away in July. The song has more of a Folk sound and has so much charm.

My favourite on the album is the superbly catchy 'Whenever', which actually sounds like a lost radio hit. 'Denied' is a moving and highly melodic ballad. 'Daisy Chain' is a simple acoustic gem, short and very sweet. There are also 6 new bonus tracks, the best of these being 'Pepper man', about Paul McCartney. It has vibes of Status Quo - Pictures of Matchstick Men.

Highlights of the 'best of' disc include 'Vinyl Junkie', which is about loving music and collecting obsessively, something a lot of music fans could relate to. My personal favourite here is 'Anyhow' which is catchy guitar pop of the highest standard. 'Now You're Gone' is also wonderfully melodic and demonstrates superb songwriting. It is instantly memorable like many of the songs here.

'She Flew Away' has 60s Psych vibes with more of a raw edge. It is a lot of fun and one I listened to repeatedly. 'We'll Be Champions' is an emotional song about the four Palestinian boys killed in Gaza (2014) whilst playing football. It is a beautiful yet sad listen. It ends on 'Star Over Bethlehem', a Christmas carol with some lovely harmonies. 

A superb collection of songs from a great 'lost' songwriter. Highly recommended.