The Maureens - Everyone Smiles

Released: 19 Jan 2024
Label: Meritorio Records

Buy Here

The Maureens, from the Netherlands, are back with a new album. Their music is reminiscent of the 60s - beautifully melodic and catchy. Check out the song 'She's A Dreamer' from their last album if they are new to you.

Opening song 'Stand Up!' is anthemic with early Beatles vibes, and some lovely melodies. 

My favourite here is 'Fell in Love' which has some impressive vocal harmonies, of course bringing to mind Simon and Garfunkel as well as the more recent Power pop of Velvet Crush. 

Other highlights include 'Rainy Day' which is instantly memorable, with hints of Teenage Fanclub. 'Alison' is very uplifting yet with melancholic lyrics. 'Start Again' has a lovely chorus which will have you humming along.

A superb album, full of glorious harmonies and heartfelt songs. Highly recommended. 

Meritorio Records - Music for Gloves (The Maureens, Girlatones, Holy Tunics)

Released: 23 March 2020
Label: Meritorio
Listen and Buy Here

This is a great trio of songs, from artists on the Spanish record label - Meritorio. The label is a new discovery for me. Proceeds of the release will be  for providing protective gear to Hospitals, currently combating Coronavirus. 

A number of labels are taking part in this but this one caught my attention particularly.

The Maureens - Rain or Shine, is a lovely example of Byrdsian jangle. It is very strong melodically, with emotional lyrics and beautiful harmonies. The band are from The Netherlands and I was aware of their album from last year which has Teenage Fanclub vibes.

Girlatones are an indie pop band from Melbourne. 'Doing the Right Thing' is a fun song with simple yet catchy melodies. Their album 'Horn if You're Honky' from this year is well worth investigating too. The more melodic, sensitive side of indie pop. 

It ends with Holy Tunics - 60s Again. The song lives upto its title. It is very garage/DIY sounding production wise, and is a blast from the past. It does actually sound like it could be from that era. 

A superb selection of songs from a record label well worth checking out, and also for a great cause. A highly recommended listen.