Released: 2020
Label: Kool Kat Musik
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Red Skylark is the work of Ed Shuttleworth from Ohio, and is a great new discovery for me. This release comprises of 2 EPs, the first being from 2015 and the other from this year.
It opens with 'Shiver' which is joyous and uplifting. The sound recalls 90s indie, particularly the band - Ride. There are hints of psychedelia in the harmonies.
'Two Shades of Fine' is the standout song. A fine example of jangle pop, and I can hear hints of The Byrds too. The melodies are strong and memorable.
Other highlights include 'Soulfire Gone' which has 80s R.E.M. vibes. The chorus really soars, which is a prominent feature of a lot of these songs. 'Hey Precious Stone' is catchy and recalls Teenage Fanclub's Star Sign. 'Justified' is another favourite of mine and very summery.
It may not be the most original sounding music but its a really enjoyable album. Especially if soaring choruses and strong harmonies are your thing.
Released: 14 Apr 2020
Label: _
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Welsh songwriter - Carwyn Ellis, better known as the singer in Folk band Colorama, is back with this enchanting new song. All proceeds go to the charity - Tarian Cymru, raising money for protective gear for Health workers of Wales.
It is a delicate and beautiful song with subtle Japanese style melodies. It is just Carwyn and a piano, but the simplicity has high emotional impact. It is a very moving listen.
Lyrically, it is quite poetic, painting a picture in your mind, of a Spring in a bygone era. It has a vague melancholy to it, yet feels more calming than sad.
A wonderful song, which for a few minutes, will take you away to another place. Highly recommended, especially during these worrying times.
Released: 23 March 2020
Label: Meritorio
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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.
Released: 14 March 2020
Label: _
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Haycorn are a duo from Montreal. They are relatively new and this song is so magical and ethereal, it is well worth a listen.
Behind the beautiful melodies and dreamy synths, the song has darker themes of mental health. It is based on the character Ophelia from the Shakespeare play - Hamlet.
The song has quite a hypnotic feel to it and is totally captivating. Their sound is largely dream pop but I can hear hints of Mazzy Star and Portishead as well. The vocals of Melissa Charbonneau Bisier are powerful yet quite fragile at the same time. The desperation is expressed so well and it is a very moving listen.
Their song 'Sing Me To Sleep' is also well worth investigating. A perfect combination of indie pop and more ambient music. Highly recommended.
Released: 27 March 2020
Label: Subjangle
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UK songwriter - Super 8 (also known as Paul Ryan), is a superb and relatively unheard talent in the guitar pop genre. His new album is wonderfully melodic and rich in memorable hooks and harmonies.
'Dragonfly' is a great opener, with the 60s psych vibes of The Beatles and The Hollies. Lyrically it is quite playful in tone. 'Bones' is also fun with a sound reminiscent of Graceland era Paul Simon. It builds up to an impressive ending with a range of different sounds. The arrangement and orchestration of the songs is always done well and with high attention to detail.
'Love Like Ours' is the highlight of the album. A great pop song, anthemic in quality, with a superb chorus. It is a song I could imagine reaching a far wider audience and it will definitely have you singing along. 'Across The Universe' is another highlight - a very moving rendition of The Beatles classic.
'Bebopalula' is incredibly catchy and still has that cool 60s psych quality and swagger. 'In My Room' is the only other cover, and pays homage to The Beach Boys, obviously also a big influence here. It is a stunning version and a more modern take on the song. It is done in his own style, rather than being a near exact copy, which can often be the case with covers.
A hugely enjoyable album, with well-written songs throughout. Highly recommended.
Released: 20 March 2020
Label: _
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The Foreign Films, from Ontario, are a new discovery for me. This new release is such a lovely listen and provides much needed joy in these dark times.
'Dream With Me Tonight' is a beautiful love song with warm, nostalgic lyrics. - 'Maybe we'll pretend its 1964. Walking in the sand by the old sea shore.' Their sound recalls Teenage Fanclub and The Beach Boys.
'Katie and the Crystal Hearts' is another sweet and sentimental song with strong hooks. 'Birds in a Blue Sky' is my favourite here and has that 60s Byrdsian charm. It is so uplifting and emotional, a recent standout song in this genre.
'Under Your Spell' is quite moody and still retro sounding. 'Stars in her Eyes' is a big, epic ballad with hints of The Beatles and 60s psychedelia. It has such a brilliant blend of sounds, including some great saxophone at the end.
'Dream another Dream' is a lovely closer and has perfect harmonies. A highly recommended album, to any fan of melodic guitar pop.
Released: 27 Mar 2020
Label: Big Stir
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New York Songwriter - Paula Carino is a new discovery for me. This latest song of hers, as part of the Big Stir singles series, really caught my ear. It has dark, apocalyptic vibes, quite appropriate given the current circumstances.
'Door' is an epic song with a psychedelic sound, slightly reminiscent of Pink Floyd and other Psych rock. Lyrically it is quite philosophical and thought provoking - 'Maybe the eras of the past are the only things that last and your prophecies were wrong.'
It never seems to dwell too much and the lovely swirling harmonies and raw guitar sound, really makes this song stand out.
'Welcome Spiders' is still quite psychedelic sounding with drum beats, and reminded me a little of The Stone Roses - Fools Gold.
A superb single, which is lyrically and melodically stunning. It goes to prove that Paula Carino is an artist well worth checking out.
