Released: 1 May 2020 Label: _ Listen and Buy Here Sunshine Boys, from Chicago, are another great new discovery for me. This is their second album and its full of melodic guitar pop gems, perfect for summer. The three members have all been in other bands - Freda Love Smith was of the College rock band Blake Babies. Their sound also has vibes of 80s College rock. 'Infinity Girl' is one of the strongest songs here, anthemic and recalls R.E.M. and Tommy Keene. Other highlights include 'No Showdown' which is quite dark and about a troubled relationship. The lyrics are raw and honest - 'I know I'm pushing you away, all the while I'm begging you to stay.' 'Moonrise' is also superb with a big chorus and memorable hooks. 'A Ghost at Best' is beautiful and uplifting. As is the lovely closing song 'Right Where You Need It', which is guitar pop of the highest standard. Music which may not be breaking any new barriers but the songs here are strong both lyrically and melodically. Well worth a listen.
Released: 4 May 2020 Label: Wee Studio Records Listen and Buy Here Scottish jangle pop band - Astrid are a fairly new discovery for me. They have been around since the 90s, making harmony laden guitar pop. They seem to be largely underappreciated, and I'm not sure why. Musically, they are close to fellow Scots - Teenage Fanclub. 'Storm Sessions EP' consists of acoustic re-workings of some of their best songs. It opens with 'Distance', which is so beautiful and filled with lovely harmonies. The violins give it quite a folk feel as well. A perfect, summery pop song.
'Falling and Flying' is a Country song and a cover of Jeff Bridges' classic. Again, the vocal harmonies really lift the song. My favourite song here is 'Modes of Transport', which is another of their own. This version offers a more 'Folk' take on it and works just as well as the guitar pop original. It is quite a simple song and melodically strong, especially in the chorus. It ends on 'Poison Reaction' which is an Acoustic version of a song from their latest album from last year. This one is also more Country sounding. A hugely enjoyable EP and I'd highly recommend checking out their albums 'B Sides' and 'Play Dead' to start with too. A superb, yet somehow overlooked band.
Released: 15 May 2020 Label: Horrendous Records Facebook Page Tremendous are a new band from Birmingham UK and this is their debut album. Their sound is a fusion of Glam rock, Power Pop and even a bit of Punk. It opens with 'Don't Leave Our Love (Open For Closing)' a big ballad. It is a combination of the 90s Brit pop of Suede, and 70s Glam of Bowie. The overall sound and production is quite polished like 80s stadium rock. I'm not a huge fan of the examples I have mentioned here but this album was surprisingly enjoyable.
'Like Dreamers Do' is the standout song here and a really anthemic pop song. I could imagine this getting regular radio airplay and being sung by large crowds at music festivals.
Other highlights include 'Rock N Roll Satellite' which is reminiscent of Bowie at his most 'pop' stage and is extremely catchy. It even references the 'Spiders on Mars' in the lyrics. 'Heart Sinker' has a heavier punk edge, yet still has strong hooks and is full of energy. The terrific 'Hell is only a Blessing Away' is another favourite here, I love the loud to quiet dynamic. On the whole, this is a great debut and there are some sensational pop songs here. Definitely a band to watch out for and if anyone could potentially start a guitar music revival, its them.
Released: 17 Apr 2020 Label: _ Listen and Buy Here The Late Pioneers had one of my favourite EPs of last year and this is their latest one. It is a 'Lockdown' and Coronavirus themed EP. It is obviously brave of them to do, due to the severity of this. A lot of people are losing their lives so is it really right to be singing about it? It is available to download for free and the band have suggested making a charity donation. Opener 'The Science has Changed' is a folk song about the country coming to terms with what is going on. It is surprisingly quite subtle and has some nice harmonies in the chorus. 'No one Wants To See You Anymore' sounds like a fun sing along song but is really quite dark. It is a dig at those, defying the rules of lockdown for trivial purposes.
'Quiet Riot' is an angry protest song about the UK Government's poor handling of the crisis. - 'You decimated the NHS and still you tell me you're doing your best.' The EP ends on 'Lockdown' which is a lovely and calming instrumental. A highly recommended EP. The band tackle the issue well and their charm really shines through.
Released: 2020 Label: Kool Kat Musik Listen and Buy Here 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: _ Listen and Buy Here 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 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.
