The Warmbabies - Lets Live Underground

Released: 13 Nov 2021/Re-release Apr 2022
Label: Snap Records/Kool Kat

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French guitar pop band - The Warmbabies, are a recent discovery for me. Their album is full of wonderful Beatles inspired pop gems.   

The album opens with 'Its Not Her' which has plenty of great hooks and is perfect early Springtime listening.

My favourite here is 'You Should Never Have Crossed My Way' which is pure Powerpop brilliance. It is reminiscent of early Beatles so of course it is straight to the point, and instantly memorable.

Other highlights include 'Last Days of Summer' which is very upbeat and catchy. It is a lot of fun and there are some superb guitar solos. 'Lucille' is another standout and is 2 minute pop at its finest.

A hugely enjoyable listen, especially for fans of 60s guitar pop. Highly recommended.

Cassette 50 - Solar Ship

Released: 7 Mar 2022
Label: _

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Cassette 50 is the new project of Nick Worrall from The Late Pioneers. His sound is an interesting mix of Folk and guitar pop, and his new album is a superb listen.   

The album opens with 'Happy Haunting Ground', which has 70s Folk vibes and vocal harmonies at the beginning, reminiscent of Crosby Stills and Nash. The lyrics are quite philosophical and thought-provoking - "Take your chances as they come, you'll never know when its the final one." 

'You're The One For Me' is a love song with quirky lyrics and a humorous tone. It is superbly melodic with great pop hooks.  

My favourite here is 'Something Missing' an acoustic ballad with some heartbreaking lyrics. The heartfelt simplicity and emotion in the vocals made it a very moving listen.

Other highlights include 'All For Nothing' which is more upbeat guitar pop with hints of later Teenage Fanclub, Cosmic Rough Riders e.t.c. 'The Lights Of Aberfan' is a beautiful yet sad song in memory of the Aberfan disaster. 

A superb album, full of heartfelt, memorable songs. Highly recommended.

Under The Bridge - Compilation for fans of Sarah Records

Released: 18 Mar 2022
Label: Skepwax Records

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This is a superb compilation, featuring the new music of bands from the legendary indie pop label - Sarah Records. The Catenary Wires are amongst the many artists to feature here, whose album - Birling Gap was a highlight of last year.   

It opens with The Luxembourg Signal, who I'm not overly familiar with (something I should amend). The song has very chilled, laid back vibes and hints of C86 and Dreampop.  

My favourite here is Even As We Speak - Begins Goodbye. The band are from Sydney and have been making indie pop records since the 80s. The song is very upbeat and catchy, and one to enjoy on repeat.  

Other highlights include St Christopher - Stornaway, which is superb 80s sounding jangle with memorable hooks. There were hints of Aztec Camera, Orange Juice e.t.c. 

Jetstream Pony - Strood McD F.C. is very Summery and anthemic 3 minute pop. It features the vocals of Beth Arzy who is also in the Luxembourg Signal. Sepiasound - Arcadian is a beautifully orchestral, and very moving instrumental. The Catenary Wires - Wall of Sound is indie pop of the highest standard and a lot of fun.

A really enjoyable compilation with a superb selection of artists and a variety of sounds.  Highly recommended for fans of 80s indie pop/jangle.

Cowgirl - Cowgirl

Released: 4 Mar 2022
Label: Safe Suburban Home

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Cowgirl, from York, are a recent discovery for me. If you like straight to the point, melodic songs full of great hooks and energy, this is for you.   

They remind me of one of my favourite new artists of last year (Rural France) and it was actually them who recommended the band on Twitter. 

The album opens with 'Better With You' which is superbly catchy 2 minute pop. Their sound has a slightly heavier edge and brought to mind late 80s/early 90s alternative of The Jesus and Mary Chain and Dinosaur Jr.  

Other highlights include 'Time Moves Along' which is Summery and anthemic, recalling early Teenage Fanclub. 'Is What it Is' has fast guitars and hints of Punk.

My favourite here is 'Figure it Out' which is more superb guitar pop with memorable hooks. 

A really enjoyable album, full of melodic gems which instantly stick with you. 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.

Ghost Dance Collective - Dream Yourself Into The Real World

Released: 1 May 2021
Label: _

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Ghost Dance Collective, from Edinburgh, are a recent discovery for me. Their album, from last year, passed me by at the time. It was quite overlooked which is why I am reviewing it now. The record is a lost Psych gem and managed to make my top ten of 2021   

The opening song 'Tears in her Eyes' is very 60s sounding, recalling The Byrds. It has a wonderfully uplifting chorus with Summery vibes.  'Means That Much To Me' is a heartfelt ballad with hints of Americana, which brought to mind Crosby Stills and Nash.   

Other highlights include 'Here Comes The Rain' which is more Summery jangle with strong pop hooks. 'Green is The Colour' is reminiscent of The Velvet Underground and gloriously melodic. 'New Worlds' is another standout and instantly memorable guitar pop. 'Kaleidoscope' is moody and atmospheric with some impressive guitar work towards the end.

A hugely enjoyable listen, especially if you love The Byrds/60s Psych. Highly recommended.

Armstrong - Happy Graffiti

Released: 11 Jan 2022
Label: Country Mile/The Beautiful Music

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Armstrong (Welsh Songwriter - Julian Pitt) was the first ever Artist to be reviewed here, back in 2019. He returns with a new album, after the sublime 'Under Blue Skies', which is also well worth a listen if you haven't already!  

The new album demonstrates more superbly melodic and sophisticated guitar pop. Opening song 'Disinformation' is heartfelt, with a soaring chorus. The sound vaguely recalls The Beach Boys, with the harmonies. There are also hints of 80s with The Pale Fountains and Aztec Camera.  

Other highlights include 'Songbird' which is a beautifully moving ballad, which brought to mind some of the quieter moments on Teenage Fanclub's Grand Prix. 

'Wondering Where The Time Goes' is wonderfully melancholic, with wistful lyrics - "I'm dreaming 'bout the old Cafe. Thinking how the times have changed. Friends whose lives were once entwined. Who'd have thought those days would end."    

'Happy Someone' is more upbeat and catchy, with some lovely melodies. 'Rock Star Rock Star' is jangle pop at its finest and instantly memorable.

A superb album of well-crafted songs, full of melancholy. Highly recommended.