M Ross Perkins - E Pluribus M Ross

Released: 18 Mar 2022
Label: _

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M Ross Perkins, from Ohio, is an artist I discovered last year, from his wonderful cover of Bill Fox - Bird of the World (A Byrdsian jangle gem, well worth checking out). His new album is full of his own Summery guitar pop with 60s West Coast vibes.   

The album opens with 'Industrial Good Day Mantra' which is highly melodic and uplifting, with Beatles vibes. The production is very retro and Baroque Pop in style.

'Wrong Wrong Wrong' is my favourite here and superbly catchy, of course it recalls The Byrds and also The Beach Boys - Come Go With Me. The lyrics are quite sad about not being understood, relationship problems e.t.c. - "Spare me all your mighty sources, curb your complimentary courses, I've been through a few divorces."  

Other highlights include 'Tired of Me' which is more instantly memorable, Byrds-inspired jangle. 'Mr Marble Eyes' is glorious Psych with surreal lyrics. 'Pinball Blonde' is hugely enjoyable and demonstrates superb storytelling. 

A brilliant album, full of wonderfully melodic pop gems, with entertaining lyrics. Highly recommended.

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.

Tamar Berk - Start At The End

Released: 22 Apr 2022
Label: _

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Tamar Berk, from California, is back with her second album, after her superb debut last year. It demonstrates more wonderful guitar pop, with plenty of great hooks and energy.   

The album opens with 'Your Permission' a moody ballad about a problematic relationship. It is instantly memorable with later Beatles vibes.

'Tragic Endings' is upbeat and anthemic, with melancholic lyrics. - "I read the endings of books before I even turn to the beginning. My heart can't take surprises anymore. I'm losing faith in happy endings." 

Other highlights include 'Alone Tonight' which is superbly melodic, heartfelt guitar pop, with hints of Aimee Mann. There are some excellent guitar solos towards the end. 'Real Bad Day' is brilliantly catchy with a slightly heavier Punk edge. 'Just Be' is another standout and is more acoustic sounding with country vibes.

A hugely enjoyable album, and perfect Summer listening. Highly recommended.

Amelia Coburn - The Ebb and the Flow EP

Released: 1 Apr 2022
Label: _

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Amelia Coburn is a relatively recent artist in UK Folk. I was first aware of her song from 2016 - 'Song of the Sea Rover' which demonstrates superb storytelling. Her lovely ukulele playing and delicate vocals, make her stand out from contemporaries.   

The new EP opens with 'Please Go Gently' - a beautiful lullaby. The lyrics are wonderfully heartfelt and vivid. - "Relief is found in silver lined clouds to wash over you like rain."

 'Where Leaves are Blown' brought to mind the traditional folk of Joan Baez. 'Sandra' is a simple account of an ordinary day in the life of Sandra. The lyrics are thought provoking, hinting at sadness under the surface.

My favourite here is 'Oh Captain! Guide Me Home' - a brilliantly melodic Sea Shanty, with hints of Joni Mitchell. Again, it is superbly heartfelt and perfect early Spring/Summer listening.

A lovely EP full of unique, timeless Folk songs. Highly recommended.

Sam Kogon - Sam Kogon EP

Released: 1 Apr 2022
Label: _

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Sam Kogon, from New York, is a recent discovery for me. His new EP has 50s/early 60s vibes and is full of memorable songs with great pop hooks and melodies.   

It opens with the superb 'Barbed Wire', which brought to mind The Everly Brothers and Adam Faith. It is vaguely Americana sounding too.

My favourite here is 'Find Out' which is brilliantly catchy 2 minute pop to enjoy on repeat. It had hints of The Traveling Wilburys.

'All I Wanna Do' is a wonderfully melodic love song and you can especially hear the Tom Petty influence. It ends on 'City Kidz' which has a slightly heavier edge with some raw lyrics. It is about the dark side of city life, drugs e.t.c.

A highly recommended EP, and it is well worth checking out his earlier albums too. 

Love Burns - It Should Have Been Tomorrow

Released: 4 Feb 2022
Label: Jigsaw Records

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Love, Burns is the new project of Phil Sutton, from New York, who is also in the band Pale Lights. His latest album is a superb listen and I felt it was a little overlooked, which is why the late review.   

The album opens with 'Dear Claire' which is melodic indie pop with Velvet Underground vibes. It is a heartfelt love song and instantly memorable.

Other highlights include 'Stormy Waters' which is upbeat and brilliantly catchy. 'Wired Eyes' has Summery vibes and again, there are superb pop hooks, like many of the songs here. You will want to play it on repeat!

My favourite here is 'Something Good' which has 60s Psych vibes and Surf-sounding guitars. It has a big chorus which will stay in your head, from first listen.

A hugely enjoyable album, especially for fans of lo-fi 60s guitar pop. Highly recommended.

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.