Vernons Future - Aquaplaning

Released: 7 Oct 2022
Label: VF Records

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UK indie band - Vernons Future, are a recent discovery for me. This is their first album under this name and is a collection of singles and other songs from 2019 onwards. They released one album back in 1990 (Smithdown Road) as The Vernons. 

Their sound is wonderfully catchy indie pop, reminiscent of late 80s/early 90s. It opens with 'Call To Arms' which is anthemic indie with hints of Echo and the Bunnymen. It is about climate change with some hard-hitting lyrics - "Don't expect a sympathetic ear, when the World you love will quickly disappear."

My favourite here is the superbly upbeat 'Holy Joe' which is feelgood guitar pop at its finest. There were hints of The Coral - In The Morning, and you will want to play it on repeat!  

Other highlights include 'Just Can't Help Myself' which is instantly memorable with 70s prog vibes, bringing to mind Greg Lake. 'Lights Have Changed' is more moody sounding, with some bleak lyrics - "The stars in the sky will not last forever..." and again has a big anthemic chorus. 

 

A hugely enjoyable album and highly recommended for fans of 90s indie.

Librarians With Hickeys - Handclaps & Tambourines

Released: 14 Oct 2022
Label: Big Stir

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Librarians With Hickeys, from Ohio, are back with their second album. It is more enjoyable jangle with plenty of great pop hooks.   Their sound is inspired by 80s REM with hints of the 60s Psych of The Byrds. 

It opens with 'I Better Get Home' which is superbly catchy and brought to mind The Buzzcocks - Ever Fallen In Love, so there are hints of Punk here too.

My favourite here is 'I Can't Stop Thinking About You' which is a wonderful love song, and instantly memorable. It shows simplicity is often the key with this music and I could imagine it would have been a college radio hit.  

Other highlights include 'Can't Wait Till Summer' which is highly melodic and anthemic. 'Lady Overdrive' is a fun listen with a huge chorus and handclaps e.t.c. 'Last Days of Summer' is beautifully Autumnal with some lovely viola playing, which also adds variety to the album.

 

Highly recommended Autumn listening, especially for fans of 80s jangle.

Granfalloon - Calendar Volume I

Released: 30 Sept 2022
Label: _

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Granfalloon, from Manchester, are a new discovery for me. Their latest album is a wonderfully unique and enjoyable listen. The sound is a blend of indie and more traditional Folk.   

It opens with 'Archive' which is beautifully arranged, with big orchestral production. It is quite uplifting yet melancholic, the lyrics reflecting on memories of love, from scraps of paper receipts e.t.c. 

My favourite here is 'Please Write Responsibly' which is Folk style storytelling at its finest and will have you hanging onto every word. It is so imaginative and about a written story coming to life. The sound brought to mind Pulp and also the indie folk of Ralfe Band.  

Other highlights include 'Bee on a String', which is more 'pop' sounding than anything else here. It is brilliantly whimsical and perfect if you have a love for animal themed songs, as I do. 'O Joyce' is more lovely storytelling about the 'circle of life'. It ends on 'Rushmore' which is rather epic with some philosophical lyrics and soaring harmonies.

 

A superb album, and recommended Autumn listening, especially if you want to hear something a bit different.

Pixy Jones - Bits n Bobs

Released: 16 Sept 2022
Label: Strangetown Records

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Pixy Jones, once of the Welsh indie band El Goodo, releases his debut album. It is a superb listen, full of 60s-inspired Psych/Garage pop gems.   

It opens with album standout - 'I'm Not There' which is moody sounding with some wonderful harmonies, reminiscent of The Zombies. It is beautifully arranged and produced, sounding like it could be straight from the Psychedelic era.  

Other highlights include 'Bad Throat' which demonstrates superb storytelling. It is quite sad lyrically about someone's struggle with Cancer. Another favourite here is 'Maureen Dreams No More' which has a brilliantly catchy guitar riff and brought to mind early Kinks. 

'There's Something Wrong' is upbeat and more Beatles sounding with melancholic lyrics about depression. 'I'm Coming Home' has more Country vibes, reminiscent of The Flying Burrito Brothers.

 

A superb album, full of 60s Psych goodness, with memorable melodies and quirky lyrics. Highly recommended.

The Orchids - Dreaming Kind

Released: 2 Sept 2022
Label: Skepwax Records

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Scottish indie pop band The Orchids are back with a new album. They have been making records since the 80s and were once on the legendary Sarah Records label.   

It opens with album standout - 'Didn't We Love You' which is brilliantly catchy guitar pop with an anthemic chorus. 

Other highlights include 'What Have I Got To Do', which is a more stripped back ballad with heartfelt lyrics. It recalls the best of 80s indie pop, bringing to mind Aztec Camera. 'This Boy Is A Mess' has New Order vibes and again has a big anthemic chorus.

'Isn't It Easy' is more Folk sounding, with atmospheric, orchestral production. It is a very moving listen with some heartbreaking lyrics - "Its much too late and the damage is done. We are flying in the sky too close to the Sun." 

'I Don't Mean To Stare' is more chilled out electronic/synth pop and is wonderfully uplifting and ambient.

 

A superb album, full of sophisticated pop songs and a variety of sounds. Highly recommended for fans of 80s indie.

The Photocopies - Pop Trivia

Released: 26 Aug 2022
Label: Subjangle

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The Photocopies is the work of Sean Turner, originally from London but now based in Michigan. This is a compilation double cd of singles and rarities, full of C86-inspired jangle pop goodness.   

There are so many songs here to choose from, but my favourite is 'You Used To Tell Me Everything'. It is a heartfelt breakup song of the highest standard, with hints of early Teenage Fanclub. The production is very fuzzy and lo-fi, giving it that authentic retro feeling. 

Other highlights include 'Anywhere Without You' which is ultra melodic with brilliant pop hooks. There are also hints of The Jesus and Mary Chain. 'Vexed' is 2 minute pop with a Punk edge, and is a lot of fun. 'Might As Well Talk To Myself' is melancholic and instantly memorable, like many of the songs here. 'Better Than Nothing I Suppose' is simple yet so catchy, you will be reaching for the repeat button.

 

A hugely enjoyable compilation, full of addictive jangle pop gems. Highly recommended.

The Rotary Fifth - The Rotary Fifth

Released: 6 Jun 2022
Label: _

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This is the debut album from The Rotary Fifth, from Liverpool. Their sound is a mixture of indie,  Psych and Jazz and is more experimental than the music I typically review here.   

It opens with 'Unknown Unknowns' which is beautifully ambient. It is hard to find comparisons but their music has hints of Folktronica Singer/Songwriter - Jane Weaver and also Portishead. 

My favourite here is 'Home', which is anthemic, yet hypnotic. The vocals are haunting and the melody/song as a whole instantly stays in your mind.

   

Other highlights include 'The Peoples Temple' which is wonderfully atmospheric and would easily fit in a film soundtrack. There are hints of Pink Floyd's more ambient music. 'Sacred Geometry' is a lovely and uplifting listen.

A superb album and ideal End of Summer/Autumn listening. Highly recommended.