The Lunar Laugh - In The Black

Released: 3 Nov 2023
Label: Big Stir

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The Lunar Laugh, from Oklahoma, are a recent discovery for me but have been making music for a while. This is apparently going to be their final album, which I think is a huge shame judging by the quality of the songs here.

Opening song 'Born Weird' is catchy Power Pop at its finest, with edgy punk sounding guitars. 'Allegiance' is my favourite here and brought to mind Plans era Death Cab For Cutie, with hints of The Beatles and Big Star too. The vocal harmonies are wonderful and it has so much emotion. 

Other highlights include 'Timeless Time' which has some melancholic lyrics and lovely melodies. 'Still Gets To Me' is Byrds-inspired jangle of the highest standard. It ends on the Country-tinged 'Picture Perfect' which is a very moving love song, with some philosophical lyrics.

A hugely enjoyable album, full of heartfelt, well-written songs. Highly recommended. 

The Yellow Melodies - Sunshine Pop

Released: 7 Nov 2023
Label: The Beautiful Music

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The Yellow Melodies, from Spain, are a recent discovery for me although I think they have been making music since the early 00s. Their new album is full of Summery indie pop goodness.

Opening song 'Follow The Sun' is feelgood guitar pop at its finest, recalling Teenage Fanclub, and also The Cure song - Inbetween Days. It is wonderfully catchy and anthemic. 

Other highlights include the moody sounding 'La Magia de Aquellas Noches' which has hints of 60s Psych. The melody is instantly memorable, and its an enjoyable listen. You don't have to understand the words to appreciate it.

'What I Do' is melancholic with hints of doo wop, bringing to mind The Flamingos - I Only Have Eyes For You. Closing song 'The Sunshine In Your Eyes' is another favourite here and has some great pop hooks.

A superb album, from a band well worth checking out, especially if you love indie pop. Highly recommended. 

Ian M Bailey - We Live In Strange Times

Released: 24 Nov 2023
Label: Kool Kat

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Ian M Bailey is back with a new album. It is a lovely listen as you'd expect, full of jangling Byrds inspired guitars. Again, it is co-written by Daniel Wylie (more known for his work with Scottish band - Cosmic Rough Riders). 

Opening song 'The Last Chime' is wonderfully Summery and anthemic, even on these cold winter nights. The guitars really chime, like the title suggests.  

My favourite here is 'It's Summer Rain' which is instantly memorable. Like many of the songs here, the focus is on the soaring melodies and superb pop hooks.

Other highlights include 'The Clock is Ticking' which has a slightly heavier edge and a catchy chorus which will stay in your mind from first listen. 'Dance Around The Room' is beautifully subtle and a blend of Folk and Americana. 'Country Girl' is a heartfelt love song of the highest standard.

A superb album, full of well-written songs with intricate harmonies. Highly recommended.

Smokey Angle Shades - Let Go Of The Past

Released: 29 Sept 2023
Label: Europa Sun

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Smokey Angle Shades, from the UK, release their second album after 2015's wonderful 'Shades of Joy'. Their sound is a blend of Americana and 70s sounding rock. The band features Ned Crowther from The Fernweh.

Opening song 'Let's Start All Over Again' is a very moving ballad, which brought to mind solo Paul McCartney and of course The Fernweh. 

Other highlights include the instantly memorable 'A Star Called Youth' which is melancholic with a big anthemic chorus. 'And You Tied A Ribbon on It' is uplifting with hints of electronic and brought to mind ELO.

My favourite here is 'Green Eyes' which is Americana tinged guitar pop at its finest. It is lovely and heartfelt, with hints of The Flying Burrito Brothers. 'Prize Fighter' demonstrates some superb storytelling and beautiful orchestral arrangements.

A hugely enjoyable album, full of well-crafted and memorable songs. 

Mike Gale - Thanks For Always Waving

Released: 8 Sept 2023
Label: _

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Mike Gale, from Southampton, has been releasing his own wonderfully melodic, lo-fi Folk music for a while. His latest album is a beautifully ambient listen.

The album opens with 'Yipee' which is laid-back, with hints of solo John Lennon. The production is acoustic and stripped back, giving it retro charm. 

Other highlights include 'Summer Be Gone' which sounds like a more modern version of  Harry Nilsson's 'Everybody's Talkin'.

'Grumble Pie' is another favourite here and is uplifting and Summery with more African vibes. Of course, it brought to mind Graceland era Paul Simon. 'I Know Her' is a a sweet song with some lovely vocal harmonies.

'They're Closing the Marina' is heartfelt and melancholic, with more of a Spanish feel to it.

A superb album, highly recommended for fans of lo-fi indie/folk. 

Tamar Berk - Tiny Injuries

Released: 18 Aug 2023
Label: _

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Tamar Berk, from California, is back with a new album. It is more wonderfully heartfelt and melodic guitar pop, as you would expect. Her sound brings to mind the 90s alternative pop/singer-songwriter of Aimee Mann, Liz Phair e.t.c. 

The album opens with 'If U Know, U Know' which is brilliantly catchy and anthemic. There are some superb guitar solos towards the end.

Other highlights include 'Whats Become of Me, My Friend' which is a stripped back and melancholic piano ballad. The lyrics are very honest and it is an emotional listen.

'Permanent Vacation' is another favourite here and is uplifting and Summery. 'Drop In The Bucket' has plenty of attitude and more edgy, heavier sounding guitars. It still has the memorable hooks of Power Pop.

'I Was Saved By The Beauty in the World' is a highly emotional song, reflecting on life. There are some philosophical and thought-provoking lyrics - "We're all just precious stones, floating down the river, going home."

A superb album, full of well-crafted guitar pop anthems. Highly recommended Summer listening. 

Sandra's Wedding - The Hopeful Boy Replacement Service

Released: 14 July 2023
Label: Subjangle (cd) Self-released (vinyl)

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Sandra's Wedding, from Goole UK, are back with a new album. Their previous album (Pleasure Grounds) was one of my favourites of 2021, so I had high expectations for this one. It did not disappoint and is full of wonderfully uplifting 80s-inspired indie. 

The album opens with the title track, which is superbly anthemic. Their sound has hints of The Housemartins and also The Pale Fountains! The lyrics are quirky - "Hey little Goldfish in a sandwich bag..." is one of my favourite opening lines I have heard in a while.

Other highlights include 'French Girls' which is Summery and fun. It is brilliantly catchy and will have you singing along. 'This Be The Verse' is very jangly and upbeat. As is 'The Running Joke' which has more unique lyrics and superb pop hooks.

'To The Beat of Slamming Doors' is another favourite here and is again wonderfully 80s, the opening riff bringing to mind Martha and The Muffins classic Echo Beach. There are hints of The Smiths here too!

A hugely enjoyable listen and recommended for fans of 80s indie pop.