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.

The Small Breed - Remember A Dream

Released: 1 Oct 2021
Label: Bickerton Records

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Dutch Psych band - The Small Breed are a recent discovery for me. Their new album is full of wonderfully melodic and catchy guitar pop gems.   

The opening song 'Remember A Dream' is reminiscent of early Pink Floyd/Syd Barrett, with some surreal lyrics. It is superbly produced, sounding like typical Baroque pop of the 60s.  

My favourite here is 'Wanda Your Angel', a heartfelt folk song which for me was an emotional listen. It is very stripped back with some lovely vocal harmonies and flute playing. There is a child-like innocence to it too, which I love so much in music.   

Other highlights include 'She's So Lovely' which is more upbeat and brought to mind Sgt Peppers era Beatles. The sublime 'To Another Land' has more memorable melodies with Summery vibes. It ends on the brilliantly surreal 'The Man Who Lost his Consciousness of Time' which demonstrates some superb storytelling.

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

Colours Through The Air Best of 2021 Albums and Songs

It was so hard to choose but here is the Colours Through The Air 'Best Of' post. My favourite albums and songs of 2021. With the songs, it is one song from each artist.

I have chosen RW Hedges for best album and song. A lovely album which although is short, all the songs are beautifully crafted. Just heartfelt, memorable songs which is what it should be about really. Read the full review here 

I felt these albums were the strongest overall and had the most impact on me. You can find the reviews for all the albums (apart from Ghost Dance Collective and Reigning Sound which were late discoveries) on this blog.  

Albums

1. RW Hedges - Year After Year 

2. Daniel Wylie's Cosmic Rough Riders - Atoms and Energy

3. Sandra's Wedding - Pleasure Grounds

4. Jim McCulloch - When I Mean What I Say 

5. Sky Diving Penguins - Sky Diving Penguins

6. Reigning Sound - A Little More Time With Reigning Sound

7. Rural France - RF 

8. Sister John - I Am By Day

9. Kevin Robertson - Sundown's End 

10. Ghost Dance Collective - Dream Yourself Into The Real World

Songs

1. RW Hedges - Travelling Road 

2. Sky Diving Penguins - Run Boy 

3. The Pierce Kingans - To Lose 

4. Reigning Sound - You Don't Know What You're Missing

5. Sandra's Wedding - Lovin' Life

6. Jim McCulloch - Come Little Waves of Light 

7. Sister John - In My Place 

8. The Sadies - Stop and Start

9. The Laughing Chimes - Try To Change My Mind

10. The Shop Window - Out of Reach

All in all, it has been a good year and I have found so much great music from doing this blog. Thanks so much to everyone who has shown an interest/sent music to me.

Sky Diving Penguins - Sky Diving Penguins

Released: 1 Dec 2021
Label: _

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Sky Diving Penguins, from Tbilisi, Georgia, are a recent discovery for me. This is their long awaited debut album, after an EP back in 2001.   

Their sound is heavily Beatles inspired, especially the opener 'I Don't Want, I Don't Care'. It is a piano driven ballad, with devastating lyrics and themes of depression. As English is not their first language, not all of it makes perfect sense but it is so heartfelt and shows fragility.   

'Serotonin' has a heavier edge and is very 90s with Nirvana vibes. 'This is Breaking Me Apart' is a gorgeous Folk song with hints of Radiohead. There are some lovely vocal harmonies and intricate flute playing. The variety of sounds and styles on this album means it always manages to be captivating.

My favourite here is 'Run Boy' a charming pop song, with psychedelic lyrics. It describes a perfect place with candy rainbows, trees made of bubblegum e.t.c. and where 'everyone is a Beatles fan'. Its about finding happiness, and is just over 2 minutes of pure joy. 

Other highlights include the epic 'About One Hermit' which has beautiful orchestral production and is hugely emotional. 'Depressed or Bored' has 60s Psych vibes with quirky, yet wistful lyrics - "Anyone can be unsure. As I grow old, time only matters."

A magnificent debut, full of wonderfully written songs with so much depth. Highly recommended.

Moonlight Parade - What If?

Released: 26 Nov 2021
Label: _

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Moonlight Parade, from Worthing UK, are back with a new album. It is a superb listen, full of melodic and memorable jangle pop gems.   

Their sound recalls the 90s indie of Oasis' softer sounding music. Album opener 'Amsterdam' is quite anthemic, but it is enjoyable with lovely melodies and heartfelt vocals.   

My favourite here is the sublime 'Hanging Around', which I had on repeat in the Summer. It has hints of The La's and is a laid back love song of the highest standard.

Other highlights include 'The Way I Feel', which has lovely harmonies and melancholic lyrics. 'No Way of Knowing' is more psych sounding and brought to mind The Beta Band. 'White Horses' is more stripped back, acoustic Folk and is an emotional listen.

A hugely enjoyable album, full of guitar pop gems. Highly recommended.