Released: 5 June 2020 Label: Record Kicks Listen and Buy Here Soul group The Devonns are from Chicago and this is their debut album. Its a different genre from the albums I typically review here, but I was really drawn in by this. I was first aware of them a couple of years ago when I found their song 'Come Back' on the International Pop Overthrow Vol. 21 Power Pop compilation. It is the opening song here, and an epic ballad. It has the magic of old Soul and Motown from the 60s. The chorus really soars and the strings towards the end of the song add to the emotional impact. 'Tell Me' has hints of Sam Cooke and sounds like it could have been a hit in the 60s era. 'Think I'm Falling in Love' is a ballad of the highest standard. Again the orchestral production makes this sound timeless.
'Blood Red Blues (Protest Song)' is a heartfelt and hard-hitting song against gun violence. The issue is communicated so well in the lyrics - 'We all know what we've got to say, but everybodys scared of the NRA' Another highlight was 'So in Love With You' which is beautiful and has a laid back feel to it. A magical album. Perfect listening for Summer evenings.
Released: 19 June 2020 Label: Futureman Records Listen and Buy Here Scottish band - The Vapour Trails are back with the follow up to their album 'See You In The Next World' (which finished towards the top of the Colours Through The Air best of 2019 List). I had really high expectations for this album and it didn't disappoint. The new one is more 60s Psych guitar pop greatness. Opening song 'Golden Sunshine' was familiar to me. It was originally released as a demo on the 'Godspeed It' single from last year. This new recording really brings the song to life with sparkling guitar riffs and superb harmonies. 'Dr Barnes' strongly recalls The Beatles and The Byrds, who are clearly the biggest influences here. 'Lonely Man' is the best song (other than Golden Sunshine) on the album and a great memorable guitar pop anthem. 'Sometimes (Thinking of You)' is more of a moody ballad and sounds different to anything else on the album. The focus is more on the vocal harmonies and the lyrics are quite heartbreaking. 'Nothing rearranges. I'm spinning to the ground from your roundabout.' Other highlights include 'Strange' which has a big anthemic chorus. 'Behind you' features an opening riff reminiscent of Gene Clark's Elevator Operator, obviously a deliberate reference. The band wear their influences on their sleeve. 'The Conversation' has more Mexican vibes, and melodically it brought to mind Husker Du - Pink Turns To Blue. 'Why Wonder Why' has vibes of Love - Live and Let Live. The album closes on the beautifully delicate 'Seabird'. A strong follow up album, and the songs really shine. Perfect Summery guitar pop.
Released: 29 May 2020 Label: Subjangle Listen and Buy Here Night Heron is the work of Michael Telles, a Teacher of Massachusetts. This is a wonderful compilation comprising of the best songs from his large back catalogue on Bandcamp. His sound is beautifully subtle and ambient, with hints of Elliott Smith and The Byrds. It does have a lot of elements of Dream Pop, which is not a preferred genre of mine, but this was surprisingly enjoyable. Opening song 'Only in the Summer' is really laid back and chilled. The layered vocal harmonies are very effective and the production is quite raw and DIY. My favourite song here is '3 A.M. Again' which has an ethereal quality to it and just takes you to another place. Other highlights include 'No Such Thing' which is more guitar pop and reminiscent of early Teenage Fanclub. 'I'll Get Back To Crying' has vague Americana vibes and has some lovely melodies and wistful lyrics. 'Committed' is probably the catchiest song here and the likeliest 'radio hit'. 'So Unlike Me' is another favourite here and more Folk in sound, bringing to mind Nick Drake. A fine collection of Ambient sounding jangle, perfect for Summer. Highly recommended.
Released: 2020 Label: Kool Kat Musik Listen and Buy Here Honeywagen from Kansas City are another great new discovery for me. There are many bands around creating 60s style guitar pop but the strength of the songs here, proves they have the edge over many. 'For Love' is a fantastic opener with superb harmonies. So good it will stop you in your tracks, and have you hitting 'repeat' when it ends. It really has 60s/70s vibes, and heavy guitar riffs at the beginning, with hints of Big Star. There are some brilliant guitar solos at the end. Other highlights here are 'Anywhere the Wind Blows' which has a lot of Byrdsian charm. 'On The Beach' is the perfect summer anthem, quite simple with memorable hooks. Again the guitar work is impressive. 'Once Again' shows a more sensitive side, and is a beautiful gentle ballad. 'All the Little Things' is more uplifting guitar pop of the highest standard A highly recommended album, and the song 'For Love' especially stood out for me. Well worth checking out.
Released: 5 June 2020 Label: Big Stir Listen and Buy Here Bandcamp I have been aware of Californian band The Corner Laughers, for a while. This is their fifth album and their first for the renowned Power Pop record label - Big Stir. Their sound is a blend of Indie Pop and Folk, with a range of influences from Fairport Convention to XTC. They are led by Karla Kane (one of the few Women in the guitar pop genre) whose unique voice and ukulele really sets them apart. Opener 'The Calculating Boy' brought to mind Nonsuch era XTC. A charming and simple pop song, with strong hooks.
'The Accepted Time' is the standout song here. Bold and anthemic with heartfelt and wistful lyrics. - 'I hold your hand and hope you'll understand I need to, feel your fingers wrapped around mine too. Guess I know that life means letting go but I will hold on just a little longer.' It is a really moving song and features some great guitar work too. Other highlights include 'Sisters of the Pollen' which is more upbeat and fun, with some catchy melodies. Their quirky folk style is still prominent. 'Goodguy Sun' (written by Martin Newell of the band Cleaners From Venus) is a beautiful song with 60s Beatles vibes. The instrumentation is perfect with a mixture of piano and ukulele. 'Wren in the Rain' is another standout song and has themes of Nature and Life which is a recurring topic on this album. The two closing songs, really draw from their traditional folk influences more. 'Skylarks of Britain' is wonderfully melodic and a timeless lullaby. An exceptional album which has a lot of charm and magic. Highly recommended.
Released: 12 Apr 2020 Label: _ Listen and Buy Here This is such a gem of a song. I have had it stuck in my head for the past few days, so it made sense to write about it here! Pelicat are an Indie pop band from Norway. Although I was quite sure they were American when I first heard them, due to their overall sound. 'The Other Side' was written and recorded during the 'Lockdown' and is such a perfect and happy song, it provides much needed joy. Although it is musically upbeat, it is quite sad lyrically, about a complicated relationship. The sound has hints of the 60s (The Beach Boys) in the harmonies, and also more modern vibes of The Shins. I'm not too familiar with their previous work but their song 'Tell Me I'm Wrong' from last years self titled album also stood out for me. Another marvelous pop song and very catchy. 'The Other Side' could well end up as one of my songs of the year. Highly recommended.
Released: 1 May 2020 Label: _ Listen and Buy Here Sunshine Boys, from Chicago, are another great new discovery for me. This is their second album and its full of melodic guitar pop gems, perfect for summer. The three members have all been in other bands - Freda Love Smith was of the College rock band Blake Babies. Their sound also has vibes of 80s College rock. 'Infinity Girl' is one of the strongest songs here, anthemic and recalls R.E.M. and Tommy Keene. Other highlights include 'No Showdown' which is quite dark and about a troubled relationship. The lyrics are raw and honest - 'I know I'm pushing you away, all the while I'm begging you to stay.' 'Moonrise' is also superb with a big chorus and memorable hooks. 'A Ghost at Best' is beautiful and uplifting. As is the lovely closing song 'Right Where You Need It', which is guitar pop of the highest standard. Music which may not be breaking any new barriers but the songs here are strong both lyrically and melodically. Well worth a listen.
