Released: 3 Apr 2020 Label: Friends of the Fish (Fruits De Mer) Listen and Buy Here
Here is a lost Psych gem from a few months ago which somehow passed me by. This is the 6th album from Mark McDowell, of Bristol UK, who is a new discovery for me. His sound is a blend of Psych pop and more ambient Folk. It opens with 'People Like Us' which is reminiscent of John Lennon and also the more recent band - The Brian Jonestown Massacre. It is my favourite on the album with its strong hooks and Summery Psychedelic melodies. 'Wedlocked' has chilled out vibes and hints of the 90s jangle of Ride. Other highlights include 'Give the Gods' which is still quite folky with added synths and drum beats, making an epic soundscape. The album has some instrumentals too, including 'Starstreamer' which has a distinct Indian feel to it.
'De Facto (Ode to Arthur Lee)' is a beautiful Psych folk song which demonstrates storytelling and has philosophical lyrics. It ends on 'Wedding Song' an honest and heartfelt love song. A superb album, which is wonderfully ambient. Perfect listening for Summer evenings.
Released: 26 June 2020 Label: Glass Modern Listen and Buy Here Scottish Folk duo Snowgoose return with their beautiful second album after a break of 8 years. The quality only goes to show that it was well worth waiting for. In case you aren't familiar with them, Snowgoose is the work of guitarist Jim McCulloch, (of the Legendary 80s band The Soup Dragons) and vocalist Anna Sheard, whose ethereal voice makes them unique. The album also features input from a wealth of musicians, including Raymond McGinley (Teenage Fanclub), Davie Scott (The Pearlfishers) and members of Belle & Sebastian. It opens with 'Everything' which immediately brought to mind the 60s Folk of Fairport Convention and Pentangle. It is hugely emotional and a strong way to open the album. 'Who Will You Choose' is the standout song. This one has 60s Psych vibes and has a similar feel to The Zombies - Time of the Season. 'Hope' is wonderfully melodic with an uplifting chorus and thought provoking lyrics - 'All your politics don't hold for me. Whats the use in fighting, all our days are numbered.' 'The Making Of You' is very powerful, like traditional Folk and has a timeless quality. The loud to quiet dynamic is perfect, at times stripped back with emphasis on Anna's vocals, other times - heavy and orchestral. The result is epic. Other highlights include the magical 'Deserted Forest' which has gorgeous strings and vivid lyrics. Also 'The Optimist' which is quite moving, with a big chorus. My personal favourite here is the closing song - 'Gave Up Without a Sound'. This one has more Americana vibes, as well as great Pop hooks. A beautiful album full of stunning Folk compositions and superb musicianship. Highly recommended.
Released: 1 May 2020 Label: _ Listen on Spotify Moonlight Parade are from Worthing, UK and a new discovery for me. They have had a couple of albums and jangly indie songs like 'Jennifer' really caught my attention. Their style is more 90s/early 00s indie but still sounds refreshing. Opening song 'Paint the Sun' has a big uplifting chorus, reminiscent of The Bends era Radiohead. 'Invincible' has hints of U2 and The Verve but is more melodic. The standout song for me is 'I'd Really Like to Meet You Man.' A powerful indie anthem which immediately sticks with you. I could imagine this one crossing over to a larger audience. 'If I Leave' is superb and very catchy guitar pop. 'Hang Glider' is another gloriously melodic and uplifting song and I love the bassline. A stunning EP, with strong songs which really shine. Highly recommended.
Released: 26 June 2020 Label: Subjangle Listen and Buy Here The Crystal Furs, of Portland Oregon, are a recent discovery for me. Their new album is full of C-86 style jangle pop gems. It opens with 'Comeback Girls', which is quite anthemic. Steph Buchanan's charming, almost twee vocals suit the song well. Admittedly, this style of music does sometimes wash over me but not in this case and there was more than enough here to keep my attention. 'Pretty Mind' is an anthem for anyone who has ever felt like they don't fit in. Lyrically it is very honest and really expresses the frustration well. - 'Records spinning round and round and so is my rage. Since no one understands I'll write it down on a page.' 'Too Kind to be Cruel' is my favourite song here - melodic guitar pop at its catchiest. I could also imagine this getting repeated radio airplay. Other highlights include 'Burn Us Down' which is angry with more Punk vibes. It is a bold stand against those who try to deny LGBT rights. - 'You wanna cure me, you wanna fix me. I wanna kick you to the curb.' 'Hey Maxine' is more superb jangle pop goodness. 'The Robber Barons of Lombard Street' is an epic tale about the greedy Capitalist society. A really enjoyable listen and also covers some important issues. Highly recommended.
Released: 26 June 2020 Label: _ Listen and Buy Here The Mariners are a new band from Nottingham, UK. Although their sound is very typical of Liverpool, influenced by the likes of The Beatles, The La's and The Coral. Their album is gloriously retro. It opens with 'Send My Love To You' which is a very simple 2 minute pop song with 60s Psych vibes. 'Gimme More' is wonderful and echoes The Kinks and The Zombies. The standout track on the album is 'Cathy Come Home' which has a superb opening guitar riff. But my favourite overall song of theirs is the B-Side 'She Said So' which is an absolute lost gem and well worth checking out as well. Other highlights include 'Bring Her Back To Me' which has hints of Love's A House is not a Motel. 'Dreaming of You' is more charming Beatlesesque Pop but this music never gets old and the band do it well. A strong debut album, with many memorable songs. Highly recommended Psych pop.
Released: 1 May 2020 Label: You Are The Cosmos Listen and Buy Here Reno Bo is a songwriter from Nashville and a recent discovery for me. His new album is superb guitar pop with some Americana vibes. He also plays in the band Neon Castles. 'Baby Blues' is anthemic indie rock with a chorus that really soars. There is some great guitar work, which is the case throughout the album My favourite song here is 'Second to Last' a beautiful pop song. It had Wilco and XO era Elliott Smith vibes. 'Take Cover' is another lovely song and more 80s sounding with hints of Springsteen.
Other highlights include 'Old Glories' which is wonderfully melodic with wistful lyrics and feelings of longing. 'This Time Again Tomorrow' is another favourite of mine and has Crosby, Stills & Nash vibes. It ends on the epic title track 'You Can See It All From Here', which is is a very moving ballad and brought to mind R.E.M. 'Everybody Hurts'. A really enjoyable album, with well written songs and superb musicianship. Highly recommended.
Released: 17 June 2020 Label: Greenhorse Records Listen and Buy Here West on Colfax are from Lancashire, UK. Their album is full of wonderful Americana tinged guitar pop. You would have thought they were really from the US, on first hearing them. It opens with 'Choke Hold', which is my favourite song here. It is melodic yet anthemic, with 90s vibes of The Lemonheads as well as The Jayhawks. 'Misty Morning Blue' is a love song, simple yet heartfelt. Its well written and memorable with some great guitar work. Other highlights include the epic 'Cowgirl of the County' which is hard-hitting and has themes of alcoholism. The lyrics are very vivid and also a bit philosophical - 'Life is a rolling rodeo with many highs and many lows and love is a bucking bronco wild and free.' 'This Ole Heart' is a stripped back campfire love song. There is a timeless quality to it. 'Tinsel Heart' demonstrates some brilliant storytelling and has feelings of melancholy. 'Light Again' is very moving and closes the album perfectly. A superb debut album, with so much depth. Highly recommended.
