This is a great album from about 4 months ago which had passed me by. The National Honor Society, from Seattle, are a new discovery for me and they have 90s jangle vibes. It opens with 'Turn Me On' which has a slightly heavier edge but is still super catchy and energetic. I hear hints of Oasis but it does not have the sneer and attitude and is a lot more fun. 'Everybody Lives and Breathes' has 90s Britpop vibes and an ultra melodic chorus like the more Psychedelic side to The Beatles. 'Crystalize' is more melodic pop goodness, with highly memorable hooks. The album does require a few listens to really appreciate it fully. 'First Among The Last' has more 80s vibes and synths. The standout song for me is 'Never Gonna Make It Happen' which has some superb harmonies and hints of 60s jangle, complete with sha la la la's. 'When We Ruled The School' is another gorgeous pop song, full of charm. A great guitar pop album, with many memorable songs and anthems. Highly recommended.
Australian Indie pop singer-songwriter, Nat Vazer is a recent discovery for me. Her new album is a great listen and well worth investigating. It opens with 'Like Demi' which is very raw and honest lyrically. It seems to be quite a personal song in which she reminisces about her past self and a relationship. 'Higher Places' is my favourite song here and is very heartfelt with elements of dream pop. The sound is slightly reminiscent of Beach House. It is also quite anthemic in quality. 'Grateful' manages to sound like Nirvana, The Beatles and Radiohead, all in one song. Of course it is right up my street! It is quite angry in tone and questions how women are treated in society. Another favourite here is 'Mother' which is stripped-back and a heartbreaking song. It has themes of loneliness and families growing apart. A superb album, with so much beauty as well as melancholy. Highly recommended.
Red Cavalry are a new band from Wales and Germany. Their new single really caught my attention, demonstrating some of the most perfect jangle pop I have heard all year. 'Give Me A Sign' is superbly melodic with catchy hooks. The simplicity of course recalls The Beatles and The Beach Boys. There are more 80s jangle vibes too. It is a song to have on repeat and at only just over 2 minutes long, it doesn't outstay its welcome and leaves you wanting more.
There is an album and extra songs on Spotify which I will be checking out. Definitely a band to watch out for.
Rick Irregular, from Manchester UK, is a new discovery for me. He was previously in cult Post Punk band - Thrush Puppies. This album is actually a collection of demos spanning from 1997 - 2017. The song - 'Recently' is what caught my attention and why I am reviewing this. A highly melodic and moving breakup song, with anthemic 90s jangle vibes. The sound brought to mind Longpigs and Teenage Fanclub. Its a song I could see reaching a larger audience. The rest of the album is a lot heavier sounding more like Joy Division and The Fall. 'In Column Miscellaneous' is dark and moody with thought provoking lyrics. It is slightly reminiscent of The Cure - A Forest. Other highlights include 'Bloody Winter in New York' which has dalek like vocals and is very Post Punk. It is quite enjoyable even though its not my usual type of thing and has great energy. Another favourite is 'She's My Monomania' which is heavy but still manages to have pop hooks. A collection of songs well worth checking out, especially for the song 'Recently' which will blow you away.
Paul Molloy (The Coral/Serpent Power) releases his debut solo album and it is a wonderfully Psychedelic listen. His sound is very 60s with hints of The Beatles and Syd Barrett. Lead single 'Dungaree Day' is reminiscent of The Beach Boys - Don't Worry Baby, complete with ba ba bas. It is highly melodic and Summery. 'My Madonna' is my favourite song here and one of the most fabulous jangle pop songs released all year. It is wonderful lyrically, with imagery of love, space and 'drinking whiskey from a fountain'. Other highlights include 'Andromeda' which is Psych with great Pop hooks. 'Hey Ho Jack Of Diamonds' demonstrates superb storytelling and even goes a bit prog with different sections. It reaches a very impressive 'Western' sounding climax towards the end too. It ends on 'Talacre Lighthouse' which is very atmospheric with more nautical imagery. A superb album which takes you on an amazing Psychedelic journey. Highly recommended.
I've been aware of Australian Power Pop/Psych band - The On and Ons for a while. Their previous 2 albums have some great hook-laden melodic pop songs, including a favourite of mine 'Before Our Eyes'. The new EP opens with 'Menacing Smile' which has 60s garage and Psych vibes. Their sound is a fusion of The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and also fellow Australian band - The Stems. 'Don't Wanna Talk About It' heavily draws from The Beatles but like so much of this music, its a hugely enjoyable listen, which is the most important thing. 'Monday Blues' is anthemic and remains melodic with some great harmonies. 'Change of Heart' has hints of Highway to Hell and it is a lot of fun. A superb EP. Catchy guitar pop at its best.
Librarians With Hickeys, from Ohio, are a new discovery for me, and this is their full length debut album. Their sound is very jangly and reminiscent of The Byrds and R.E.M. The strength of the songs here shows they have the edge over many purveyors of this genre. It opens with 'Until There Was You' which is perfect guitar pop full of great hooks. 'And Then She's Gone' is probably my favourite on the album - a very sweet and emotional song about moving away to make a better life for yourself. 'Be My Plus One' demonstrates superb songwriting and shows why a lot of the time, simple songs are the most effective. The harmonies and added ukulele make it even more perfect. 'Next Time' sounds like it could be a lost radio hit from the 80s. Other highlights include 'Leave Me Alone' which is full of Punk energy and angrier in tone. It is really effective and adds variety. 'Alex' is beautifully atmospheric and laid back Summer evening listening. It ends on the very upbeat 'Black Velvet Dress' with more superb pop hooks and melodies. A wonderful album, highly recommended to any fans of the guitar pop genre.
