Aviator - Av8or

Released: 1 Dec 2022
Label: AV8 Records

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Aviator are back with a new album. They are best known as the band of Pete Wilkinson (who has played bass in bands - Shack, Cast and Echo & The Bunnymen). 

Their music is quite different to that of his previous bands, and has more of a heavier Psych sound. It opens with 'Breakout and Drive' which is an epic and moody 6 minute song. It is quite hypnotic and there are hints of The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Sunstack Jones e.t.c.    

Other highlights include 'Johnny 23' which will get your foot tapping and again has that hypnotic groove. It brought to mind Spiritualized - Come Together too, although its not as mainstream sounding. 'The Love That You Bring' is another standout, an atmospheric ballad with hints of Pink Floyd. 

My favourite here is 'Catch Me if You Can' which is wonderful guitar pop with hints of Psych. It even brought to mind  Waterpistol era Shack, more specifically the song 'Mr. Appointment'.

A glorious psych rock album full of epic soundscapes. Highly recommended.

The Shop Window - A 4 Letter Word

Released: 25 Nov 2022
Label: Spinout Nuggets

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The Shop Window are back with their second album. Like their debut, it is a superb listen, recalling the best of 90s indie. 

Their sound is heavily inspired by RIDE and The Stone Roses. The album opens with 'Eyes Wide Shut' which is wonderfully anthemic. It is instantly memorable, with a hugely uplifting chorus.    

Other highlights include 'With Love To Lead' which is melodic guitar pop of the highest standard, with some great harmonies.

'Lay of the Land' is another standout, again it is anthemic, but not overly, and also sounds psychedelic in places. 'Its By Design' is my favourite here, although its hard to choose! The opening riff is the kind which draws you in straight away, and the chorus really soars. 

Love song - 'That Feeling' is sublime, the emphasis here being on the vocal harmonies. The lyrics are so heartfelt - "I'll be your rock on a stormy day. I'll be your sun when the skies are grey."

A superb follow up with some of the finest anthemic guitar pop I have heard this year. Highly recommended.

Scott Robertson - Footprints in the Butter

Released: 25 Nov 2022
Label: Subjangle

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This is the solo debut album of Scott Robertson of Scottish band, The Vapour Trails. It is a wonderful listen, full of guitar pop gems, inspired by 60s Psych. A lot like with his Dad - Kevin Robertson, the main influence here are The Byrds. 

The album opens with 'Lost My Curtains' which is heartfelt with a big chorus. It feels melancholic, yet with thought-provoking, quirky lyrics - "I'm bald as a coot..." about the sadness of losing hair.    

Other highlights include 'The Death of Daylight Saving' which is lovely and Summery, with hints of REM. 'Doorstep Kisses' brought to mind Aztec Camera and there are some superb vocal harmonies.

'Lean Green Flying Machine' is fun and trippy Psych pop, with some excellent guitar solos, sounding different from anything else on the album. My favourite here is the brilliantly atmospheric 'Fever Dream' which brought to mind 60s band - LOVE. 'Thats Rock N Roll' is epic and dreamy, reminiscent of The Beatles - Tomorrow Never Knows. 

A superbly Psychedelic debut from an artist well worth checking out. Highly recommended.

The Lunar Towers - Hurry Up and Wait EP

Released: 18 Nov 2022
Label: Colorama Records

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The Lunar Towers are a new band from London and this is their debut EP. It is full of superbly melodic indie pop with great hooks. 

Opening song 'Plastic Glass Towers' is very jangly, recalling late 80s/early 90s indie pop. The guitars are quite fast and energetic, with hints of RIDE and early Teenage Fanclub.

'Southern Love' is wonderfully uplifting, Byrds-inspired guitar pop. It is infectiously catchy and a song to enjoy on repeat.

My favourite here is the lovely ballad 'Back To You' which is simple and heartfelt, with hints of The Velvet Underground - Sunday Morning. Again, the hooks are superb and it is instantly memorable.

 

A great EP, from a band well worth investigating. Highly recommended.

Crossword Smiles - Pressed & Ironed

Released: 16 Sept 2022
Label: Big Stir

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Crossword Smiles are a band from Michigan, consisting of Tom Curless (Your Gracious Host) and Chip Saam (The Hangabouts). This is their debut, which I felt was overlooked at the time, so thought I'd go back and review. 

The album opens with 'Feet on the Ground' which is superbly anthemic guitar pop. Their sound is reminiscent of Big Star, and also the 90s power pop band - Velvet Crush.

My favourite here is the upbeat 'The Girl With A Penchant for Yellow' which has brilliant pop hooks and is a lot of fun.

Other highlights include 'Where's The Sense' which again is wonderfully catchy. There are some lovely vocal harmonies. 'Walk Softly' is more melodic and atmospheric, with hints of Country and Folk.

 

A superb album, from a band well worth checking out. Highly recommended.

Dot Dash - Madman in the Rain

Released: 5 Nov 2022
Label: The Beautiful Music

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Dot Dash, from Washington D.C. have been making music for a while but are a relatively new discovery for me. Their sound is a mixture of more melodic indie/jangle, with hints of Punk. 

The album opens with 'Forever Far Out' which is my favourite here. It is wonderfully catchy, bringing to mind classic 70s Mod/Punk of The Jam.

Other highlights include 'Tense and Nervous' which is fast 2 minute pop and joyously energetic. 'Animal Stone' is moody 60s-inspired Psych at its finest, bringing to mind The Action.

'Everything = Dust' is slightly heavier Punk, but more fun than angry, which is often the case with the genre. 'Wokeupdreaming' is sublime and more laid back, with hints of Velvet Underground and The Byrds.

 

A superb album, full of memorable melodies and a variety of styles. Highly recommended.

Ian M Bailey - You Paint The Pictures

Released: 28 Oct 2022
Label: Kool Kat

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Ian M Bailey is back with a new album, of Byrds-inspired guitar pop. Again it is co-written by Daniel Wylie (of Cosmic Rough Riders). 

It opens with 'Paint The Pictures', which is wonderfully uplifting and Summery. It has a big anthemic chorus and like many of the songs here, is instantly memorable.

My favourite here is 'I Wanted The Sun To Shine' which is a sweet love song, bringing to mind R.E.M. The lyrics are melancholic and thought-provoking. - "This World is a mystery, like a sound in a Cemetery. Like a wheel that turns this life, but no-one really dares."  

Other highlights include 'I Don't Want To Start Again', which is more jangle of the highest standard and brought to mind later Teenage Fanclub. 'Hey Little Girl' is beautifully melodic, with orchestral production adding to the emotional impact. 'Lover's Song' is reminiscent of Neil Young, with hints of Americana. 

 

A lovely Album, with Summery vibes, even on these cold Autumn days. Highly recommended.