"Bubblegum Nothingness" and "Captain Palisade" by Jetstream Pony

 

Supergroup is a term that music PR firms deploy a bit too loosely in our opinion. But when applied to Bighton's Jetstream Pony, whose members' resumes include The Luxembourg Signal, Trembling Blue Stars, Aberdeen, The Wedding Present, The Popguns, The Fireworks, The Dentists, and The Treasures of Mexico, we have no complaints. Not only have those projects gifted us with excellent music, but the past recordings from Jetstream Pony earn them the right to be considered a proper successor in quality. We are happy to report that the band will release a new album this Spring titled Bowerbirds and Blue Things. We know it will be good. How do we know? Because two of the songs are available and they are sharp, energetic, and bursting with melodic goodness. Check out "Bubblegum Nothingness" and "Captain Palisade" below.

Jetstream Pony are Beth Arzy, Shaun Charman, Kerry Boettcher, Tom Levesley, and Mark Matthews. Bowerbirds and Blue Things will be release on March 28 via Shelflife Records (US) and Spinout Nuggets (UK).

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The Gentle Spring - Looking Back at the World

 

The weather here for the past few weeks has us dreaming of the joys of a gentle spring. We know it won't happen any time soon, but we've discovered the next best thing: The music of The Gentle Spring. The Paris-based trio featuring Michael Hiscock of Sarah Records darlings Field Mice recently released Looking Back at the World, a lovely instant classic of achingly perfect bittersweet indie pop. We are mature enough (finally, and just barely) to appreciate the nuanced lyricism and deft phrasing, but our perennially adolescent hearts dwell shamelessly on the emotional highs and lows. Quiet, but vibrant, it is near flawless and will keep our spirits high until our own spring arrives.

The Gentle Spring are Michael Hiscock, Emilie Guillaumot, and Jeremie Orsel. Looking Back at the World is out now via Skepwax.

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Pink Chameleons - Harmony

 

Sometimes there is nothing more satisfying than sitting back and letting prime cuts of psychedelia surround you. And frankly, there doesn't seem to be much prime psychedelic music these days. However, Paltsa-Kai Salama and his Pink Chameleons mates are here to save the day. In past outings the band was more guitar pop and punk oriented. But for their new album Harmony, the Finnish trio deliver 10 songs that evince a deep mastery of the psychedelic arts. The sound is dense and dynamic, with reverb and fuzz riding throbbing, booming rhythms. The effect is both colorful and hypnotic. There are hints of Black Rebel Motorcycle and Jesus and Mary Chain, but Pink Chameleons are more adventuresome and adept than the former and more devoted to the genre than the latter. We could say that we haven't heard a psychedelic album this good in a long time, and it is true. But more than that, it is one of the more satisfying albums we have heard lately.

Pink Chameleons are Paltsa-Kai Salama (vocals/guitars/electric sitar/organ/mellotron/songwriting), Antti Sauli (bass), Ville Hopponen (drums/percussion). Harmony is out now via Helsinki's Soliti Music.

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Laughing Chimes - Whispers in the Speech Machine

 

We have been fans of Southeast Ohio's  Laughing Chimes since we first heard their music. Their sunny jangle lifted our spirits and quickly earned a permanent spot on the WYMA office playlist. Naturally, we have been eagerly awaiting the new LP Whispers in the Speech Machine, which was released last Friday. Did we get another edition of sunny jangle? Well, no. Are we upset? Not at all. Artists grow and evolve and Whispers in the Speech Machine is the sort of evolution that should be celebrated.

Here the jangling core is supplemented with dancing synths, moody reverb and expanded arrangements. Paisley Underground meets southern gothic strum and thrum? Perhaps, but there is a lot going on in these songs and all of it is good. The effect is to pull in elements or alternative, new wave and college rock, as well as an intriguing neo-psychedelia. The vocals are distinctive, reflecting the regional accents, and effectively convey the darker themes of the music. Whispers in the Speech Machine is a remarkable album by this young band and, in our view, a clear cut above much of the indie pop material being released. 

Laughing Chimes are Evan Seurkamp (guitar/vocals), Quinn Seurkamp (drums), Avery Bookman (bass), and Ella Franks (guitar/keys). The album is out now via Slumberland Records. 

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"Switch Over" by Horsegirl

 

We missed out on the first album by Chicago's Horsegirl, but what we have heard from the Chicago trio's upcoming second album Phonetics On and On have got us totally onboard to cover it. The release date if February 14 via Matador Records. Do you want to know why we're excited? Check out "Switch Over" below. There is an appealing VU vibe, but there is so much more going on in their songs.

Two other singles were released previously:  "2468" ; "Julie".

Horsegirl are Nora Cheng, Penelope Lowenstein, and Gigi Reece.

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"You Were the Ones I Had to Betray" by Dean Wareham

 

"You Were the Ones I Had to Betray" is one of those special songs that resonates with us from the opening notes. What is it? The warm, jangling guitars, the lyrics, the weathered vocals, and perhaps the overall vibe. Of course we would like it no matter who the artist is, but we were not surprised that it is the work of Dean Wareham. He has thrilled us over the years in Galaxie 500, Luna, Dean and Britta, and his solo work. This song is the first single from his upcoming solo album That's The Price Of Loving Me, which will be released on March 28 via Carpark Records. If this track is where Dean is going, we intend to follow along.

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Prism Shores - Out From Underneath

 

Reaching into their apparently formidable toolbox of pop and rock hooks, templates and incredible inspirations, Montreal's Prism Shores have crafted a terrific 10-song statement for their new LP Out From Underneath. Varied and colorful, the album touches on jangle, pop, crunchy rock and shoegaze and manages to emerge having freshened up every point on their musical compass. There is just enough C86/Creation/Sarah/Ride to remind your subconscious that you love the sound without detracting you from enjoying the discovering of new music. An exhilarating album, Out From Underneath has set the bar high for our 2025 expectations.

Prism Shores are Jack MacKenzie (guitars/bass/vocals/synths), Ben Gross (bass/guitars/vocals/synths), Luke Pound (drums/percussion/drum programming/guitars/vocals), and Finn Dalbeth (guitars/vocals). Out From Underneath is out now via Meritorio Records.

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"Draggin' On" by Pink Chameleons

 

Finland may not be on the radar of most indie pop fans, but it has been on our radar for a couple of decades. Finnish artist produce memorable music in the pop, metal, and experimental spheres. One of our favorites is Pink Chameleons. This is a group that isn't tethered to their past -- having recorded fine pop and punk material in the past, it seems that they are adding psychedelia to the mix on their upcoming LP Harmony. And yes, they are as adept in psychedelia as the are in everything else. Treat your ears to "Draggin' On".

Harmony will be released on January 31 via Soliti Music.

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"New album by The Chills, two songs available

 

One of our highly anticipated upcoming releases is Spring Board: The Early Unrecorded Songs. The album collects 20 early-career, previously unreleased songs by brilliant songwriter Martin Phillipps of The Chills. Martin wanted the songs out in the world and had been working on this album when he unexpectedly died in 2024. With the collaboration of band members, family and friends his vision will be realized on February 28 via Fire Records. Album tracks "Dolphins" and "If This World Is Made For Me".

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"Turning The Knife" by Shrapnel

 

Indie rock goodness arrives at the end of the month via Sedan Crater, the new album by Sydney-based indie rockers Shrapnel. Founded by former Day Ravies' main man Sam Wilkinson, we expect a full voltage display of the rock arts, and we know we will like it. Take it for a test spin with album single "Turning The Knife".

Shrapnel are Sam Wilkinson, Matthew Neville, Ben Schattner, Nick Johnson, and Toby Baldwin. Sedan Crater out January 31 via Tenth Court Records

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"Cats Go Car Watching" by The Laughing Chimes

 

As ably demonstrated by their previous recordings, the The Laughing Chimes can jangle and chime with the best of the indie pop bands. But prepare to be blown away for the Southeast Ohio's expanded sound on their upcoming second LP, Whispers in the Speech Machine. Blending elements of Athens, Paisley Underground and Dunedin in a way that is fresh and memorable. But more on the album when it arrives at the end of the month via Slumberland Records. For now, enjoy the dreamy appetizer: "Cats Go Car Watching".

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