"The Gown" by The Bats

 

In our view, The Bats were magic in the early '80s and they continue to be magic in 2025. They don't do it with bombast, frills, gimmicks, or by following the style du jour. They do it with sharp songwriting, relatable themes, personal connection, and quality performances. This week brought striking song "The Gown", which is the third single from their upcoming LP Corner Coming Up. The instrumentation is slightly restrained for a tune from this band, but with the percussion and bass up in the mix. Atmospheric and haunting, "The Gown" underscores that The Bats are not resting on their laurels. We think it is best appreciated with the volume turned up.

The Bats are Robert Scott, Kaye Woodward, Paul Kean, and Malcolm Grant. Corner Coming Up will be released October 17 via Flying Nun Records.

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"Fading Out" and "Daffy Duck" by Massage

 

Pssst! Hey you -- yes, you. How would you like a massage? Don't worry -- no one is going to put their hands on you. We are proposing an aural treat delivered by LA indie pop band Massage. After four years and several landmark life experiences (good and bad), Massage is preparing to release new album Coaster. We expect to be impressed by the groups alchemy of Britpop, dream pop and shoegaze. And having listened to their previous album Still Life earlier today, we know that we won't be disappointed.

Two of the album's songs have been shared. "Fading Out" is Britpop flavored with a hint of J&MC. "Daffy Duck is a propulsive shoegaze gem. Adding it up, our math says this is going to be a very good album. Cynics might point out that when it comes to WYMA math, main writer Scott was a history major with two law degrees. Nevertheless, with respect to music, our taste is impeccable.

Massage are Alex Naidus, Andrew Romano, Gabi Ferrer, Natalie de Almeida, and David Rager. Coaster will be released October 10 via Mt. St. Mtn. (USA), Bobo Integral (Eur), and Prefect Records (UK).

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Shopfires - We Are Not There But We Are Here

 

Much of the music that we cover is sent to us in the hope (both on the part of the sender and WYMA) that we will have time to listen to it and write about it. But some music we stumble across while trawling the internet. We Are Not There But We Are Here is one of those discovery albums. It is the product of songwriter Neil Hill recording as Shopfires. Rather than a 'big statement' type of release, this album is a lovely collage of ordinary daily life and its experiences, challenges, and memories. The presentation is unpretentious and lo-fi, but expertly layered and shimmering. The quiet, sincerely-voiced lyrics impart an intimacy that draws the listener in and holds on tight from start to finish.

We Are Not There But We Are Here is a gem you will be happy to welcome to your library. For us, it is one we revisit frequently as it seems to give us a feeling of being grounded. But we would be remiss if we didn't mention that Shopfires also has an intriguing collection of recordings available, and we have included a link to Bandcamp where you can peruse the offerings.

 We Are Not There But We Are Here is out now via Subjangle Records.

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Tullycraft: "Tarrytown", "Love On The Left Bank" and LP Shoot The Point

 

If we were to consult our carefully curated and updated lists for our favorite twee pop bands, Seattle's Tulleycraft will be floating at the top riding their trademark energy like a helium-filled balloon. The band isn't as active as it once was, but happily they will release a shiny new album titled Shoot The Point at the end of the week. Tullycraft are musicians and craft terrific stories with twists, turns and surprises behind blind corners. They clearly have a lot of fun doing it, and the listeners share in the fun.

But we aren't the kind of meanies who say "something good is coming but you have to wait". Tullycraft has shared songs from the album and we are going to let you listen to them right now. Yes, now. Here are "Tarrytown" and "Love On The Left Bank". However, we will add that we have listened to the entire album (a couple of times already) and it is terrific. If you are the kind of mope who only wants somber music, give it a pass. For everyone else with a pulse, get in line for Shoot The Point.

Shoot The Point is out Friday, August 22, via HHBTM Records.

HHBTM Records · Love On the Left Bank

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"Fabulist" and "I'm Not Sad" by The Cords

 

Well, well, well -- this is exciting stuff and it is only a taster for the upcoming album. What are we writing about? The two songs shared so far from the upcoming debut album by Greenock, Scotland's The Cords. Comprised of sisters Eva and Grace Tedeschi, the band has attracted the attention of some of the best indie artists from Scotland and beyond, and has appeared on the stage with many. The self-titled album is due September 26 via Slumberland Records (US) and Skepwax Records (UK), and you should line up to reserve your copy because you shouldn't live a minute without it.

Oh, and since we lauded the songs, we would be remiss if we didn't link them below. Feel free to form your own opinions about influences, but our thoughts - limited to one for each song - are Heavenly for "Fabulist" and Shop Assistants for "I'm Not Sad".

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Autocamper - What Do You Do All day?

 

Manchester's Autocamper have absorbed the sounds and styles of C86, college rock, Scottish bands such as Close Lobsters and Fire Engines, and janglers of the Sarah Records roster. But like a fun house mirror, what the band reflects back to the listeners on their debut LP What Do You Do All Day? is the band's proprietary blend of the guitar pop canon. In addition to being an entertaining listen from first play, we think that the album suggests that this band has the resources and originality to continue to grow. The presentation is sincere and unpretentious and the overall vibe is of a intimate show in a comfortable local club, and that is a good thing in our book. Maybe its just us, but we give extra points to boy/girl vocals that remind us of The Pastels (for that matter, tracks four and seven remind us favorably of The Pastels).

So if you haven't given Autocamper a listen, we recommend you do so. It is one of the better debuts we have heard this year, and it is out now via Slumberland Records.

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