"All Your Yesterdays" by The Hanging Stars

 

Today brings our ears "All Your Yesterdays" -- a perfect slice of jangle pop by London's The Hanging Stars. The vocals, guitars and introspective lyrics recall the warmth of Laurel Canyon guitar pop and makes us yearn for more. And more we will get, as this single is the second song shared from the band's upcoming LP Just A Day. If we participated in the betting markets, we would be tempted to bet that it will be one of our favorites this year.

The Hanging Stars are Richard Olson (guitars/vocals), Patrick Ralla (guitars/keys/vocals), Paul Milne (bass/vocals), and Paulie Cobra (drums/percussion/vocals). Just A Day will be out June 19 via Loose Music.

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Rare material from Television Personalities coming soon!

 

2025 is shaping up to be a special year for indie music lovers. One upcoming release that has multiple stars next to it on our wish list is Tune In, Turn On, Drop Out - Radio Sessions 1980-1993. And just does one get in a recording with that mouthful of a title, you ask? One gets a double LP of radio sessions by indie pop legends Television Personalities. The material includes to BBC session and a WMBR session, as well as a bonus download of a WFMU session. The material is taken from the masters, and as this is a Fire Records release we can be sure that the LPs will reflect high standards. We look at this release as an unexpected and rare opportunity to fill out our TP collection with rare gems. To whet everyone's appetite, here is two of the tracks - "Silly Girl" from the John Peel BBC session and "Salvador Dali's Garden Party from the Andy Kershaw BBC session. Enjoy, and note that the release date for Tune In, Turn On, Drop Out - Radio Sessions 1980-1993 is January 17.

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"Be Kind" by The Male Gays

 

Here at WYMA we are fans of accepting people the way they are rather than setting up barriers. A simple rule could just be, well, be kind. Heck, we don't even do negative reviews here. If we don't like a release, why ruin someone's day and make their mother cry?

So, we were happy to receive "Be Kind", the first single by The Male Gays. It is a slow-burning and sincere plea for tenderness. The song is the title track of the project's three song single/EP which will be released August 2. Expect insight, humor, and entertaining music.

And who are The Male Gays? Two gay, self-described music nerds named Guy Blackman and Bart McDonagh. But however correct, that phrase may be, it undersells the gentlemen. Guy and Bart have played in several bands, but they have made a considerable mark in the indie music world in their roles at fine labels Chapter Music (Melbourne) and Domino Records (London), respectively. They have both earned our respect and thanks for releasing some of our favorite music over the years.

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Vanishing Twin - Afternoon X

 

We are remiss in not writing sooner about Afternoon X by London trio Vanishing Twin. It has given us great delight for a couple of months and we still discover new joys with every listen. The band spreads its psychedelic arts across tracks that can be described as pop, trip hop, electronic pop, creating a soundscape that is both aurally colorful and pleasingly fluid. Even at its most experimental, and it definitely has plenty of such moments, it is playful and accessible. At some point, you may even think that you have begun to hallucinate. In fact, you may be hallucinating, but not to worry, it likely is just the music. Well, probably it is just the music. You do you, and we won't judge. However, we recommend that you give this album your ears. 

For this record Vanishing Twin is Cathy Lucas, Valentina Magaletti and Susumu Mukai. Afternoon X is out now via Fire Records.

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"No More Swamp" by Bas Jan

 

Looking at our notes after a few plays of "No More Swamp" reveals comments such as 'vibrant', 'original', 'fun', 'intriguing', and 'intelligent'. Well then, that is our review sorted out ...

Just kidding. A band that can deliver a single like that deserves a few more words. "No More Swamp" is the second single from the upcoming Back To  The Swamp by London fourpiece Bas Jan. The band displays an undeniable talent for packing a lot of lyrical and musical delights in a song, and infusing more energy than we can muster after several pots of Seattle's darkest coffee. We suspect that this album will be one of the sleeper hits of the year. Our only criticism is that perhaps it should have been released in time for Halloween.

Bas Jan is Serafina Steer, Charlotte Stock, Emma Smith and Rachel Horwood. Back To  The Swamp is out November 10 via Fire Records.

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Panic Pocket - Mad Half Hour

 

One of the things that keeps us writing about music despite the time commitment is the discovery of refreshing new sounds, whether from old friends or new projects. Natalie Healey and Sophie Peacock, aka Panic Pocket, fall into the new projects category. And they most definitely qualify as 'refreshing new sounds'. On their debut album for Skep Wax, Mad Half Hour, the duo dish out complaints and call outs in a D.I.Y. girl group style that prompted wide grins from us from start to finish. We've always had an affinity for acerbic thought sweetly expressed, and Panic Pocket has that template cold. If you are one of their targets, they may leave you bloody on the floor. But that doesn't mean you won't be smiling and tapping your toes.

Mad Half Hour is out now in vinyl, CD and digital formats via Skep Wax Records.

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"Get Me" by Panic Pocket

 

It's Friday, which strikes us as the perfect day for some sassy and catchy indie pop. The chosen tune is "Get Me" by London duo Panic Pocket. And if you like it as much as we do, you will be happy to learn that it is taken from their soon to be released full length, Mad Half Hour.

Panic Pocket are Sophie Peacock and Natalie Healey. Mad Half Hour will be out May 26 via Skep Wax Records.

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"You're So ?!" by The Hannah Barberas

 

We are starting out the week with some vivacious, immediate indie pop from London's The Hannah Barberas, a band that reliably delivers such thrills. The song is "You're So?!" and it's dueling male/female vocals explore exploding springtime falling in lust. It is the lead song from the band's upcoming LP Fantastic Tales of the Sea.

The Hannah Barberas are Lucy Formolli (vocals), Damien Devaney (guitar/vocals), Ian Evans (bass/vocals), and Matthew Chalkley (drums/vocals). Fantastic Tales of the Sea will be out on May 26 in all formats via Spinout Nuggets/Doo Lang/Subjangle, and Gazer Tapes.

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"Blue Over Blue" by The Clientele

 

This week brings us news that UK trio The Clientele is releasing a new album titled I Am Not There Anymore. Advance word is that the band has broadened their scope from their traditional shimmering guitar pop to include additional instrumentation and musical styles. Mark us a hugely interested. Our first hint of what will come can be enjoyed with the accompanying video of the lead single "Blue Over Blue".

The Clientele are Alasdair MacLean (vocals/guitars/tapes/beats/bouzouki/Mellotron/organ), James Hornsey (bass/piano), Mark Keen (drums/percussion/piano/celesta).

I'm Not There Anymore will be out July 28 via Merge Records. 

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Tubs - Dead Meat

 

Dead Meat was released last Friday so music fans with their ear to the ground for great new releases probably have listened to it several dozen times by now. For the rest of the world (including those waiting for us to bestir ourselves and write a post), it is time for you to hear one of the better albums of 2023. And yes, we are confident in making this statement less than one full month into the year.

The album is by Tubs whose members count several bands in their backgrounds. Notably, two members are Owen Williams and George Nicholls who were in Welsh band Joanna Gruesome. Other projects on the members' resumes include Snifanny & The Nits, The Snivellers ns SUEP. The band sketches their songs with a wide palette, encompassing post punk, '80s alternative, scrappy jangle. punk aggression and Frightened Rabbit-style folk rock. No matter the breadth, every song has deceptive complexity but fits together like a perfect puzzle. All that is left for the players is to sell it, and oh, do they sell it with fire and intelligence in equal measure.

Dead Meat is out now in CD, vinyl, cassette and digital formats via Trouble In Mind Records.

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"Moon Boy" by First Day of Spring

 

"Moon Boy" is a song that makes us very happy, so we have to thank First Day of Spring for not living up to their name and waiting for, well, the first day of spring before sharing it with the world. Melodic, with an uplifting arrangements and shoegaze accents, it is one of those songs that seem to demand the "replay" button -- and we cannot resist.

The song heralds the coming of the band's EP Fly Over Apple Blossom which will be released February 24.

First Day Of Spring · Moon Boy

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The Sundries - Full of the Joys of Spring and Magic Johnson EPs

 

The music of The Sundries is like getting an injection of sunshine directly into your brain. No matter the weather outside, you will be convinced that the sun is sparkling, the breezes warm, and everyone is smiling. Oh, sure, not every lyric is happy. But the melodies are buoyant and the vocals are affecting. If your mood isn't elevated after listening to Full of he Joys of Spring and Magic Johnson EPs, seek professional help.

As you may have discerned from the mouthful of a title, the album combines two previously released EPs. Tracks one through four are from Full of the Joys of Spring EP (released digitally in 2022), and tracks five through nine are from the Magic Johnson EP (released digitally in 2020). The compilation is out now in digital and CD formats via Subjangle. The first-released EP is a bit scrappier, and the second-released EP a bit poppier. But both are well worth your time.

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"Baby, We're Ascending" by HAAi

 

We needed this song to start the day. We mean, we really, really needed it. Swamped at work, exposed to COVID and feeling like we might not have dodged it and waiting for the slow PCR test confirmation. To understate it a bit, we needed a lift, and a lift we got via "Baby, We're Ascending". The song is the title track from the album by London-based DJ HAAi. A thrilling an uplifting dance floor delight, created with the assistance of Jon Hopkins, it is just the mood enhancement we needed. And now we are looking forward to the album.

Baby, We're Ascending will be out May 27 via Mute Records.

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"Losing" by Night Noise Team

Electropop maestros Night Noise Team hasn't made much noise in the past eight years. Chalk it up to post-Scottish independence vote hangover, to one of the duo - Sean Ormsby - remaining in Edinburgh and one -Fabian Pinardon - moving to London, to creative people moving on to other creative things, or some combination of the foregoing. But NNT is back and making noise again. Beautiful, vibrant noise. Today brings "Losing", a digital-only single you now can have for your very own collection. We also can report that there will be a new album this autumn, as well.

Night Noise Team · Losing

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"17 18 19" by Ibibio Sound Machine

 

This will get your feet moving -- "17 18 19" by London's Ibibio Sound Machine. Combining Afrocentric rhythms, electro-pop, disco and post punk, this band is one of the more refreshing bands we are currently evaluating. The song is from their upcoming new album Electricity, which will be out March 25 via Merge Records.

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The Hannah Barberas - When You Were My Boyfriend EP

 

Good News/Bad News Sunday. Good News: Ace indie pop band The Hannah Barberas will be releasing their second album this year. Bad News: The release date is several months away. But the bad news is only partial bad news, because the quartet has released the four-song When You Were My Boyfriend EP. The release is digital-only and only via Bandcamp, so check it out below. We expect this little record will make everyone's upcoming week much better.

The Hannah Barberas are Damien (guitar/vocals), Lucy (vocals), Ian (bass/vocals), and Matthew (drums/vocals).

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Saint Etienne - I've Been Trying To Tell You

 

Whether their offerings are aimed at the dance floor or the heartstrings, Saint Etienne has long been included among the coolest and smartest electro pop bands. And despite their past success, their new album I've Been Trying To Tell You feels special in many ways. The product of the pandemic, it was recorded remotely rather than in a studio, working with several producers and collaborating with film and television composer Gus Bousfield, who contributed two of the songs. Samples are used extensively throughout, creating a nostalgic and diverse soundscape that intentionally refers to memories of optimism in late '90s UK. The album is atmospheric and dreamy in the most literal way -- the songs have the feel of drifting into and out of dreams of the past. Or an alternative version I like is that it is like watching a romantic movie from the '90s on late night TV, drifting into and out of sleep so you are only catching snippets of plot and suggestions of moods. But whichever interpretation you like the album is intriguing, full of sparkling warmth, and a worthy addition to Saint Etienne's discography. 

Saint Etienne are Bob Stanley, Sarah Cracknell, and Pete Wiggs. I've Been Trying To Tell You is out now via Heavenly Recordings. We also note that film maker Alasdair McLellan directed a film to accompany the album.

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"Pond House" by Saint Etienne

 

We bring electro pop fans the good news that London's Saint Etienne will be releasing their tenth album in September. Titled I've Been Trying To Tell You, it is a look back to a time in the past which may have been positive and special, and may have been much less, depending on whether one can really rely on one's memories. Specifically, the album uses samples and sounds from 1997-2001, spanning a period beginning with an election victory by the Labour Party in the UK and ending with the attack on the World Trade Center in NYC. The album is a companion piece to a film with the same name. You can take the album and film for a bit of a test drive via the video below, which features album track "Pond House" along with scenes from the film.

I've Been Trying To Tell You will be out September 10 via Heavenly Recordings.

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"Kicks" by Crawford Mack

 

Some songs manage to perfectly capture the sound of summer fun, and "Kicks" is one of those songs. Flowing from the pen of Glasgow native Crawford Mack, it is positive, playful and addictive. Moreover, the mood is captured by the video, which portrays summer fun, friendship and spontaneity.

"Kicks" is out now as a digital release. Mack currently resides in London, but still considers himself a Glaswegian. 

Crawford Mack · Kicks

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"Secret" and "No B.S." by Jerome Thomas

 

What a way to begin a Thursday! The sun is shining on what will be a warm, but not too hot, day. And I am listening to "Secret" and "No B.S." by Londoner Jerome Thomas. The London artist's take on soul is timeless, His delivery is smooth and passionate, the melodies pull me in and Jerome and his team got all the production touches just right. Sex for your ears is a good thing, and Jerome delivers a big dose.

"Secret" and "No B.S." are taken from Jerome's debut EP, That Secret Sauce, which will be released on July 9 by Rhythm Section International.

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