The High Water Marks - Consult The Oracle

 

The High Water Marks have done it again. Their new album Consult The Oracle is packed with rocking powerpop gems that plays out as much as a proto-greatest hits album as a single LP. To our ears, this may be their best album of their two decades of recording, although given their trajectory I wouldn't discount the possibility of greater heights (or higher high water marks) in the future. The magic sauce in songs by THWM is a heady blend of impeccable pop smarts and joyous, playful exuberance. And for fans of the jangle, like WYMA's executive editorial board, this band delivers at a premium level.

THWM are Hilarie Sidney (Apples in Stereo and Elephant 6 co-founder), Per Ole Bratset, Logan Miller & Øystein Megård. Consult The Oracle is out now via Meritorio Records.

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The Pennys - The Pennys EP

 

We are fans of separate work of both Michael Ramos (Tony Jay/Flowertown/Cindy) and R.E. Seraphin (excellent recent solo power pop), so we eagerly awaited the debut of their joint project The Pennys. Happily, the self-titled mini-album exceeded our high expectations. Gorgeous guitars, hushed vocals, and chords that tug at the heart nestle in lo fi production to create and intimate set of songs that its creators aptly refer to as heartbreak pop. The result is immersive, immediate and compelling. Is six songs sufficient to make an album qualify for our year end list? When the songs are this good, yes.

The Pennys is out now via Mt.St.Mtn.

Bandcamp for The Penneys

Link to order of vinyl version of The Pennys

Sad Eyed Beatniks - Hot Dish of the Sun On the Table of the Heavens Demos 2016-2024

 

A feature on a collection of demos? Perhaps unusual, but Sad Eyed Beatnniks always attracts our attention. The solo, lo fi project of Kevin Linn, the head honcho of San Francisco's Paisley Shirt Records, showcases Kevin's knack for melody and invention while never over-complicating the end result. Will you like every song? Maybe, maybe not. But the digital release is $1 so a positive return on the investment is likely. And there are NO TARIFFS on these demos.

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Say Sue Me - Time Is Not Yours EP

 

UK indie fans have a genuine treat coming to their doorsteps. Busan, South Korea's Say Sue Me are playing six shows in May (dates and locations are at the end of this post). And to remind music lovers why they should pay attention, the band has just released five-track EP Time Is Not Yours. We featured lead single "Vacation" a few weeks ago, but for this post we want to lead with our favorite track -- and in fact one of our favorite songs of the year so far -- title track "Time Is Not Yours".

One of the great joys of this band is their versatility. Compare the above song with the joyous chaos of the instrumental "Mexico" --

But they continue to surprise with the gentle, sun-kissed closer "Bone Pink".

Say Sue Me are Choi Sumi (vocals/guitar), Kim Buyngkyu (lead guitar), Kim Jaeyoung (bass), and Lim Sungwan (drums). Time Is Not Yours is out now via Damnably.

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Red Sleeping Beauty - Late Nights EP and Late Nights EP Vol. 2

 

Continuing with our Maintee Recordings matinee, today we bring you two thrilling EPs by the Swedish synthpop icons Red Sleeping Beauty. These recordings breathe new life into classic and beloved slices of synthpop.

The first is Late Nights. Released in January, it leads with a new version of their 2015 single "Always". It is labeled the 'late night' version because it is intentionally darker in tone than the original. The second track, a similarly dark version of "Could Have Been Me" from the band's Diary album. The third track is a lovely surprise -- a 'late night' version of their initial single, the 1992 "You Are The Kind".

Matinée Recordings · Red Sleeping Beauty - Always (Late Nights version)

Matinee Recordings page for Late Nights EP

Bandcamp for Late Nights EP

Late Nights EP Vol. 2 arrived in March. It also has three late night versions of popular songs from previous albums. In this case the songs are "Caroline (I Found Love)" from the album Diary, "Breaking Up Is Easy" from the Kristina album, and "Swedish Winter" from the album Stockholm. On a personal note, the last two are among our favorites.

Matinée Recordings · Red Sleeping Beauty - Caroline (I Found Love) (Late Nights version)

Matinee Recordings page for Late Nights EP Vol. 2

Bandcamp for Late Nights EP Vol. 2

"Caroline of Brunswick Square" and "London-By-The-Sea" by the Perfect English Weather

 

Simon and Wendy of  UK band The Popguns are icons around the WYMA World Headquarters taproom Executive Suite. But it isn't just because of our love of The Popguns. Working in the more acoustic space as a duo they have been recording as The Perfect English Weather. The project highlights their knack for euphoric melodies and evocative songwriting. We understand that they will release a new album in May, but for now you can swoon with us over the singles "Caroline of Brunswick Square" and "London-By-The-Sea". The digital releases are out now via Matinee Recordings.

Matinée Recordings · The Perfect English Weather - Caroline of Brunswick Square

Matinée Recordings · The Perfect English Weather - London-By-The-Sea

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The Royal Landscaping Society - Fractals EP

 It's time for a Matinee matinee! What, exactly does that mean? Well, it means that we are going to publish a series of posts about recent releases from the one and only Matinee Recordings. We usually don't stack posts about releases from a single label, but Matinee is one of our favorites and they have been busy lately. Stay with us, all are terrific, and these small labels deserve our support.

First up is Spain's The Royal Landscaping Society. The recording is titled Fractals and is a three-song EP of breathtaking heartbreak pop. Key track "When There Is Nothing Left To Look Forward To" is a starkly straightforward but eloquent lament about lost love wrapped in a rhythmic and chiming arrangement. But the quality doesn't falter with the following two tracks.

Matinée Recordings · The Royal Landscaping Society - When There's Nothing Left To Look Forward To

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Various links for The Royal Landscaping Society

"Vacation" by Say Sue Me

 

Busan, South Korea's Say Sue Me has featured here a number of times in the past, but it has been a long while. Happily, they are back with the rifftastic "Vacation". It is the first song released from their upcoming Time Is Not Yours EP, which will be out April 30 via Damnably. April/May tour dates for Australia and the UK are listed at the end of this post.

Say Sue Me are Choi Sumi (vocals/guitar), Kim Buyngkyu (lead guitar), Kim Jaeyoung (bass), and Lim Sungwan (drums). Kim Hanjoo  of Korean band Silica Gel features as a guest vocalist on "Vacation".

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On tour

14 April - Sydney, AU - Oxford Art Factory

16 April - Melbourne, AU - 170 Russell

06 May - Bristol, UK - Strange Brew

07 May - Manchester, UK - Academy 3

08 May - Hebden Bridge, UK - Trades Club

09 May - Glasgow, UK - CCA

14-17 May - Brighton, UK - The Great Escape Festival

19 May - London, UK - 100 Club
link.damnably.com/ssmlive

"Say Something" by The Pennys

 

We are quite excited about the news that Mike Ramos and R.E. Seraphin have collaborated to record an self-titled album under the name The Pennys. We have featured work from both artists, and they have given us much joy. However, we wondered about the direction of the project, which they describe as 'occult heartbreak pop'. Mike's work (Tony Jay, Cindy, Flowertown, and others) often reflects a slowcore esthetic emphasizing tone and nuance with a deft use of space. Ray Seraphin (R.E. Seraphin, Violent Change, Talkies, Glitz), on the other hand, more often paints his creations in powerpop and indie rock. We don't have a final answer, but we have a hint in the form of debut single "Say Something".

What does it sound like. Well, we have to admit that once we heard it, we understood the reference to heartbreak pop. It is absolutely gorgeous in tone and composition while depicting the slow dissolution of a relationship.

The Pennys will be out this spring via Sacramento label Mt.St.Mtn.

Bandcamp for The Pennys

Link for Pre-order of vinyl version of The Pennys

"Loline" by The Bats

 

Our long time favorites The Bats are back in the frame for 2025, and of course we couldn't be happier for that news. And the New Zealand band isn't coming in quietly. The first single is the just release "Loline", a song that fuzzes, sizzles, rattles our speaker boxes and rocks our world. This is music that isn't just energetic for a group in their fifth decade, this is as vibrant as The Bats have ever been! Check it out below in the cute 'tour de New Zeland ' video below, or the stream.

We have no details on the upcoming album as it is still being recorded. But it seems that it will be released via the venerable Flying Nun Records.

The Bats are, and always have been, Robert Scott, Kaye Woodward, Paul Kean, and Malcolm Grant.

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Bandcamp for "Loline"

Various links for "Loline"

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Cats of Transnistria - IV

 

In the past, Finnish duo Cats of Transnistria have thrilled us with their multi-layered, intense and dramatic shoegaze. But for IV, their recently released new album, Henna Emilia Hietamaki and Tuomas Alatalo have broadened their sonic platform with more varied and complex rhythms and bass guitar. The result is a further increase in intensity and a distinct wash of foreboding. With serious lyrical themes to match the intensity of the music, this probably isn't background music for the kids' breakfast before sending them out to catch the bus. But we have found it to be a great soundtrack for our days. As we recently described the album when recommending it to a friend: This is the rare shoegaze with a genuine personality". And we all like new, interesting friends, don't we?

IV is out now as a digital release and limited vinyl via Helsinki's Soliti Music.

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"Pale Blue Eyes" by Yea-Ming Chen

 

A quiet few days because one of us had surgery. But we can't avoid sharing at least some good music. Please enjoy one of our favorite songs from the past given new life by one of our favorite current artists -- "Pale Blue Eyes" by San Francisco artist Yea-Ming Chen. We have loved every version of this song, but this is one of our top renditions. We like how Yea-Ming's vocal delivery echoes Lou's delivery, but the arrangement drives a mid-tempo VU-like drone.

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Reb Fountain - How Love Bends

 

Perhaps a bold prediction to make in the fourth month of the year, but we think that more than a few tasteful music writers will include How Love Bends on their 'best of 2025' lists. The creation of New Zealand artist Reb Fountain, the album offers richly drawn alt fok/pop songs with a cinematic feel. Emotionally expansive and adventurously illustrated, how Love Bends is deeply satisfying on an intellectual and artistic level.

For this recording Reb is assisted by Dave Khan (guitar/keys), Karin Canzek (bass), and Earl Robertson (drums). How Love Bends is out now in digital form via Fountain Records and Flying Nun Records. Vinyl will  be available in early May.

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Various links for How Love Bends

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"Any Other World" by Deradoorian

 

"Any Other World" is a tune that grabs your brain, shakes it, massages it, and leaves you feeling more alive and energetic. That it also has an accessible social message is just icing on the musical cake. It is no surprise that such a stunning single is the work of New York synth pop artist Deradoorian, also of Decisive Pink and , formerly, Dirty Projectors.

If you, like us, like what  Angel Deradoorian is creating, note that her new album Ready for Heaven will be released May 9 via Fire Records.

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Bandcamp for Ready For Heaven

Various links to pre-order Ready for Heaven

Little Oso - How Lucky To Be Somebody

 

A few months ago I had never heard of Little Oso, but they are now one of our favorited indie pop bands. Such is the quality of the Portland, Maine's recent album How Lucky To Be Somebody. This is dreampop with tons of pep and swagger with vocals and melodies that will put a smile on your face and a spring in your step. This is solid craftsmanship with a light touch -- perfect for the upcoming Springtime.

How Lucky To Be Somebody is out now via Repeating Cloud and Safe Suburban Home.

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The Chills - Spring Board -The Early Unrecorded Songs

 

If we had to pick a music hill to die on, it would be the placement of Martin Phillipps in the pop/rock Pantheon. In our view, the frontman of The Chills is one of the greatest pop/rock songwriters of the last approximately 45 years. His lyricism was sharp, evocative and literate. His songwriting range broadly embraced a variety of styles. Despite the band's multiple personnel changes and Martin's own personal health and substance abuse challenges, the man created a wonderful body of work that deserves the word "timeless".

One of Martin's pet projects was to finish and record songs that had been written in his early years but never recorded. He took a look at the material with the increased perspective of another 40 years of life, and reworked and recorded them. Unfortunately, Martin died last year before the project was released, but happily Martin's family, band members, friends and Fire Records have brought  the project to completion. Simply titled Spring Board - The Early Unrecorded Songs, the album is a beautiful and appropriate posthumous swan song to Martins career. The album is available in vinyl, CD and digital formats. We think it is a recording to treasure.

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Dropkick - Primary Colours

 

We have listened to Primary Colours several times and a question lingers in our minds: If you are a guitar pop fan, why can't Dropkick be your favorite guitar pop band? The Scottish outfit has great melodies, vocals that tug on your heartstrings, and guitars and rhythms that pound in your chest. And then there is the range -- the ten tracks include crunchy powerpop songs that could nestle comfortably on a Teenage Fanclub greatest hits compilation and wiry country-washed rockers that call to mind the late Tom Petty. Add in a couple of slow burners and the answer to the question is obvious, Dropkick should be considered among your favorite bands. Take our four song challenge, if you can walk away from the album after the first four songs, it isn't for you. But we didn't even need four songs to consider it one of the year's highlights to date.

Dropkick are Andrew Taylor, Alan Shields, and Ian Grier. Primary Colours is out now via Bobo Integral Records.

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"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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