REVIEW: Junk - Liquorice EP

Are you now, or have you ever, kept a "junk drawer"?  When I was young we (me and my 345 siblings), each had one drawer of our dresser for items that didn't fall into any other category.  Our mother referred to it as our junk drawer, and the name stuck.  The thing of it is, the stuff in the drawer was certainly not junk.  Some of our most treasured possessions were kept in those drawers, assigned there in part because they were so special, so different from stuff that was easily categorized for other drawers.  Every time I went to my junk drawer, I knew that I was going to be delighted.

So too, I suggest, will be your look into the Liquorice EP from York, UK trio JUNK.  Crunchy garage pop and jangling fuzz rock that you will want to keep with your special editions of new music.  Yes, indeed, the delightful music of JUNK belongs in your musical junk drawer.  The EP begins with the jangling, high energy standout "Dirt In My Eye".  With a bit of taunt to the vocals and a big chorus, it is one of my favorite songs of the year.  The following "Dennis Willson" backs off to mid tempo and dials up the jangle.  "Willows" holds the position as the hardest rocking track on the EP.  And it leaves no doubt that these kids can rock.  But even when they rock, they take the time to write a ear worm chorus.  The closing title track is another favorite.  The with a deliberate pace and and extra dose of fuzz around the hooks, this might be way The Jesus and Mary Chain might have sounded like with a female vocalist.  It is good enough to eat.

Estella Adeyeri, Sam Coates and Danny Barton have only been a band for about a year and a half, and this is their second EP.  But sometimes you don't need to have years and years, album and albums, to judge who has "it".  Believe me, JUNK is the real deal.





The Liquorice EP is available as a digital download or cassette.  See the Bandcamp link or the CHUD Records order page.

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DMA'S - DMA'S EP

DMA's are the new, and in my opinion, worthy edition to our list of dramatic rock/pop songsters.  The young Australian band's introduction to US audiences occurred this month via the six-song self-titled EP on the Mom + Pop label.  With three skilled songwriters, a feel for the Manchester sounds of Oasis and The Stone Roses, and evocative vocals, Tommy O'Dell, Matt Mason and Johnny Took have a sound that has an undeniable appeal.  Tracks "Laced" and "So We Know" have received the most press, but I'm of the opinion that early single "Delete" is the best performance of the set.  DMA's know how to translate indie pop aesthetics to the big arena, and they deliver it with style.










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"Independent Horses" from Seabirds

We featured a single from UK indie pop band Seabirds a few years ago, but hadn't heard from them again.  We don't need to wonder what they've been up to any longer, as they will be releasing debut album Meet Me In The Silence later this year via Matinee Recordings.  You can have your first taste with "Independent Horses".  A smashing up-tempo tune with ringing guitars, it leaves no doubt that this album will be a big pleaser for indie pop fans.



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Joanna Gruesome - Peanut Butter

I do love peanut butter.  I'm also quite fond of Peanut Butter, the second LP from Welsh band Joanna Gruesome.  And with its release, we finally, we have answers for the pressing questions of the day: Are JG still a good pop band? Are they still adept noisemakers?  Are they having a sophomore slump? Is Joanna still Gruesome?  The answers, for those keeping score, are "yes", "yes", "no", and "what?"

Joanna Gruesome's reputation is built on their fiery blend of punky noise pop, spiky post-punk and syrupy pop music, often all in the same track.  And as it worked so well before, we were happy to see that the band found no reason to abandon their core competency.  If one wants to track changes, one might note that the songs are a bit tighter and more economical, and perhaps each element is punched up a bit.  The latter aspect, with the pop sweeter and the noise, well, noisier, perhaps doesn't seem like the most obvious path as it makes the sound a bit rawer.  Personally, I think it is genius.  Rather than a blend of Joanna Gruesome's noted features -- which would have been the safe choice to offer their fan base -- we have ten songs that jump out of the speakers, get in your face and say "this is what Joanna Gruesome is, love it or leave it".  And while you are thinking about that image, they go to the kitchen and drink your last beer.

So yes, this Peanut Butter comes in rich layers of crunchy and creamy styles with pockets of jam.  Our serving suggestion is loud with plenty of liquid bread.  It may become your go-to after work meal.





Peanut Butter is out now via Fortuna POP! in the UK, Slumberland Records in the US, ant Turnstile Music everywhere else.

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"Cry At Your Leisure" from Skittle Alley

Some bands are so good that we happily play their demos.  You think we're kidding?  Cast your eyes below to the clip for "Cry At Your Leisure" from Skittle Alley.  Yes, it clearly is marked "demo", and it isn't the first demo from France's Skittle Alley that has featured on these pages.  This one is a lovely song with chiming guitars and achingly sweet vocals.  You'll find more to love at the Soundcloud link at the bottom of this post.  Our prior posts for Skittle Alley are here and here.




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Video for "Dead Fox" by Courtney Barnett

Here is one of my favorite videos of the year so far, for "Dead Fox". one of my favorite songs from the stellar Courtney Barnett debut Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit (our review here).  Courtney mulls over the worth of organic vegetables, the dangers of highway driving (for humans and animals) and mortality.  The artists put it all on the screen vividly, and graphically.



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REVIEW: Mikal Cronin - MCIII

Mikal Cronin is a master at crafting powerpop songs, with hooks and melodies that make you feel good.  On his third album, the rather directly titled MCIII, he continues to widen the scope of his offerings.  He provides multiple layers of sounds with keys and strings in the mix, and swells that tickle the rafters.  And the swells sound even bigger when contrasted with the occasional dips in volume.  This is well-conceived and well-executed pop music that is cinematic and energizing from the initial strains of opener "Turn Around".  The following "Made My Mind Up" is top class power pop of The New Pornographers variety.  "Say" and "Feel Like" continue to pump out the big sound.

The pace and tone changes beginning with the fifth track, "Been Loved", a nuanced balled and, for my money, the best quiet moment on the album.  It also provides the transition to the six linked coming of age pieces that comprise the remainder of MCIII.  "(i) Alone" is one half whisper and one half noise pop; at the moment, I prefer the latter.  "(ii) Gold" combines power pop and garage in a fashion similar to Cronin's work with his old partner Ty Segall to highly satisfying effect.  And just as I was putting a "+" in my notes for the preceding track, "(iii) Control" jangles in to steal my heart; that one could be a single as well.  A more garagey version of power pop is on offer with "(iv) Ready", again recalling Cronin's earlier San Franciso days.  "(v) Different" brings back the strings for a languid ballad.  The closing "(vi) Circle" is a fitting closer, combining mid-tempo jangle pop with reflective lyrics and piano.

MCIII is a very satisfying album from a songwriter and musician who is accomplished by still growing.  This is one of the highlights of his journey.







MCIII is out now via Merge Records in digital, CD, cassette and vinyl formats.

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Video for "The Legend of Chavo Guerrero" by The Mountain Goats

The Mountain Goats' new album, Beat the Champ, has been out for about two months now, and we still are enjoying it.  But we now have even another way to celebrate one of its great tunes, as there now is a video for album song "The Legend of Chavo Guerrero", which includes Chavo himself.  The song is very good, and this video is quite special.

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Introducing: West Thebarton Brothel Party

Here is your introduction to West Thebarton Brothel Party.  You don't need a personal invitation to attend this one.  Just have ears, a love of rock music and the ability to navigate yourself to whatever garage these guys have taken over to start the party.  There doesn't appear to be much recorded output available, but the Adelaide band will have an EP out soon via Mirador Records.  One of the songs from that record, "Misophonia" is out as a single, and it is too good not to share.  In fact, it is so good that we'll give you the stream and the video.  If there were an interpretive dance, we'd give you that too.

The song has just the right combination of musical chops and just-about-to-fall-apart chaos.  And you can feel the fun floating in the airwaves.

 




 

West Thebarton Brothel Party are Ray Dalfsen, Josh Battersby, Josh Healey, Tom Gordon, Wil Spooner-Adey, Al Christophel, Brian Bolado, and Nick Horvat.

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"Fire Burning" from Kevin Hunter

I needed some help getting going this morning.  And our new LA friend Kevin Hunter had just what I needed.  Kevin, who is an experienced hip hop/electronic producer, is releasing his Wild Things EP one track at a time, and giving fans the opportunity to download them for free.  The current song is "Fire Burning", which is a blend of house, reggae 'fast chat' dancehall and EDM.  This stuff could replace coffee, although I still recommend both.  Listen below, and check out the download opportunity here.



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Andrew R. Burns & The Tropicanas - Dreamslop EP

There is so much to like here -- the name, the sub-genre, and most of all, the songs.  The name is Andrew R. Burns & The Tropicanas, hailing from that well known tropical hot spot, Livington, Scotland.  We've heard three of the quartet previously in their guise as alansmithee, but sometimes a change in perspective is needed, and so, with an additional member, they are Andrew R. Burns & The Tropicanas.  As for the genre, the lads call it "dreamslop".  You might call it a blend of dream pop and reverby lo-fi, played with a certain casual relaxed attitude, but dreamslop seems quite adequate and has the benefit of being a shiny new term.

Now for the songs in their debut record, Dreamslop EP.   The three tracks combine exactly the right elements of old and new, and massage my ears like the most skilled courtesan from ancient Rome (there is a bit of license here as even I am not old enough to have been of legal age in ancient Rome).  "Coming Back Down To Erf" begins with thumping percussion, then adds exuberant instrumentation and crooning vocals.  Does the reference to error function in the title have a connection with the repeated chorus?  I don't know or care -- it is a terrific song.  "Stinking Ship" has a sweetly voiced vocal over a shuffling, '60s flavored rhythm and sunny melody.  The final song, "Slackjaw (Sdfk)" is simultaneously wonderful and frustrating.  Wonderful, because it has the most appealing melody of the lot, and a cool vocal that sounds like lead singer for The Lettermen finally broke down and smoked some good weed.  Frustrating because it abruptly ends at the 1:43 mark, just as it was building.  Hey, Tropicanas, you owe me one half of a song!  The proceedings are all a bit woozy and deliberately damaged, but the frayed edges can't obscure that talent and quality.

We have the video for the lead track here, and a Soundcloud embed for the entire EP.  So dive in and enjoy the dreamy slop.  It is great stuff, and if moved to own it, hit the Bandcamp link.






The band is Andrew R. Burns, Joe Murty, Ruaridh Macpherson, and Joe White. They are releasing Dreamslop EP at the end of the month via Glasgow label Flowers In The Dustbin.

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Video for "The Departure" from Cats of Transnistria

Cats of Transnistria are Tuomas Alatalo and Henna Emilia Hietamaki.  The Helsinki, Finland duo makes dark and dreamy atmospheric pop.  Their debut record, an EP titled Away for Helsinki label Soliti Music, was released in January.  The band's multi-faceted compositions balance experimental and gentle elements that easily hold the listener's interest.  I highly recommend that you stream all four songs of the EP at the Bandcamp link below.  But first watch the enchanting video for EP track "The Departure".



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"All the Stars" from The Shifting Sands

Mike McLeod is a Dunedin, New Zealand musician recording as The Shifting Sands.  His debut LP, Feel, featured here a little over two years ago (review here).  Mike's style adeptly intertwines classic New Zealand guitar pop and his own updated sensibilities, and we like it quite a lot.  Accordingly, we're happy to report that album number two, Cosmic Radio Station, will be released this year.  Meanwhile, we have the record's first single, "All the Stars".  The song is wonderful, but the video is excellent as well.  Enjoy!



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A Sudden Burst of Colour - Waves Will Rise On Silent Water

Generally, I like my music with lyrics.  That doesn't mean I study the lyrics, or even can distinguish all of the words.  But I am accustomed to listening to pop music with lyrics, and I don't actively seek out instrumentals (for this discussion, I am excluding techno and dub reggae).  But today I received a lesson about the dangers of being too rigid, because I almost overlooked A Sudden Burst of Colour.  In fact, if it hadn't been of the eye-catching name of the band, I probably wouldn't have listened at all.  It would have been my loss, and, if you rely on me for recommendations in new music, your loss as well.  This four piece from Motherwell, Scotland has crafted a soaring, engaging, multi-layered kaleidoscope of sounds titled Waves Will Rise On Silent Water.  Just four songs (albeit with a 25:30 running time), but I suggest that it will be one of the more thrilling musical journeys you have experienced in a while.  Evocative and intricate, it had me captivated from start to finish.

I've provided a couple of tracks below, but you can stream and buy the entire EP at the Bandcamp link below.  A Sudden Burst of Colour are Luke Duncan (guitar), Callum Brand (guitar), Liam Shaw (drums), and Calum Farquharson (bass).





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REVIEW: Great Peacock - Making Ghosts

Great Peacock is growing up quite nicely, thank you very much.  Wielding a razor sharp heart-on-our sleeve brand of songwriting to create pop anthems with southern rock and folk accents,  Making Ghosts builds impressively on the band's debut EP to present listeners with a gem that ticks all of the right boxes.  The harmonies are gorgeous and the melodies instantly memorable.  The guitars adeptly shift between crunchy indie rock, country-fried folk and summery tropical pop, with every note perfectly placed.  But most of all, the duo's songwriting skills here are razor sharp.  These songs manage to feel both fresh and like comfortable old friends.  Yes, Blount Floyd and Andrew Nelson are southern born and bred, living in Nashville, but this northern lad finds it easy to connect with these heartfelt tunes.  And I think connection is a major theme with, and behind, Making Ghosts.  Blount and Andrew are telling us stories of their lives and community, and doing it in a manner to which we can relate, and with a delivery that makes us want to hear it again.  The songs are vivid and widescreen, and not tethered to any genre.  Whether you are in the front row, the back row, or at home with headphones on, you are part of Great Peacock's world when you listen to this album.  Honestly, just listening to them makes me feel good about being alive.

Choosing songs to illustrate the album proved to be exceptionally difficult.  I listened to the album again while writing this post, and realized that I was inserting over half the songs, and regretting the omission of the songs I hadn't chosen.  Ultimately, I exercised some restraint, but I'm not happy about it.  So I encourage you to go to the Bandcamp page linked below and play the entire album.










Great Peacock is, in addition to Blount and Andrew, Nick Recio, Ben Cunningham, and Clay Houle.  Making Ghosts is out now via This Is American Music.  It is available in CD and deluxe vinyl formats and as a digital download (see the Bandcamp link for ordering information).

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Cheating Sons - Cheating Sons

In our tireless search for good sounds in popular music, we find ourselves in Singapore, grooving on the self-titled album from Cheating Sounds.  Roots rock, blues, and a touch of country twang blend together in a spicy helping of musical comfort food.  The band draws on additional performers for strings, horns and additional percussion, and secured the production services of Los Angeles-based Manny Nieto for Cheating Sounds, who was flown into Singapore over the course of two years to help shape this self-funded labor of love.

Cheating Sons follows the band's previous LP by four years, but care, dedication and sacrifice is evident in the quality of the result.  The songs benefit from an intricacy of structure and precision in performance all too rare in popular music.  Perhaps I'm a pushover, but for the most part I was sold on the album by the opening track, "Courage, Courage", which I played several times before continuing.  Each succeeding song increased my appreciation until the penultimate offering of Roy Orbison-style wonderfulness, "Honeymoon".  At that point there could be no doubt.  I pulled on my boots, stood up and sang along (my apologies to my wife; my apologies to my dog).  What a lovely album!







If I have the players right, Cheating Sons are Lazarus Wang Renyi (vocals, rhythm guitar, harmonica, lyricist), Leong Chee Shan (lead guitar), Donovan Loh (bass, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, lap steel and slide guitar) and Andy Liew (drums and percussion).  Additional contributions were made by Teoh Ying Da (trumpet), Joel Lee (sax), Joy Loh (violin), Kaitlin Wolfberg (violin), Natalie Soh (violin), Koh Zhong Ren (cello), Kevin Mthews (piano & keys), Fredo Ortiz (percussion), Rachael Teo (backing vocals), Narelle Kheng (backing vocals), Lee Yinqi (backing vocals), and Tok Xue Yi (backing vocals).

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Henry & Fleetwood - On the Forest Floor EP

It is a quiet and overcast Sunday afternoon here, and that calls for careful music selection.  Something that delights without needing the volume and pace presented by the soundtracks for my Friday night and Saturday.  Ah, here is just the thing, a little four-song EP titled On The Forest Floor from Scotland's Henry and Fleetwood.  The Scottish duo is comprised of Martin John Henry, singer and guitarist from De Rosa, and Gillian Fleetwood, harpist from State Broadcasters.  For this record, both Martin and Gillian sing.  Martin also plays bass and guitar, and Gillian provides harp and synth.

It seems to me that the focus of the band is creating atmospheric music comprised of textures of sound.  And their music has an impressive ability to evoke emotions from simple melodies and understated vocals.  If one were to compare it to paintings, this EP is more of a set of pastoral landscapes than portraits or urban scenes.  But they are richly colored and satisfyingly detailed.  One rarely knows what brings artists from different bands and genres together, but listeners can be very happy with this pleasing combination.

On the Forest Floor is out now via Olive Grove Records.  If it strikes your fancy, you can order the CD or buy the digital download at the Bandcamp link below.  Note that Henry & Fleetwood intend to release a full album in the future.

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"Adderall" from Sunday Lane

Sometimes nothing fits the mood like downbeat dream pop.  If you should find yourself needing some of that, give Sunday Lane's "Adderall" as spin.  The Oklahoma native now resides in Los Angeles.  Her songs have been featured on several popular television series and opened for several big name acts with her band Thick As Thieves.  "Adderall" is the lead track on Sunday's six-song Future Tense(s) EP, which is scheduled for release in August.

Of course we don't always want something downbeat, but having heard the other five songs on the EP, I assure you that Sunday has your other moods covered as well.




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Jacco Gardner - Hypnophobia

In addition to being a very fine album, Hypnophobia from Dutch musician Jacco Gardner provides and excellent example of yet another version of psychedelia.  Jacco's version is gentle, even pastoral, but is varnished with a bright coat of pop and sturdy rhythms.  The result is more Kevin Ayers or Syd Barrett than Tame Impala.  But it is quietly both stylish and impressive.  The artfully layered sounds create an aural kaleidoscope swirl, reinforced by the thematic focus on the space between dreaming and wakefulness (the title refers to the irrational fear of sleep).  The tension between sleep and being awake is replicated by the balance between the surreal and the more direct melodic elements.

Hypnophobia's ten songs offer many delights.  The opening track "Another You" begins proceedings on an especially bright note, and is followed by a delectable instrumental, transitioning to two of my favorite songs on the album.  "Brightly" is exhibit A for just how satisfying pastoral psychedelia can be when done well, and reminds me of how much I enjoyed Syd Barrett's solo work.  "Find Yourself"  (steam below) is a showcase track which, unsurprisingly, was chosen to be released as a single.  The title track (stream below) is a jangling masterpiece of moods and subtle effects.

Ease yourself into Jacco's world.   It is delightful in here.






Hypnophobia is out now via Full Time Hobby.  The label for North America is Polyvinyl Records.  Excelsiorshop handles distribution for the Benelux countries, and Full Time Hobby takes care of the rest of the world.

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"You Are The One" from Lucky

Well, well, aren't we lucky?  Yes we are!  We can celebrate the almost-end-of-the-work-week with the slow soul jam "You Are The One", which comes courtesy of three lucky people.  Or, more precisely, three people that are Lucky.  I can't tell you much about the band other than they are from London.  But if they have more songs like "You Are The One", their arrival on the pop landscape is very welcome indeed.




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"Shiny Gun" video from Fraser Gorman

We've been waiting semi-patiently for the debut LP from Melbourne singer-songwriter Fraser Gorman.  The good news is that we're only a month away, and to celebrate we have a new video for "Shiny Gun".  It features label boss (and international rock star) Courtney Barnett, Stu Mackenzie and other worthy Melbourne musicians.  The song is a jaunty dose of country rock, and the video is an amusing and, well, imaginative re-creation of an actual event from the past.


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Naked - Youth Mode EP

Agnes Gryczkowska, Alex Johnston and Grant Campbell are Naked.  We've been following them for a while, as they have connections with other bands that have featured here (Edinburgh School for the Deaf (I have an ESFTD tote bag on my wall - thank you Jamie), Deserters Deserve Death and St. James Infirmary).  But Naked sheds the primary features of the those projects like discarded clothes.  Where Edinburgh School for the Deaf was blood and bombast, seething passion occasionally accented by moments of sweet jangle, Naked creates a minimalist soundscape consisting of restrained guitar, stately bass, bright shards of synths, and airy, tantalizing vocals.  We were very impressed with two previously released songs, "In Heaven" and "Lie Follows Lie", and now welcome the band's debut EP, Youth Mode.

And simple beauty of the five songs on Youth Mode does, indeed, make the past irrelevant.  Warm, yet mysterious, with pulsing rhythms and fulsome melodies too buoyant to be considered drone. but with vocals too low in the mix to be considered pop.  It is its own genre -- a delightful fusion of the electronic machines and the trio manipulating them.  For me, standout tracks include "Memory Almost Full" and "Voyeur", but all of the tracks reveal distinctive charms.  Naked can take their place alongside Young Fathers and Law at the forefront of exciting Edinburgh-based musicians.  There will be an album in 2016, but that is a long time away.  We recommend Youth Mode now.







Youth Mode is out now via LuckyMe Records.  It is available in vinyl and digital formats.

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Warm Soda - Symbolic Dream

Warm Soda's Symbolic Dream is for two kinds of music fans: Teenagers; and people who remember being teenagers.  If you don't fall into one of those narrow categories, you may want to skip to another post.  But the rest of us will find this album a tasty treat.  Using a template artfully constructed from a vintage '70s mix of garage, glam, power pop and bubblegum, seasoning it with teenage angst and then glazing it with sugary hooks, this is the good times soundtrack for the start of your summer.

And while the hooks, energy and sweet glaze make all 12 songs worth your while, what makes this album a cut above others in the genre is just how well it is constructed.  Music that is direct and immediately pleasing isn't necessarily simple to make.  But on Symbolic Dream the performances and incredibly tight and the production spot on.  If you are wondering whether summer is here, this album likely will help you make up your mind.

The band is beginning a one-month tour in Europe next week.



Warm Soda, now located in Austin, Texas, is Matthew Melton, Austin Shockley, Max Eaton and Caleb Dawson.  Symbolic Dream is released by Castle Face Records.

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"Crazy Tonight" (featuring Michael Franti) from Ethan Tucker

Ethan Tucker is a musician from Olympia, Washington.  Although Olympia is more famous for punk, grunge, DIY indie and riot grrrl bands, young Tucker takes a different path.  He creates soulful jams with acoustic or electric accompaniment.  His voice is warm, and his performances engaging.  He recently released his third LP, Misunderstood.  The first single is "Crazy Tonight", on which Tucker is joined by Michael Franti.  I think the guy is a talented songwriter and performer -- take a moment and listen to "Crazy Tonight".



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"Austria" from Paddy Hanna

Dublin-based Paddy Hanna is a solo artist affiliated with the Popical Island Collective and a member of Grand Pocket Orchestra and Skelocrats (recent review here).  As a solo artist, his next release is a two-song single titled "Austria", which will be available on May 11 via Trout Records in digital and limited edition vinyl versions.

The title track is upbeat and melodic, with crooning vocals reminiscent of some of Richard Hawley's recent work.  The B-side, "Camaraderie" is a more melancholy tune, with introspective lyrics over beautiful guitar lines.  The single is an excellent introduction to a gifted songwriter and performer.  Test drive the two songs below.

In addition to Hanna, the players for the Austria single were Mark Chester, Bobby Aherne, and Enda Canavan.

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"Hey Joan", free song from The Stammer

We introduced Philadelphia trio The Stammer in 2012 when they released their debut EP.  Brian, Zach and Gavin are preparing an album, and wanted to let everyone know what to expect.  Thus, we have the free song "Hey Joan".  While the theme is giving a friend hard advice, the music is hazy, shimmering guitar pop with a propulsive rhythm and delicious sounding guitars.  If you are like me, you'll be disappointed that there is only the one song, but if you are resourceful, you'll note that Bandcamp has some previous releases available for the same great price.  That should help you out until the album is available.  And trust me, "Hey Joan" holds up very well to repeated plays.  I haven't stopped yet.


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"You're Blue, I'm Blue" from Velvet Morning

Velvet Morning is a UK band playing atmospheric psychedelic rock.  They will be releasing a debut album later this year via RIP Records and EXAG Records.  The moody beauty "You're Blue, I'm Blue" gives us a taste of what to expect.  I love its quiet intensity, and look forward to spending some time with the album.  If you like it and want to hear more or Velvet Morning's music, hit the Soundcloud link at the bottom of this post.

The band consists of Samuel Jones (guitars and lead vocals), Charlie Carmichael (guitars), Chris Richardson (drums) and John Kirkwood (bass).




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REVIEW: Mac McCaughan - Non Believers

Mac McCaughan has been providing listeners with thrilling music for almost three decades in under several band banners -- most notably Superchunk and Portastatic -- but today's release of Non Believers marks his first album under his own name.  I don't know what factors prompted him to make this album the first, but he couldn't have chosen better.

To me, Mac has always had a punk rock heart.  But for Non Believers he works with cleaner guitar tones and synths.  He can still raise a righteous ruckus, as evidenced by the excellent "Box Batteries " (stream below), but overall the instrumental fury is dialed back, with a template that is more post punk and new wave, with echoing machine drums and subtly layered sounds.  The choice works well, as it gives more space to themes such as nostalgia, alienation, and melancholy.  His weathered voice also benefits, as his punk shouts shift well to experienced croons.  A gifted songwriter throughout his career, Mac's ten songs here may be his best and most consistent collection, bursting with warmth, sentiment and understanding.

This album should be of great interest to fans of Mac and his other projects, but in my view its worth isn't tied to the past.  I think it is an excellent album that would be welcome in the music rotation of any fan of indie rock.

In Mac, I am a believer.



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REVIEW: Death and Vanilla - To Where The Wild Things Are

Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are is widely known and loved, so any body of music that takes its name from that book will be judged with a critical eye.  Swedish band Death And Vanilla has created such a work with new album To Where the Wild Things Are, and it proves itself worthy of the comparison.  A thoughtfully crafted and delightfully expressive combination of vintage psychedelia, dreamy electronica, and baroque pop, it has hooks and depth, and is completely satisfying.  While there is heavy reliance on electronics, the music has a warm, shimmering feel derived from the delicacy of the arrangements and use of analogue equipment.  Nilsson's voice floats in like a apparition in the mist, whispering in the background.  The hazy vibe is amplified by the duo's choice to record using one '70s microphone purchased at a flea market.  Perhaps we could call it haunted pop from your favorite ghost, but the result is the perfect soundtrack for the literary work it honors.

We've provided a few tracks for you to evaluate - "California Owls", which for me recalls the Velvet Underground, the dreamy "Arcana", and "Time Travel", which reminds me of the Beach Boys.  This is absolutely lovely music, and one of the best ten albums I've heard so far this year.

Death and Vanilla are Maleen Nilsson and Anders Hansson, and they are from Malmo, Sweden.







To Where The Wild Things Are is out now on Fire Records.

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REVIEW: Skelocrats - Bella Bella

Skelocrats are a Dublin four-piece who are part of the Popical Island Collective.  They previously released two EPs (and then re-released them as a combined "greatest hits album).  The members all sing, and presumably all contribute songs reflecting their own interests and other music projects.  The result on their new album, Bella Bella, is generous 14-song set of varied pop songs.  How varied?  Well, when suggested influences include Sonny & The Sunsets, Guided By Voices, Ariel Pink, The Magnetic Fields, The Buzzcocks and The Nerves, you know you aren't going to get the same song recycled.

While covering a bit of the old map in terms of style, the songs share  a direct approach, a charmingly shaggy garage pop delivery, and a focus on melody and sunny vibes.  Kicking off with the chugging, woozy, and breathlessly energetic 80s-tinged "Zirconium Heart", and then launching into one of my favorites, "Permanent House Painter", boasting a sing along chorus, you realize that this band isn't going to sit back and plead for your love, they are going to sit on your lap, give you a kiss, and then pull you up to dance.  Then they pour sweetness over your head with "Lyin' Eyes".  Your respite is brief, however, because the next track is the hoedown flavored "Doing the Cuckoo".  The following "Laura Dolan" is a sincerely crooned pop gem.

And so it goes, with infectious pop song following infectious pop song.  Whether it offers dusty Americana ("Big Bad"), Buzzcocks style pop punk ("Tennis Aberration"), pub sing-along rock ("You Can't Be My Doggy Anymore"), or sparkling 80s indie pop ("Amazon Tribe"), this is perfect music to make you feel good on a spring day.  Yeah, Skelocrats aren't a big name, and there is no big PR machine hyping this album, but this is an album you actually will use over and over like that favorite leather jacket.  I suggest that this album is well worth your time and money.  I've included a few personal favorites below, but you can stream the entire album at the Bandcamp and Soundcloud links.












Skelocrats are P. Cooney, B. Murphy-White, and Paddy Hanna.  Bella Bella is out now via Popical Island.

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The Outdoor Type - The Outdoor Type EP

Dreamy guitar pop with country accents and a vibe suggestive of sunny skies, warm breezes, blue skies and open spaces.  Yes sir, The Outdoor Type is aptly named.  The EP opens with the wide-scope "When The Sun Goes Down".  Driven by an anthemic chorus and ringing guitars and synths, it signals that the listener is going to enjoy a sweet ride.  The following "Are You Happy" is a more relaxed, but still upbeat, country-flavored song that would be the perfect soundtrack for a drive on a sunny afternoon.  "I Tell You What I See" gives the template a tasty twist, combining the country feel of the preceding track with the '80s-style chorus of the opener, all in a more brooding package.  At this point, I was thinking that no matter what else Zack drops on us for the following two songs, he still has created a successful EP.  But the young man needs no sympathy, as the fourth track,  the fast-paced jangle pop gem titled "Onions and Avocados", may be the sleeper hit on this EP.  The record closes with the beautiful dream pop lullaby, "Day To Day".

With five delightful songs, The Outdoor Type EP signals the arrival of an exciting pop artist.  Snap this one up and your life will be better.  And hope more is forthcoming.





The Outdoor Type EP is out now via Habit Music Company.  You also can find it on iTunes.

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"Twisted Arrow" from Arborist

Belfast's Mark McCambridge records and performs as Arborist.  An adept songwriter of country/folk, he has created a wonderful tune in "Twisted Arrow".  And it is made even more special by the guest harmonies of Kim Deal (Pixies and The Breeders).  "Twisted Arrow" is a dark, but beautiful sounding tale, and the vocals by Mark and Kim are well-matched.  The single gets its limited edition release on May 4, but for me the song has that 'great weekend music' vibe, so I wanted to bring it to your ears today.


The other players in Arborist are Richard Hill, James Heaney, Ben McAuley, Johnny Ashe, and Luke Bannon.

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