"Say My Name" by KNGDAVD

KNGDAVD is a collaboration of New York duo Tye James and Jon Buscema.   Their first release is the gritty, extravagantly swaggering "Say My Name. I don't have any more information, but they dropped this delicious nugget in my inbox and it seems like an excellent way to cap off the evening.




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Kid Canaveral - Faulty Inner Dialogue

I've been a fan of Edinburgh's Kid Canaveral for many years, thus it is no surprise that they have featured here several times.  The only complaint I've ever whispered in their direction was that they take a long time in between albums.  I suspect that life, jobs and rejuvenation of creative juices are to blame.  But it probably would be fair to say that when each album is better than the last, it takes a fool to criticize a band for taking the time to do it right.  So I'll cop to being a fool.  But at least I'm a fool bearing the happy news that Kid Canaveral is back with Faulty Inner Dialogue.  The album takes what the band does well -- hyper melodic indie rock with propulsive arrangements and worthwhile lyrics addressing life's challenges and dichotomies -- and then adds in some deft electronic touches and, to my ears, a bit more sophistication and nuance in the vocals.

The give and take between classic power pop and electro-pop commences in the first track, "Gun Fhaireachdain".  The following "First We Take Dumbarton is galloping power pop, and classic Kid Canaveral.  It also should be on everyone's playlist.  "Tragic Satellite" is chiming, glistening guitar pop.  A dreamy instrumental interlude comes courtesy of "Ten Milligrams", which leads to one of the sneaky masterpieces of the album for my money, "Callous Parting Gift". Other highlights for me are the surging "Lifelong Crisis of Confidence", the sweet synth pop "Listen to Me", and the epic "Lives Never Lived".  Thematically, the we find the band in the mood for refection.  But whether you also are inclined to reflect, or just want some stellar guitar pop, Faulty Inner Dialogue delivers.

Kid Canaveral are David MacGregor (vocals/guitar), Kate Lazda (guitar/vocals), Rose McConnachie (bass/vocals), Scott McMaster (drums), and Michael Craig (keys).  Faulty Inner Dialogue is out now via Lost Map.




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"Take Me Dancing" by Slotface

Here at WYMA we like Slotface.  We liked them when they were Slutface as well, but we like them no less now.  We like them even thought they are a bit needy and insisting that we take them dancing.  More seriously, "Take Me Dancing" is a decades-later feminist response to Big Star's "Thirteen".   Hey, some things take a little time -- and it is a cracking fun song, as well.



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"Stop Your Tears" by Aldous Harding

About two years ago I featured "Hunter" by Aldous Harding, the performing name taken by Hanna Claynails Harding  (link).  Harding, from Lyttelton, New Zealand, possesses a disarmingly pure voice, but writes gritty and stark folk songs that pack a devastating emotional punch.  Her debut album was released by a small, home town label, but is getting a well-deserved US release via Flying Nun Records on September.  Here is album track "Stop Your Tears.



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"Dianne" by Teeth & Tongue

Melbourne's Jess Cornelius performs as Teeth & Tongue, delivering poptastic arrangements and clever songwriting.  Check out "Dianne" below.  It is from her upcoming album Give Up On Your Health, which will be out September 2 via Dot Dash/Remote Control in Australia and New Zealand, and Captured Tracks in the US.




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Various Artists - Typical Girls

We all know that there is no one type of girl in this world, but that doesn't stop people from using the phrase "typical girl" to demean or disempower women.  And that is sad and offensive.  Jen and Stew at Emotional Rescue Records are doing their part to point out the stupidity of the phrase by releasing Typical Girls, a 16-track compilation of high quality punk, indie rock, fuzz pop and power pop from bands fronted by women.  Play it loud, and rejoice in the quality.  Then note that it is available at the Bandcamp link.  Then do what you should do.




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Trust Punks - Double Bind

On their new album, Double Bind, Auckland, New Zealand's Trust Punks are a multi-legged beast, with a foot in punk, a foot in jangle pop, a foot in the politi-rock and a foot in experimental post-punk.  They are adventurous, searching, even unsettled.  And while a song like "Resevoir" may bring to mind past bands from New Zealand (as well as Trust Punk's previous EP), this record shares more kinship with The Fall, This Heat, The Birthday Party or Wire, and a second cousin relationship with Australia's Total Control.  And while the album covers a lot of territory stylistically, the lyrical fury is similarly wide scope.  The targets are political, social, local and international.  And cold-eyed self-assessment is on the menu as well.

Almost astonishingly, the result is an excellent album.  It is fresh, vital, and challenging, and my appreciation grows with every listen.  And perhaps most important from my perspective, Double Bind is exciting.  Each new track brings anticipation of what the band will say and how they will arrange it.  It is a new beginning for Trust Punks, and the future looks very bright indeed.

Trust Punks are Paul Brown, Alexander Grant, Lliam Powell, Joseph Thomas, and Maté Vella.  Double Bind is out now via Wharf Cat Records in North America, Faux Discx in the UK and Europe, and Spunk in Australia and New Zealand.







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Abjects/Fruit Tones/Hafrican - Summer Slummin'

Well, this a Margarita pitcher full of fun, I must say.  One of our favorite little labels, Glasgow's Fuzzkill, has released Summer Slummin', a six track record with two songs each from Manchester's Fruit Tones, London's Abjects, and Glasgow's Halfrican.  Fruit Tones open and close the set with their hooky garage rock.  Abjects hit it hard with two punk smeared rock tunes.  Halfrican's two songs are energetic, and slightly off center, indie pop.  Despite some stylistic differences, the songs fit together well, and I expect that they are a delight on the same bill.  Stream and enjoy the entire set below.

Summer Slummin' is a cassette, but the cassette comes with use of the Bandcamp stream and a digital download so it is about as flexible of a release as you could desire.  It is out now -- check out the Bandcamp link below.  I wouldn't be surprised if this one sold out, so delay at your own risk.




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"Sweet Company" by Inspired and the Sleep

Here is the perfect song to end a summer day.  Tomorrow morning I'm going to experiment and determine whether it is the perfect way to start a new summer day.  I strongly suspect that it will be.

The song is "Sweet Company", an ode to emphasizing good times and fond memories, and not dwelling on the negative debris.  Seems like a fine aspiration to us, and it is a great tune.  You know what else is great?  It is available as a "Name your price' download at this Bandcamp link.

"Sweet Company" is the work of San Diego outfit Inspired and the Sleep.  The band is Max Greenhalgh (bass/vocals/keys/arrangements/mixing), Bryce Outcault (guitar), and Andrew Satterlee (drums).  It isn't their first time here, and I suspect it won't be the last.



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"Strange Tides" by The Shakes

Shakes are an indie rock band from New Zealand, playing gritty indie rock with a bit of pop polish and a lot of swagger.  The hard-working quartet will release their second EP of 2016 in a few months, but has given us a taste with single "Strange Tides".



And if you like that song, and I expect that you will, here is their first EP of the year, Tambourine Girls, which is available for 'name your price' at this Bandcamp link.



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Martha - Blisters In The Pit Of My Heart

Martha manages to be many things at once, or one after the other. They are pop punk, indie rock, power pop, post punk, and noise pop.  They are political, socially conscious, reflective, romantic, mischievous, and cynical.  They are literate and rough-edged.  They usually are loud and fast, but can be soft.  But in any mode the UK four-piece is an excellent band, and Blisters In The Pit Of My Heart is an incredibly good album.  Spiky riffs trade the limelight with pop hooks, while the energy is at fitness video levels.  Billy Bragg spoke of the fusion of pop and politics, but for the set that wants to dance with their principles, Martha should be their go-to act.

I love songwriting that works both as a superb soundtrack and, for those that want to dig deeper, wonderfully twisted entertainment.  "St Paul's (Westerberg Comprehensive)" focuses on gay students in a Catholic school, but adds references to Paul Westerberg of The Replacements, whose "Androgynous" was the inspiration for this song.  Famous revolutionary makes an appearance, but she is re-imagined as a gumshoe in "Goldman's Detective Agency".  Another song discusses fining romance in the supermarket.  There is plenty more there, but I shouldn't deny you the fun of discovering it for yourself.  And for those inclined to look, the Bandcamp link below includes the lyrics (which I think all bands should do).  Suffice it to say that the album is about life and how to deal with it, roll with it, and persevere.  An album this good deserves your ears, and your ears and heart deserve it.

Formed four years ago, Martha are Nathan Stephens-Griffin (drums), Naomi Griffin (bass), JC Cairns (guitar), and Daniel Ellis (guitar), all of whom write and sing.  Blisters In The Pit Of My Heart is out now in digital, CD and vinyl formats via Fortuna POP! in the UK/Europe and Dirtnap Records in North America.










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Ette- Homemade Lemonade

Summertime is the right time for lemonade.  No, not the chemically flavored stuff from the store.  We're talking about homemade lemonade, made just before drinking with fresh lemons, good water and cane sugar (I suspect my neighbor, Ned, also pours some other colorless liquid in his homemade lemonade, but who am I to judge a man afflicted with such poor balance and bouts of random mumbling).  So we are here to tell you of a marvelous new invention, a homemade lemonade for your ears -- after all, why should your taste buds have all the fun?  Yes, today we announce the introduction of Homemade Lemonade, by Scottish pop band Ette.  A delicious brew concocted by Carla Easton (also of TeenCanteen) and Joe Kane (of Dr. Cosmo's Tape Lab), it's major physical ingredients are Carla's '60s bubblegum vocal style (the band's name comes from the common suffix on the name of many '60s girl groups) and Joe's synth-psychedelic production.  The result was recorded in a couple of days with two additional musicians, and takes the Brill Building/Wall of Sound aesthetic and twists it delightfully while transporting it to the modern age.  If you want sweet sound with a deep grove to make you happy, this is your musical beverage for the summer.

Homemade Lemonade is out now via Glasgow's Olive Grove Records.  See the Bandcamp link below.







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Treehouse - Centre of Their World

Treehouse is a rumbling, jangling pop punk band from Hobart, that first appeared on these pages a few years ago when we featured their Interzone album.  The trio is Cal, Jon and Will, and they raise a righteous noise.  The band's latest album is Centre of Their World, released by the excellent Vacant Valley label.  The seven tracks confirm that rock isn't dead, hasn't totally been taken over by corporations and hired computer drones, and isn't even stale or trite.  Of course, in order for there to be a silver lining, the rules say there has to be a cloud.  And the cloud here is that Centre of Their World is a cassette release, and the Bandcamp page says it is sold out.  I can't do anything about that, but I suggest you listen to the clips here, and then stream the album on Bandcamp (my favorites are "Slave" and "Stop the Ocean").  Then follow Vacant Valley on social media so when their next nugget is released you don't miss out.  And maybe if you beg label boss Peter sweetly enough he can find a way to sell digital versions of the album.








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"Could Be You" by Allah-Las

We have very few rules around WYMA headquarters, but one is that the release of new music from Los Angeles' Allah-Las is a holiday.  That "Could Be You", the new song from the upcoming LP Calico Review happens to drop during a week when Seattle is sunny and warm is just a lucky coincidence.  The track is a warm slice of garage rock focused on the band's home city.  Here it is in video format.




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Mexican Summer

Community Radio - Look Now You Are Cursed

Look Now You Are Cursed sends a sweet arrow to my musical bullseye.  The product of Sydney four-piece Community Radio, it features 11 tracks of sunny, literate, jangling guitar pop with distinct echoes of New Zealand's The Bats.  The harmonies are sweet, and the hooks and melodies bury themselves pleasantly in your brain.  This is a perfect album for a summer afternoon in the back yard.

Community Radio are Cameron Emerson-Elliott, Malcolm McKernan, Jen Kevin, Patrick Mathews.  Look Now You're Cursed is available now on CD, vinyl and digital formats from two separate Bandcamp links, the band's (for CD and digital) and Madrid's Tenorio Cotobade (for vinyl), which I've provided at the bottom of the post.







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"Buzq Blues" by Acid Arab

Sex Schön, Guido Minisky, Hervé Carvalho, and Kenzy Bourras are Acid Arab, four musicians that combine western electronic music with North African and Middle Eastern influences.  Minsky and Carvalho founded the band in 2012, and are based in France.  They are signed to Belgian label Crammed Discs, which will release their LP, Musique de France, on October 7.  Here is "Buzq Blues", the first single.  We think this album is going to be very good.




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Lumps - Curses!

Cue up Curses!, the new LP from New York's Lumps and you'll be blasted by three sweat-soaked, punk pop tunes of considerable quality.  How sweat-soaked?  Well, the word "sweat" even appears in the title of the first two songs.  We're talking puddles on the floor while you pogo like an maniac.  Then "Nojo" takes us to a place I haven't been since the last time I listened to the Monks' Black Monk Time.  And for the benefit of you children who have never experienced the Monks, that is a very good place to be.  "HENRY" follows with a wonderfully skanky retro jam that belongs at a midnight surf party.  "Come Back To Me" is a smashing garage pop tune with some rockabilly touches.  The next five songs continue the jazzy, beat-oriented adrenaline rush.  Highlights for me include the retro/new wave "Cuddly Party" and "Not Dead".  And any descriptions need to be taken with a grain of salt, because Lumps like to change things up a few times in a song.

These guys take the spirit of early punk and take it places, and add influences and genres, that you wouldn't expect --  which of course is the most punk act of all.  These guys are a blast of fresh air, albeit fresh air in a sweaty basement with beer on the floor.

Lumps are Aaron Hester, Ara Arnn, Rory Fortune, Sam Backer, Nick Carter, and Joe Wilson.  Curses! is an absolute bargain at $5 for a digital download of 11 tracks at the Bandcamp link below.






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"Tallows" and "Mexico" by Sun Sap

In the mood for chill summer tunes with a good groove?  Of course you are.  So here are "Tallows" and "Mexico" by Sydney's Sun Sap.  Sun kissed, psychedelic garage pop for your pleasure at a 'name your price' via the band's Bandcamp page.  Their debut album will be released later this year.





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Terry - Terry HQ

Terry HQ, by Melbourne's Terry, reveals a band capable of jangling with the jangle poppers, rocking with the post punkers and dishing attitude with the punks.  And there are a few slacker pop ballads as well.  But for a band assembled by by two couples, who variously are members of Dick Diver, UV Race, Eastlink, Total Control, School of Radiant Living, Constant Mongrel, Russell Street Bombings, and Mick Harvey's band, talent and vision shouldn't be a surprise.  The four-piece, consisting of Al Monfort, Amy Hill, Zephyr Pavey, and Xanthe Waite, share songwriting and vocal duties, resulting in a range of styles and tempos.  But all the tracks share a sharp focus, incisive writing and a forward-pushing delivery.  The band doesn't shy away from social criticism (e.g. "Third War"), but makes sure to provide some laughs as well.  The approach is decidedly lo-fi, and there nothing about the album could be termed slick.  But the approach fits the surging, rhythmic arrangements like a glove.

Australia seems to produce great guitar bands like Munich produces beer (and we wouldn't want to live without either), and Terry is a worthy addition to the roster.  Get on the Terry train before it leaves the station!  Terry HQ is out now via Upset The Rhythm in digital, CD and vinyl formats.









Terry's Bandcamp page (two previous EPs)
Upset The Rhythm

Heliotropes - Over There That Way

Over There That Way is the second album from Heliotropes, although it seems more like a first album because only frontwoman Jessica Numsuwankijkul is on both records.  Where the debut featured big, grungy guitar sounds, Over There That Way shifts to more straightforward guitar pop.  To my ears, the new approach is brilliantly executed.  Jessica's vocals has a pristine tone and confident delivery that commands your attention.  At times there is a hint of the '60s, but not enough to slot the album into a retro channel.  And there is plenty of breadth, with the dark folk rock of the title track, buzzing post punk on "Dardanelles Part I", sunny indie pop on "My Only Friend" and woozy dream pop on "Dardanelles Part II".  The band is tight and supports Jessica's vocal perfectly, but is ready, willing and able to rock to the rafters when the opportunity presents itself, such as on "War Isn't Over".

Over the course of ten songs, the band never puts a wrong foot forward.  The songs are well written and executed with complete confidence.  There is a special vibe to the music when the band knows they are good, and this album has it.  And by the way, Heliotropes, I love, just love, the sax solo in "Wherever You Live".

For Over There That Way the band, in addition to Numsuwankijkul, is Ricci Swift, Richard Thomas, and Gregg Giuffre.  The album is out now on The End Records.







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The Fireworks - Black And Blue EP

London's The Fireworks are all fuzz pop energy and sweet hooks, often at amphetamine speed and level 10 energy.  Their 2015 LP Switch Me On dazzled us, and now they are back with a four song EP titled Black and Blue to prove that last year's quality was no accident.  The record starts off above the speed limit with the pounding percussion and J&MC guitar blast of "All The Time".  It is followed by the sweetly sad "The Ghost Of You", which provides ample evidence that this band can slay you as easily with a mid-tempo indie pop tune as with their trademark fuzz bombs.  And speaking about fuzz bombs, "Bury Me" fills the room with a lovely pop tune wrapped in distorted guitars.  "Go So Slow" closes Black and Blue in glorious fashion with elements of the three preceding songs, and may be the sleeper gem of the set.  The EP is like a musical Red Bull for your spirit.  And it is calorie-free!

The Fireworks are Matthew Rimell, Isabel Albiol, Emma Hall, and Shaun Charman.  Black and Blue EP is out today via Shelflife Records in digital and 10" vinyl formats.






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Sloucher - Certainty

A few days ago I hadn't heard of Sloucher.  But I am an admirer of Puget Sound label Swoon Records, and I'm familiar with Cayucas, Hibou, and The Globes, of which  a couple of Sloucher have been members.  So I thought it would provide a pleasant listen working through a long list of music that I need to cover.   I pressed play on Certainty, their debut EP, and began doing other things.  But "doing other things" quite quickly became "devoting full attention to some really, really good music".  Headman Jay Clancy's songs are melancholy and melodic, with layered arrangements, a few country rock touches and enough distorted guitar to fit well in the Pacific Northwest musical scene.  I found favorable echos of the work of Pavement, Elliott Smith and The Shins.  As fleshed out by Clancy and his bandmates Kyle Musselwhite and Jack Hamrick, the seven tracks display delightful detail and nuance.  Certainty has been occupying my ears steadily for a days, and I highly recommend it.

A couple of fine tracks can be streamed below, and you can stream and order the EP at the Bandcamp link below.







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"Skeleton Fever" by Scotdrakula

Scotdrakula's self-titled debut LP was one of my top thirty albums of 2014, so I'm thrilled that another album is on the way.  Our first aural view is the fine "Skeleton Fever".  We're advised that this is bass/keys wizz Dove Bailey's last work with the band, as he is headed to New York City.  The band will continue, however, and we look forward to the album.

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"Iron Lung" by Black Marble

Chris Stewart heads Black Marble, a synth pop project of considerable quality.  He has announced a new album, It's Immaterial, for release on September 30, and has stoked our anticipation with "Iron Lung".  Stream it below.  It will make your day much better.

The work will be released by Ghostly International.




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Roaming Herds Of Buffalo - Japanese Cars

Part of surviving in the modern world is picking up on clues.  For example, when we learned of a local Seattle band named Roaming Herds of Buffalo, it seemed reasonable to assume that they wouldn't take themselves too seriously and would have a sense of humor.  OK, maybe that isn't rocket science in your corner of the world, but we take our victories as they come.  Anyway, we loved the band's 2015 release Apocalypse Beach, so we were interested in hearing their new digital EP, Japanese Cars.  I must say, we weren't disappointed.  The EP begins with a lament about impermanence, noting that nothing lasts these days except Japanese cars.   In "Racetrack" our protagonist is confessing spending all the couple's money at the racetrack 'just trying to make ends meet'.   The proceedings slow down for an acceptance of "Fake Honey".  Next we get a dose of weirdo pop with pounding percussion, ball park organ and talk-sing of "Love Potion".  My favorite is the closer, "Morning Light", a romping, stomping, jangling blast of indie rock.

There you have it -- five songs and a Japanese car full of fun.  This is what you need for summer.





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"Don't Bother Me" by Scott & Charlene's Wedding

Feeling adrift in the singles scene while in or approaching your thirties?  Reminiscing fondly about your past thirties singles scene (amazing how your brain alters memories as a defense mechanism, but I digress ...)?  Don't worry, this September Melbourne's Scott & Charlene's Wedding has you covered with their third album -- Mid Thirties Singles Scene.  A joint release by Fire Records in the UK/Euro/North America and Bedroom Suck Records in Australia/New Zealand, it will have all of the thoughtful, cogent observations you need.  But until then, take to heart the chill advice "Don't Bother Me".





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Dot Dash - Searchlights

One of the highest compliments I can pay to a band is to write that after listening to their album I immediately want to find a show to listen to live music.  And that is what happens when I listen to Searchlights, the fifth and latest album from DC's Dot Dash.  More so than most rock bands Dot Dash has the ability to record music that manages to be amazingly visceral, evoking the feeling you get standing in front of a stack of speakers in a crowded club on a Saturday night.  With a rhythm section that rumbles like a stream of semis going through your brain at 80 mph, a two-guitar assault and vocals that get more expressive and confident with each outing, Dot Dash always sounds live.  And all that instrumental power provides the vehicle for delivering some great tunes.  With a power pop love of a solid melody and good hooks, and long-time professionals' vocabulary of different rock genres, the four-piece packs Searchlights with fifteen songs that hit you with chunky chords, incisive riffs and pop passages from a wide selection of sub-genres.

Dot Dash hasn't put out a mediocre album yet, but Searchlights is their most complete, consistent and, to my ears, most satisfying.  It appears that a conscious decision was made to increase the rock muscle and leave a few ragged edges.  The result is brilliant, as the approach adds immediacy and punch to the perfectly crafted power pop nuggets.  You can listen to a few examples below, but I strongly suggest putting on your earphones and listening to the entire album at the Bandcamp link.

Dot Dash are Terry Banks, Steve Hansgen, Hunter Bennett, and Danny Ingram.  Searchlights is out now via This Is Beautiful Music.  See the links below, and don't miss the special label offer linked at the bottom of the post.










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"Water On Mars" by Fauna Twin

Fauna Twin are a French/Welsh duo made up of Claire Jacquemard and Owain Ginsberg.  A debut EP via Belgian label Crammed Discs is coming in a few months, but you can hear the fruits of their collaboration on "Water On Mars", which has been released as a single.  Their sound is dramatic pop meets singer-songwriter meets post-punk.  It is atmospheric and dynamic, and we eagerly await the EP.


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"Mixtape 2003" by The Academic

We are a scholarly bunch here at WYMA.  Our office is replete with books, magazines, newspapers and PR statements about bands and albums.  Mort of our staff can, and sometimes actually does, read.  So we feel that The Academic is a band that we should support, as we would any fellow scholars.  Fortunately, the Mullingar, Ireland four-piece makes our support completely painless, as they make the kind of indie rock of which we are very fond.  And that leads us to their latest fuzz bomb of reverb and energy, the single "Mixtape 2003".  Stream it below.

The Academic are Craig Fitzgerald (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Matt Murtagh (lead guitar/backing vocals), Stephen Murtagh (bass/backing vocals), and Dean Gavin (drums/backing vocals).




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Close Lobsters - Desire and Signs EP 7"

I can't get enough of Scots indie rockers Close Lobsters.  One of my favorite bands of any era, they are back on stage with the Desire and Signs EP 7".  It is all new material, and it is exceptional.  Although Close Lobsters never disbanded, they were in an extended hiatus.  Rather than cautiously dip their collective toe back in the water with recycled material or knock-offs of past fan favorites, their new songs are big and bold.  In my view the lead track, "Under London Skies", compares favorably with the finest songs in their catalog.  The topic is the music scene in London in the eras of The Clash, The Only Ones, The Mob, and The June Brides, and Close Lobsters treat the subject with energy, perspective and bite.  And rather than a bit of fluff for the B-side, "Wander Epic Part II" challenges the opener for a spot on the top.  While starting out as a mid-tempo meditation on the sea, it builds in sound and scope to epic levels, invoking open spaces, wild seas and racing clouds.

After all these years, how do they do it?  I suspect witchcraft is involved.

Desire and Signs EP 7" is available via Shelflife Records on heavyweight vinyl with a download code for "Under London Skies", "Wander Epic Part II", and bonus tracks "Wander Epic Parts I & II" and "Wander Epic Part III".  A digital version will also include a bonus mix of "Under London Skies".  I believe the digital is available now, and the vinyl will be available to ship later this month.







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"Can't Be" by JP Klipspringer

JP Klipspringer, the recording name used by Jack Poulson for his solo work, will release an album in September.  A few months ago we featured "The Beast", and now we have the wonderful "Can't Be" which will be released as a single on July 15.  Featuring sweetly melancholy vocals and beautiful hooks, it may be one of the better pop songs you've heard in a long time.  And don't miss the True Detective styled video, either.






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Adam Olenius - Looking Forward To The New Me

Adam Olenius is familiar to astute indie pop fans as the lead singer and songwriter for Swedish favorites Shout Out Louds.  While the band still exists, and expects to release a new album next year, Adam has also been working on his own material, leading to the recent release of his debut solo EP, the appropriately-named Looking Forward To The New Me.   Apparently he has worked on the songs over the last several years as time, and inspiration, allowed.  The resulting five songs are intimate musings that also manage to be razor sharp pop music.  Opener "New Are Saying" is the most up-tempo, but Adam is equally adept at drawing in the listener with more reflective tunes, such as "Birthday (Kill For That Jacket)".  Both are embedded below, and you can stream all five at the Soundcloud link below.





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Mt. Doubt - In Awe Of Nothing

Mt. Doubt is Edinburg's Leo Bargery, a man gifted with a warm baritone and the knack for creating swelling pop anthems that echo Springsteen, The National and Augustines.  He may work his compositional magic in his bedroom, but the execution on his recently-released second LP, In Awe Of Nothing, has the feel and execution of a larger scope effort.  The songwriting is strong, with dark, exploring lyrics balanced by compelling melodies.  The talent on display is formidable, and the the songs will captivate the listener for a long, long time.

Three tracks are streamed below, but you can listen to/buy the entire album at the Bandcamp link below.







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Introducing: Tomgirl

Young Cherie Ko seems to have boundless artistic energy.  While still a member of Singapore's Obedient Wives Club, which was our first introduction to her, she now has launched Tomgirl.  By my count, that is at least her fourth project (including OWC, others are Bored Spies and the now defunct Pastelpower).  Tomgirl is a collaboration of Ko and Singapore/Australian musician Ted Dore.

I don't think there have been any live shows yet, but Tomgirl has released a video for their first song, "Darker Now".  The noir shading of the video combines the attitude of Natural Born Killers with an angular, post punk version of early The Raveonettes.  An entire album of good stuff is slated for September.




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