"Your Tempo" by Kasbo

Kasbo is Gothenburg, Sweden's Carl Garsbo, a prolific and inspired producer.  His debut LP, Places We Don't Know, is due on March 23 by Foreign Family Collective and Counter Records, but you can get a taste now via "Your Tempo".  Impossibly bright and optimistic, and with an extra dose of hooks, just one play will make your day much better.  We recommend repeated application until any trace of negative feelings have completely disappeared.



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"Home & Dry" by Tracyanne & Danny

I've been in love with Tracyanne Campbell's voice since I first heard it on Underachievers Please Try Harder, the 2003 LP by Glasgow's Camera Obscura.  We recently learned that Campbell has teamed up with Bristol's Danny Coughlan (aka Crybaby) to form Tracyanne & Danny.  To alert us to the delights this union will produce, they have shared "Home & Dry", the lead track from their upcoming LP.  This is indie pop as it was meant to be.

The self-titled album will be released in digital, CD, and vinyl formats on May 25 via Merge Records.



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Merge Records page for pre-orders of Tracyanne & Danny

Totally Mild - Her

Her, the new album by Melbourne's Totally Mild, is a basket of wonderfulness.  We get frontwoman and songwriter Elizabeth Mitchell's bright and elegant pop vocals, intimate lyrics with the right balance of clear-eyed introspection, sorrowful reflection, and saucy attitude.  Guitarist Zach Schneider is a master in creating delightful soundscapes without seeking to steal the show.  Lehmann Smith is an ace with the bass and drummer Ashley Bundang is terrific here and in every project she graces (which henceforth, will not include Totally Mild as she will focus on her other projects and Dylan Young will take over with this band).  The songs on Her vary from gentle pop to highly dynamic ventures, but all are characterized by a solid melodic core and an adventurous approach to structure.  By virtue of the sex and thematic focus of the songwriters, the stories are told from a woman's perspective, but our male-dominated staff wholeheartedly embraced this album.  And for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, the bright pop tones are just the medicine we need to get through the end of winter.

Her is out now via Melbourne's Chapter Music.








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"Off and On" by Sales

A middle of the night pick up of relatives traveling back from vacation, sitting in the cell phone lot waiting for the text saying they are at the pick up point, and the perfect midnight song hits my ears - "Off and On" by Orlando, Florida's Sales.  This song is sweet, a little bittersweet, and has just the right balance of bass and guitar to paint the picture.  The band is comprised of Lauren Morgan and Jordan Shih, and they have a lot more music available at their Bandcamp site (linked below).  Happy hunting!



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Stef Animal - Top Gear

Here at WYMA we applaud audacity coupled with inspiration and execution.  In fact, one could say that is our reason for existing (well, that and the generous beer budget).  So we are happy to give some press to Stef Animal's Top Gear.  Kiwi Stef's concept is to take various pieces of disused, ignored or obsolete equipment (and for one composition, an electric duck call) and use it in crafting a piece in a single session.  At times cinematic, at times ambient, and often playful, the album is comprised of 15 lo fi electronic tracks that will surprise and delight.  And those old enough to recall the days of early electronic devices made by Casio and Commodore will get the extra benefit of a nostalgia hit.  For the benefit of you tech geeks, Stef has thoughtfully included the equipment used with each song title on Bandcamp.  Enjoy a unique sonic adventure!

Top Gear is out now in CD and digital formats via Fishrider Records.  See the Bandcamp link below.







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Fishrider Records' Bandcamp page for Top Gear

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"Feet In The Sand" by Beat Degeneration

The dapper gents in the above photograph are Guido Giorgi, Piero Pecchi, and Diego Dal Bon, who collectively refer to themselves as Beat Degeneration.  In 2016 the Italian trio released a fine album of slacker pop and power pop titled Dream Machine.  Their follow up, Searching for Some Heaven, comes this April 20 via Seattle's always excellent Jigsaw Records.  Our first hint of the sound comes via "Feet In The Sand".  We think this album will be one of the joys of 2018.  Stream "Feet In The Sand" below, and enjoy a few tracks from the previous album (which is available for 'name your price' on Bandcamp.



"Nations", "Tom", and "Sweet Louise", three tracks from their 2016 album Dream Machine, which is available on Bandcamp for 'name your price'.







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"Start A Fire" / "Magnets" by Black Gold Buffalo

Black Gold Buffalo are Keziah Stilwell (vocals), Hannah Holland (rhythm/production), Joy Joseph (rhythm/production), and Marc Hayward (guitar).  Their sound blends distinctive vocals, deep bass, and slinky guitar hooks into a captivating musical storm.  Their two track single, "Start A Fire" / "Magnets" available on various digital platforms.  This is great stuff, and will be followed by an album in early April.





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Links to Start A Fire / Magnets

"Receiver" by Firestations

As fans of London's Firestations, we are thrilled to pass on to our readers that they have a new album titled The Year Dot in the pipeline.  And to remind you why we care, here is album track "Receiver" -- an ace pop song swathed in taut rhythms, punchy riffs and brooding colors.

Firestations are Mike Cranny, Laura Copsey, Martin Thompson, Giles Littleford, and Tom Hargreaves.  "Receiver" is available now on streaming platforms, and The Year Dot will be available April 6 via Lost Map Records.



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Television Personalities - Beautiful Despair

In some quarters there has been a resurgence in appreciation for British band Television Personalities, and we find it a very welcome development, indeed.  Last July, Fire Records reissued the band's first four albums, spanning the period 1980-1984 and bringing to new and old fans some of the finest lo-fi indie pop or the '80s.  Also last fall, Canadian label The Beautiful Music released a double CD collection of covers of Television Personalities' songs, which we commend to any fan.  Alan McGee credited Television Personalities as his inspiration for starting Creation Records, and a small list of the many bands whose lineage can be traced to Television Personalities as an include MGMT, the Libertines, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Vivian Girls, Crystal Stilts, and The Mantles.

Television Personalities released Privilege, their sixth full length, in 1989.  But main man Dan Treacy had written a couple of albums of material and Treacy and co-conspirator number 1, Jowe Head, kept  recording in Head's apartment.  The resulting material was release only as a cassette entitled Beautiful Despair, and then sadly seemingly lost in the mists of time.  However, fulfilling their self-appointed and much needed role of saving worthy music from the dustbin, Fire Records has made Beautiful Despair available again in vinyl, CD and digital formats.  We think it is vital, timeless music that no fan of indie pop should be without.  And it is a great companion to the other TP albums, which no indie fan should be without.  We like it a lot -- can you tell?














Bandcamp for Beautiful Despair

"Stay Disappointed" by Wax Chattels

Say hello to Wax Chattels, the Auckland, New Zealand trio comprised of Peter Ruddell, Amanda Cheng and Tom Leggett.  Their sound is a refreshing twist on the power trio format with keys, drums and a bass.  Yes, that's right, a power trio without a guitar.  But you can trust our recommendation that their new single "Stay Disappointed" is worth your ears.  Or you can trust Flying Nun and Captured Tracks, both of which have signed the band.




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Lowtide - Southern Mind

Dreamy shoegaze, or gazey dreampop?  You can ponder that essential question while getting lost in Southern Mind, if you want.  But you know the answer doesn't matter.  The album is a beautiful panorama of swirling, layered dream pop with a steely rhythmic core, and to give it a chance means giving up hours of your life to getting lost in its wonders.  Consider yourself warned -- we have played it 15 times in the last 36 hours.

Southern Mind is the sophomore album by Melbourne's Lowtide.  It's nine tracks have no weakness, just a succession of treats.  Our favorites are the dreamy pop of "Alibi", the sprawling jangle of "A. C", and "Fear", which has a J&MC/Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (Howl Sessions) vibe with a dreamy wrapper.  Ask us tomorrow, and we may have a revised list.  The artistry shows in the intricate textures, the careful pacing and floating vocals.  But in the end, the standing ovation is owed to the virtuoso songwriting of remarkable consistency and quality.  It would be a shame if Southern Mind were to fly under the radar -- don't let it out of your sight.

Lowtide are Gabriel Lewis, Lucy Buckeridge, Anton Jakovljevic, although former member Giles Fielke participated in recording this album, as well.  Southern Mind is out today, February 16, via Rice Is Nice and Opposite Number.








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Rice Is Nice Bandcamp page for Southern Mind (Aus/NZ, & US orders)

Opposite Number Records page for UK/Euro orders

Superchunk - What A Time to Be Alive

This feature of What A Time to Be Alive isn't going to spend time on the long, distinguished resume of Superchunk, or pat the band on the back for still toiling in the musical trenches.  While that would be an easy approach, it would be unfair to the album and its creators.  Because the fact is that What A Time to Be Alive would be a stellar album if it came from a quartet of previously unknown teenagers fighting for their first record deal.  It is everything we want in an indie rock album.  It is loud, fast, passionate, very-well written, and hook-filled.  It also is political and very angry, and we think that just adds more to the "plus" column.  The lyrics are bitter and accusatory, with touches of humor, and are spit out is perfectly bratty, punk style.  And each track is played as if the band thought the venue manager was going to turn off the power any second.  The result is music that is as visceral and immediate as anything you are going to hear.  As a protest album, What A Time to Be Alive is a thematic triumph.  As and indie rock album, is is masterful.

Superchunk are Mac McCaughan, Laura Ballance, Jim Wilbur, and Jon Wurster.  Additional vocal performances are credited to Sabrina Ellis (A Giant Dog), Katie Crutchfield (Waxahatchee), and Stephin Meritt.  What A Time to Be Alive is out now via Merge Records.









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Holy Motors - Slow Sundown

Sad love songs for driving down the desert highway under the stars, surrounded by the reverbed and twanging of three guitars and understated female vocals, that is Slow Sundown.  It oozes longing, desire, and rejection.  It will remind you of the American West, and it may remind you of Mazzy Star or Canada's Cowboy Junkies.  What it probably won't remind you of is Estonia, the eastern Baltic country that happens to be the home of Holy Motors.  The five-piece is atmospheric as hell and a bit sexy, in a post-Valentine's Day rejection sort of way.  We like it and recommend it for your ears.

Slow Sundown is out now via Brooklyn's Wharf Cat Records.








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"Rio Grande" by Vive La Rose

Charming and compelling, "Rio Grande" is the new single from Vive La Rose, the solo project of Edinburgh's David Luximon-Herbert.  The song is a warmly shaded tale of a couple who yearns to travel, but can't seem to break free of the security of home.  It is taken from the artists upcoming album, For She Who Hangs the Moon.

"Rio Grande" is out now via Gestation Records.





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"Old Town" by Say Sue Me

Since South Korea is hosting the Winter Olympics, we think this is an excellent time to introduce you to Korean surf pop band Say Sue Me.  The song is "Old Town", which is taken from Where We Were Together, their upcoming LP.  The album will be available on April 13 via Damnably, but you can pre-order it now at the Bandcamp link.

Say Sue Me are Choi Sumi (vocals/guitar), Kim Byungkyu (guitar/chorus), Ha Jaeyoung (bass), and Kim Changwon (drums).



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Kadija Kamara - Nothing Left to Lose EP

Yeah, we know how you feel.  It is a new year and you don't want the same old sounds from last year's artists, or the same old sounds from artists imitating last year's artists.  So why not try someone new?  Exactly -- and we are here to help.  Today you can become familiar with London's Kadija Kamara.  Kamara is a vocalist who boldly resists slotting into a narrow genre, and is equally comfortable with soulful blues rock, indie rock,  and sultry pop.  And to prove it, she does it all on her new four-song EP Nothing Left to Lose.  Test her range on the two streams below, and if you like it, go to the Soundcloud link for the full meal.  The EP is out now at your favorite digital outlet.




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Straight Arrows - "Out & Down" / "Franchisee"

Friday demands garage rock.  Or, at least, on Friday we demand some garage rock.  And here to satisfy our desires are Sydney's Straight Arrows.  Their two-song single "Out & Down" / "Franchisee" is out now via Rice Is Nice, and is as authentic as garage rock can be.  And it has brought work to a standstill around here.  You can purchase it in vinyl (with a digital download) or digital formats.  US fans can avoid high import costs for physical by using Austin's Spacecase Records; their website link is below.




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Ewan Cruickshanks - A Glasgow Band

A Glasgow poet and musician, Ewan Cruickshanks is energetic and given to somewhat offbeat humor.  Thus, it is no surprise that his debut album, A Glasgow Band, arrives as an energetic and somewhat offbeat take on indie pop.  It also is charming, accessible and loads of fun.  Ewan is no slave to genre, so you will find love songs, rockers, dance floor instigators and whatever interests the man, but that just keeps it all fresh and interesting.  And the one consisted thread is positivity.  This is uplifting music that should help you get few the next few months of winter.  The two tracks below are especially good, so give them a listen.

A Glasgow Band is out in digital and vinyl formats on Friday, February 9, via Armellodie Records.




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"Canyons" by Barrie

"Canyons" is a dream pop song with heft and mystery.  It also is your introduction to a Brooklyn based band of which we expect to hear much more in the future.  A warm WYMA welcome to Barrie.





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"London Calling" and others by The Clash

I can't let International Clash Day pass without a few from the boys.  I love this band.  While I rotate music on my phone so I can prepare posts for this blog, I permanently have London Calling, The Essential Clash, and the singles box set on my phone.  That will never change.

H.C. McEntire - Lionheart

Mindful that our job is to inform you about music we like in enough detail to tell you why we like it, with enough brevity to avoid wasting your time, we sometimes resort to word association about a subject album.  When so engaged about Lionheart, the solo debut album from Mount Moriah frontwoman H.C. McEntire, the common words associated with the record were "sincerity" and "authenticity".  Lionheart is a southern rock/alternative country tapestry of incredible craftsmanship and beauty, and infused with both a love for a region and its traditions, and the songwriter's claim for a queer southern woman's place at the table.  The result is beautiful, fierce, vulnerable, and brave.  Triumphant rockers like "Quartz in the Valley" and "Baby's Got the Blues" are balanced by gospel-styled "A Lamb, A Dove" and downtempo country ballads like "Wild Dogs", "When You Come for Me", and the exceptional "One Dark Thunder".  Well written, deeply felt and superbly performed, this may be your favorite country album of the year.

Heather McEntire wrote and sang all of the songs.  Of course she had help with the performances, and you can read credits at the Bandcamp link below.  Lionheart is out now in all formats via Merge Records.







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"Change" by Mummy Short Arms, from upcoming FITD anniversary compilation

For the past decade Glasgow label Flowers In The Dustbin  has thrilled us with the quality of their releases.  Their motto is "be reasonable -- demand genius".  Of course, plenty of musical genius shows up on other labels, but the stuff that is on FITD never fails to inspire.  Next month the label will celebrate its tenth anniversary by releasing Under The Paving Stones - Flowers In The Dustbin  Records 2007 - 2017, a select compilation of songs that have appeared on its releases.   The final tracklist is not public at this time, but one of the songs will be the excellent "Change" by Mummy Short Arms.




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Montero - Performer

In a magician-worthy trick, Melbourne's Montero has awakened '70s pop and soft rock and zapped it into 2018.  Lush, widescale, colorful, dynamic, melodic and hook-filled, it may just remind you of Harry Nilsson, late-era Beatles, ELO, some of John Lennon's and Van Dyke Parks' solo work, pre-disco Bee Gees, and Emitt Rhodes.  But if you are like us, it most definitely will remind you that this sort of thing can really hit the spot, and belongs in your music collection.  The vocals soar, well-balanced by authoritative bass and percussion, and each track reaches to make claim on your musical pleasure sensors.  It seems that Montero didn't reign in his ambition one iota in crafting Performer, which makes the resulting quality and consistency even more triumphant.  Remind yourself of how good this sort of pop can be by streaming a few tracks below.

Montero is musician and visual artist Ben Montero.  His debut album was Loving Gaze, released in 2013.  Performer is out now via Chapter Music








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Link for other digital sources for Performer

Kyle Craft - Full Circle Nightmare

Kyle Craft has a throwback '70s rock voice, and on his new album, Full Circle Nightmare, he uses it ably to sing his tales of dangerous females and dodgy situations.  The soundtrack is an addictive concoction of southern rock, classic rock and a dose of glam.  If it reminds you of the Rolling Stones and Bowie, it won't offend Craft, because he admires those artists and uses them as a touchstone for his efforts.  As a songwriter, he takes great care with his lyrics, but he doesn't shirk his duties as a performer and arranger, either.  These songs have plenty of punch and drama, and if the tales are a bit lurid, well, that's entertainment, folks!  Cue up this album and you can imagine yourself in a roadside bar listening to Craft and the band while similar tales are unfolding all around you.  Good fun.

Full Circle Nightmare is out now via Sub Pop.










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"To The Waves" by Bamboo Smoke

Sometimes, too many words spoil the scene.  And sometimes, blog writers are aware enough to realize that truth.  So here is "To The Waves" by London duo Bamboo Smoke.  This is downtempo soul that of undeniable quality.  If you like it, hit the Soundcloud link for more.




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"Life Goes By" by Monoculture

Today's feel good song is "Life Goes By" by Dallas quartet Monoculture.  Consisting of Olan Mijana, Nick Leibold, Jason Trevino, and John Valentine, the band plays upbeat psychedelic rock with jazz touches.  Groove to the flute in their new single.  You can hear additional songs at the band's webpage, but note that "Life Goes By" is out today via your favorite digital outlet.




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