Telekinesis - Effluxion

Sometimes the most enjoyable music is music with no tricks, no curve balls, and no head fakes.  A good example is Effluxion, the new album from Telekinesis.  Telekinesis is the project of Seattle's Michael Benjamin Learner, a man who knows that his sweet spot is indie pop and power pop, and he aims to deliver just that.  And deliver it he does, with an emphasis on melodies and hooks and guitar-based arrangements and positive vocals.  The songs are warm, fun, and will put a spring in your step and a roll in your shoulders.  Test them out below or on Bandcamp.

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








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Martin Frawley - Undone at 31

We have been aware of Martin Frawley's talents for about a decade via the Melbourne-based Twerps.  Founded by Frawley and then-partner Julia McFarlane, the band was one of our favorite jangle pop bands and, in our view, was one of the better bands in this decade's resurgence of Australian indie pop.  However, Martin and Julia are no longer partners in life, or music, and the Twerps are no more.  Unsurprisingly, such events produced a lot of thinking, and it seems a lot of drinking (familiar break-up ground for more than a few of us).  But out of it, the 31-year-old Frawley has fashioned the deeply affecting Undone at 31.  Consisting of eleven pop gems encompassing jazzy spoken word (the remarkable opener, "You Want Me?"), country )"Lo and Behold"),  indie rock (e.g. WYMA favorite "End Of The Bar"), jangle pop, and several other styles.  The arrangements are restrained, allowing for space and emphasizing the lyrical content, embellished by a piano here, or a bass line there, but rocking out from time to time.  Actually, there is a lot of piano, and it serves the material well.

And yes, Undone at 31 is a break-up album.  But it also is an album about finding yourself in loss, and shaping a life as maturing adult through the pain and confusion.  Sometimes redemption is not achieved by means of a big, recognizable event, but rather via the small steps of letting go, forgiving, and understanding that life doesn't require perfection or total understanding to go forward.  By the last note of "Where the Heart Is", we get the sense that Martin is getting there via the small steps, and will be fine.  As for us, the man's solo debut has left us quite impressed, and this album is one of our favorites of the first quarter of 2019.

On this album Martin sang and played guitar, bass, piano, percussion, and synths.  He was supported by Stewart Bronaugh (guitar/bass/piano/synths/percussion/melodica), Angus Lord (bass), Matthew Harkin (drums), and John Lee (bass/percussion/synths).  Undone at 31 is out now in digital, CD, and vinyl formats via Merge Records.








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"Sweet" by Cat Princess

We are more 'dog people' than 'cat people' here.  It may be our insecurity, but we need to be loved.  However, we have nothing against cats, so today we begin with some feline royalty.  Specifically, we welcome to these pages Cat Princess.  Unlike some cats in our experience, this Swedish band is willing to put in the effort to make a good first impression.  Here is "Sweet", which lives up to its name, along with melody and a goodly amount of bounce.  The band's debut album, Forbidden Items, is due in May via Rama Lama Records.

Cat Princess are Nils Krång (vocals, synth), Robin Åberg (guitar), Robert Lanneborn (guitar), Isabelle Friberg (bass) and Victor Klint (drums). 




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Rama Lama Records

Various Artists - Kitsune Parisien

Ahhh ... springtime in Paris.  Except it isn't quite springtime, and we aren't in Paris.  We are, however, very much enjoying Kitsune Parisien, the fifth installment of up and coming French stars compiled by French-Japanese label Kitsune Musique.  The album consists of 14 vibrant and varied tracks that will keep us smiling up until spring and beyond.

Kitsune Parisien is out now as a digital release.  Take it for a test drive at the Soundcloud link -- you won't be disappointed.








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Jackson Politick - Psycho​-​mania b​/​w Well​-​adjusted Australians

Since this was a November 2018 vinyl release with a digital download included, and was limited to 300 copies, you may be too late to own your own copy of "Psycho-Mania"/"Well-Adjusted Australians".  But you sure as hell can listen to it as long as Bandcamp allows.  Jackson Politick is Andy Human (And Jordan) of Andy Human and the Reptoids.  The first song is a synth punk delight.  The second song,  "Well-Adjusted Australians" could be Guided by Voices or Television Personalities.




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The Cool Greenhouse - Crap Cardboard Pet

When home on a Saturday night we tend to look for less conventional music.  And tonight our internet journey has led us to London project The Cool Greenhouse.  Their self-described sweet spot is "lo-fi, repetitive post-punk with a social conscience", which seems to succinctly describe exactly what we are hearing (as well as saving us some editorial brain damage).  Telling you what to expect would spoil the surprise, so just play the three songs and enjoy the surprisingly addictive strangeness.




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"Hatchet" by I Was A King

If you like guitar pop and power pop, you should be a fan of Norway's I Was A King.  If you aren't already, you'll have an excellent opportunity in a couple of weeks when they release their new album, Slow Century.  But you don't even need to wait that long to get started.  Here, for the start of your weekend, is "Hatchet", the second single from the upcoming album.  And you may be interested to know that the song was produced by Teenage Fanclub's Norman Blake and engineered by The Delgado's Paul Savage.




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Holiday Ghosts - West Bay Playroom

You know how TV series have a theme song that plays at the beginning (and often the end) of every weekly show?  Well, if WYMA were like a TV series, our 2019 theme album would be West Bay Playroom.  The sophomore LP by Falmouth, UK four-piece Holiday Ghosts often is the first album played in the morning and the last one played at night, and it may well get a work-out in between.  What makes it so special?  In our opinion, many things.  There is the loose, rootsy feel to the performances, the punk/garage attitude, the ramshackle and live-take vibe, the impressive variety of the arrangements (roots/country/blues/instrumental/rock), and the multiple perspectives from the several songwriters and performers.  But perhaps most endearing is the joy of making music that radiates from every track.  And with a generous 14 tracks, this is a set of songs that provides true, long-play satisfaction.

This year we are going to list our favorite albums of every calendar quarter as a way of helping the reader get a sense of what we've liked the most of the current releases, and to spur us to actually get back into producing a year-end list.  Please be advised that West Bay Playroom will be on the list for the first quarter.  Listen to it.  Buy it.  Play it.

Holiday Ghosts are Sam Stacpoole, Kat Rackin, Ryan Cleave, and Charlie Fairbairn.  West Bay Playroom is out now in vinyl and digital formats via PNKSLM Recordings.









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"You're Not Always On My Mind" by Quivers

As experts in navigating life like a boss, we know that a well-lived life requires having good songs in your quiver.  But we also aren't too old to learn, so we'd like to share with you that a well-lived life needs a good song by the Quivers.  In fact, we have become quite obsessed with "You're Not Always On My Mind", the single released today by Melbourne-by-way-of-Tasmania quartet Quivers.  With a title refrain that borrows the sly lyrical twist as the old, beloved 10cc standard, the song shimmers and jangles in all the right places, with the warm and sincere vocals balanced by a dynamic arrangement.  The band released an album last year (link) and will be gracing SXSW this spring, but for those of us who hadn't previously had the pleasure, this is one sparkling triumph of an introduction.

Quivers are Sam J. Nicholson (vocals/guitar), joined by Bella Quinlan (bass), Holly Thomas (drums), and Michael Panton (lead guitar).  "You're Not Always On My Mind" was released today (well, today in Australia, tomorrow in the US) via Hotel Motel Records.






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"The Original Doo-Wop Spacemen" by Trudy & The Romance

With a repertoire spanning ballads and rockers, Liverpool's Trudy & The Romance plans to storm the music world with the release of Sandman on May 24.  But this is show biz, and show biz requires prepping the audience.  So the lads have released album track "The Original Doo-Wop Spacemen", with a theatrical video to match.  Strong vocals, appealing story-telling, and sharp tunes -- consider us prepped, and eagerly awaiting the album.

Trudy & The Romance are Oliver Taylor (guitar/vocals), Lewis Rollinson (bass), and Brad Mullins (drums).





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"Bitter Honey" by The Catherines

We regularly do certain things here at WYMA ... <<Reader: "Drink beer!>>  Well, yes, dear reader, we do drink some beer.  We also ... <<Reader: "Drink wine!">>  Ah, yes, we confess to an occasional glass of vino.  However, we ... <<Reader: "Nap when you should be working and ...">>.  Ok, that is enough.  Please stop interrupting or we'll never finish this post before our morning nap...er...break time.

As we have been trying to write, we have regularly featured new recordings from Germany's The Catherines.  Today's edition from the duo of Sandra Ost and Heiko Schneider is a lovely cover of "Bitter Honey".  The song was written in the '60s by Paul Williams and Roger Nichols, and was first recorded by The Holy Mackerel.  You can now have The Catherines' interpretation for 'name your price' on Bandcamp.



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Spielbergs - This Is Not The End

The day began with an argument with the 'neighbors from hell', then came the news that a relative had broken his leg skiing, followed by my car malfunctioning after taking dinner to said relative and his spouse.  There is only one way to finish a day like this -- with a good set of life-affirming noise.  It is time to rock.  And as it is time to rock, it is time to direct your ears to This Is Not The End, the new album by Norway Spielbergs.  The album delivers a generous 12 songs of exuberant post punk and fuzzy, loud power pop that makes each chorus a celebration of the joy of rock music.  I feel better already ...

Spielbergs are Mads Baklian, Christian Løvjaug and Stian Brennskag.  The album is out now -- check out the Bandcamp link below.








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"Keep Warm" by The Drives

Shimmering pop with warm '70s vibes never goes out of style, and "Keep Warm" by California duo The Drives is a prime example.  The song has been on repeat at WYMA headquarters for several days, and we don't expect that to change soon.  So a tip of the When You Motor Away motoring cap to Andrew Levin and Casey Chen for producing one of he most addictive songs we have heard in a long time.




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"Swarm" by Dreams of Empire

Brighton's Dreams of Empire continues their monthly run of new singles with "Swarm".  For this track, the Brighton duo Andrew and Jane Craig stay in the shoegaze channel, but create a track infused with anxiety and perhaps even a hint of menace.  At 'name your price', you can't go wrong adding a bit of "Swarm" to your life.




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Like Water (feat. Mohna) by Christian Löffler

In advance of the spring 2019 release of his new album, Graal (Prologue), Christian Löffler has released a video for the album's first single "Like Water (feat. Mohna)".  In this track Christian again demonstrates his adept touch in combining grand, wide scale songs with a vein of melancholy.  We think it is a terrific way to start our day.




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Boyracer - Strong Arms

Boyracer has been in existence for many, many years (yeah, Stew, you are getting old) with various line-ups, but new recordings have been rare recently.  However, main Boyracer Stewart, with longtime collaborator and better half Jen, as well as Matty, have a new two song single.  The vinyl is sold out already, but you can grab the digital at the Bandcamp.  Also note that the band will drop an LP later this year, but these tracks are exclusive to the single.  Stream below for a nice jolt while placing your order.



Bandcamp for Strong Arms

Adam Hattaway and the Haunters - All Dat Love

If you are looking for some indie rock supercharged with a current of soul, then direct your ears to All Dat Love.  The album is the creation of Adam Hattaway and the Haunters, from Christchurch, New Zealand.  There are plenty of pop melodies and soulful vocal stylings, but there is a bumper crop of fuzzing, buzzing, and squalling guitars and a robust rhythm section.

In addition to Adam Hattaway (vocals/guitar) the band is Emma Hattaway (bass), Elmore Jones (drums), and Ben Woods (keys).  All Dat Love is out via the Melted Ice Cream label in digital and CD formats.











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"Boy / Girl" and "Kyoto" by HÆLOS

London-based four-piece HÆLOS create music that combines the euphoria of dance with the dark side of electro pop.  Their sophomore album Any Random Kindness is due in the late spring, but they have already been thrilling fans with releases of singles taken from the record.  Here are two videos of singles that demonstrate the band's talent.

HÆLOS are Lotti Benardout, Arthur Delaney, Dom Goldsmith, and Daniel Vildosola.  The band is touring in Europe and North America from the third week of February to the first week of June.  Dates and venues are listed at the bottom of this post.





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HÆLOS Tour Dates:
Thurs. Feb. 21 - Berlin, DE @ Badehaus – SOLD OUT
Fri. Feb. 22 - Brussels, BE @ The Rotonde at Botanique – SOLD OUT
Sat. Feb. 23 - Amsterdam, NL @ Bitterzoet – SOLD OUT
Tue. March 12 - Sat. March 16 - Austin, TX @ SXSW
Sat. March 16 - Sun. March 17 - Mexico City, MX @ Vive Latino
Tue. March 19 - Los Angeles, CA @ Teragram Ballroom
Wed. March 20 - San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
Fri. March 22 - Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
Sat. March 23 - Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile
Sun. March 24 - Vancouver, BC @ Wise Hall
Wed. March 27 - Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line
Thurs. March 28 - Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
Fri. March 29 - Columbus, OH @ A&R Music Bar
Sat. March 30 - Toronto, ON @ The Garrison
Mon. April 1 - Montreal, QC @ Bar Le Ritz PDB
Tue. April 2 - Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
Fri. April 5 - New York, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
Sat. April 6 - Washington, DC @ U Street Music Hall
Thu. May 16 - London, UK @ EartH (Hackney Arts Centre)
Fri. June 7 - Sat. June 8 - London, UK @ Field Day

Tullycraft - The Railway Prince Hotel

Sean Tollefson of Seattle band Tullycraft has long been a musical hero around WYMA World Headquarters.  Incubated in the indie playground that was Puget Sound in the '90s, he has been resolutely, even defiantly, twee for over two decades.  His sweet spot is uptempo, melodic songs with large doses of wry humor delivered with punk energy.  His lyrics paint concise scenes that often prompt us to think "hey, I've been in that situation", but we never tell the story as well as Sean.  The humor often spreads to the titles of songs (for example, past albums included "Pop Songs Your New Boyfriend's Too Stupid To Know About" and "Rumble With The Gang Debs") and albums (City of Subarus made fun of Seattle's reputation for devotion to that automobile).

Tullycraft's new album, The Railway Prince Hotel, is more of the same, which makes us very happy.  Featuring instant classics such as "Has Your Boyfriend Lost His Flavor On The Bedpost Overnight?", "We Couldn't Dance to Billy Joel", and "We Lost Our Friends to Heavy Metal", and lyrical refrains such as "I never thought I could hate you / I guess I was wrong" (from "The Cat's Miaow In A Spacesuit"), it is clear that the well of inspiration continues to run deep as Sean and his current bandmates, Jenny Mears, Chris Munford, and Corianton Hale age and acquire responsibilities.  The band manages to be poignant, knowing, smug, funny and self-deprecatory, often in the same song, while being unfailingly entertaining.  This album is a musical treasure.

The Railway Prince Hotel is out now in digital, CD and vinyl formats via HHBTM Records.

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Charlotte Adigéry - Zandoli EP

Monday's require special handling.  Our lives are busy and the start of the week demands a jump start.  So the perfect beginning for us is Zandoli, the new EP from artist Charlotte Adigéry.  With mixed Belgian and Afro-Caribbean heritage, Adigéry  creates a bracing brand of dance pop, combining light-hearted by vivid storytelling with intriguing rhythms and captivating melodies.  And as much as we recommend this album to start your week, we suspect it will find a place on your weekend playlist as well.

Zandoli is out now via DEEWEE, the label run by the Soulwax brothers.






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"Beverly" by Loose Wing

A good starting point for getting to know Loose Wing (assuming you missed our previous post about them) is their new single "Beverly".  It is a good starting point not just because it is an excellent song, superbly performed, and not just because it was released this week, although we admit that either of those reasons would be enough.  It also is a good starting point because "Beverly" is taken from the band's upcoming self-titled LP, which will be released on March 22.  Thematically, the song depicts a fictional marriage between a domineering husband and a repressed, self-medicating wife.  Musically, it is guitar pop bliss with a dose of strings to seal the deal.  The band is fronted by Claire Tucker, who also plays in Black Nite Crash.

In addition to Tucker, Loose Wing includes Jack Peters (bass), Rusty Willoughby (drums/percussion), and Bill Patton (guitar/pedal steel).

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Various distribution links for "Beverly"

Earache - Last

WYMA: We have something for you today.
Reader: What is it?
WYMA: Something very, very nice.
Reader: Oh, it will be a happy Friday, then.  Please tell me, what is it?
WYMA: Earache.
Reader: Lovely, I'd like to .... WHAT?  You are offering me an earache?  No way.
WYMA: Don't be that way.  This Earache is very good for your ears.
Reader: Do you think I'm stupid?  I've had earaches before and they are horrible things.
WYMA: We'll give you a bit of Earache and we think you'll change your mind.
Reader: That's crazy.
WYMA: Take your fingers out of your ears.  Please, for us.
Reader: Well, OK, but just a bit, I have a low tolerance for pain.
WYMA:



WYMA: There! That wasn't so bad, was it?
Reader: No. It actually was quite nice.  But does the pain come later?
WYMA: There is no pain with Earache, only pleasure.  They are an Australian duo comprised of Gemma Nourse and David Fenderson, and have released a wonderful eight-track album titled Last.  The eight songs feature stabbing, tangled guitar lines, affecting melodies, and girl/boy vocals delivered in a sturdy dream pop/shoegaze style.  There are some similarities to New Zealand's Surf City, but with more structure and a lot more attention to the vocals, and fans with a deeper historical base likely will detect some Field Mice DNA.  Here are two more of our favorites from the album:





Reader: You guys are wonderful.  My ears feel terrific!  We are going to recommend Earache to all of our friends.  Where can we find it?

WYMA: We're glad you aren't suffering too much from the Earache.  Last is out now in digital formats via Lacklustre Records and Black Wire Records, and vinyl via Black Wire Records.

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Bandcamp for Last (Black Wire Records)

"Cannonball" by Dijon

Maryland-to-Los Angeles vocalist Dijon is better known as one half of  R&B duo Abhi//Dijon, but he has begun carving out a solo career with singles "Wild", "Nico's Red Truck" and "Skin".  His latest release is "Cannonball".  We love his voice and sense of imagery.  Listen below, and look for EP Sci Fi 1 soon.


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Various links to source "Cannonball"

"You've Changed" by lophiile

Lakewood, Washington's Tyler Acord is a talented young man.  A producer and multi-instrumentalist, he is a member of R&B outfit Radiant Children and is a sought after as a producer by other artists.  This month he is taking the step of releasing an EP under the name lophiile.  Titled To Forgive, it consists of five tracks with vocal contributions from Jesse Boykins III, Sophie Faith and NSTASIA.  Expect touches of hip-hop, jazz, and R&B.  The EP will be released by the venerable Blue Note Records.

Check out the lead track "You've Changed" below.




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"Just A Feeling" by Holiday Ghosts

We are a little over a week away from the release of one of our favorite albums of the year so far: West Bay Playroom by Falmouth, UK's Holiday Ghosts.  Since we will be writing more about the album soon, we won't write much now.  Some people would call that "restraint".  Our mothers call it "lazy", which is pretty cheeky given Mother's Day is only three months away.

However, we won't pass up the opportunity to point out that our favorite ghosts have released a third song from the album.  So here is your chance to shuffle your feet and bob your head to the good time vibes of "Just A Feeling" even before the album is in your hot little hands.



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PMKSLM Recordings

Sister John - Sister John

Well, well, well, this is a most pleasant surprise for our early 2019 features.  We have for you today a terrific package of folky, roostsy, country-tinged indie pop from the west.  Western Scotland, that is.  The band is Glasgow's Sister John, which also is the name of their new album.  The range of songs is impressive, from the uptempo and eminently danceable, such as showcase track "I'm The One" (refer to the video, below), to sparsely adorned, intimate ballads.  Lead vocalist Amanda McKeown (also guitar/songwriting) matches the range of the material, calling on a palpable swagger or plaintive crooning as needed.  Bandmates Jonathan Lilley (guitar/bass/keys), Heather Philips (violin/bass), and Sophie Pragnell (viola/drums) all sing as well, and the harmonies are among the pleasing attributes of the album.  Like us, this band favors material shaded in dark colors, and the strings and guitar combine with McKeown's voice to deliver the message in perfect tones.  We were initially more drawn to the livelier tracks, but over time we have found that the ballads leave a deep and lasting impression as well.  Try a little boot-scooting Glasgow style.

Sister John is out January 25 via Last Night From Glasgow.



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Mope City - News From Home

News From Home is more than one thing.  It may be several things more than one thing, depending on one's perspective and the intentions of its creators, the Sydney duo Mope City.  But it is at least two things: Bleak, downer slowcore; and indie pop.  Comprised of rough-edged gems with sparse instrumentation and loud/soft dynamics, the album contemplates the effects of time on relationships and associations.  Overall, the pace is unhurried, but the songs have their own demanding intensity that captures the listener.  The evocation of disconnection becomes our connection and the general twilight makes the intermittent rays of light brighter and warmer.  Take the journey with Mope City, it is worth your time.

Mope City are Amaya Lang (bass/vocals) and Matthew Neville (guitar/vocals/piano/violin), with various contributors on percussion.  News From Home is out now via the fine Australian label, Tenth Court.








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"Holy Lights and Shadows" by Gypsy Circus

Edinburgh quartet Gypsy Circus brings intensity and nuance to alternative rock with "Holy Lights And Shadows", the title track from their new EP, which is due at the end of the week.  Guitar jangle mixes delightfully with impressive vocals and a dynamic arrangement.  Very impressive, in our opinion.  We are looking forward to the EP.

Gypsy Circus are Aaron King (vocals), Michael Mackay (guitar), Shaun Alderman (bass), and Calum Thomson (drums).




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Business of Dreams - Ripe for Anarchy

When we hear the name Corey Cunningham in connection with a project, we expect very good things.  And why not?  When a resume includes Smokescreens, Terry Malts and Magic Bullets, as well as work with Mike Krol, we know we can't  go wrong supporting the guy. But even with those expectations, we were thrilled and amazed by Ripe for Anarchy, his new album under the name Business of Dreams. Yes, the roots of past work remain, with guitar pop hooks and dynamic chords.  But the songs on this album have a brighter pop sheen, and a bit less grit.  Moreover, they are adorned with synths that give the proceedings a bit of an '80s lushness.  Thematically, the album is emotionally complex, with melancholy and disappointment mingling with joy, hope and a survivor's acceptance.

In our view, it is a tribute to Cunningham the pop craftsman that we find traces of past favorite records from labels like Postcard, Creation, and Sarah, as well as the label for this album, Slumberland, without being able to put a finger on a specific influence.  The quality is at such a level that choosing favorite songs is an impossible task.  We listen to this album daily -- at work, at home, in the car, on runs, and in the gym.  If the blips and blaps on our devices were like vinyl, this record would be skipping already and today is the release day.  Yes, Ripe for Anarchy gets our highest recommendation.

The album is out today in vinyl, CD and digital formats via Slumberland Records.










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Whoa Melodic - Whoa Melodic

When I first read the name for Michael Wood's project, I wondered whether it was ironic, and would deliver a dose of thrash metal, or descriptive.  The truth is that Whoa Melodic is an anagram of Michael's name.  However, it also is completely, and delightfully, descriptive.  Wood previously has worked with Singing Adams/Steven Adams & The French Drops and The Hayman Kupa Band, but steps to the front of the stage here with a set of personal songs that celebrate how happy he is and, quite frankly, how talented he is in crafting sunny ear worms.  The listener will find a lot of piano, a lot of major keys, and a lot of smiles and hugs.  (The listener also may correctly surmise that Paul McCartney is a major influence on Wood's creative impulses.)  This is a gentle and sincere set of songs that we will enjoy in any setting.  But with the rain coming down all day at WYMA headquarters, it currently is an essential album as well.  Check out the album via the streams below or at the Bandcamp link, and enjoy smiling.

Whoa Melodic is out today in vinyl and digital formats via the mighty little indie pop label Where It's At Is Where You Are (wiaiwya).






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