"Graveyard" by Kluster B

Yes, it is still over two weeks before the new Kluster B album is released via Rama Lama Records. But we have yet another single to tease us. "Graveyard' starts as a pop tune, but shifts to rock mode about a minute in. But don'e get settled, because the cute pop tune returns. Then the rock section repeats (and we are only halfway to the finish!). We float through the finish with a bit more pop. It is a fun ride, and probably should go for twice the price.

Kluster B are Sebastian Hegedus (guitar), Adam Jonsson (guitar), Pontus Ornstrand (keys/synth/bass), Andreas Pollak (drums), and Linnea Hall (vocals). Their music is released via Rama Lama Records.




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Various links for "Graveyard"
Bandcamp for album (pre-order)

Various Artists - Shelter

We have proudly featured a number of releases by Chicago's Sunday Records, and here is another we regard as very special. Aptly titled Shelter, it is a compilation consisting of seven songs by artists who have releases out on the label. And Sunday is making the record available for free digital download to help you pass time sheltering in place.

We suggest that you take Sunday up on the kind offer and download the album. But if you like the tunes, note the links on the Bandcamp page to the artist's own albums. Check those out and perhaps you will find some new favorite albums.








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SUPER 8 - Head Sounds

Upbeat, good-natured tunes to entertain us while staying at home and maintaining social distancing? Right here, right now with Head Sounds by Super 8. The project of UK musician and songwriter Paul Ryan, Super 8 crafts melodic, upbeat songs that infuse our days with fun and sunshine. This album consists of nine of Paul's own songs recorded over the past year, plus a cover each of a John Lennon tune and a Brian Wilson tune. He does justice to both covers, but we were drawn more to the original material. Three of our favorites are below, but we encourage you to find your own bliss at the Bandcamp link.

Head Sounds is available now in CD and digital formats via Subjangle.








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Myrkur - Folkesange

There is no musical direction that Amalie Bruun could take that would surprise us, and no musical genre that she would fail to master. Her roster of projects includes black metal, electronic, pop, rock and folk. But our favorite Bruun guise is her Nordic folk recordings as Myrkur (a name she also uses for black metal recordings). Her latest record for that project is Folkesange. Playing Nordic folk with Gothic and Celtic shadings in some tracks, some classical choral elements and employing traditional Scandinavian instruments, she had created an album of exceptional beauty and emotional resonance, and has completely captivated our ears. We humbly suggest that you need this in your lives.

The album was produced by traditional European folk musician Christopher Juul. Folkesange is out now in digital, vinyl and CD formats.









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Leisure Suite - Overture

We first heard the lovely electropop of Melbourne's Leisure Suite in the fall of 2014, and have been fans ever since. Then a trio, and now a duo, the band is calling it a day. But before exiting the stage, they have created a lovely final album titled Overture. Twelve tracks of evocative melodies and sultry vocals, it reminds us of why we loved them in the first place. Perhaps less suited for sunshine in the park and late at night, it thrills and seduces in equal measure.

Mitch and Bridget - thanks for the good tunes, and good luck in the future.








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Siv Jakobsen - Fight or Flight

Siv Jacobsen's voice is delicate and pure, but her songs have a quiet, unwavering power and sense of purpose. The Oslo, Norway artist has just released the two song digital single Fight or Flight, consisting of the title tracks and "Only Life".  "Fight or Flight" is a sparkling contemplation on the meaning of lifetime commitment and enduring love. We find it a peacefully perfect way to end our day. Time to give the spouse a kiss and turn out the lights. Well, maybe we will listen just one more time.

Siv's next album, A Temporary Soothing, is scheduled for release in August.



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Bandcamp for Fight or Flight
Various links for Fight or Flight

Dayflower - Popping Candy EP

Alex, Chris, David, and Simon are the good folks that comprise Dayflower. The Leicester, UK band crafts sugary dream pop that will put a smile on your face. Their new EP Popping Candy is the perfect dessert after every meal, and is available at the inviting 'name your price' level. Help a band out in these trying times and help yourself feel better at the same time.




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Bandcamp for Popping Candy EP

Las Kellies - Suck This Tangerine

Sometimes when listening to Suck This Tangerine, the new album by awesome Argentine duo Las Kellies, we say to ourselves "this dance rock sounds like garage rock". Other times, we say to ourselves "this garage rock sounds like dance rock". But even we were smart enough (eventually)  to stop torturing ourselves and realize that this album simply is the best dance rock album we have heard in a very long time, and the garage touches, and the incredible dub bass platform, just make the entire confection just more incredible. This is supple, sexy, slinky, and swaggering music that never fails to make us happier than we were before we started playing it (and given how much we stocked up on beer and wine before our virus lockdown, we usually are pretty damn happy before we press "play"). Almost four years since the band's last album, this one is their best so far and well worth the wait.

Las Kellies are Cecilia Kelly (bass/guitars/vocals) and Silvina Costa (drums/percussion/vocals). Suck This Tangerine is out now in vinyl, CD and digital formats via Fire Records.








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Lilla Parasit - Lilla Parasit

One could wonder which Are Steinsholm is more favored by our ears, the Are Steinsholm of Swedish sensations Melby, or the Are Steinsholm whose other project, Lilla Parasit, has just released their self-titled debut mini-album. But we won't fall into that trap, because our musical hearts can love both. However, today we will focus on Lilla Parasit to celebrate their new record. We shared the magic with our readers by featuring early singles "Gaslights" and "Feather Soul", sparkling, upbeat pop tunes that herald a fine new solo voice on the scene. The other five songs on Lilla Parasit maintain the high quality, while expanding the scope to darker moods and folk pop expression and indie rock modes. We strongly urge that you check out this album -- it will help pass the virus isolation spell, and cast spells for you for a long time thereafter.

Are wrote all of the songs on the album. The performers are Are, David Svedmyr, Jessica Lindgren Klingsell, and Amanda Lindren. Lilla Parasit is out today via Stockholm's Rama Lama Records.








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Various links for the album

"Grateful" by Nat Vazer

New singer songwriter talent Nat Vazer deserves our attention. Her performance alone on her new song "Grateful" would earn our ears, but he songwriting is even more impressive. Addressing the role of women in society and honoring the role models who pave the way for other women, the lyrics are sharp and concise. The single is out now as a digital release, by the young Melbourne musician will release an album later this year via Hotel Motel Records.



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"Temporary Day" by Junk Drawer

It is nice to meet new people, but we need to be careful with the new social distancing recommendations. Since we are in Seattle, we think it is safe to get to know Belfast's Junk Drawer. Here is their recently released "Temporary Day", which takes on mental health, sexual identity and eating disorders, and wraps it up in a terrific rocking package.

The band's album Ready for the House will be released April 24 via Art For Blind Records.



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Bandcamp for Junk Drawer's music

"Qute" by Guds Pengar

Stockholm's Rama Lama Records is assembling a mighty roster of fine indie bands. One of their more recent signings is Guds Pengar (which translates as 'God's Money'). Their debut album, Granar som flyr staden, is due in May. We featured the debut single last fall (link), and we are pleased to share another album track today. "Qute" is a rousing song that gives us good vibes (the song's theme is self pity, but we don't speak Swedish, so we cannot assess the lyrics). We are playing it loud on repeat right now. And it may be played all morning.

Guds Pengar are Evelina Nerstrand, Olof Strid, Liam Amner, and Anton Jansson.




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Various links for "Qute"
Bandcamp for album

Yumi Zouma - Truth or Consequences

The world is in massive turmoil, with fear and uncertainty our daily companions. At times like this (as rare as they fortunately are, for most of us), we aren't looking for more crashing, banging and shouting. We want to be soothed and even teased a bit. We want playful melodicism and tunes that manage to tell a story. And yes, we have found it -- Truth or Consequences by Yumi Zouma. The band was formed in New Zealand early in the last decade, although only two members still live there, the other two living in London and New York, respectively. Their sweet spot is indie pop characterized by warm melodies and the golden voice of Christie Simpson.

The songs on Truth or Consequences, the band's third album, cover heartbreak, romance, distance and disappointment. Like life, the issues are not always resolved at the end of the track, and there will be sighs, tears, disappointments or questions. But with songwriting and performances this good, the listener still feels that he or she has received a warm hug. And we all need a few warm hugs these days (air hugs only, six feet apart).

Yumi Zouma are Christie Simpson, Charlie Ryder, Olivia Campion, and Josh Burgess. Truth or Consequences is out now in digital, vinyl and CD formats via Polyvinyl Records.








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Various links for Truth or Consequences

"Things I Do When I'm Alone" by Melby

Melby's 2019 debut album None of This Makes Me Worry was the triumph that those of us who had followed them since 2016 expected. Yet their new single "Things I Do When I'm Alone" suggests that the Stockholm four-piece have even more talent yet to be revealed. The single is a layered and nuanced folk pop tune with a superb vocal contribution by Matilda. In our opinion, it may be the best song we have heard to date from this band.

Melby are Matilda Wiezell (vocals/keys), Are Engen Steinsholm (guitar/backing vocals), David Jehrlander (bass), and Teo Jemkvist (drums). "Things I Do When I'm Alone" is out now via Rama Lama Records and Sinnbus.




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Mystery Guest - Octagon City

What fuels WYMA evenings these days? The one clear answer is Octagon City. The creation of Melbourne's Mystery Guest, this is club music for the chill crowd, pop for the anti-pop crowd, and we have been using it to wow our own not-so-mysterious guests for several weeks. Appealing female vocals ride low key club melodies, world beat rhythms, and deep, rubbery bass. Sweet and alluring, we consider it one of our more delightful discoveries in some time. Hit the Bandcamp link below and let Mystery Guest brighten you late night hours.

Mystery Guest is a duo consisting of Patrick Telfer and Caitlyn Lesiuk, with backing vocals from Joel Carey, percussion by James Mannix, bass by Zachary Schneider (who also recorded this album), marimba by Zac Milner-Creteny, and trumpet by Joel Robertson. Octagon City is out now in digital and cassette formats via Tenth Court.








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Islet - Eyelet

Islet makes music like no one else. And that is a bid sad, because the world certainly needs more music like Eyelet, the Welsh trio's new album. But on the other hand, its rarity makes this album that much more of an extra special journey of discovery. It is experimental indie pop, but that label drastically fails to convey inventive spirit, the breadth of ideas, and the sheer beauty of the music. Inspired by literature, history, politics and personal events, the album is, in turn, inspiring for the listener. You may not have heard of Islet before today, and that is OK. Just don't let tomorrow dawn without having heard their music.

Islet are Emma Daman Thomas, Mark Daman Thomas, and Alex Williams. Eyelet is out now in vinyl, CD, and digital formats via Fire Recordings.









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Various links for Eyelet
Label page for Eyelet

"Videostores" by Quivers

We were nearly quivering with excitement at the news that Melbourne's Quivers were going to tour the US, including a stop at one of our favorite Seattle venues, despite SXSW being cancelled. However, today brings the sad news that the increasing spread of the Coronavirus and resulting shut down of shows and gatherings has caused the band to postpone their trip.

But we aren't the types to waste a good quiver, so we are pleased to present Quivers' first single of the new decade, the nostalgia-washed "Videostores". The underlying theme of the song addresses the fear of falling in love and the relief in finally taking the plunge. It is out now as a digital release via Hotel Motel Records.

Quivers are Sam Nicholson, Bella Quinlan, Holly Thomas, and Michael Panton. Phil McPhee provided keys and synth.




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"Dystopian Sci-fi / Six Feet Over" by Little Hands of Asphalt

Folk pop project Little Hands of Asphalt is new to us, but on the strength of the project's new single "Dystopian Sci-fi / Six Feet Over" we are very interested in checking out the forthcoming third album Half Empty. The band was formed by songwriter and producer Sjur Lyseid as his solo project, although he works with other musicians for recording and performing his songs.

"Dystopian Sci-fi / Six Feet Over" is out now as a digital release. Half Empty will be released March 27 via Fika Recordings, Furuberget, and Friend of Mine Records.






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Various links for single
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"Nowhere to Be Seen" by Martin Frawley

Martin Frawley, co-founder of the late Melbourne band Twerps, has released his first new music since the February 2019 album Undone At 31. An appealing tune about one of life's foibles that affects everyone with friends, it presents Martin at his melodic, unassuming best.

The single is released via Merge Records.








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Bandcamp for "Nowhere to Be Seen"
Merge Records page for single
Various links for "Nowhere To Be Seen"

"Kafuku's Wife" by RULES

Our musical day begins with the melancholy synth pop gem "Kafuku's Wife" by Helsinki, Finland's RULES. A duo formed by Iiti Yli-Harja (music/vocals) and Sarra Keppola (lyircs/backing vocals/synths), they are the most recent signing to Soliti Music. Drumming was provided by producer Oskari Halsti. The guest guitarist was Esa Pottonen.

The song provides an alternative perspective on the short story Drive My Car by Haruki Murakami, and the theme combines beautifully with the music to capture the sense of loss and search for meaning.



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"Shallows Shadows" by Locked Hands

We must admit that we normally would dismiss a message advising us that the band's new song was   "dictated ... by a sinister apparition in a three piece suit over a Brexit breakfast paid for with fake commemorative 50p coins". However, Sean Ormsby has, to our knowledge, ever lied to us, whether has Locked Hands or one of his other projects. So here is "Shallows Shadows", available as a digital release via Errant Media. It crackles with sinister energy, delivered with a sly smile.




Spotify link for "Shallows Shadows"
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"Never Change" by Snowy Band

We spent the day on snow, gliding on skinny skis in the sunshine. It was a great way to spend the day. However, all that snow reminded us that we are tardy in sharing the newest track from the Audio Commentary, the upcoming album by Snowy Band. What we expect from this album is top class indie pop, and I assure you that is what we will receive. While listening to "Never Change" you can pre-order the album. But you cannot order the limited edition blue vinyl, because it is already sold out.

Snowy Band consists of Liam Halliwell (vocals/guitar/others), Emma Russack (vocals/guitar), Nathalie Pavlovic (vocals/bass), and Dylan Young (vocals/drums).






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Osborne Again site to order album (Bandcamp)
Spunk Records page to order album

Mike Gale - B,C,D sides Vol 1

As spring inches nearer for the residents of the Northern Hemisphere, various seasonal tasks crowd the schedule. We know this because we have commenced cleaning our closets. UK musician Mike Gale, the former frontman for Co-pilgrim, has been cleaning out his closets too. But unlike the WYMA staff, which has found questionable treasures such as old and seldom worn jackets, pants that mysteriously became too tight, and a Christmas sweater too ugly even for ugly Christmas sweater events, Mike has found 11 songs that haven't fit on previously released recordings. Mike has correctly surmised that some or all of these songs could find a good home with people who enjoy a well-crafted pop tune. You could consider them 'rescue tunes', but Mike has called the collection B,C,D sides Vol 1 (truthfully, we like "rescue tunes better). The collection is available for 'name your price', so dig in and see what strikes your fancy. We have included a few of our favorites below.









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"Love Must Conquer" by Kluster B

The release date for b, the second LP by Malmo, Sweden's Kluster B remains a little over a month in our future, but today we have the lovely and positive "Love Must Conquer", which is one of the more gloriously pop-oriented tunes we have heard from this talented five-piece. We know that many delights await us with b, but for now, we will cheer for love conquering.

Kluster B are Sebastian Hegedus (guitar), Adam Jonsson (guitar), Pontus Ornstrand (keys/synth/bass), Andreas Pollak (drums), and Linnea Hall (vocals). Their music is released via Rama Lama Records.



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Soundcloud for "Love Must Conquer"
Various links for Love Must Conquer

The Hanging Stars - A New Kind Of Sky

Cue up A New Kind Of Sky, close your eyes and listen to terrific country garage psych/pop, or, if you prefer a more concise phrase, cosmic country rock. You may feel transported to California or Austin in the '70s. You may envision cool desert nights and warm breezes under sunny skies. Well, we don't relish spoiling any good daydreams, but this tasty album is the work of London band The Hanging Stars. While the songs represent a triumph of the songwriting craft, the sincere and nuanced performances elevate each one to true gem status. Infused with humanity and carried by melody and harmony, this is an album you will turn to again and again.

The Hanging Stars are Richard Olson (vocals/guitar), Sam Ferman (bass), Paulie Cobra (drums), Patrick Ralla (guitar/keys/vocals), and Joe Harvey-Whyte (pedal steel). A New Kind Of Sky is out now in digital and vinyl formats.










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Ostraaly - Misery Guests

We can't stop playing Misery Guests. But we can't say that we have tried. In fact, we don't find its prominence on our office music system to be a problem for us because we don't want to stop playing Misery Guests. In a style that we can best describe as Australiana pop with a folk vibe reminiscent of  Fairport Convention (and dare we suggest, the spirit of The Band), the album is the debut full length from Melbourne band Ostraaly. The songs are varied, with just the right mix of whimsy and darkly shaded humanity. If you like variety in your music, this album should be your next purchase. And if you are stuck in a rut of always listening to the same style, this album may be your guide star to a richer musical experience.

Ostraaly are Katharine Daly (vocals/guitar/Casio), Leonie 'Luggs' Brialey (drums/backing vocals), Alex Griffin (guitar/backing vocals), Charlie 'Les' Brennan (bass), Lily Tait (violin/keys/backing vocals), and Joel Roberson (piano). Misery Guests is out now in digital and cassette formats via Tenth Court. A vinyl version may be available in the future. The release date was moved up to help raise funds for First Nations, wildlife and the Victoria Country Fire Authority.

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