We introduced Melbourne band Partner Look recently via the first single from their upcoming album (link). But to our pleasure and surprise, we already have another album track to share. For "Rodeo Tragic" subject is horses, and freedom, and perhaps a few other things, and it sounds terrific.
As we noted in our first post about Partner Look, the members are two sisters and their partners, who also happen to be friends. And they all are or have been in bands that have appeared on these pages, so they have our highest seal of approval.
Partner Look are Lachlan Denton (The Ocean Party/Pop Filter/others), Dainis Lacey (Cool Sounds), and sisters Ambrin Hasnain (Cool Sounds) and Anila Hasnain (Studio Magic). The name of the album is By The Book , and it will be released February 4 via Trouble In Mind in North America, and Osborne Again in Australia.
Combining punk, hardcore and propulsive rhythms, Nicfit are preparing to explode into our musical consciousness. The Nagoya, Japan-based four piece are Hiromi (vocals), Charley (guitar), KenKen (bass), and Kuwayama (drums). Debut album Fuse will be released January 14 via UK label Upset The Rhythm, but you can catch the excitement with the two singles released from the album so far "Deviation" and "Fuse".
Finnish band Verandan has just released their third single of the year. "Night" is a mid-tempo gem with a robust rhythm, sparkling instrumental flourishes and folk-rock vocals reminiscent of New Zealand stalwarts The Bats. The song originally appeared on compilation released by Spanish label Kocliko. A superb song, it is hard to believe that it didn't make the last album. The single is out now via Helsinki's Soliti Music.
Verandan is one of our favorite bands and we are happy to report that they will be recording a new album in 2022. Its members are Ville Hopponen, Kaarlo Stauffer, Aki Pohmankyro, Sampo Seppanen, and Aleksi Peltonen.
We all like a good massage, and this year has shown Los Angeles' Massage to be very, very good. The four-piece earns high praise for their album Still Life, which was released earlier this year. This lovely little EP isn't just a place holder -- it is a clear demonstration that his band has the chops to be considered on of the best guitar pop bands around. Look at it this way, even if Still Life hadn't been issued this year and put Massage high on many year end lists, the December arrival of Lane Lines would have been enough to earn the band a lot of chatter in the indie pop world. At this point, we can confidently recommend a daily Massage.
Massage are Alex Naidus, Andrew Romano, Gabi Ferrer, and Natalie de Almeida. Lane Lines is out now via Mt.St.Mtn. Note that the record is available in digital and vinyl formats, and the vinyl includes two additional tracks -- a demo of a single from Still Life and a demo for a track on the next LP from the band.
Gathering talents from Heavenly, The Pooh Sticks, and Talulah Gosh, Swansea Sound could be considered indie royalty if they were the types to regard royalty as a coveted status. But we suspect that they would scoff at such a designation, and that is but one of the reasons to appreciate them. Of course, the main reason to appreciate them is that they are four grounded and charming people who have crafted a wonderful 13-track album of stirring, punchy and incisive crash pop and punk titled Live At The Rum Puncheon. Although the band pulls no punches lyrically, their music is quite catchy and they find the time for some romance, remembrance and plenty of humor to go with social and political observations. Targets include the digital marketplace, teenage angst and the modern music industry, but they also include a tribute to one of their former bands.
We like this album so much that we forgive the untruth at its core. You see, this album was not really recorded live at the The Rum Puncheon. The Rum Puncheon was a notorious bar in Swansea where one could drink away the day, but it closed a long time ago. In the band's defense, the music sounds like it could have been played at the establishment back in the day, and we mean that in the most positive sense. And in a way, that untruth reveals a greater truth: What better place for a virtual band formed in a pandemic to pretend to play live than a long-shuttered venue? There has been a lot of good music created in the pandemic, and in our opinion this album must be included in the top tier.
Swansea Sound (who 'borrowed' the name of a radio station for their name) are Hue Williams, Amelia Fletcher, Rob Pursey, and Ian Button. Live At The Rum Puncheon is out now in CD, cassette, digital and vinyl formats via HHBTM Records, Skep Wax Records, and Austin Town Hall Records. Purchase of a physical version gets you a digital download and Bandcamp streaming, but the album is not available on streaming services.
Trappers is the name adopted by Joel Nettesheim for his music endeavors. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, Trappers is prolific and versatile. The recently released Trappers Cabin, his 14th album, includes rock, psychedelic, alt folk, and a few songs that resist classification. However, each song displays solid melodic sense and Trappers' full commitment to the project. Cue it up, it really is an rewarding listen. The video is homemade and features Trappers and his daughter.
The players on the album are Trappers (guitar/vocals), Jonny Daly (guitar/pedal steel), Adam Higgins (bass/organ/synth/backing vocals), Zack Smith (drums), Aaron Hill (soundscape), and Nancy Kaye Hill (backing vocals).
Trappers Cabin is self-released. See the Bandcamp link below.
LA band Massage really didn't need to do anything more to earn a place in our musical hears this year. Debut LP Still Life is only five months old and is one of the best albums we have covered in 2021. However, sometimes talent doesn't rest, and Massage comes back this month with the six-track Lane Lines EP. We will have more to write about the EP next week when it is out via Mt.St.Mtn., but we can assure you that there is no drop in quality. And our opinion is underscored by the new single from the EP, "In Gray & Blue. Enjoy!
Musicians, siblings, friends, and romantic partners -- please meet Partner Look. The band consists of Lachlan Denton (The Ocean Party/Pop Filter/others), Dainis Lacey (Cool Sounds), and sisters Ambrin Hasnain (Cool Sounds) and Anila Hasnain (Studio Magic). Since we have covered all of those projects in the past, it is no surprise that we find the sound of Partner Look to excite our musical taste buds. The name of the band is refers to the German word "partnerlook" which applies to two people wearing same outfits. Credit for that goes to the German-born Ambrin and Anila, who taught the term to their partners Cainis and Lachlan, respectively.
What Partner Look promises to deliver is sparkling guitar pop with song contributions by all of its members. Debut album By The Book will be available on February 4, but you can hear the first single, "Partner Look" (how is that for direct marketing?) below. Engaging, emotionally and smart, this is just the song we wanted to start our weekend.
By The Book will be released by Trouble In Mind in North America, and Osborne Again in Australia.
Glenn Donaldson has released "Pour In The Light", the second single from his February 2022 release under his current banner The Reds, Pinks & Purples. With plenty of jangle and chime, and Glenn's hushed vocals riding an upbeat melody, it is another reminder that this artist is in the midst of an extraordinary period of creative excellence.
The new album is titled Summer At Land's End and it will be released via Slumberland Records in North America and Tough Love Records in UK/Europe. Vinyl collectors should note that there are two vinyl versions. One is a single disc of Summer At Land's End. The other version contains the album plus another disc of instrumental songs (not instrumental versions of the album's songs). I would not be surprised if both versions sell out in the pre-order stage.
San Francisco' indie scene is having a very good year. We are going to highlight two reasons in succession. The first is Room For Wrong by a four-member band called The Aerosols. Consisting of Joe Z. Armin (guitar/vocals), Amy Fowler (guitar/keys/backing vocals), Josh Bevalacqua (bass), and Raul Sanchez (drums), The Aerosols concoct a bracing mix of hooks, '80s guitar vibes, and jangle. And they aren't shy about getting a bit weird, but never in a distracting way. They remind us a bit of Seattle's heroes of the past The Young Fresh Fellows. And if you remind WYMA Blog of The Young Fresh Fellows, you know we like you.
Room For Wrong is out now in digital and vinyl formats via the band's Land of the Lost Records.
Liverpool's The Bordellos, one of our favorite creators of indie pop fractured by damaged romance, has a new two-song single. Consisting of "Dancing To The Hits" and "Slow Motion Fade Out", it is an ace reminder that affecting pop music doesn't require banks of synths, professional beat makers and hook specialists and big label studio budgets. Inspiration, talent and a can-do attitude can work magic.
A plentitude of indie hooks riding a jazz-funk soundtrack and fronted by a dynamic and soulful vocalist? Yes please, we would like some more of that. The band is Edinburgh's Atom Eyes, and the song is their new single "Roll The Dice". The band aims to make feelgood tunes, and if the single is representative, they deliver on the promise.
Atom Eyes are Lissa, Fraser, Scott, Alan, and Tom. "Roll The Dice" is taken from their forthcoming album
If we were nominating a small number of artists for the status of synth pop royalty, Tobias Isaksson, who records and performs as Azure Blue, certainly would be included. His gorgeous melodies and romantic themes washed with melancholy have thrilled and soothed us over the years. Recently, as he celebrates the ten year anniversary of the release of Rule of Thirds -- the first of his five Azure Blue albums, the Swedish artist announced that a new album would be coming in 2022 and released a positive and uplifting new single, "Define Your Dreams'. Stream it below and watch for further news of the album.
The single, which is out now as a digital release, and the album are provided via Hybris with distribution handled by ALOADED.
"Gone West" is the sound of youth, fun, and 'I don't give a fuck'. Most importantly, it makes me feel like I shed a couple of decades and that, dear readers, is priceless! The song is by Glasgow post punk band Kaputt and is taken from their upcoming second album. As of this post the album has neither a name nor a set release date other than sometime in the first half of 2022. However, your ears will convince you that Kaputt should be on your 2022 list. And in the meantime, you can grab this digital single from your favorite digital purveyor.
Both the single and the upcoming album are released via Upset The Rhythm. And those of you in Great Britain and Ireland should take note of the live show dates and venues listed at the bottom of the post.
NOV 2021 25th - Manchester @ The White Hotel 26th - Sheffield @ Delicious Clam 27th - London @ Sebright Arms 28th - Bristol @ The Lanes 29th - Leeds @ Wharf Chambers 30th - York @ Fulford Arms
Young Copenhagen four-piece Kindsight are a breath of fresh air in the guitar pop world. They have the shiny pop accents of their native Scandinavia, but thicken the sound with elements of alternative rock. We won't be able to hear their upcoming debut album until the first part of 2022, but we have their new single "Don't You Grow Up". The song shows off the band's warm, sunny style but also shows the band has the muscle to rock out.
Kindsight are Nina Hyldgaard Rasmussen (vocals/guitar), Soren Svensson (guitar), Anders Prip (bass), and Johannes Jacobsen (drums). Don't You Grow Up" is out now via Stockhom's Rama Lama Records, which also will release the album.
Now Where Were We seems like the perfect album title for this post because we have been a bit negligent in our goal to make at least one post a day. But the only remedy is to dive back in, so we begin again in covering music we like that you might otherwise miss.
This album is by a southern Arizona band named The Exbats. We note that none of the four members of this group actually were ever a member of the legendary New Zealand quartet The Bats, but this 12-track album they have created easily is among the most fun set of songs we have heard this year. End to end energetic guitar pop with clever lyrics and a sassy-with-a-wink delivery. If you like your garage rock fun and with a dose of attitude, this is a can't miss acquisition.
The Exbats are Kenny McLain, Inez McLain and Bobby Carlson Jr. Now Where Were We is out now via Goner Records.
May we assume that in light of our laudatory feature of Feels So Good // Feels So Bad by Portland's The Shivas (link) everyone has a copy? We certainly hope so. But if you haven't done so, you can slink off and get yourself the album. And to give you some additional incentive (as if our previous praise isn't sufficient), here is their new video for album track "You Wanna Be My Man".
Dean Wareham is a very talented guy, as evidenced by his songcraft, guitar work and singing with Galaxie 500, Luna and Dean & Britta. But another aspect of his art, which we personally appreciate quite a bit, is his ability to intertwine social and political commentary with warm vocals and clever phrasing, delivered via his delightful guitar pop melodies. His first album under his own name in seven years, the recently released I Have Nothing To Say To The Mayor Of L.A., displays these talents to great effect, providing soup to nuts satisfaction for the head as well as the heart.
The melodies are great, and the guitars via Dean and producer Jason Quever (Papercuts) are an absolute, and appealingly varied, delight. Britta Phillips, Dean's spouse and bandmate in Luna and Dean & Britta, also pitches in to play and sing, adding nuance and depth to the songs. The production is crisp overall, but the most laudable production aspect is that Dean's vocals are high in the mix. A listener should not have to strain to hear lyrics that deserve being heard, and these lyrics deserve to be heard. As I have played this album over and over, and appreciating it more each time, I find myself grabbing snatches of the lyrics and applying them to my daily life (often with the same whimsical effect one gets listening to the original). The one I repeated most often today was "the past is our plaything -- she can't talk back" from the album opener, but that is just a taste because this album is full of gems. Not surprisingly, the album mostly consists of new material, but there are two covers including "Dutchess" which was written by Scott Walker. We've included the video for that one below so you can see Dean performing it.
I Have Nothing To Say To The Mayor Of L.A. is not only one of the better guitar pop albums of the year, it also is an album we expect to be playing years down the road. It is out now via Double Feature Records.
We music fans might be envious of one aspect of Ebba Salomonsson's earlier years as her stepfather owned a record store. Apparently young Ebba took advantage of the opportunity to expose herself to a variety of music. The result of that experience and her ambition is her solo venture, Benz. And we think that her just-released EP This Could Be The End displays both talent and confidence. Ebba is unafraid to offer a large-scale pop song such as EP opener "Hometown" and the following "I Never Thought This Would Be The End". But she is equally impressive with the dialed-down psyche of "Cave In" and the playful, all-too-short singalong "Murder Serenade". The thematic arc of the record is the dissolution of a long-term friendship, but the topic never threatens to weigh down the appealing music. Mark Benz as a talent to follow.
This Could Be The End is out now as a digital release via Stockholm's Rama Lama Records.
It poured rain all day here, as it has for most of the last several weeks. My residence is not in danger of flooding, but my spirits are sufficiently dampened that I have been avoiding touching electrical devices for fear of electrocution. However, I was able to significantly improve my mood today by repeatedly listening to The Overflow by Wellington, New Zealand's French For Rabbits, so I am risking a keyboard to tell you about the album. The creators are a five-piece band that combines atmospheric dream pop with a blend of folk and bright pop. While the songwriting perspective is that of introverts and outsiders, the music shimmers and has done wonders for my emotional gloom. Check it out.
French For Rabbits are Brooke Singer (vocals), John Fitzgerald (guitar), Hikurangi Schaverien-Kaa (drums), Ben Lemi (multiple instruments), and Penelope Esplin (multiple instruments. The Overflow is out now via Reckless Yes, AAA records, and A Modest Proposal.
As far as we are concerned, no indie pop fan should have any doubts about whether they will buy Yumi Zouma's upcoming LP when it is available next Spring. But just to erase any unfounded doubts, we offer "Mona Lisa", the second single to be released from the album. Words such as 'gorgeous, 'buoyant', and 'euphoric' come to mind, but that seemed like missing the forest for all the trees. The single is pop perfection from the vocals to the melody to the bridge to the chorus to the build ... well, if you listen you will understand.
Yumi Zouma is Christie Simpson, Josh Burgess, Charlie Ryder, and Olivia Campion. All are New Zealanders although some now reside in New York and London. The new album will be their fourth and will be released via Polyvinyl.
Shoestrings released Wishing On Planes in the '90s, offering listeners delicate and dreamy indie pop such as the music from the Sarah Records stable of artists. But within a few years the duo of Mario and Rose Suau conjured a disappearing act as a performing band and concentrated on production related activities. However, in the middle of the last decade, working with Swedish synth pop legend Johan Angergard prompted the revival of Shoestrings. The result is their sophomore album, Expectations.
The new album is infused with all of the charm of their first album, but also benefits from their immersion in the Nordic pop world. The production is detailed but not cluttered, the vocals nuanced and well up in the mix, and the arrangements are far more adventurous than standard indie pop. Expectations is a delightful and rewarding listen, and we think it will make the end of your weekend a littler warmer and brighter. We can only hope that Mario and Rose don't wait several decades before the next album.
Expectations is out now in digital, CD and vinyl formats via Shelflife Records (North America), Discos de Kirlian (Europe), and Fastcut Records (Japan).
We morned the demise of Scotland's Kid Canaveral -- hooks, humor and good musicianship help pass the sometimes dreary Pacific Northwest days. But we still get a taste via Broken Chanter, the solo plus friends project of KC vocalist David MacGregor. His latest set of songs is Catastrophe Hits, which is out now via two of our favorite labels north of Hadrian's decrepit wall, Last Night From Glasgow and Olive Grove Records. David's vocal prowess remains remarkable, but this project is a bit of a shift from KC. The themes are a bit broader, the focus a bit sharper, and the perspective a more hard-minded. But the euphoric pop smarts remain intact, so Catastrophe Hits is music for the brain and the heart.
We think this album is good for anytime, anywhere. But it is particularly recommended for these shortened, wetter days in the Northern Hemisphere. No prescription required.
Good Morning have a winning alchemy of serious, thoughtful themes and proficient musicianship that transcends the lo-fi packaging. The Melbourne duo of Liam Parsons and Stefan Blair have released three previous albums and some EPs and singles, but for our ears the new Barnyard is their best record yet. The differences from its predecessors don't necessarily hit you in the face, but are cumulative and, collectively, meaningful. Their songwriting has always been good, but on Barnyard it is sharp and consistent. The production is a step up as well. Enough remnants of scuzz pop remain so that you know Liam and Stefan haven't forgotten who they are and why they are there, but it doesn't hide the sneakily nuanced vocals, harmonies and mature songcraft. This is truly good stuff, and it gets better with each replay.
If we were to make a word cloud for the self-titled debut LP by Chime School, it would bear remarkable similarity to the word cloud we would make for the music we cover on this blog -- jangle, chime, '80s guitar pop, C86, Creation Records, '60s folk rock, Flying Nun, and Glasgow indie pop. But if we had to sum it up in a few words, it would be: A jangle pop triumph.
And the prize goes to creator Andy Pastalaniec, who has manned the drum kits for other San Francisco bands Seablite and Cruel Summer. Here he wields a 12 string in fine fashion, layering artfully to create a robust wall of melodic but upbeat and energetic jangle. All of the songs are delectable treats, and the listener can be forgiven wishing that Andy hadn't stopped at ten. Of course, depending on your own tastes a few will stand out, and we have selected a few below. However, we urge you to go to Bandcamp and stream the entire LP while your purchase is being processed, because it is Friday and you deserve it. For that matter, Andy deserves it too.
Chime School is out today via Slumberland Records.
Psssst, whether he intends to do so or not, it appears that Glenn Donaldson, the brain and voice of The Reds, Pinks & Purples, is in the running for the WYMA triple crown. Two legs are done and dusted with his 2020 and 2021 albums easily making our top ten for those years (the 2021 release may end up #1 with us). In January he will release new LP Summer At Land's End via Slumberland Records (North America) and Tough Love Records (UK). Even in years in which we don't publish a favorite albums list (and we have been lax in recent years) we keep track. And I don't think an artist have ever had a top ten album in three consecutive years. But Glenn has the talent and is riding an impressive creative wave.
We haven't heard the album yet, but our eager ears devoured "Don't Come Home Too Soon", the first single. Based on that cut, this album will again feature Glenn's sad hearted and expressive lyricism leavened with shards of hope, all lushly illustrated with impeccable arrangements. If you think that we a predisposed to like the album, you are correct. But we fully expect our faith to be rewarded.
Vinyl collectors should note that there are two vinyl versions. One is a single disc of Summer At Land's End. The other version contains the album plus another disc of instrumental songs (not instrumental versions of the album's songs). I would not be surprised if both versions sell out in the pre-order stage.
I became quite enamored with Rural France based on their previous album and the single released before today from the newly-arrived RF. However, I nevertheless was pleasantly surprised at just how good this new set of 11 songs is. Tome Brown and Rob Fawkes have composed their own songwriting cookbook, but the ingredients the use are the most common tags we apply to music we love and cover on this blog: Indie rock; Guitar pop; and jangle pop. And the influences high in our pantheon of heroes -- Guided By Voices, Teenage Fanclub, The Feelies. and a good dose of California guitar pop with a bit of country dust. Quality ingredients and influences alone don't guarantee good music, but Rural France clearly add the pop smarts, heart, humor and love of making music that result in RF being one of our top albums of the season.
RF is out today in digital and vinyl formats via Meritorio Records.
I don't think I'm a stupid man, but there are things I don't know. For example, I don't know much about Glasgow's The Early Morning Satellites. I know that they are from Glasgow, that they have been less than diligent in providing updates on social media, and that they seem to have a connection with another Glasgow shoedaze band Honey (which we featured here about a decade ago.
However, I did stumble upon a very recently released collections of their songs, and find it to be an excellent set of shoegaze and dream pop tunes. Give it a listen, you may agree. By the way, the third song below was also a song recorded by Honey that we featured in the past.
Minnesota musician Drew Forsberg named his band The Persian Leaps after an ancient architectural feature. But the foundations of his music are power pop and upper midwest indie rock. Like many artists, at least based on the great music we have heard this year, COVID shutdowns have made for some productive musical creation. But also due to the pandemic, Drew was unable to assemble a band of fellow travelers to record the new songs. However, six of them did get recorded with Drew filling multiple roles, and we have the spanking new Drone Etiquette to get us through the autumn months. Not that it ever takes any persuasion for us to cover a record by The Persian Leaps, but this EP is truly welcome. It avoids the COVID mope and anxious introspection of some pandemic music, blasting off on the indie rock side of the spectrum with the crunch, buzz and fuzz of "When This Gets Out" followed by the similarly hard-driving "Angel Complete". But fans of the more pop-side of the Leaps are not shortchanged as the following tracks balance the ledger with some chiming and jangling guitars and more relaxed tempos. As a songwriter, Drew doesn't shy away from telling us what's on his mind, but he is ever mindful that he is an entertainer and a rocker and he delivers accordingly.
Drone Etiquette is out now via Drew's Land Ski Records.
And now we go to Rural France in the English countryside. Hmmm, that opening sentence hurts my brain a bit. Anyway, guitar pop duo Rural France has dropped another single from their upcoming album. "Horsepipe Ban" is an upbeat song looking at a broken love summer. Good melody, good riffs, and good humor.
Rural France are Tom Brown and Rob Fawkes. The album is titled RF, and will be out October 29 via Meritorio Records.
I realize that it has been a week since we invaded your consciousness with new material. Sorry, but sometimes life interrupts even things of international importance like indie music blogs. However, we are trying to get 'back on the bike', and we are starting with the dreamy, jangling delights of the latest single from the upcoming album by Chime School. The song is "Wait Your Turn", and it is the lead track from the self-titled LP which will be released via Slumberland Records. While the song reveals the DNA of classic guitar pop, it is very much the fresh sound of present day San Francisco.
Chime School is Andy Pastalaniec, veteran of Seablite, Pink Films, and Cruel Summer. The album will be out November 5, but can be pre-ordered now.
Time for another track from the upcoming album by Swansea Sound. "Rock and Roll Void" has the right amount of rocking and the right amount of smart, self-depreciation. It reflects the band's perception that pandemic lockdowns demand social-political punk rock. And who is to say they are wrong?
Swansea Sound is comprised of Hue Williams, Ian Button, Rob Pursey, and Amelia Fletcher. The album is titled Live at the Rum Puncheon, which name-checks a long demolished Swansea pub, and will be released on November 19. A few additional notes about the album release are in order, because it will not be available via streaming services. The primary label is the band's own Skep Wax, for vinyl, CD, and Bandcamp downloads. Lavender Sweep will handle UK/Euro cassette. In North America, HHBTM will have vinyl and CD, while Austin Town Hall will have the cassette. Indonesian label Shiny Happy Records will have cassettes, and Japanese label Hayabusa Landings will have the CD.
We will start out today with a new single for the terrific "Osaka" by Rotterdam's Rats On Rafts. We have included the Bandcamp stream, but we think the video is the best way to appreciate the song for the first time. It was written in appreciation for the namesake city when the band was in Japan a few years ago. To our ears it is a wonderful mix of The Fall, The Cure and perhaps a bit of Peter Gabriel.
Rats on Rafts are Mathijs Burgler (drums), David Fagen (vocals/guitar), Doortje Hiddema (piano/synth/vocals/guitar), Arnoud Verheul (guitar/vocals) and Natasha van Waardenburg (bass/vocals). "Osaka" is out now in digital and vinyl formats via Fire Records.
