The Cords - The Cords

 

If you are an indie pop fan you probably will read about Scots duo The Cords in multiple publications. There is a reason: They have earned it. Sure, that is our opinion. But it also is the opinion of other music writers, concert promoters, and other bands. And when knowledgeable label heads like the boss at Slumberland Records and the veteran indie popsters Rob and Amelia (Heavenly/Talula Gosh/Catenary Wires/Swansea Sound/Pooh Sticks) at Skepwax Records sign a band for their debut LP, you can be sure that there is substance behind the chatter. And while sisters Eva and Grace Tedeschi can feel lucky to appear on those labels, we suspect that the labels feel lucky to have them on the roster.

And this leads us to their self-titled debut. Jangle and melody abound, and there is that welcome familiarity of the rush of vocals and guitar that we heard with Shop Assistants, The Vaselines, C-86 bands and Sarah Records favorites. But in our view the special ingredient is way that those familiar and cherished styles and sounds are molded into something present and now by two talented artists born much more recently. It is like going into a vintage clothing shop and finding garments you want with delightful and unexpected details -- an unusual contrasting collar, an offbeat color, or an unusual cut to the lapels. It all is delivered sincerely, but also a dose of wry humor and an understanding that indie pop songs are best at a breezy pace and don't stick around too long.

The Cords is out now via Slumberland Records and Skepwax Records.

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Slumberland Records page for album (USA)

Skepwax page for the album (UK)

The Radio Field - Air and Sunlight

 

One of the treasures of the jangle pop world is Dusseldorf band The Radio Field. They impressed  us mightily a couple of years ago with an LP titled Don'ts and Dos and they are back with new album Air and Sunlight. We are happy to report that there is no evidence of a sophomore slump -- this album is even better than the first.

The album hits all the right notes out of the gate with opener "It's Alright" and jangles and pops with enthusiasm for nine more tracks with blends, in various degrees, of jangle, bright indie pop, and a touch of country rock/Americana. There is one slower track, but the gang has to catch their breath at some point -- right?

Air and Sunlight is one of the hidden gems of the year -- don't miss out. It is available now via Less Records and Subjangle.

Bandcamp for album

"Dirt Road Anthem" by Pop Filter

 

As members of young bands mature, finding time for music can become difficult among work, families, location changes and life events large and small. Those of us who write about music appreciate those challenges even though writing about music is simple compared with writing and recording music. So we are thrilled to learn that Pop Filter -- a band that has been a favorite for years in this and previous incarnations -- still finds time to thrill us with new songs. Their upcoming album is titled Trade Place Tape and will be available on October 17. A taste of the 12-track recording is now available via single "Dirt Road Anthem". Over sprightly, danceable instrumentation, the lead vocalist evinces cynicism while the chorus assures him that he won't get what he wants. The song is more than enough to remind use that Pop Filter will deliver top quality pop music. What's more is that we expect, and will get, innovation, humor, an a few unexpected left turns.

Trade Place Tape will be available as a digital release and in a limited batch of cassettes via Osborne Again (Australia/New Zealand) and Bobo Integral (everywhere else).

Bandcamp for single

Bandcamp for Trade Place Tape pre-orders

"Memory Light" by Creative Writing

 

From the opening crunching, jangling power pop riffs to the rousing chorus, "Memory Light" is one of those treasured instant classics the we put on lengthy bouts of "repeat". The song is just the latest released by New England band Creative Writing. The band's members are based in Western Massachusetts and southern Vermont, and are, or have been, in Huevos II, Jeanines, Sore Eros and other projects. The song is taken from their upcoming LP Baby Did This which is due October 3 via Meritorio Records. Expect a satisfying mix of college rock, jangle and country inflected indie rock -- the American guitar pop we love.

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Bandcamp for album

Glo-Worm - Glimmer (reissue)

 

Glimmer is a charming, chiming, twee jewel that satisfies as much now as it did when originally released. It is the definitive musical statement of Glo-Worm, a justifiably beloved indie pop band. Formed by Pam Berry (vocalist for Black Tambourine, Belmondo and others; editor of Chickfactor magazine) and guitarist Terry Banks (Tree Fort Angst and St. Christopher, now Dot Dash), the band then added Dan Searing (Whorl, The Saturday People) on drums. The band's active phase was a mere 2-1/2 years in which they released 7"s and contributed to compilations. Glimmer was a compilation of those recordings and was released originally in 1996 by Olympia, Washington's K Records. To the delight of WYMA and indie pop fans, K Records has reissued Glimmer in honor of its 30th anniversary. This is the first time the album is available in vinyl format, and the digital version includes several bonus tracks. This is essential twee pop to reside aside lo-fi gems by The Pastels, Beat Happening and other worthies in your collection.

Bandcamp for album

"When You Said Goodbye" by The Cords

 

[Sigh] "When You Say Goodbye" is a song that is so perfect it should be delivered in a blue Tiffany box delivered by a uniformed footman. Although, since it is heartbreak pop, in our personal experience it might be delivered by a angry ex along with a hastily packed suitcase of our belongings and a command to get out of her sight. The song is the latest single from Grace and Eve Tedeschi, the impossibly talented Scots sibling duo known as The Cords. It is taken from their upcoming self-titled album due later this month from Skepwax and Slumberland. Have you placed your order?

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Bandcamp

Slumberland Records page for album (USA)

Skepwax page for the album (UK)