The Just Joans - Romantic Visions of Scotland

 

There are bands that sing about mutual love, sunshine, puppies, triumphs, redemption and similar uplifting things. Then there are The Just Joans. This band makes us happy by singing about disappointments, regrets, failures, shipwrecked romances and the other bits and bobs we call real life. And it all goes down well because they do it with a keep eye, sharp wit, and warmth. The music is damn fine as well, recalling the best of shaggy UK indie pop.

On Romantic Visions of Scotland, the band's recent release, the humor on offer is evident just by perusing the song titles, such as "Strictly Presbyterian", "Back On The Meds", "Romantic Visions (Prepare For Disappointment)", and "Drinking On A Weeknight". Moreover, The Just Joans include lyrics to enhance the listener's enjoyment of the songs. And those of us who have ever sought inspiration to write a song can only admire the band's knack for turning an ordinary event of daily life into a tasty slice of pop music. Please listen to the album and see if you agree with our assessment that this band is a indie pop treasure.

The Just Joans are David Pope and Kate Pope, joined on this album by Chris Elkin, Fraser Ford, Arion Xenos and Jason Sweeney. Additional contributions were made by Maya Burman-Roy (cello), Fenwick Lawson (trombone), and Stuart Pollack (trumpet). Romantic Visions of Scotland is out now via Fika Recordings.

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"Lonely Hearts Pyramid Scheme" by Rural France

 

Fresh from the UK, we have the new single by Rural France, and we think this song may resonate some music fans. The winners of the world get adulation, riches, and most of what everyone strive for. But who thinks of the losers? Rural France, that's who. "Lonely Hearts Pyramid Scheme" is an anthem for those of us unsuccessful at love (by the way, the "us" is the royal "us" -- we would never admit to being unsuccessful at love). "Lonely Hearts Pyramid Scheme" is a lively, soaring tune and the first single to be shared from the upcoming LP Sloths. We know we are going to love it.

Rural France are Tom Brown and Rob Frawkes. For this album they are joined by Jeff Hamm on drums. John Hare plays horns on this single and on one other album track.  Sloths will be released May 8 via Meritorio Records and Safe Suburban Home Records.

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Hater - Mosquito

 

Malmo, Sweden's Hater has justifiably gathered increasing respect and a growing fanbase with their first three albums. But rather than capitalizing on that success by quickly cranking out a fourth album, the band took three years to create the recently released Mosquito. Was that because the band knew that the bar for excellence keeps rising, or because good art takes a long time? We don't know what answer the band would provide (although it seems to us that the answer to both questions likely it "yes"). However, we do know that the result of their efforts is exhilarating and satisfying. The album is intensely introspective and bittersweet while simultaneously shimmering and pulsing with energy. Hater writes good songs reflecting bittersweet romance, dark romance and more than a touch of the surreal. And the writing is matched by the performances -- arena level drumming, throbbing bass, inspired guitar and a highly evocative vocals. Is it their best album so far? We think so. And more significantly, we think it is one of the best rock/pop albums of the year so far.

Hater are Caroline Landahl, Mans Leonartsson, Rasmus Andersson, and Adam Agace. Mosquito is out now via Fire Records. 

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Railcard - Railcard

 

Spring is coming and with it, a desire to travel. And given the state of the roads and the rising price of gas, it might be wise to get a railcard and leave the driving to the train engineer. Of course, since you won't be focusing on the roads, you might enjoy some traveling music. And what better that a terrific indie pop album by Railcard?

Why Railcard (in addition to the name)? Well, if you like the music of Heavenly, Talulah Gosh, Papernut Cambridge and Dolly Mixture, you naturally would want to give a chance to a band that features members of those bands. The listener will note elements of chamber pop, a bit of effervescent dance pop, jangle, psychedelic pop and some delicious tracks that will bring to mind how much you loved Stereolab. Lush, melodic, and yet, at times, muscular, the album is a varied and high level treat for any indie pop fan. It has become a staple of our weekend soundtrack and likely will remain so for quite some time.

For fans that recall the two recent EPs from the band, this album includes both EPs and three new tracks.  

Railcard are Peter Momtchiloff, Ian Button, and Rachel Love. Railcard is out now via Sumberland Records and Skep Wax Records.

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Fort Not - You On Repeat

 

When we first discovered Fort Not we were infused with that special conceit that music obsessives feel when they know of a thrilling artist of which most people aren't aware. But with their third full length now released, we are impatient for everyone to know just how good this Swedish band is. Their new album is titled You On Repeat. It's themes include bittersweet perspectives on relationships, with interesting and sometimes surprising wordplay. But the highlight is the music. For us, their brand of lo fi guitar pop is timeless, although music historians might nod towards the '90s. The solid rhythmic structure supports distorted and jangling guitars and earworm melodies. The band's sweet spot is expansive, encompassing slacker, power pop and sometimes a bit of country rock. The vibe is immediate, intimate and with just enough loose garage pop threads to let you dream that they are playing inside your living room. It is early in 2026, but I think this album will be on our yearly treasures list come December.

Fort Not are original members Robert Carlsson and Fredrik Soderstrom, joined by Philip Gates, David Hansson, Stefan Stromberg, and Joakim Bjornberg. You On Repeat is out now via Meritorio Records.

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