"I Didn't Mean To Change My Mind" by Prism Shores

 

If you are a fan of guitar pop, shoegaze, power pop, and jangle pop, you can't go wrong in following Prism Shores. The Montreal based band does all of that, and they do all of it very, very well. Their upcoming album titled Softest Attack will be out April 10 via Meritorio Records. But you don't need to wait until April to here the album's power pop gem "I Didn't Mean To Change My Mind". You can hear it right here, right now.

Prism Shores is Jack MacKenzie (guitar/bass/vocals), Ben Gross (guitar/bass/vocals), Luke Pound (drums/guitar/vocals), and Finn Dalbeth (guitar/vocals).

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"Off The Wall"/"Butterfly" by The New Tigers

 

According to our records department, we first covered Turku, Finland's The New Tigers in 2011, so the band and WYMA have been in a non-exclusive relationship with each other for 14 years (how very modern, of us). While the band's musical endeavors don't fall into a rigid compartment, they generally play a densely melodic brand of guitar pop -- perhaps a more shimmering, shoegazey Yo La Tengo. While they haven't been as active as we would like in recent years, they have dropped a thrilling surprise in the form of new single, "Off The Wall"/"Butterfly". The lead track is robust and best played loud, while the second song shimmers with no percussion and the guitars taking the front of the stage. We think these songs are among the band's best work. And that gives us happy hints about the planned 2026 album which will include both of them.

The New Tigers are Appu Jasu, Valtteri Virtanen, Janne Kauppinen, and Nico Kivikangas. The recording is out now as a digital release via Helsinki's Soliti Music.

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Massage - Coaster

 

One of our favorite albums in 2021 was Still Life by L.A. band Massage. That jangling, dream-gazing, guitar-dense album remains a favorite and we still play it regularly. However, we need to make some room in our soundtrack because we have a new Massage gem demanding out ears. The new 10-track Coaster builds on the delights of its predecessor, retaining the instant classic pop melodies, multi-voiced vocals and lovely layers of guitars. To that foundation, in our opinion, Massage has added a wider sound palette. While still delivering their perfectly crafted blends of guitar pop and shoegaze -- check out the exquisite "We're Existential" below -- the band offers echoes of Creation Records on "Fading Out" and folk rock that will prompt fans of The Go--Betweens smile on "Hang On to that Feeling". "Psychic" starts out as a clap-along guitar pop and finishes as a slice of countryfied southern rock on "Psychic". Every song here is a star and that adds up to a top 10 2025 album for us.

Massage are Alex Naidus (vocals/guitar), Andrew Romano (vocals/guitar), Gabrielle Ferrer (vocal/keys), David Rager (bass), and Natalie de Almeida (drums). Coaster is out now via Bobo Integral Records and Mt.St.Mtn. Records.

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Say Sue Me - Time Is Not Yours EP

 

UK indie fans have a genuine treat coming to their doorsteps. Busan, South Korea's Say Sue Me are playing six shows in May (dates and locations are at the end of this post). And to remind music lovers why they should pay attention, the band has just released five-track EP Time Is Not Yours. We featured lead single "Vacation" a few weeks ago, but for this post we want to lead with our favorite track -- and in fact one of our favorite songs of the year so far -- title track "Time Is Not Yours".

One of the great joys of this band is their versatility. Compare the above song with the joyous chaos of the instrumental "Mexico" --

But they continue to surprise with the gentle, sun-kissed closer "Bone Pink".

Say Sue Me are Choi Sumi (vocals/guitar), Kim Buyngkyu (lead guitar), Kim Jaeyoung (bass), and Lim Sungwan (drums). Time Is Not Yours is out now via Damnably.

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The Royal Landscaping Society - Fractals EP

 It's time for a Matinee matinee! What, exactly does that mean? Well, it means that we are going to publish a series of posts about recent releases from the one and only Matinee Recordings. We usually don't stack posts about releases from a single label, but Matinee is one of our favorites and they have been busy lately. Stay with us, all are terrific, and these small labels deserve our support.

First up is Spain's The Royal Landscaping Society. The recording is titled Fractals and is a three-song EP of breathtaking heartbreak pop. Key track "When There Is Nothing Left To Look Forward To" is a starkly straightforward but eloquent lament about lost love wrapped in a rhythmic and chiming arrangement. But the quality doesn't falter with the following two tracks.

Matinée Recordings · The Royal Landscaping Society - When There's Nothing Left To Look Forward To

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Cats of Transnistria - IV

 

In the past, Finnish duo Cats of Transnistria have thrilled us with their multi-layered, intense and dramatic shoegaze. But for IV, their recently released new album, Henna Emilia Hietamaki and Tuomas Alatalo have broadened their sonic platform with more varied and complex rhythms and bass guitar. The result is a further increase in intensity and a distinct wash of foreboding. With serious lyrical themes to match the intensity of the music, this probably isn't background music for the kids' breakfast before sending them out to catch the bus. But we have found it to be a great soundtrack for our days. As we recently described the album when recommending it to a friend: This is the rare shoegaze with a genuine personality". And we all like new, interesting friends, don't we?

IV is out now as a digital release and limited vinyl via Helsinki's Soliti Music.

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"Switch Over" by Horsegirl

 

We missed out on the first album by Chicago's Horsegirl, but what we have heard from the Chicago trio's upcoming second album Phonetics On and On have got us totally onboard to cover it. The release date if February 14 via Matador Records. Do you want to know why we're excited? Check out "Switch Over" below. There is an appealing VU vibe, but there is so much more going on in their songs.

Two other singles were released previously:  "2468" ; "Julie".

Horsegirl are Nora Cheng, Penelope Lowenstein, and Gigi Reece.

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Prism Shores - Out From Underneath

 

Reaching into their apparently formidable toolbox of pop and rock hooks, templates and incredible inspirations, Montreal's Prism Shores have crafted a terrific 10-song statement for their new LP Out From Underneath. Varied and colorful, the album touches on jangle, pop, crunchy rock and shoegaze and manages to emerge having freshened up every point on their musical compass. There is just enough C86/Creation/Sarah/Ride to remind your subconscious that you love the sound without detracting you from enjoying the discovering of new music. An exhilarating album, Out From Underneath has set the bar high for our 2025 expectations.

Prism Shores are Jack MacKenzie (guitars/bass/vocals/synths), Ben Gross (bass/guitars/vocals/synths), Luke Pound (drums/percussion/drum programming/guitars/vocals), and Finn Dalbeth (guitars/vocals). Out From Underneath is out now via Meritorio Records.

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Get ready for Prism Shores

 

While we continue to work through good 2024 releases, we also look ahead to the musical joys 2025 will bring us. So prepare yourself for an album from Montreal band Prism Shores that straddles jangle, shoegaze and power pop. If they were a dessert, they might be a Napoleon. But they aren't a dessert, so you will have to content yourself with an aural taste via singles "Holding Pattern" and "Tourniquet". In our opinion, they both are quite delicious.

The album is Out From Underneath and it will be released on January 17 via Meritorio Records.

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Dummy - Free Energy

 

We recalled Los Angeles' Dummy as a punky noise pop band of considerable skill and great appeal, at least to our ears. But their change of direction on new album Free Energy has us amazed and excited. The pop bent isn't gone, but it has been chopped, diced and spliced with plenty of new directions and experimental avenues. The result can vary among shoegaze, dreampop, trip hop (but with big drums) and noise pop. Of course that means that each succeeding track may sound different than its predecessor, but the surprise (and invariable delight) is part of the charm. Listening to Free Energy we felt like we were on a journey with the band traipsing through the rooms of a curious mansion. We can quite honestly write that there is not a single song on this album that we skip. Moreover, our favorite songs also seem to shift on repeated plays. We hope this album gets the wide listening it deserves.

The members of this Los Angeles band are Alex Ewell, Emma Maatman, Nathan O'Dell and Joe Trainor. Free Energy is out now via Trouble In Mind Records.

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"Nine Clean Nails" by Dummy

 

Talented and adventuresome, Dummy is a band that truly deserves your ears. If you missed their debut album Mandatory Enjoyment, that's OK because number 2 Free Energy will be out September 6 via Trouble In Mind Records. Check out the single "Nine Clean Nails" in which the band lays down a commanding groove before adding vocal and then blowing out the windows with the guitars. Rhythmic, taut and poppy, it is a certain winner.

The members of this Los Angeles band are Alex Ewell, Emma Maatman, Nathan O'Dell and Joe Trainor.

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"Lost Touch" by Tears Run Rings

 

Portland, Oregon's Tears Run Rings are not especially prolific, but good things can take time. Besides, they have other things to do such as founding and running the excellent label Shelflife Records. Our ears are happy, however, because they have found time to record their fourth album Everything In The End. The just released first single -- "Lost Touch" -- demonstrates that the band's mastery of euphoric, layered and dreamy shoegaze remains intact. We think it is a perfect way to elevate your evening mood. Your family will thank you.

Tears Run Rings are Matthew Bice (vocals/guitar), Laura Watling (vocals/bass), Ed Mazzucco (guitar), and Dwayne Palasek (drums). Everything In The End will be released September 6 via Shelflife Records.

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Torrey - Torrey

 

2024 is proving to be a year that will make our ears very, very happy. And one of the standout albums to date is the self-title LP by the Bay Area's Torrey. Crafting a multi-layered dreampop suffused with textures spanning the range from airy and gauzey to melodic, shoegazey bombs, Torrey gives the listener new aspects to examine with each listen. The level of detail and the variety of elements is incredible, but the band masterfully blends it all to deliver music with just the right balance between polish and indie scruff.

Torrey are Ryann Gonsalves, Kelly Gonsalves, Sinclair Riley, Adam Honingford, and Susie Chinisci. Torrey is out now in vinyl, digital and CD formats via Slumberland Records.

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Various links for Torrey

"Moving" by Torrey

The swirling, atmospheric, and frankly emotional dreamscape of "Moving" reminds us that the new, self-titled LP by Oakland's Torrey will be here in one week and we are excited to hear it in its entirety. The tracks shared so far suggest that it might be one of our favorites this year.

Torrey are Ryann Gonsalves, Kelly Gonsalves, Sinclair Riley, Adam Honingford, and Susie Chinisci. Torrey will be out March 8 in vinyl, digital and CD formats via Slumberland Records.

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"Girl 71" by The Jesus and Mary Chain

 

The highly anticipated return of The Jesus and Mary Chain via upcoming LP Glasgow Eyes now has a delayed release date of March 22. But any disappointment at the additional wait should be assuaged by the garage rock swagger of new single "Girl 71". For our ears, the song strips back the years and has us searching for our boots and leather jacket. An additional appealing element on this track is the backing vocals of Rachel Conte.

Note that a couple of vinyl versions of Glasgow Eyes have already sold out, so don't be coy about stepping up. The album will be release via Fuzz Club.

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"Tomorrow" by Kindsight

 

We were thrilled to learn that the new album from Danish quartet Kindsight now has a name -- No Fame No Shame -- and a release date -- April 19. The band's sharply honed and thoughtful guitar pop never fails to satisfy. Even so, we weren't prepared for the musical treasure that is "Tomorrow", the just released single from the album. With hooks, dynamics that pull and stretch your heartstrings, and vocals that bring to mind the best of The Sundays and Popguns, it is everything we could ask for. If this is what is coming with No Fame No Shame, sign us up!

Kindsight are Nina Hyldgaard Rasmussen (vocals/guitar), Soren Svensson (guitar), Anders Prip (bass), and Johannes Jacobsen (drums). No Fame No Shame will be out via Rama Lama Records.

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"Bounce" by Torrey

 

We don't have a crystal ball, but we feel quite confident in writing that one of the top indie albums out in the first half of 2024 will be the self-titled album from Bay area band Torrey. Masterfully blending multiple textures and pop hooks and vocals, they give the listener the feeling of floating in a pool on a sunlit afternoon. And no song better embodies that vibe than new single "Bounce". All bright tones, shimmer and bliss, it makes our day.

Torrey are Ryann Gonsalves, Kelly Gonsalves, Sinclair Riley, Adam Honingford, and Susie Chinisci. Torrey will be out March 8 in vinyl, digital and CD formats via Slumberland Records.

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Subsonic Eye - All Around You

 

We have a new band to include among our favorites: Singapore five-piece Subsonic Eye. We admit that we are late to this party as out introduction to the band is All Around You, which is their fourth album. Inspired by the natural world and the urban world around them, Subsonic Eye has a fulsome but nimble sound headlined by captivating lyrics and excellent guitars. This is one of those albums where picking songs to showcase the band's sound is impossible. So use the tracks below for a taste and then go to Bandcamp and enjoy the full show.

Subsonic Eye are Nur Wahidah, Daniel Castro Borces, Jared Lim, Sam Venditti, and Lucas Tee. All Around You is out now via Topshelf Records.

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"Chemical Animal" by The Jesus And Mary Chain

 

As we have mentioned previously, the news of new material from Glasgow legends The Jesus and Mary Chain is a cause for considerable excitement at WYMA World Headquarters. We previously covered the debut single (WYMA feature) from the upcoming LP Glasgow Eyes, and now can share the dark and haunted "Chemical Animal". Only two pieces of evidence, but we think this will be a very good album.

Glasgow Eyes will be out February or March of 2024 via Fuzz Club.

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"Chain of Days" by Topographies

 

Dark, icy shoegaze is just what the musical doctor prescribed for this midweek evening, and it comes via "Chain of Days" by San Francisco's Topographies. It is the second single from the band's upcoming second album, Interior Spring, and it certainly raises both our interest and expectations for the release.

Topographies are Justin Oronos, Jeremie Ruest, and Gray Tolhurst. The album will be out February 2 via Dark Entries Records.

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