Season 2 - Power of Now

 

Over the years we have been impressed by the ability of Australian indie bands to meld some of our favorite musical bands into a pop concoction that fires our pleasure centers to great effect. Power of Now by Season 2 is, in our opinion, somewhat of a double meld because, in addition to combining some of our favorite indie pop styles, it also is the work of members from some of out favorite Australian bands -- The Stroppies, School Damage, and Parsnip. This is pop music, but it is pop music with mutations, unexpected angles and rhythms and idiosyncratic deliveries. It also is undeniably catchy and captivating, with enthusiastic group vocals, superb musicianship and touches that reference some of the finest bands in the past, including Glasgow's Vaselines and New Zealand's The Clean. This is an album we turn to again and again -- we just can't quit it. Dive in, and fail to quit it for yourself.

Season 2 are Claudia Serfaty (keys/vocals), Freya McLeod (guitar/vocals), Matt Powell (guitar/vocals), Charlotte Zarb (bass/vocals), and Carolyn Hawkins (drums/vocals). Power of Now is out via Upset the Rhythm and Spoilsport Records.

Bandcamp for Power of Now 

Upset The Rhythm Records 

Spoilsport Records

Prism Shores - Softest Attack

 

In our memories, Montreal band Prism Shores walked the boundary between guitar pop and shoegaze, and they did it well -- familiar but with just enough individual character to stand out from the crowd. But our expectations for Softest Attack, their new album, required readjustment upon the first listen. On this new outing the band leans hard into indie pop and jangle, and they do it with flair and a keen understanding of the diversity of the genre. The sound is bright and clear, the arrangements detailed and the instrumentation rich and layered. But there is nothing twee about the outing -- the amps are turned up and the rhythm section rocks. To our ears Softest Attack could represent Creation Records as well as Sarah Records, while evoking Teenage Fanclub and New Zealand's The Bats. If you like indie jangle and fuzzy indie rock, you owe it to yourself to check out this album.

Prism Shores are Jack MacKenzie (guitar/bass/vocals), Ben Gross (guitar/bass/vocals), Luke Pound (drums/guitar/vocals), and Finn Dalbeth (guitar/vocals). Softest Attack is our now via Meritorio Records.

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Softjaw - Softjaw

 

The sun is out and Springtime is invading out world. In such times, our musical interests expand to music with a wide scope and a tempo that invites driving on the open roads in a convertible -- even if we are stuck in an office. Fortunately, Long Beach indie rockers Softjaw understand us. They know we need crunchy, riff and hook infused traveling music with power pop harmonies. And that is just what they delivered in their debut, self-titled mini-LP.

The core of the band is the duo of Tanner Duffy and Dustin Lovelis, who write all of the songs (except for the occasional cover of a song by a worthy such as Paul Collins). Softjaw is out now via Oakland's Dandy Boy Records.

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Ceylon Sailor - The Tiny Wave EP

 

On of the simple delights of life that helps make our day is getting new music from a band previously unknown to us. One recent such occurrence was an email with a link to The Tiny Wave, a four-track EP from Brooklyn, New York band Ceylon Sailor. What king of music? Well, it is guitar pop. But it also is indie rock. And some quite definitely (we think) is what some call yacht rock (for the record, we like yachts, especially if G&Ts are being served). What's more -- there are horns! And to our ears, it all mixes together is an upbeat, even euphoric wall of sound that is going to carry us through this weekend. It is just what we needed, because with the price of gas we certainly aren't driving anywhere this weekend. Sail on, Ceylon Sailor!

The sailors in this crew are KM Sigel, Kieran Kelly, Andrew Wood, Dave Long, Paul Brodhead, and Seth Ondracek. 

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"Doing Donuts" by Matti Jasu

 

Perhaps we should apologize at the outset, because "Doing Donuts" is one of those songs that invades your brain and won't let go. You may find yourself humming it in the lunch line, or while waiting for the bus. It just won't let go. And why should it? It puts a bounce in your step, prompts you to stand taller and gives you a jolt of energy. The lyrics aren't quite as happy as all that, focusing on societal rot and a personal feeling of going in circles. But damn, it is a fine song!

The artist is Turku, Finland musician and songwriter Matti Jasu. The song is a digital single and is out now. See the Bandcamp link below.

Matti Jasu · Matti Jasu - Doing Donuts

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"Thirty-Seven Forever" by Rural France

 

As war continues in the Mideast, prices rise and the markets fall, we desperately needed a song to make us feel happy on this Monday morning. Fortunately, the boys of UK band Rural France came to the rescue with the irrepressible "Thirty-Seven Forever". With the universal theme of resisting getting old and meaty riffs and a dose of distortion, it brought a smile to our face and made us feel alive and resilient until our financial advisor called.

"Thirty-Seven Forever" is the second single from the band's upcoming Sloths album, which will be released May 8 via Meritorio Records and Safe Suburban Home Records.

Rural France are Tom Brown and Rob Frawkes. For this album they are joined by Jeff Hamm on drums. John Hare plays horns on two album tracks.

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"Luck" by Sumos

That scuzzy indie rock sound from Manchester never fails to excite. Today it comes to us via "Luck", the first single and title track from the forthcoming EP from Manchester four-piece Sumos. Melodic, tightly constructed and dynamic, the song suggests that the band has continued to build on its strengths since its 2023 debut LP Surfacing.

Sumos was formed by Joel Sloan and Kyle Tarbuck, and now also includes Siobhan McKnight and Andrew Kilroy. Luck will be released May 8 via Meritorio Records and Safe Suburban Home records.

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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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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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Heavenly - Highway to Heavenly

 

We expect that immediately after arriving at the concept of heaven - a post death locale of eternal bliss and joy - mankind began to work on achieving heaven on earth. We also expect that such efforts mostly result in failure, or at best somewhat satisfying temporary slices of "almost heaven". Of course, just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, everyone can judge for themselves whether they have grabbed a slice of almost heaven. For our part, we are here to announce that our little slice of heaven on earth has arrived in the form of the appropriately-named Highway to Heavenly, the new album from '90s indie pop darlings Heavenly.

It is the first Heavenly album in 30 years, but the members have been busy with other projects -- together and separately -- for much of the intervening years. There is much that is amazing, even magical, in the album. Instead of a nostalgia trip or a tentative venture to shake of the rust, Highway to Heavenly is manifestly of a band hitting full stride as if several album into a career on a sharp ascent. The performances are energetic and assured, the vocals by Amelia and Cathy are sweet and sassy, and there is strong thematic sense of clear-eyed perspective and wry humor. This is a band that can laugh at you, and laugh at themselves and their foibles even harder. While the band continues to flash its pop smarts, Heavenly also is quite clearly a rock band in this outing, and the album is stronger for it. Our favorite songs vary, but that reflects the overall strength of the offerings. We've included a selection of our current repeat plays below. This album earns a very strong recommendation, so we urge you to give it a listen.

Heavenly are Amelia Fletcher, Cathy Rogers, Peter Momtchiloff, Rob Pursey, and Ian Button. The album is out today in vinyl, CD and digital formats via Skep Wax Records.

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"Stinger" and "Stung Again" by Hater

 

In just under three weeks we will see the release of Mosquito, the new LP from Malmo, Sweden's ultra-talented Hater. A band that embraces pop and rock, and writes songs spanning human emotions and, it seems, supernatural feelings as well. Take a taste with two new singles from the upcoming album. "Stinger" address the inner thoughts of a vampire with an '90s alt rock vibe with a topping of pop gloss over the deep rumble. "Stung Again" features a mid-tempo indie jangle with a theme of letting oneself go to accept feelings.

Fire Records will release Mosquito March 6.

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Heavenly News!!!

 

Yes, indeed, it is heavenly news to learn that beloved '90s jangle/twee poppers Heavenly is releasing a new album and embarking on a six-country tour. The album is titled Highway to Heavenly and it will be released on February 27 via Skep Wax. We invite you to test drive a couple of the album tracks below. In our view, the band has lost none of their trademark knack for indie pop melodies, wit, social observation and just the right amount of scruffy vibes.

Heavenly are Amelia Fletcher, Cathy Rogers, Ian Button, Peter Momtchioff, and Rob Pursey.

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Tulpa - Monster of the Week

 

Guitar pop just the way we like it -- loose, warm, well tailored but with some loose threads, and with enough off-kilter themes to be thoroughly engaging. That is Tulpa in a nutshell for us. The term "tulpa" generally refers to an imaginary being. However, with a two guitars and a steady rhythm section, this band is as real as can be, and the evidence is clear on their debut album Monster of the Week. The songs are energetic, varied, and clever without being precious. It is the sort of music that you hope that your favorite house band in your favorite watering hole would play. Unless you are in Leeds, UK, that won't happen for you. But wouldn't the album be the next best thing?

Monster of the Week is out now view Skepwax Records. Tulpa are Josie Kirk (vocals/bass), Daniel Hyndman (guitar), Myles Kirk (guitar) and Mike Ainsley (drums).

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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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Great Lakes - Don't Swim Too Close

 

What musical obsessions have occupied us the last few days, you (should) ask? Thanks for asking. The answer is frequent replans of Don't Swim Too Close by Great Lakes. Featuring songwriter Ben Crum's weathered vocals and introspective lyrics, the album's 12 tracks are an indie rock, Americana, alt folk tapestry that has become one of our favorite albums of the year, so far. The arrangements are richly constructed with piano and guitars shining brightly and evince muscle and bruised beauty..

Crum's Great Lakes has been going for nearly three decades -- from Athens to Brooklyn to upstate New York. But it still sounds vital and inspiring. If you don't get this album you are missing an important piece of 2025's musical tapestry. 

Don't Swim Too Close is out now via Happy Happy Birthday to Me Records.

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Three singles by The Belair Lip Bombs

Please don't be alarmed as we tell you that on October 31 the Bombs will drop. These Bombs aren't the scary, deadly exploding type -- they are the exciting The Belair Lip Bombs. The Melbourne quartet caught our attention a four years ago via their cool name referencing a '70s brand of skateboard wheels and a noteworthy single. While their 2023 debut LP Lush Life proved that they were a band to watch, we think that the upcoming Again promises to be even better. But you can judge for yourself  by listening to the three singles from the album. 

The Belair Lip Bombs are Maisie Everett, Mike Bradvica, Jimmy Droughton, and Daniel "Dev" Devlin. Again will be released via Third Man Records. The band also will be touring Europe and the US. The dates and venues are listed at the end of this post.

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Various links to pre-order Again

The Belair Lip Bombs Tour Dates
 (New Dates in Bold)
Sat. Nov. 8 - Copenhagen, DK @ Ideal Bar
Mon. Nov. 10 - Berlin, DE @ Maschinehaus
Tue. Nov. 11 - Utrecht, NL @ Ekko
Wed. Nov. 12 - Ghent, BE @ Charlatan
Thu. Nov. 13 - Paris, FR @ Point Ephemere
Mon. Nov. 17 - San Sebastian, ES @ Dabadaba
Tue. Nov. 18 - Madrid, ES @ El Sótano
Wed. Nov. 19 - Barcelona, ES @ Laut
Fri. Nov. 21 - Bordeaux, FR @ Rock School Barbey
Mon. Nov. 24 - Brighton, UK @ Volks
Tue. Nov. 25 - Cardiff, UK @ Clwb Ifor Bach
Wed. Nov. 26 - Bristol, UK @ Exchange
Fri. Nov. 28 - London, UK @ Scala
Sat. Nov. 29 - Manchester, UK @ YES
Sun. Nov. 30 - Glasgow, UK @ Stereo
Mon. Dec. 1 - Dublin, IE @ The Grand Social
Sat. Feb. 7 - Kombumerri Jagun Land / Gold Coast, AU @ Laneway Festival 
Sun. Feb. 8 - Gadigal & Bidjigal Land / Sydney @ Laneway Festival 
Fri. Feb. 13- Wurundjeri Biik Land / Melbourne @ Laneway Festival 
Tue. Mar. 24 - San Francisco, CA @ Brick & Mortar $
Thu. Mar. 26 - Portland, OR @ Polaris Hall $
Fri. Mar. 27 - Seattle, WA @ Baba Yaga $
Mon. Mar. 30 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court $
Tue. Mar. 31 - Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive $
Thu. Apr. 2 - Lawrence, KS / Kansas City, MO @ White School House $
Fri. Apr. 3 - Minneapolis, MN @ Turf Club $
Sat. Apr. 4 - Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle $
Mon. Apr. 6 - Toronto, ON @ The Garrison $
Thu. Apr. 9 - New York, NY @ Night Club 101 $
Fri. Apr. 10 - New York, NY @ Baby's All Right $
Sat. Apr. 11 - Philadelphia, PA @ PhilaMOCA $
Sun. Apr. 12 - Washington, DC @ Songbyrd $
Mon. Apr. 13 - Raleigh, NC @ Kings $
Wed. Apr.15 - Nashville, TN @ Blue Room at Third Man Records $
Thu. Apr. 16 - Atlanta, GA @ The Earl $
Sat. Apr. 18 - Dallas, TX @ Sons of Hermann Hall $
Sun. Apr. 19 - Austin, TX @ 29th Street Ballroom $
Wed. Apr. 22 - Phoenix, AZ @ Rebel Lounge $
Thu. Apr. 23 - San Diego, CA @ The Casbah $
Fri. Apr. 24 - Los Angeles, CA @ Zebulon $

*= w/ Spacey Jane
$= w/ dust

"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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"The Gown" by The Bats

 

In our view, The Bats were magic in the early '80s and they continue to be magic in 2025. They don't do it with bombast, frills, gimmicks, or by following the style du jour. They do it with sharp songwriting, relatable themes, personal connection, and quality performances. This week brought striking song "The Gown", which is the third single from their upcoming LP Corner Coming Up. The instrumentation is slightly restrained for a tune from this band, but with the percussion and bass up in the mix. Atmospheric and haunting, "The Gown" underscores that The Bats are not resting on their laurels. We think it is best appreciated with the volume turned up.

The Bats are Robert Scott, Kaye Woodward, Paul Kean, and Malcolm Grant. Corner Coming Up will be released October 17 via Flying Nun Records.

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Autocamper - What Do You Do All day?

 

Manchester's Autocamper have absorbed the sounds and styles of C86, college rock, Scottish bands such as Close Lobsters and Fire Engines, and janglers of the Sarah Records roster. But like a fun house mirror, what the band reflects back to the listeners on their debut LP What Do You Do All Day? is the band's proprietary blend of the guitar pop canon. In addition to being an entertaining listen from first play, we think that the album suggests that this band has the resources and originality to continue to grow. The presentation is sincere and unpretentious and the overall vibe is of a intimate show in a comfortable local club, and that is a good thing in our book. Maybe its just us, but we give extra points to boy/girl vocals that remind us of The Pastels (for that matter, tracks four and seven remind us favorably of The Pastels).

So if you haven't given Autocamper a listen, we recommend you do so. It is one of the better debuts we have heard this year, and it is out now via Slumberland Records.

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