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

"Bubblegum Nothingness" and "Captain Palisade" by Jetstream Pony

 

Supergroup is a term that music PR firms deploy a bit too loosely in our opinion. But when applied to Bighton's Jetstream Pony, whose members' resumes include The Luxembourg Signal, Trembling Blue Stars, Aberdeen, The Wedding Present, The Popguns, The Fireworks, The Dentists, and The Treasures of Mexico, we have no complaints. Not only have those projects gifted us with excellent music, but the past recordings from Jetstream Pony earn them the right to be considered a proper successor in quality. We are happy to report that the band will release a new album this Spring titled Bowerbirds and Blue Things. We know it will be good. How do we know? Because two of the songs are available and they are sharp, energetic, and bursting with melodic goodness. Check out "Bubblegum Nothingness" and "Captain Palisade" below.

Jetstream Pony are Beth Arzy, Shaun Charman, Kerry Boettcher, Tom Levesley, and Mark Matthews. Bowerbirds and Blue Things will be release on March 28 via Shelflife Records (US) and Spinout Nuggets (UK).

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Bandcamp for Bowerbirds and Blue Things

Rare material from Television Personalities coming soon!

 

2025 is shaping up to be a special year for indie music lovers. One upcoming release that has multiple stars next to it on our wish list is Tune In, Turn On, Drop Out - Radio Sessions 1980-1993. And just does one get in a recording with that mouthful of a title, you ask? One gets a double LP of radio sessions by indie pop legends Television Personalities. The material includes to BBC session and a WMBR session, as well as a bonus download of a WFMU session. The material is taken from the masters, and as this is a Fire Records release we can be sure that the LPs will reflect high standards. We look at this release as an unexpected and rare opportunity to fill out our TP collection with rare gems. To whet everyone's appetite, here is two of the tracks - "Silly Girl" from the John Peel BBC session and "Salvador Dali's Garden Party from the Andy Kershaw BBC session. Enjoy, and note that the release date for Tune In, Turn On, Drop Out - Radio Sessions 1980-1993 is January 17.

Bandcamp for release

Fire Records (UK) page for release

Fire Records (USA) page for release

Various relevant links including pre-order links

Three singles by Rats on Rafts, new album in January

 

Rotterdam's fine forward thinking rock band Rats on Rafts is back in our view finder with three new singles and a soon to be released LP titled Deep Below. Famed for their upfront, highly charged art rock, the Rats on Rafts of 2024 - 2025 have shifted musically. The singles are comprised of moody shadows and shards of ice. And the passion previously worn on the sleeve seems to be simmering internally. while no less intense, the quartet seems to be wrestling with big concepts and the unease born of uncertainties and questioning previous conceptions. Of course, this is a three-song snapshot and our views will be updated when the full album drops on February 7. But all it took was one listen to "Japanese Medicine" to pencil the full album in for coverage.

Deep Below will be release via Fire Records.

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Various links to pre-order Deep Below

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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Bandcamp for Free Energy

Nightshift - Homosapien

 

The core of Homosapien, the new album by Glasgow collective Nightshift, is assured and upfront rhythms and taut arrangements. The additional magic is supplied by the affecting vocals, distorted and inventive guitars and and approach to songwriting that embraces multiple styles, perspectives and details. If one were forced to apply one genre, post punk would probably raise its hand, tentatively. But at times the band is more in an inspired alt folk space and in others experimental pop might fit more comfortably. But we aren't going to obsess about such labels beyond telling you that the delights are multiple, varied, and at times pleasingly surprising. After our first listen to Homosapien our impression was that it is as if many other post punk bands are recording in black and white, and Nightshift is painting with a full color palette. The songs are uniformly excellent, but of course any listener will have favorites. We have a big smile on our faces whenever we play "Phone", and we often play "Phone". "Crush" and "Sure Look" pushed their assertive selves to the front as well, but all are worthy. Yes, it is one of our top albums of the year.

Nightshift are Eothen Stern, Chris White, Rob Alexander and Andrew Doig. Ray Aggs contributes violin on "Phone" and "Sure Look". Homosapien 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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Bandcamp for Free Energy

"Forgive and Forget" by Wings of Desire

 

Our first Monday morning listen was the thrilling "Forgive and Forget", a shoegazy post punk tune by Stroud, UK's Wings of Desire. The song is taken from their three-track EP Shut Up And Listen. The EP will be out August 30 in digital and cassette formats.

The proceeds from the sale of the EP will support The Long Table, a community service organization in Stroud.

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Bandcamp for EP

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"Sure Look" by Nightshift

 

Homosapien, the upcoming album by Glasgow's musically adventurous Nightshift is just a few weeks from hitting our eager ears. But the tease continues with the lovely third single, "Sure Look". A calming reminder to pay attention to self care, it bears the band's hallmark propulsive rhythms, inventive guitar and enchanting vocals, all accented with a fiddle. This is going to be a "don't miss album" dear readers. Don't miss it.

Nightshift are Eothen Stearn, Chris White, Andrew Doig, and Rob Alexander. Ray Aggs plays fiddle on several tracks. Homosapien will be out July 26 via Trouble In Mind Records.

TroubleInMind · 02 - Sure Look

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Bandcamp for pre-order of Homosapien

Trouble In Mind Records page for album

Various relevant links

Neutrals - New Town Dream

 

Giving voice to the lives, challenges and memories of the generation ensconced in "new towns" in Thatcher's UK, New Town Dream by Bay Area band Neutrals is at time trenchant, at times wry, but always direct and perceptive. But most importantly, vocalist Allan McNaughton has crafted songs that are concise, vibrant and simultaneously punchy and melodic. Stylistically, the band has found that elusive sweet spot between wiry, spikey post punk and jangle pop. It is a territory that DC's Dot Dash do well (admittedly, with more of a powerpop slant), but few others currently playing do. As for Neutrals, they absolutely nail it. The arrangements are dynamic, inventive and multi-dimensional, with forays into electro-pop and dub (see the fourth embedded track below, we couldn't resist Scots accented dub). The quality and variety on offer with New Town Dream places it very high on our list of 2024 album so far. But it isn't only impressive, it is very enjoyable and we will be playing it for a long, long time.

New Town Dream is out now in vinyl, CD and digital formats via Slumberland Records.

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Various links for New Town Dream

"Wish You Were Here" by Neutrals

 

 In 2022 it was written about Neutrals in a brilliant write up of their album Bus Stop Nights (link to full review): 

There are punk bands that are all thunder and fury. We respect the passion and listen avidly, but at times the art of the song is lost. Then there are bands that declare themselves punk, but seem to like the idea of being a punk band while really being a pop rock band. And then there is a rare punk-oriented band that has the incisive writing and aggressive performing, but also understands the need for a hook, a laugh and a melody. Such a band are Oakland, California's Neutrals.

We don't mind stealing that language for our post about their "Wish You Were Here", the first single from their upcoming album New Town Dream, because we wrote it. And it remains at least as true today as it was two years ago. In just this first single we get shaggy C86 guitar pop and Josef K style clanging guitars. We are tingling here (nothing a few beers won't cure, of course).

Neutrals is a trio that craft songs with sonic punch, melody, and incisive lyrics. They believe what they believe and don't hold back in telling you. It is a stunning band that deserves a wide audience, and perhaps this album will help them attain that.

New Town Dream will be released May 31 on Slumberland Records and Static Shock Records.

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Various links for New Town Dream

"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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Blue Ocean - Fertile State

 

What's your personal poison? Noise pop? Shoegaze? Jangle? Post punk? One or more of the foregoing? May we humbly suggest that you can get all of that, as well as memorable melodies and a full load of energy on Fertile State, the debut album from Oakland, California's Blue Ocean. The tracks are distinctly drawn but sufficiently varied that the band is hard to pigeonhole. For our tastes the more aggressive shoegaze/noise pop tracks have the greatest initial appeal. But some of the others, such as "Take A Care", suggest that the band may thrill us mining other musical veins in future releases.

Fertile State is out now in vinyl, CD and digital formats via Slumberland Records.

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Various relevant links

"Whip Around" by Life Strike

 

One of our favorite Australian post-punk bands -- Life Strike -- was featured here last month (link) with the first two singles from their upcoming Peak Dystopia LP. We now have number 3, the twangy rocker "Whip Around". We commend it to your ears.

Life Strike are Nick Pratt, Patrick McCabe and Scotty Brique. Peak Dystopia will be released on July 14 via Stable Label (Aus) and Bobo Integral.

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Bandcamp for Peak Dystopia

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The Toads - In The Wilderness

 

OK, we are back writing about music after a couple of days geeking out about the indictment of a former U.S. President. As lawyers, we are allowed to do that.

But on to the important matters, like the takeover of our music system by amphibians. Yes, we have had In The Wilderness by The Toads playing loudly for several days now. We hasten to point out that this is not a complaint. After all, we cued up the music and keep pressing to replay. So, you might ask -- what prompts all of the replays? Well, the excitement of garage pop played with just the right amount of abandon is a good start. And then there is the aggressive and sometimes abrasive post punk elements, leavened with subversive streaks of pop and contrasting nuggets of jittery anxiety. Putting all those elements together takes some confidence, but with talent comes confidence so The Toads nail it.

The Toads are Miles Jensen (vocals), Billy Gardner (guitar ), Stella Rennex (bass), and Elsie Retter (drums), all of whom are borrowed (or stolen) from The Living Eyes, The Shifters and Parsnip.

In The Wilderness is out now via Anti Fade Records and Upset The Rhythm.

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"Truth About You" by The Particles

 

A month ago we alerted readers to the upcoming release of 1980s Bubblegum, consisting of selected songs by fine '80s Australian band The Particles. The post streamed a couple of singles from the album and also featured the album trailer. We now have a new single titled "Truth About You". We find the song quite appealing, but if your ears tell you it is more post punk that bubblegum, we won't disagree. But then, the band never intended to be bound or defined as bubblegum.

1980s Bubblegum will be out on July 7 via Chapter Music. US fans can purchase at Seasick Records and UK fans can purchase at Monorail Music.

Various links for the single

Bandcamp for album pre-orders and singles purchases

Guardian Singles - Feed Me To The Doves

 

Feed Me To The Doves by Guardian Singles commanded our total attention from the first song to the last. Vibrating with energy and filled with punk and post-punk infused social and political commentary, it is chaos reformed and structured into a bold and captivating statement. The members of this New Zealand band are completely locked-in with the songs sounding both polished and live to tape. And by the way, this rhythm section absolutely rocks our world.

Guardian Singles are Thom Burton (guitar/vocals), Fiona Campbell (drums), Yolanda Fagan (bass), and Durham Fenwick (lead guitar). Feed Me To The Doves is out now via Trouble In Mind Records.

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Label page for album

System Exclusive - Party All The Time EP

 

Are human beings wired to party all the time? We don't know the answer to that question. But we do know that if we want to try to party all the time, we need a suitable soundtrack. And if we are constructing such a soundtrack, we certainly can't leave out an EP titled Party All the Time. The creators are Pasadena, California duo System Exclusive, whose arsenal of synths and top of the charts female vocals provide a big and commanding sound that will keep us primed for action. To be honest, we are embarrassed that we hadn't heard of this duo before.

System Exclusive are Ari Blaisdell and Matt Jones. Party All the Time is out now via Mt.St.Mtn.

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Various links for System Exclusive

"Killer Bee" by Wireheads

 

We are not fortune tellers, although wearing a costume and sitting by a globe and telling people lies for money has a certain appeal. And we wouldn't even need to sign up with the election committee unlike the other professional liars. But there is one bit of the future we can foretell with high confidence: Potentially Venus by Wireheads will be one of our favorite albums of the year. There are three singles available to date, including the just-released "Killer Bee", and all of them are classic Wirehead gems. We assure you that the rest of the songs are terrific as well.

Wireheads are there own genre, an indie rock/post punk/psychedelic/jangle/alt country/punk collective that gives life to the weird and wonderous songwriting of leader Dom Trimboli. "Killer Bee" is a psychedelia-shaded alt country jam with a thumping rhythm line and addresses several themes, including the downside of living near the police station and a bee sting. As always, it is an interesting ride.

Potentially Venus will be out in digital and vinyl formats via Tenth Court Records. See the Bandcamp link below for pre-orders. For vinyl distribution in the  US contact distribution@thebusinessanacortes.com, for everywhere else, contact Matthew Ford at www.tenthcourt.com

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Various links for "Killer Bee"

Bandcamp for pre-order of Potentially Venus

Tenth Court Records

"Downwinders" and "Giving Up The Ghost" by Life Strike

 

Life Strike are Nick Pratt, Patrick McCabe and Scotty Brique. They wowed us with album Primitive Future in 2019 (link). New album Peak Dystopia will drop this summer, and we are looking forward to it. This band addresses serious topics, and do so with an artistic flair that makes you want to listen to their message. For example, new single "Downwinders" addresses nuclear weapons testing, an undeniably weighty topic that is nevertheless presented in the form of a terrific guitar pop song. "Downwinders" and the recently released "Giving Up The Ghost" are both taken from the upcoming album. Give them a listen below.

Peak Dystopia will be released on July 14 via Stable Label (Aus) and Bobo Integral.

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Bandcamp for "Downwinders"

Bandcamp for "Giving Up The Ghost"

Various links for "Giving Up The Ghost"

Bandcamp for Peak Dystopia (July 14)

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