Many of us Pacific Northwest music fans miss Portland's The Thermals. Fortunately for us, Hutch Harris of The Thermals also decided that he missed The Thermals. So, ten years after terminating the band, we have a new single and an upcoming album. The album is titled Under The Crushing Rain and will be released on September 4 via Hutch's Static Catsup Aspic label. Yes, that is a long time to wait, but you can thrill to the lead single "Spirit Collectors", a rant against the people that waste your time and suck your soul. As a bonus, we also have streamed "Good Morning Fellow Scavengers" which is also on the album.
We are music fans, not critics, which is why we don't post negative news. So you can be sure that if we publish a post about a song or album, we truly like it and have picked it from among our many submissions and discoveries. However, even among all of our favored musical "children", some work stands out. And that brings us to The Hollow Husk of Feeling, the second full length album by New Zealand's Best Bets. From a sturdy, broadly conceived power pop platform the band delivers 12 tracks stretching from the edge of jangle pop to the border of alt rock. Guitars jangle, chime slash or describe tangled figures as the material requires, and the rhythm section controls the pace with power and finesse. But this set of songs is more than solid gold sounds, as Best Bets features three songwriters with a feel for melody and a talent for lyrical craftsmanship. If you are only going to have room for ten guitar pop albums this year, make certain that The Hollow Husk of Feeling is one of the ten.
Best Bets are Olly Crawford Ellis, James Harding, Matt Phimmavanh, and Joe Sampson. James and Olly are members of Transistors and Joe has been in Salad Boys, T54 and other projects (including the label Melted Ice Cream). The Hollow Husk of Feeling is out now via Meritorio Records and Melted Ice Cream.
If you like things that are sweet, crunchy and bold tasting, we suggest that you new musical soundtrack should include Mingling With The Thorns by Vancouver, BC's WUT. The sound may remind you of the Shop Assistants, Flatmates or other C86 bands. But the lyrics are this trios own, addictive brand of humor mixed with sharp commentary. It is a breezy, euphoric listen packed with elements we search for in new music. It is the sort of album that you can play over and over without any complaints from others in the household/office, and if you don't believe it, try it yourself.
WUT is Tracey Vath (bass/vocals/guitar), Kaity McWhinney (guitar/vocals), and Lauren Smith (drums/vocals). Mingling With The Thorns is out now in digital and vinyl formats via HHBTM Records.
We live by few rules at WYMA, but one rule is never ignore the weird. So today we feature and EP that was released in late June titled History of Weird by Australian band Halfheads. Punchy, urgent and a bit chaotic in places, it also displays a good sense of melody. The band pulls back a bit for the touching third track but ramps up for the closer "Max Ray", which probably is a co-favorite of ours on this EP.
You can find History of Weird at the Bandcamp link below as a digital download.
Exact portions are unknown, and vary among the tracks, but the music created by Oh Boland for Western Leisure seems comprised of powerpop, garage, punk, jangle, barroom sing-a-long, chaos, and maybe, just maybe, a bit of whisky. The band sounds like they are on the precipice, and we are on the edge of our seats -- or standing and jumping around the room. From start to finish it is original, captivating and so full of vibrant storytelling that we want to grab our coats and head out on the town. Of course, we would take the music with us.
The main man here is Irish musician and songwriter Niall Murphy. Western Leisure is Oh Boland's third album, and is out now via Meritorio Records an Safe Suburban Home. Niall deserves your ears, and you deserve this album.
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.
This makes back to back posts for Meritorio Records artists, but there are no apologies from us. When a track makes us feel as alive as "Here Comes the Order of Malta", then we will promote it as if we are paid to do so (which we certainly are not). A couple of bars in we want to climb into the car, roll down the windows and crank up the music. To keep peace in the neighborhood we might also start the car and drive -- just kidding, this song demands that we drive. It reeks of vitality, of adventure, of 'get out and do something'.
The song is the first single from the upcoming Western Leisure, the third album from Oh Boland. band-now-solo-project of Irishman Niall Murphy. Western Leisure will be released May 31 via Meritorio Records most everywhere and Safe Suburban Home in the UK.
It is evident that Glasgow four-piece Water Machine believes that music can be fun. And they are sufficiently convinced that their special chemistry, called 'raw liquid power', is the secret sauce that they have titled their upcoming EP Raw Liquid Power. Are they right? We will know in good time. But in our expert and quite nearly infallible opinion (we thought Dortmund would win), new single "Water Machine Pt. II" is infectious and loads of fun. And as summer arrives, a reminder to hydrate is very timely.
Water Machine are Hando Morice, Flore de Hoog, Jimmy Gage, and Goda Ilgauskaite. Raw Liquid Power will be out August 4 via Upset The Rhythm.
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 Bubblegumwill be out on July 7 via Chapter Music. US fans can purchase at Seasick Records and UK fans can purchase at Monorail Music.
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.
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
Tom Brown, who also has been on these pages with this duo Rural France, has found his way into our lineup again with his bedroom-project-turned-full-band Teenage Tom Petties. Their entre is via today's release of the double A-side "Posters" / "My First Beer". It is uptempo guitar pop with plenty of jangle and a good dose of punk attitude. Sounds right up our alley, you say? You are right.
Teenage Tom Petties are Tom Brown (guitar/vocals/drums), Jim Quinn (bass), Rob Fawkes (lead guitar), and Galen Richmond (backing vocals). This single is out now via Safe Suburban Home and Repeating Cloud Records. Tom released a full album under this name last year, and he and the band plan to record another one this summer. "Good news" we say.
If a man in a trench coat approaches you and gives you a choice of "zu" or "no zu", you are hereby advised to take the less obvious choice. Sure, you might be tempted to take the first choice and become the proud owner of some zu which, you think, surely must be better than no zu at all. However, if you take the second choice you will have Heat Beat, the new EP by Melbourne's ultra terrific No Zu. If this discussion hurts your head, turn off your brain, press "play" on Heat Beat and let your heart and feet be your guide. This is punk funk. It is dance. It is world beat. It is dark but vibrant. It is the one and only heat beat.
No Zu are icons in Melbourne (and probably everywhere else they have played). Heat Beat is their first record in several years, and presents their last recordings with vocalist Daphene Camf, who died in 2021. We hope they continue because there is nothing quite like them. But the future aside, the weekend comes and everyone should have Heat Beat on their soundtrack. The EP is available in vinyl and digital formats via Chapter Music.
2022 continues to bring us happy surprises. In this instance it is the news of a November EP by Melbourne's No Zu. Creators of a heady, physical mix of funk, house, punk and whatever-the-hell-else-they-want-to-put-in that the band calls 'heat beat', they never fail to thrill the senses and move the feet. The EP, which appropriately is titled Heat Beat, will be out November 18 via Chapter Music. Take it for a test drive today via the first single, "Liquid Love". Is is a gooey, slimy delight.
There is something about the combination of hard rocking riffs and anthemic punk choruses that never fails to ramp up our heartrates, prompt us to stay up late, and, quite often, drink too much beer. Fortunately, the name of the band that is the subject of this feature also is a public service announcement. This is because Near Beer reminds us to have the aforementioned essential supplies at hand. And it is entirely necessary because the Los Angeles trio's self-titled debut is a perfect encapsulation of hard rocking riffs and anthemic punk choruses. One could have wondered whether songwriter/guitarist and frontman Joey Siara could still deliver the goods ten years following his last album for The Henry Clay People. But previous singles from Near Beer -- "Yelling At A Dog", "Dead Drummers", and "Mixtape Generation" -- promised big things and the album more than fulfills the promise. Lyrically, the songs explore various aspects of growing older and dealing with what life throws at you, delivered with acceptance, defiance and some grins. But sonically the album is all about not giving up on rocking. So in the end Near Beer is a terrific piece of music and a life affirming statement. What more could we want?
Near Beerare Joey Siara (vocals/guitar), Brent Stranathan (drums), and Jeremy Levy (bass/backing vocals). The album is out now via Double Helix Records.
"Bit Much" isn't just a song, it is an explosion -- a white hot, chest pummeling blast of punk/garage rock. It is the first single from the upcoming second album Care by Melbourne power trio Clamm, and if the rest of the record follows suit, it will contend for the heavy release of the summer.
Clamm are Jack Summers (guitar/vocals), Miles Harding (drums/backing vocals), and Maisie Everett (bass/backing vocals). Care will be released August 19 via Meat Machine in UK, Europe and Asia, and by Chapter Music everywhere else. Clamm will be touring the UK and Europe in late August and early September.
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. They have all of that plus a well-earned Scottish accent with frontman Allan McNaughton. We have covered their albums, and their shorter records as well, regardless of label or format. We are happy to do so again with their new Bus Stop Nights EP. Four great songs that remind the jaded listeners that great music is still being written and recorded.
Neutrals are Allan McNaughton (guitar/vocals), Phil Benson (bass/vocals), and Philip Lantz (drums/vocals). Bus Stop Nights is available now in vinyl and digital formats.
Pounding like your heart after a couple of triple espressos and jittery like, well, a nicotine fit, Fuse is an enveloping sonic world of hardcore garage rock and thrashing punk, courtesy of Japan-based quartet Nicfit. It is a total team effort -- all of the players are up in the mix, locked in together, and committed to a volcanic, but cathartic, wave of sound. But make no mistake, this is not an angry album. The vibe here is live happy and party onward, and we are happy to be along for the ride.
Nicfit are KenKen (bass), Kuwayama (drums), Charley (guitar), and Hiromi (lead vocals). Fuse is out now via Upset The Rhythm.
Combining punk, hardcore and propulsive rhythms, Nicfit are preparing to explode into our musical consciousness. The Nagoya, Japan-based four piece are Hiromi (vocals), Charley (guitar), KenKen (bass), and Kuwayama (drums). Debut album Fuse will be released January 14 via UK label Upset The Rhythm, but you can catch the excitement with the two singles released from the album so far "Deviation" and "Fuse".
Gathering talents from Heavenly, The Pooh Sticks, and Talulah Gosh, Swansea Sound could be considered indie royalty if they were the types to regard royalty as a coveted status. But we suspect that they would scoff at such a designation, and that is but one of the reasons to appreciate them. Of course, the main reason to appreciate them is that they are four grounded and charming people who have crafted a wonderful 13-track album of stirring, punchy and incisive crash pop and punk titled Live At The Rum Puncheon. Although the band pulls no punches lyrically, their music is quite catchy and they find the time for some romance, remembrance and plenty of humor to go with social and political observations. Targets include the digital marketplace, teenage angst and the modern music industry, but they also include a tribute to one of their former bands.
We like this album so much that we forgive the untruth at its core. You see, this album was not really recorded live at the The Rum Puncheon. The Rum Puncheon was a notorious bar in Swansea where one could drink away the day, but it closed a long time ago. In the band's defense, the music sounds like it could have been played at the establishment back in the day, and we mean that in the most positive sense. And in a way, that untruth reveals a greater truth: What better place for a virtual band formed in a pandemic to pretend to play live than a long-shuttered venue? There has been a lot of good music created in the pandemic, and in our opinion this album must be included in the top tier.
Swansea Sound (who 'borrowed' the name of a radio station for their name) are Hue Williams, Amelia Fletcher, Rob Pursey, and Ian Button. Live At The Rum Puncheon is out now in CD, cassette, digital and vinyl formats via HHBTM Records, Skep Wax Records, and Austin Town Hall Records. Purchase of a physical version gets you a digital download and Bandcamp streaming, but the album is not available on streaming services.
