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.
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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"Any Other World" is a tune that grabs your brain, shakes it, massages it, and leaves you feeling more alive and energetic. That it also has an accessible social message is just icing on the musical cake. It is no surprise that such a stunning single is the work of New York synth pop artist Deradoorian, also of Decisive Pink and , formerly, Dirty Projectors.
If you, like us, like what Angel Deradoorian is creating, note that her new album Ready for Heaven will be released May 9 via Fire Records.
Night of the Stars is out now in vinyl, CD and digital formats via Hybris, Matinee Recordings, and Anna Logue Records.
Matinee Recordings page for Night of the Stars
Here at WYMA we are fans of accepting people the way they are rather than setting up barriers. A simple rule could just be, well, be kind. Heck, we don't even do negative reviews here. If we don't like a release, why ruin someone's day and make their mother cry?
So, we were happy to receive "Be Kind", the first single by The Male Gays. It is a slow-burning and sincere plea for tenderness. The song is the title track of the project's three song single/EP which will be released August 2. Expect insight, humor, and entertaining music.
And who are The Male Gays? Two gay, self-described music nerds named Guy Blackman and Bart McDonagh. But however correct, that phrase may be, it undersells the gentlemen. Guy and Bart have played in several bands, but they have made a considerable mark in the indie music world in their roles at fine labels Chapter Music (Melbourne) and Domino Records (London), respectively. They have both earned our respect and thanks for releasing some of our favorite music over the years.
Last month we highlighted the new project from Swedish synth pop masters Red Sleeping Beauty. The jist is that the band will release a song at the beginning of every month this year. A purchase at Bandcamp will entitle the listener to an album in progress. At the close of the year, the album will be complete. The February song is "Free Cake For Every Creature". The tune trades the soaring highs of the January offering for a fun and delightfully constructed pop song. We think this project is progressing very nicely.
We suppose that artists search for their own personal way to find inspiration and motivation (we need to "suppose" because there seems to be a -- at least temporary -- gap between true artistic talent and our "talents"). Our beloved Swedish band Red Sleeping Beauty has decided to release a song every month in 2024 to prime their creative side. But buying the song isn't just going to get you a single, it is a purchase of an album in progress. And every ensuing month will bring another track. At the end of the year the purchaser will have a 12-track Red Sleeping Beauty album!
Well, it is January of 2024 and we have single number one: "Caroline (I Found Love)". It is classic Red Sleeping Beauty with big pop hooks and bigger vintage synth arrangements, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
Bandcamp for "Caroline (I Found Love)"
We were feeling a bit lethargic after our weekend, but we jumpstarted the week with the euphoric Nordic pop single "Rise" / "Define Your Dreams" by Azure Blue. We love the soaring synths and the dominant bass lines. It give us good New Order vibes with that appealing Swedish gloss. Get it now via Matinee Recordings.
Matinee Recordings page for record
Suburban Spell is synthwave artist Peter Endall, formerly of '80s Melbourne band Schizo Sherzo. He has returned to recording his own brand of electronica, and will release an EP titled Falling Down on June 23. Take it for a test drive with track "Bright Gold Cross", which brings to our minds Kraftwerk, OMD and New Order, as well as a wave of other '80s memories (yes, we are that old). This definitely is an EP we are looking forward to hearing.
Adrift is out now via Ottawa label The Beautiful Music.
The album is out now in digital, CD and vinyl formats via Errant Media.
The single, which is out now as a digital release, and the album are provided via Hybris with distribution handled by ALOADED.
The new album is infused with all of the charm of their first album, but also benefits from their immersion in the Nordic pop world. The production is detailed but not cluttered, the vocals nuanced and well up in the mix, and the arrangements are far more adventurous than standard indie pop. Expectations is a delightful and rewarding listen, and we think it will make the end of your weekend a littler warmer and brighter. We can only hope that Mario and Rose don't wait several decades before the next album.
Expectations is out now in digital, CD and vinyl formats via Shelflife Records (North America), Discos de Kirlian (Europe), and Fastcut Records (Japan).
The song is a relationship-about-to-go-wrong sketch told in light melancholy and lush and bubbling arrangement. But listen closely and you will discover delightful details just below the top line, blurred like the soundtrack to an old black and white movie.
The band consists of Mario and Rose Suau, who are based in Michigan. "Gone" is out now as a digital release. Expectations will be released November 5th via Shelflife (North America), Discos De Kirlian (Europe), and Fastcut Records (Japan).
On "Give It Hell" the listener will find the band's trademark swoonable vocals, but also thrill to the explosion of textures and expanded dynamism in the arrangement.
Yumi Zouma are Christie Simpson, Josh Burgess, Charlie Ryder, and Olivia Campion.
For So Long As I Remember will be released via Melbourne's Chapter Music.
Bloods, Side A is a testament to the power of electronic music to exude warmth, depth, emotion and color. The record is the work of Welsh artist Ryan A. James, recording as Man Without Country. James' music is detailed, playful and complete, offering a full package of melody, beats and crafted lyrics. In his 30s, James has had a solid career in collaboration with others, solo, and remixing. However, the quality of his work exceeds his fame. If justice is served, this EP will give him the recognition he deserves.
Bloods, Side A is out now in digital and CD formats.
