Dropkick - The Scenic Route

You may not be aware that Scotland's Dropkick is one of the finest jangle pop bands on the planet, but if not it certainly is time to educate yourself. After all, the freshly released The Scenic Route is their 16th album and how many chances can they be expected to give you? It has everything we need: Jangle, fuzz, harmonies, and hooks. Nothing here is complicated, and nothing here should be complicated - just 10 expertly crafted musical arrows aimed at our hearts. Better late that never for a good Dropkick.

Dropkick are Andrew Taylor (vocals/guitars), Mike Foy (drums/vocals), Ian Grier (keys), and Alan Shields (bass/vocals). The Scenic Route is out now via Madrid label Bobo Integral.







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"Set Me Free" by Steve Buscemi's Dreamy Eyes

Our long wait for a debut album from Swedish band Steve Buscemi's Dreamy Eyes will be over on Valentine's Day with the release of Sweetie. But before that happens we have "Set Me Free", the final single. A briskly pace, '80s-tinged anthem, it is keeping us moving on a dreary Friday.

Steve Buscemi's Dreamy Eyes are Siri Sjoberg, Tilde Hansen, Elias Mahfoud, and Edvin Arleskar. "Set Me Free" and Sweetie are released via Rama Lama Records.






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Various links for "Set Me Free"
Bandcamp for Sweetie

"Love You To Death" by Snowy Band

Since we started the day with a couple of pop heroes from Sweden, we will continue part of the theme with Liam "Snowy" Halliwell, the man behind Snowy Band (although he is joined in the venture by some ace contributors) and another pop hero. If you enter "Snowy" or "Liam Halliwell" into this blog's search engine, you will discover that he has featured in a number of projects we cherish, including the The Ocean Party and Studio Magic. Snowy Band will be releasing new LP Audio Commentary on March 27 via Osborne Again Music and Spunk Records. To let you know how special it will be, we have shared the first single, "Love You To Death", below.

Snowy Band consists of Liam Halliwell (vocals/guitar/others), Emma Russack (vocals/guitar), Nathalie Pavlovic (vocals/bass), and Dylan Young (vocals/drums).






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Bandcamp for Audio Commentary

"The Absence of Birds" by The Radio Dept.

Some of the most delightful music we have heard in our lives is the creation of The Radio Dept. The Swedish duo consisting of Johan Duncanson and Martin Carlberg have refined the musical textbook for melancholy, bittersweet dreampop. Thus, any news about forthcoming music from the band is welcome, and today we bring you a triple header. First, the band has released the lovely new "The Absence of Birds" (with an accompanying remix), deftly sketching a block party with a parallel focus on the narrator focusing on an absent person. Second, on March 27 the band will reissue their sophomore album, Pet Grief. And third, and of special interest to US fans, The Radio Dept. will be touring with fellow Swedish band Hater in North America in April and May.



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Just So! (label)

Peter Hall - There's Something Wrong With Everyone

We are not particularly familiar with UK artist Peter Hall, but the four tracks on There's Something Wrong With Everyone have made fans of us. This is intimate, carefully crafted and richly melodic indie pop that has lifted our spirits today. We suggest it may well do the same for you. There may be something wrong with everyone, but there is nothing wrong about this EP.





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The Late Pioneers - The Late Pioneers

The Late Pioneers have been around long enough to have released multiple EPs, albums and singles, but they are a new discovery for us at WYMA. And while it may be embarrassing (for us) to be late to the party, their music is too good to not jump in and tell our readers about it. Fortunately, the Subjangle label has made our task easier by collection 20 of the band's tracks and presenting them in a self-titled compilation. The result should delight new fans as well as old fans that appreciate having the songs in a single edition.

The band boasts a large sweet spot spanning jangle pop, powerpop, '60s guitar pop, and early '70s California country rock. Sometimes we thought we were listening to Teenage Fanclub, and other times Buffalo Springfield or one of our other favorites. But at all times we were entertained. Although the members of The Late Pioneers have other musical projects, they mesh together seamlessly and offer tightly constructed and sincere music that hits our pleasure spots in just the right way. One run through this album and all the songs sounded like old friends that we have turned to for years.

The Late Pioneers are Nathan McGahern, Peter McNicholl, Craig Sumner, and Nick Worrall. The album is out now in digital and CD formats.









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Pia Fraus - Empty Parks

If we wanted to illustrate dreamgaze, which obviously is the intersection of dreampop and shoegaze, we probably couldn't find a better example than Empty Parks, the new album by Estonian band Pia Fraus. This is music packed with blissed out vibes and positive energy, briskly paced superbly performed by musicians that have played together for over two decades. Soft harmonies, guitars and synths mesh together to create soundscapes that both sooth and inspire. Grab this album and play it loud while driving through the country. You won't be disappointed.

Pia Fraus are Eve Komp (vocals/synths), Kart Ojavee (synths), Rein Fuks (guitar/vocals/synths/tambourine/shaker/songwriting), Reijo Tagapere (bass), Joosep Volk (drums/percussion), and Kristel Eplik (backing vocals). Empty Parks is out now in digital, vinyl and CD formats via the band's own label, Seksound, and Vinyl Junkie in Japan.








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Basic Plumbing - Keeping Up Appearances

The release of an excellent album should be a cause for unmitigated celebration. However, the world isn't perfect and our joy at the quality of Keeping Up Appearances is dampened by the knowledge that Patrick Doyle, the man behind Basic Plumbing, died at age 32 before the album could be released. Indisputably, Mr. Doyle make a mark in the indie music world in his short time with us. His earlier projects included Scottish bands Correcto, Dot to Dot, Sexy Kids and The Royal We, and then as co-founder of Veronica Falls. Subsequent to the demise of VF, he launched solo project Boys Forever and moved from the UK to Los Angeles. Although Boys Forever was well received, Doyle rebranded his solo work as Basic Plumbing for the songs on Keeping Up Appearances. Where Boys Forever boasted soaring harmonies and delectable indie pop, Basic Plumbing pulled back in some of VF's melancholy and dark shading, while retaining pop structures and hooks. The result is an album that sounds like a live recording, while retaining high production and performance values. As before, Doyle proves to be an excellent songwriter as well as an able vocalist, touching on joy and sadness. He also played all the instruments except bass, which was provided by Helen Skinner. This is a fine album and deserves the ears of any indie pop fan.

Keeping Up Appearances is available now in digital, vinyl and CD formats. See the Bandcamp link below.








Bandcamp for album

"From Never To Once" by Lewsberg

Today our ears visit Rotterdam for "From Never to Once", the new track from Dutch four-piece Lewsberg. The song is appealingly raw with a driving Velvet Underground-style rhythm and talk-sing vocals. Enjoy the track and the video below, and mark your calendar for March 27, when we will have the band's second LP. Titled In This House, it will be self-released in digital, CD and vinyl formats. See the Bandcamp link below.






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Bandcamp for In This House

Son Little - aloha

Son Little says aloha, and it is about the freshest, most appealing musical greeting you are going to find this winter. Possessing an agile voice that can seduce, charm, and soothe, the artist packed the album with 12 tracks of folky R&B accented with clever and unexpected touches. He played nearly all of the instruments himself, writing and recording the album in eight days, although he enlisted the production services of Renaud Letang. The music is warm, emotionally resonant and powerful. For us, it was love at first listen, but we were even more thrilled as each play revealed more nuances, both lyrical and instrumentally. If you want an album that is like coming in from the winter cold and sitting down by the fireplace to let the chill dissipate, this is your album.  Highly recommended.

Son Little's given name is Aaron Livingstone. In addition to his solo work, he has collaborated with The Roots, Mavis Staples and RJD2. aloha is his third album, and it is out this Friday on Anti- Records.







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Various links to source aloha
Bandcamp for aloha

"In Blue" by Loudmammoth

Loudmammoth are Sophie Hall-Luke, Will Bean, Liam Slack, and Declan Mulholland. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne in the north east corner of England, they formed the band in 2018, and have now released their third single, "In Blue". An intriguing tune, it showcases the quartet's ability to tell a musical story with simple but adeptly assembled elements. The single is out now via Last Night From Glasgow. We also suggest that you hit the Bandcamp link to hear Loudmammoth's first two singles.



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East Village - Hotrod Hotel

If you are an indie pop fan, the top of your shopping list this week should reflect an easy choice. Hotrod Hotel by the horribly under appreciated UK band East Village has been reissued by Slumberland Records. The band had a seven year run ending in 1991, after being formed by brothers Martin and Paul Kelly, later joined by Johnny Wood and Spencer Smith. As is too common in the music industry, East Village became more popular after their demise (sound familiar, Big Star?). Hotrod Hotel, which collects the band's singles, was originally released in 1994 and now is available in digital and vinyl formats.  And since this release marks the first time the record has been available in vinyl, if you want the physical version -- and who wouldn't -- act soon.

We featured album tracks "Violin" and "Cubans In The Bluefields" in early December, so we have chosen three other gems to stream below. After sampling five of the 12 songs, we expect you will agree that Hotrod Hotel fully justifies the band's cult status, and why it easily slides on to our "essentials" list.







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"Counterpart" by Kluster B

Malmo quintet Kluster B has been on our radar since the middle of the last decade. An artistically restless lot, their recordings probe the delights of jazz, punk, noise rock and other sub-genres to flesh out their indie pop arrangements. Our only complaint is that they aren't prolific enough, but they will remedy that soon with their sophomore album. An intriguing taste is offered below, via new single "Counterpart".

Kluster B are Sebastian Hegedus (guitar), Adam Jonsson (guitar), Pontus Ornstrand (keys/synth/bass), Andreas Pollak (drums), and Linnea Hall (vocals). Their music is released via Rama Lama Records.




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Various links to source "Counterpart"

Pintandwefall - Your Stories Baby

One could look at the name of the band, and conclude that Pintandwefall walks the path of pub music. And the impression wouldn't be lessened by reading the promotional material describing the members of the Finnish quartet as Crazy Pint, Cute Pint, Dumb Pint, and Tough Pint. I mean, we're talking about pints and falling down -- this isn't complicated.

Except, that it is a bit complicated. Play the band's new album, Your Stories Baby, and you enter a world of sophisticated yet accessible pop music. The vocals are exceptional and the instrumental elements, while understated, are detailed and well crafted. The tone and moods are varied and there isn't a weak track on the album. Sample the goods below with "Ah-Ah-Ah", which may be the sweetest three minutes you experience today, and the darker "Short Goodbye"

By the way, the actual names of the Pintandwefall are Sanna Komi, Ninni Luhtasaari, Ringa Manner, and Iiti Yli-Harja, who also are engaged in other musical projects. The band was formed in 2006, and Your Stories Baby is their sixth album. It is out now via Helsinki's Soliti Music.






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The Cupholders - The Cupholders Present The Wisconsin Polka!

A song, a place, a state of mind: Welcome to the world of "The Wisconsin Polka". The song was written by Wisconsin (Racine) native, and one-third of Seattle's The Cupholders, Bart Cameron for his other band, The Foghorns. With references to love, lust, aging, tough driving and cold - bitter cold - and set to a Polka rhythm, it is a pithy and warmly drawn musical poem and tribute to both Bart's home state and the state of life unspooling. The song takes on legendary stature in The Cupholders' new mini-album, The Cupholders Present The Wisconsin Polka!. Beginning with a snippet of the state song (I was required to learn the words myself as a grade school student in Wisconsin), the album presents The Foghorn's punky polka version as the "Racine" version, then follows it with a rendition of the song by Cupholder Casey Ruff with Joy Mills. Labeled the "Montana" version after Casey's home state, it is an folky, acoustic take. Apparently they don't polka in Montana, but they do perform good songs well.

Next up is the soul/garage (but still Polka) "Kenosha"version voiced by Cupholder Sam Russell, a native of Kenosha, Wisconsin. The following Drexel Hill Version is by guest Jon Rooney/Virgin of the Birds (a Pennsylvania native), who offers an affecting indie pop interpretation as well as creating the album art. Then we get an all hands "Ballard" version, presumably named after the Seattle neighborhood that hosted the album release party. The album closes with an immensely interesting last minute treat - a dreamy, shape-shifting version by autOudiO (Paul Beaudry).

And what do you do when you have heard six versions of The Wisconsin Polka back to back? You cue it up and play it again. It is that good.




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"The Clap" by The Chats

We know a number of people who consider The Chats to be one of the more interesting young bands in recent memory. This is the case, despite the Australian trio not having released a debut album yet. Obviously, such notoriety speaks well of The Chats' brand of garage punk. Of course, no one should be surprised songs about that beer and sex, delivered with a smile, are almost as popular as the real thing.

The reason The Chats are on our mind today is the they finally are releasing the debut album, appropriately titled High Risk Behaviour. The album won't reach our ears until the last week in March, but the band have released a video for album track "The Clap" and announced tours in North America and Europe (venues and dates are listed at the bottom of this post). Enjoy your dose of "The Clap" below.

The Chats are Eamon Sandwith, Matt Boggis, and Josh Price. In true DIY punk fashion, High Risk Behaviour will be released via the Band's own label: Bargain Bin Records.






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Various links for pre-order of High Risk Behaviour

THE CHATS TOUR DATES:
Fri. April 10 - Indio, CA @ Coachella
Sat. April 11 - Berkeley, CA @ The UC Theatre *
Sun. April 12 - Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades *
Mon. April 13 - Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom *
Tue. April 14 - Seattle, WA @ El Corazon *
Fri. April 17 - Indio, CA @ Coachella
Sat. April 18 - San Diego, CA @ Observatory North Park *
Sun. April 19 - Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom *
Mon. April 20 - Santa Fe, NM @ Meow Wolf *
Wed. April 22 - Dallas, TX @ House of Blues *
Thu. April 23 - Austin, TX @ Emo’s *
Fri. April 24 - Houston, TX @ Bronze Peacock at House of Blues *
Sun. April 26 - Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre *
Tue. April 28 - St. Paul, MN @ Amsterdam Bar & Hall *
Wed. April 29 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues *
Thu. April 30 - Nashville, TN @ Exit/In *
Fri. May 1 - Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theatre *
Sat. May 2 - Charlotte, NC @ Epicenter Festival
Sun. May 3 - Washington, DC @ The Fillmore Silver Spring *
Tue. May 5 - Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts *
Wed. May 6 - Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club *
Thu. May 7 - Brooklyn, NY @ Warsaw *
Wed. Oct. 7 - Amsterdam, BL @ Melkweg Max
Sat. Oct. 10 - Paris, FR @ Maroquinerie
Sun. Oct. 11 - Cologne, DE @ Gloria
Mon. Oct. 12 - Hamburg, DE @ Gruenspan
Tue. Oct. 13 - Berlin, DE @ Festsaal Kreuzberg
Fri. Oct. 16 - Southampton, UK @ 1865
Sat. Oct. 17 - Nottingham, UK @ Rock City
Mon. Oct. 19 - Dublin, IE @ Olympia
Tue. Oct. 20 - Belfast, UK @ Limelight
Thu. Oct. 22 - Glasgow, UK @ Galvanizers
Fri. Oct. 23 - Manchester, UK @ O2 Academy
Sat. Oct. 24 - Newcastle, UK @ Boiler Shop
Sun. Oct. 25 - Leeds, UK @ Stylus
Mon. Oct. 26 - Brighton, UK @ Dome
Tue. Oct. 27 - Bristol, UK @ O2 Academy
Wed. Oct. 28 - London, UK @ Electric Brixton
Thu. Oct 29 -  London, UK @ Electric Brixton

* = w/ Mean Jeans & Thick

Kiwi Jr. - Football Money

Kiwi Jr. plays indie rock with the competence of seasoned professionals headlining an extended tour and the exuberance of the teenage band down the block who just secured their first paid gig and have their fake IDs sorted. Fuzz, jangle, distortion and an injection of bratty attitude - no fucks given and no apologies offered or needed. Spinning Football Money, the Toronto band's new album, gives the listener the improbable -- although undeniably delightful -- impression of Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers, Pavement, and Scott & Charlene's Wedding combining for a set at your local venue. The proceedings are sunny and uptempo, and infused with a sense of fun and adventure.  And when they dial down and reflect, as on penultimate rack, "Swimming Pool", the effect is just as stunning. The influences detected on Football Money are plentiful and varied, but with writing and guitar-work this good, the quartet's material stands on its own without comparisons.

Oh, and be warned, this album gets better with each listen.

Football Money is out Friday, January 17, via Mint Records in Canada and Persona Non Grata Records elsewhere.









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Mint Records

"Ghosting" by Spinning Coin

In November we featured "Feel You More Than World Right Now", the debut single from the upcoming album by Spinning Coin. As the Glasgow (with two members now residing in Berlin) band is one of our favorites, we are looking forward to the arrival of Hyacinth on February 21. Meanwhile, today brings the video for another album track, the tense and urgent "Ghosting". Treat your eyes and ears below.

Spinning Coin are Chris White, Jack Mellin, Sean Armstrong, and Rachel Taylor. Hyacinth will be released via the Geographic imprint of Domino Records.




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Digital links for "Ghosting"
Bandcamp for Hyacinth
Pre-order link for Hyacinth (vinyl/CD)
Link for digital order of Hyacinth

"Neve Give Up" by Son Little

One of our favorite records of the year so far drops at the end of the month. The artist is Los Angeles' Aaron Earl Livingston, who performs under the name Son Little. The title of the album is aloha, and it will be release via Anti-.  Of course, we will have more words about the fantastic set of songs later, but for now we will leave a taste for your ears in the form of the video for album track "neve give up".




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Bandcamp for aloha
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Anti- page for Son Little's recordings

The Just Joans - The Private Memoirs and Confessions of the Just Joans

It is rare to read a review of a new recording from Glasgow's The Just Joans without a mention of the fact that they are named for an advice columnist for Scotland's Daily Record newspaper. But we aren't going to fall into that trap. No sir, we are too clever for that. So we will jump right into the important stuff: The Just Joans have a new album titled The Private Memoirs and Confessions of the Just Joans. As knowledgeable  fans would expect, the songs are filled with tales of non-love, disintegrating relationships, casual violence, gender battles, annoying acquaintances and wry observations on our fellow men and women. The lyrics are sardonic, humorous, self-deprecating, bittersweet, and eminently clever.

We are reminded of the joys that will be revealed every time we receive a recording from this band just by reading the titles of the songs. For example, this outing brings us "Hey No, Let's Not Go", "Who Does Susan Think She Is?", "My Undying Love For You Is Beginning to Die",  "The One I Loathe The Least", and "Another Doomed Relationship".   But the titles are just the appetizers, as The Just Joans never fail to deliver on the promise of a clever title. They entertain, they make you laugh, and they poke fun. But ultimately, their work is full of humanity and makes us happier to be alive.

The Just Joans are David Pope (vocals/guitar), Katie Pope (vocals), Chris Elkin (lead guitar), Fraser Ford (bass), Arion Xenos (keys), and Jason Sweeney (drums). Alison Eales contributed lovely string arrangements. The Private Memoirs and Confessions of the Just Joans is out now in vinyl, digital and CD formats via Fika Recordings.




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FIKA Recordings page for album
FIKA Recordings

"Short Goodbye" by Pintandwefall

In a week the world will have Your Songs Baby, the sixth album by Finland's Pintandwefall. From what we have heard so far, it will be a release that our readers will want to hear. But you don't have to wait to hear album track "Short Goodbye" via the engaging video below.

Pintandwefall are Sanna Komi, Ninni Luhtasaari, Ringa Manner and Iiti Yli-Harja. Your Songs Baby will be release via Helsinki's Soliti Music.




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"Feeling Never Goes Away" by Dropkick

The tradition of jangle and power pop is strong in Scotland, so we weren't surprised to learn of another talented band picking up the mantle. Not surprised, but still impress with the quality of the work from Dropkick. Led by Andrew Taylor and completed by Ian Grier, Mike Foy, and Alan Shields, the Edinburgh quartet offers perfect harmonies, jangling and hook-filled melodies, and positive lyrics. Recently signed to label Bobo Integral, they have a new album titled The Scenic Route dropping February 7. You can sample the tunes via debut single "Feeling Never Goes Away" below.






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Treasure Chest Alert: Television Personalities compilations

Did you receive what you wanted and needed this holiday season? If not, we think you should treat yourself. In fact, we think you should treat yourself even if you got everything you thought you wanted and needed. And if we may be so bold, we have a suggestion for you: Two collections of the singles released by Television Personalities from 1978-1994. For our money, these compilations are a literal treasure chest of some of the most delightful indie pop ever recorded. Carefully prepared by Fire Records, the music is presented chronologically, including some very rare recordings and remixes, and is presented in digital, vinyl and double CD bookback with liner notes.  Packed with hooks, delightfully melodies, playful lyrics and spanning indie pop, twee and gentle psychedelia, it should cement to reputation of main TP man Dan Treacy as one of the best and most prolific songwriters of the era. It seems pointless (and impossibly daunting) to undertake more detailed descriptions, so we will leave you with some streams from the goodies, and our highest recommendation to own these collections forever.

Some Kind of Happening - Singles 1978-1989:

Bandcamp for album

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Some Kind of Trip: Singles 1990-1994:

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Cloth - Cloth

One of our delights over the holiday season has been repeated plays of the self-titled album by Cloth. The Glasgow trio of Rachael Swinton (vocals/guitar), Paul Swinton (guitar) and Clare Gallacher (percussion) crafts sparse soundscapes adorned with soft vocals and makes adept use of space for emphasis. While not loud, the songs have an understated urgency, performed with assurance. The electronic grooves give the album a forward push that freshens the presentation and adds to the accessibility. Cloth won't be the soundtrack for your Saturday night rave, but if you are like us it may be your soundtrack for every other evening.

Cloth is out now in digital, vinyl and CD formats via Last Night From Glasgow.









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Beat Hotel - Beat Hotel

We apologize to our millions of readers for disappearing for over a week, but there was snow in Canada that needed to be skied, and beer and champagne that needed to be drunk. Tough jobs, to be sure, but we believe we performed them ably. So it is back to writing about music worth listening to.

And speaking of 'worth listening to', we suggest that you turn your ears to the self-named mini album from Beat Hotel. If the music reminds you a bit of UK guitar music of the '80s, such as the Creation Records catalog, well, there is a good reason. According to the origin story, the idea for the band arose between guitarist Paul Pascoe (of Mulow, Fire Eyes and others) and bassist Arash Torabi (of The June Brides, The Distractions, and The Granite Shore) at a show by The Jasmine Minks. After an extended hiatus, the band surfaced again earlier this decade, then joined by drummer Dave Morgan (of The Loft, The Weather Prophets, Primal Scream, The Jazz Butcher, Subway Sect and others -- an essential man for many of our essential bands). For Beat Hotel the band is completed by guitarist Stephen Brett. Additional support was provided by Frank Sweeney and James Thomas.

Whether grooving to the power pop of "Feel It", the jangling psychedelia of "Bury It Deep", the ballad "Beat Girl", the country rock of "Daddy, I Drown", the hard-rocking roadhouse "Low slung Loser", or the burning closer "Heat Light Fire", the astute listener knows their ears are in the care of absolute professionals. We love this album. It fueled our recent vacation and we aren't going to put it on the shelf for a long time (in fact, we are listening to "Beat Girl right now -- what a fine song!

Technically, the release date isn't for another month, but you can stream it right now at the Bandcamp link below. If so-moved, you can own it in digital or vinyl form. The record is released via Occultation Records.






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Occultation Records

"A Song For You" by Lemon Drink

How about a nice lemon drink for the holidays? It arrives in the form of "A Song For You", a garage pop banger by Glasgow band Lemon Drink. The project was the brainchild of Sophie Bartholomew and Kirstie Cunningham, allegedly spawned of a 'mutual love for amaretto sours and gal bands'. That origin story works for us, as does this song. Pour yourself an amaretto sour and cue it up. And despite the precious opening bar, turn it up loud.

The single is out now via the tasteful collective Last Night From Glasgow, which is demanding more of our bandwidth lately.



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Introducing: Na Noise

Today's special treat comes to us from New Zealand with thanks to the Pop Lib blog. The project is Na Noise, consisting of Yolanda Fagan and Hariet Ellis. The duo have worked together in other projects, including the Echo Ohs, that deserve your ears. But this new combination of '50s vibe meets noise pop meets indie pop has captured our imagination this week. The catalog on Bandcamp is only two-deep at this point, but we are glass half full guys and we  expect that more gems will be available over time. For now enjoy these tunes, which a musical confections crafted of sweet sugar, salty tears, and a terrific beat.





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Three Days From Retirement - Empty Chinese Cities

Yes, the name of the band and the title of the album are a bit unusual. But the self-described cinematic and euphoric instrumental post-rock soundscapes on Empty Chinese Cities deliver exactly what Edinburgh project Three Day From Retirement promise. A pleasingly-fleshed out soundtrack that pleasures your ears and lifts your spirits. Give it a chance.

Empty Chinese Cities is out now in CD and digital formats. See the Bandcamp link.



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"All Compasses Go Wild" by Close Lobsters

One of our favorite bands, Glasgow's Close Lobsters, will be releasing a new album at the end of February. And while we have little in the way of details about the grandly-named Post Neo Anti: Are Provera in the Forest of Symbols, we can tell you that it has ten tracks and will be a co-release from Last Night In Glasgow (UK) and Shelflife Records (US). It is available now for pre-order.

We can also tell you that album's opening track "All Compasses Go Wild" is available now as a single. So that gives us a great start to the week before Christmas week.




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Pink Chameleons - Songs EP

Our spirit animals  for this week are Pink Chameleons. Although we have to confess that we aren't new age enough to know what we should be doing about, with, or to a spirit animal in any general sense (maybe T-shirts or matching tattoos?), we know just what to do with Songs, the debut EP by our spirit animal: We play it often, and we play it loud. Consisting of six songs that ably display the band's ability to thrill with garage and psychedelic rock, it has a spooky, slightly unsettled vibe and features top quality performances. If you are a fan of The Jesus and Mary Chain, the Howl Sessions by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, or frontman Paltsa-Kai Salama's other band, Black Lizard, this EP nestles in the center of your sweet spot. It certainly does so for us. The band advises that their interests include country and gospel, so we eagerly await future recordings. But for now, this one is a winner.

Pink Chameleons are Paltsa-Kai Salama (guitar/vocals/songwriting), Antti Sauli (bass), and Ville Hopponen (drums/keys). Songs EP is out today via Helsinki's Soliti Music.









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"Sometimes" by Ivory Caves

"Sometimes" isn't a particularly new song -- we think it became available as a free download near the end of the summer. But is is a rousing, uplifting song with interesting dynamics and soaring vocals. It has given us a good start to our day, and suggest that you see if it does the same for you. The band is Scottish quintet Ivory Caves. We hope to hear more from them in 2020.




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Lloyd Meadows - Oxford Synthesiser Club

Let's say an artist is capable of Harry Nilsson/John Lennon dream pop, jangling guitar pop, endearingly wonky synth pop, chart-reaching electropop, '80s yacht rock-meets-experimental, and baroque pop -- and you have a record quality song of each? Well, most artists would choose a style and write more songs like it, saving the others for another day. But if you are young Australian Lloyd Meadows, you realize that you've got an EP ready for the world. So you record it, name it Oxford Synthesiser Club, and release it. Job done! Actually, no, job well done. The songs here are melodic, well written, and manage to be playful and slightly fragile. It is a truly special EP, so put on your earphones and give it a spin.

Oxford Synthesiser Club is out now via Ottawa's The Beautiful Music in CD (see label page) and digital (see Bandcamp link) formats.






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"I Close My Eyes" 7" by Jetstream Pony

This UK band is named after a retired greyhound. At this time, the doggie goes by the name Jenna. However, showing a good sense for the power of a catchy name in marketing, the band chose the name under which the dog raced. So welcome new music by a WYMA favorite, Jetstream Pony. The two tracks showcase the band's brand of fuzzy, jangling, upbeat post punk. Try it with breakfast and hit the day at full speed.

The band consists of Beth Arzy, Shaun Charman, and Kerry Boettcher. The new single is released via Kleine Untergrund Schallplatten.






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"Violins" and "Cubans In The Bluefields" by East Village

We suspect that there is nothing quite like playing the vinyl version of Hotrod Hotel, the collection of singles by the wonderful East Village. And we are confident in our suspicion, because thus far there has been no vinyl version of that album. However, the lovely people at Slumberland Records will rectify that hole in the musical solar system by reissuing Hotrod Hotel in vinyl for the first time on January 24.

East Village had a seven-year run ending in 1991, the first few years under the name Episode Four. Founded by brothers Martin and Paul Kelly and then adding Johnny Wood and Spencer Smith, their first touchstone was C86, but their most notable work was a timeless indie pop not quite in synch with the tastes of their era. We suspect that Slumberland will sell out this reissue, so indiepop fans are well-advised to consider pre-orders.






Slumberland Records page for album

The S-Bends - Nothing Feels Natural To Me

As we approach the end of the year we start working on our list of favorite albums. But inevitably new albums punch their way on to the list in the final month. It is almost as if the artists have no respect for our crowded calendar of holiday parties. However, when an album reminds us of Dick Diver, Ocean Party, The Go-Betweens, Paul Kelly and The Goon Sax, well, what choice do we have.

So, welcome to Nothing Feels Natural To Me, the debut album by Sydney's The S-Bends. If you are expecting yet another slacker pop album, you will be pleasantly corrected. This set of songs truly earns the above references with crisp playing, spacious arrangements, assured songwriting, and affecting storytelling. Some of the tunes have all the bounce of a New Zealand guitar pop band, and we've streamed three of them below -- think, perhaps, of Ocean Party and Boomgates performing a tribute for The Bats. but the moody, slower tempo wonders such as "Datsun", "Kilroy", and "Two States" more than earn their place on the album. And as good as the album is out of the box, it manages to grow on the listener with repeated plays. Our first listen earned votes for this feature. Our second listen brought a place on our provisional year-end list. At this point, it is a likely top 20.

The S-Bends are Jacob Dawson-Daley, Madeleine Er, Samuel McEwen, Mitchell Ryan, and Andrew Zic. Nothing Feels Natural To Me is out now in vinyl and digital formats via Stable Label.







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Bandcamp for album

"Tell Your Lover" by Luke Marshall Black

If you happen to be looking for a stylish kiss-off to exit a toxic relationship (and a happy holiday to you, as well!), may we recommend "Tell Your Lover" by young Luke Marshall Black. The Glasgow native has a smooth voice with a hint of grit, and we admire both his delivery and his songwriting on this fine single.

"Tell Your Lover" is out now as a digital release.




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Various links for "Tell Your Lover"

"Teenage Blues" by Vistas

Despite our best efforts, Wednesdays have not yet been banned. So our only reasonable tactic to find a song with a anthemic chorus and play it loudly a few dozen times. Our selection is "Teenage Blues" by Edinburgh trio Vistas.

Vistas are Prentice Robertson, Dylan Rush, and Jamie Law. "Teenage Blues" is out via Manchester's LAB Records.



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Hot Shorts - I Understand & I Wish To Continue

Tuesday's WYMA hot shot is by Hot Shorts (admittedly, we had to go back and review that opening to ensure that we didn't mistakenly write 'Tuesday's WYMA hot shorts are by hot shot', so never let it be said we don't have standards and quality controls). Their new album I Understand & I Wish To Continue works both as good rock music in the vein of Weezer or Pavement, and as truly funny social commentary. We suppose that the latter will not surprise those readers aware that the band includes two published authors (which, at this point, should include all readers), but we think that these folks get extra credit for not just nailing the introspection, but in doing so in a manner that is humorous, engaging and very peppy. We've included two of the gems below, but some of our favorites can only by those who purchase the album or have access to it via a streaming service. You have our permission to treat yourselves.

Hot Shorts are founding members Chris Killen and Peet Earnshaw, with Lara Williams and Joel Nicholson. I Understand & I Wish To Continue is out now via Manchester label Icecapades.







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Bandcamp for album
Icecapades' Bigcartel page for album

Ducks Unlimited - Get Bleak EP

We like ducks, whether it is a single duck or an entire flock. So it is understandable that we are attracted to a band named Ducks Unlimited. And our mild disappointment at discovering that the quartet might be more accurately referred to as 'four ducks' or something else closer to the truth, we fell in love with the music they make on  their new Get Bleak EP. There is no quacking involved, but there are descriptions of life as a young, underemployed, isolated 20-something. However, bleak topics do not make for bleak music in the hands of Ducks Unlimited. The record consists of four ace jangle pop tunes that strut despite the content.

The EP is out now in digital and vinyl formats via Bobo Integral Records.





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Bandcamp for EP