Permits - Time Permits

 

As we are fans of Melbourne-area bands The Shifters, Pop Singles, Dag and Chook Race, we were eager to dive into an album by Permits -- a project boasting members of each of those bands. Not surprisingly, these gents have a lot of material that hasn't fit in their other bands' records, so they joined forces and gave the songs new life in Time Permits. The themes are observational, and the pace and vibe have a Velvet Underground feel. The band's instincts were correct, this material deserved to be recorded for us to enjoy and this record is a very nice end of the year surprise.

Permits is Tristan Davies, Tam Matlakowski, Dusty Anastssiou and Rob Remedios. Time Permits is out now in digital and cassette formats via Tenth Court.

Bandcamp for Time Permits

Various links to source Time Permits

Tenth Court

credits

"Rage On" by Tim Cohen

We have been alerted that Bobo Integral, one of the fine Spanish labels we follow, will release a solo album by Tim Cohen of The Fresh & Onlys and Magic Trick. The San Francisco artist has released the lead track, "Rage On", as the first single. Featuring a detailed but mellow arrangement and Cohen's warm weathered voice, it gives us a change to snatch some calm pleasure in a hectic holiday season.

You Are Still Here is Tim Cohen's sixth solo album, and will be released in vinyl and digital formats on March 26.

Bandcamp for album

Twitter for The Fresh & Onlys

"Home" by Millar Jukes

Before we leave today we are sharing a fun, country blues single by a Scotsman who has emigrated to Australia. Enjoy "Home" on Soundcloud or watch the video, in which Millar Jukes shows his penchant for moving around and eating out of cans. We endorse the former, but are a bit wary of the latter (note, we think drinking beer out of cans is perfectly normal).

"Home" is out now -- check your preferred digital music source.

Millar Jukes · Home

Facebook

Twitter

Soundcloud for "Home"

The Cupholders - The Cupholders Christmas Shitshow Mixtape Vol​.​1

 

A great holiday offering - 40 tunes by Seattle area artists for 'name your price' with the proceeds going to Keep Music Live Washington to help save hometown community-based music venues. The album was put together by The Cupholders: Bart Cameron of The Foghorns, Casey Ruff of Casey Ruff & the Mayors of Ballard, and Sam Russell of Sam Russell & The Harborrats. The songs in the collection include songs by The Cupholders, its members other projects, and songs by friends, associates and acquaintances. There were no genre restrictions, so the listener will delight in a wide array of musical expression. 

We've given you a taste below, but consider doing good by buying good music. We thank you!

Website

Facebook

Bandcamp for Album

"At Attention" by Northern Portrait

Our less-than-patient wait for new material from Northern Portrait, our favorite Danish indie pop band, is over. True, the new album The Swiss Army won't be out until 2021, but the first single is here already. "At Attention" struts the more muscular, wide-screen end of the jangle pop spectrum. It seems to fill our Monday with more confidence and energy, and we suggest it may do the same for you.

"At Attention" and The Swiss Army are available via Matinee Recordings.

Matinée Recordings · Northern Portrait - At Attention

Twitter

Matinee Recordings page for single

"A Joke" by Mystery Guest

 

Melbourne's Mystery Guest enthralled us with their lovely album Octagon City earlier this year (our feature here). Fortunately for our ears, the Metro Tunnel Creative Program and Melbourne Music Week included Mystery Guest among the Melbourne artists invited to create and contribute original music during COVID-19 lockdown. The resulting Home Made Sound contains many and varied delights, with Mystery Guest's "A Joke" catching our attention. Allegedly, it is about love, death and gags, and it it lovely start to finish. Stream it below.

Mystery Guest is Caitlyn Lesiuk (guitar, organ, electric piano, vocals) and Patricke Telfer (drums). On this single bass was played by Daevid Gravalien, flute was provided by Sophie Weston, and Joel Carey supplied backing vocals. "A Joke" is out now in digital format via Tenth Court, which also released Octagon City.

Facebook

Various links to source "A Joke"

Tenth Court' website

The Yellow Melodies - Sunshine Pop EP2

 Rafa Skam and his band mates in The Yellow Melodies are not, to our knowledge, doctors of medicine. But on this rainy, early winter day the five songs on Sunshine Pop EP 2 are the mental vitamin D medicine that beats any other prescription. From "Follow the Sun" through the last note of "The Sunshine In Your Eyes" the record is packed with pop melodies and feel good vibes. Consider it essential for your mental health.

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Bandcamp for EP2

Skink Tank - Skink Tank EP

 

It almost is hard work keeping up with the jangle-oriented guitar bands of Melbourne. We say "almost" because while it takes time, it is pure pleasure. In terms of volume and quality Melbourne has pulled up to the top tier with New York, Glasgow and a few others. Today's fairly fresh discovery is Skink Tank. This trio is rambunctious, positive, tuneful, and based on their self-titled, seven-track EP, talented. There is plenty of passion, although it seems that they don't want to be seen as trying too hard. It is all blue-collar and Friday-night fun. We are disappointed that we can't just head out the door and see them live in a neighborhood bar. However, we have a few weeks of test driving this EP, and we assure you that is sounds damn fine in your own home. Our mood improves each time we play it. And for that, our partners thank Skink Tank, our kids thank Skink Tank, our dogs thank Skink Tank, our cats ... well, to be honest, the cat ignores us completely.

Skink Tank are Maggins on bass and vocals, Ricko on guitars and vocals, and Ally on drums and vocals. The EP is out now in digital and cassette formats via Psychic Hysteria.

Facebook

Bandcamp for Skink Tank EP

Psychic Hysteria

"Found Out" by Locked Hands

We are starting our day with a downloadable nugget from Scotland - "Found Out" by Locked Hands. This project's brand of electronic pop eschews routine templates and never fails to deliver thrills. "Found Out" grabbed our interest instantly with a stuttering dub beat, then blending in shadowy vocals. Short and punchy, it is a track that earns a lot of replays around here.

Locked hands is one of the projects of Belfast-to-Edinburgh's Sean Ormsby, who also is co-head of label Errant Media.

Locked Hands · Found Out

Errant Media on Twitter

Errant Media's Bandcamp (previous releases)

"Back to Me" by Cool Sounds

 

Lets give a release day warm welcome to "Back to Me", the lead single from Cool Sounds' upcoming full length Bystander. We can always count on this band to deliver warm, pleasing melodies and sweet guitar lines. And while the press release promises social commentary over the dulcet tones, "Back to Me" begins the proceedings with some calm reassurance. We needed that.

Cool Sounds are Dainis Lacey, Nick Kearton, Ambrin Hasnain, Steve Foulkes, Jack Nichols, and Pierce Morton. Bystander will be released on February 12 via Osborne Again and Spunk Records in Australia and New Zealand, and by Nice Guys in the rest of the world. If you want vinyl, you might consider pre-ordering it. The limited edition white vinyl is already sold out.

Facebook

Twitter

Bandcamp for Bystander

"Skogen" by Stephen's Shore

 

Here is today's first jangling delight, "Skogen" by Stockholm's Stephen's Shore. The band was formed in 2011 and previously released an EP and an LP (both available on their Bandcamp page). They now are preparing to release new EP Brisbane Radio. While two EPs and one LP in a decade is not a furious production pace, our experienced ears advise us that this five-piece makes up for the leisurely pace by focusing on high quality output. "Skogen" is the second track to be released from the EP, following the title track.

Stephen's Shore are Viktor Sjodin, Erik J. Undehn, Jimmy Ottosson, P.A. Blomqvist, and Mattias Berqvist. "Skogen" and "Brisbane Radio" are available digitally via Meritorio Records. The EP will be released in digital and limited edition vinyl formats on January 22, also via Meritorio.

Facebook

Bandcamp for Brisbane Radio

"Make Kin" by Nightshift

 

When we learned that Glasgow's Nightshift includes members of Spinning Coin, 2 Ply and Robert Sotelo we instantly were interested. And listening to "Make Kin", the first single of upcoming album Zoe, shot our interest to Code Red levels. Smooth and slinky, this is percussive, post punk goodness of the highest order.

Zoe will be out in late February via Trouble In Mind, and we are eager to have it.

TroubleInMind · Nightshift "Make Kin" (Trouble In Mind Records)

Twitter

Trouble In Mind Records page for Zoe

Fixtures - Weak Automatic EP

 

Brooklyn band Fixtures embraces a wide variety of influences, all of them worthy of consideration. Then they turn the crank on their very own music machine and churn out a hook-filled, noisy version of indie pop/rock. And for extra flavor they now have added a saxophone. The result -- as evidenced by their new EP Weak Automatic -- is joyful, positive and thrilling. For our ears the songs are a satisfying combination of pop music craftsmanship and jam band. What better (legal) way to get energy for that mid-week slump?

Fixtures are Kris Liakos (vocals/guitar), Jah McGuire (bass), Alain Paradis (guitar/vocals/keys), Robin Fowler (drums/percussion), and Jules Block (sax). Weak Automatic EP is out now in digital and cassette formats via Bobo Integral Records.

Facebook

Bandcamp Weak Automatic

"Common Sense" by Melby

 

Happy day! One of our favorite Nordic bands, Swedish quartet Melby, is back with new single "Common Sense". While retaining the charm of their past work, the new song expands their range from their psych pop roots to a more sophisticated pop with a bubbling groove. We like it quite a bit, and suggest that you may as well.

Melby are Matilda Wiezell, Are Engen Steinsholm, David Jehrlander, and Teo Jernkvist. "Common Sense" is out now as a digital release via Sweden's Rama Lama Records and Germany's Sinnbus.

Rama Lama Records · Melby - Common Sense

Facebook

Twitter

Bandcamp for "Common Sense"

Various links for "Common Sense"

 

Common Sense is out on Rama Lama Records (ROW) and Sinnbus (GSA) on December 8th. The track was recorded with and produced by Alexander Eldefors.

Half Japanese - Crazy Hearts

 

With Crazy Hearts we find Jad Fair's Half Japanese project four decades and nineteen albums into their career. While the band has long been known for their default tendency to create noisy music, they more recently have given more emphasis to pop sensibilities while still living large in the garage rock/psychedelic pop channels. Crazy Hearts is not only a good example of that transition, it is an excellent pop album boasting varied songs, a generous spirit, and a vulnerability that seems more pointed with Jad's talk/sing delivery.

In addition to Jad Fair, Half Japanese is John Sluggett, Giles Vincent Rieder, Mick Hobbs and Jason Willett. Crazy Hearts is out now via Fire Records.

Facebook

Bandcamp for Crazy Hearts

Various links for Crazy Hearts

Pop Filter - Donkey Gully Road

 

Is Donkey Gully Road a mystical place, a historic location, or a scenic landmark? Not to our knowledge (although friends and partners might suggest that our knowledge is a low bar to clear). But it is a street in Yapeen, Victoria, Australia on which resides a recording studio at which Pop Filter recorded their second release of 2020, and for which the album was named. And after living a bit with Donkey Gully Road, we now find the name quite significant and very memorable, because the album is both.

In our opinion, the album is significant not just because it is one of the better guitar pop albums our ears have experienced this year, but because it is yet another edition of the consistent output of Melbourne's The Ocean Party turned Pop Filter. And it is memorable both because of the quality of the individual songs and the overall coherence of the album. In this case "coherence" is not meant to suggest homogeneity. With six songwriters contributing material there is ample diversity in style and voice. But with their long friendships and extended period as a band, Pop Filter's ability to work each other's music imbues a kinship to the tracks. We think many bands gauge their work to hit a chord with their audience, which is only natural and to be expected. We get a different vibe from Pop Filter. In their case, it is more like a group of friends who get together to kick the ball around and have small-sided games every weekend. You can watch, and it will please them if their play pleases you, but the game is for them -- for their enjoyment and an expression of their friendship. For our part, we're just happy they record their music. 

It never seems fair to pick songs for a feature of a recording by Pop Filter (or the predecssor The Ocean Party), because all the songs are worthy and two each reflect he songwriting talents of one of the members. We have taken the approach of highlighting different styles rather than rating songs. We submit that you would do yourself a disservice if you didn't click on the Bandcamp link and listen to the entire album. Donkey Gully Road is out now via Spunk Records, Osborne Again, and Bobo Integral.

Bandcamp Donkey Gully Road

Spunk Records page for album

Bobo Integral page for album

The Reds, Pinks & Purples - You Might Be Happy Someday

 

Infused with melancholy and ambivalence and then gift-wrapped in superb jangling dream pop wrappers, the eight songs comprising You Might Be Happy Someday just may make more than a few year-end indie pop lists. Whether that makes The Reds, Pinks & Purples happy on the given day, we can only speculate. But if you are an indie pop fan shrewd enough to grab this 12", you will be happy and you will be happy now.

The Reds, Pinks & Purples is the home recording project of Glenn Donaldson, whose past projects include the esteemed The Skygreen Leopards and Art Museums. You Might Be Happy Someday is out in vinyl (while it lasts--this is its second pressing) and digital formats via the UK's Tough Love Records. The project also will have a full LP out in the new year via Slumberland Records.

Bandcamp for album

KO:MI - We Said We Didn't Know But We Knew

 

We Said We Didn't Know But We Knew is an exotic but eminently accessible tapestry of Nordic indie folk, electro pop and alternative pop. The creators are Finnish band KO:MI, comprised of  Sanna Komi (vocals, violin, songs and lyrics), with Mikko Joensuu (vocals), Suvi Linnovaara (clarinet and flute), Saara Viika (cello), Markus Perttula (double bass and vocals), and Teemu Tanner (backing vocals). Sanna is also known and respected for her work with Pintandwefall, Kynnet, and Cats of Transnistria, and we have followed her career with interest and pleasure. As KO:MI, she seems especially free to pursue her thematic and musical vision, and has crafted an intellectually intriguing exploration of relationships with the background of a challenging social environment. And the music, well, that is classic Komi, combining traditional and experimental in ways that please the ear and challenge expectations. One moment she is a pop star cooing in your ear, the next moment she is an ambient producer, and the next a choir on Sunday morning. Dazzling and satisfying in equal measure.

We Said We Didn't Know But We Knew is out now via Helsinki's Soliti Music.

:

Facebook

Bandcamp for album

Soliti Music page for KO:MI

Josephine Foster - No Harm Done

 

No Harm Done is a bit outside of our usual lane. But this eight-track musical exploration of love and yearning is utterly enchanting. Written by Josephine Foster and performed by Foster and guitarist Matthew Schneider, this is a spellbinding and utterly captivating record, highlighted by effortlessly melodic, slow-burning compositions and Foster's pristine mezzo-soprano. The vibe recalls old vinyl recordings from many decades ago, like a soundtrack for a black and white movie from the archives. We heartily encourage you to test a few songs below and consider going to Bandcamp an losing yourself in Foster's spell.

No Harm Done is out now in digital, vinyl and CD formats via Fire Records.

Website

Facebook

Bandcamp for No Harm Done

Fire Records page for Josephine Foster/ 

Neutrals - "Personal Computing" b/w "In The Future"

 What better day to feature a record titled Personal Computing than Cyber Monday? True, people given to overly technical analysis might point out that the release day if four days in the future, but we counter with the arguments that the two songs comprising the single are already available to stream and order on Bandcamp, and the special color of vinyl is already sold out at the pre-order stage (black vinyl remains available). So on balance, Cyber Monday is perfect in our eyes.

This little gem is the creation of  Neutrals, a DIY Oakland punk/post punk trio with Glasgow DNA. The two upbeat song that comprise the single, "Personal Computing" and "In The Future" are at the punk end of the spectrum. But they feature plenty of melody to go with the passion, and the ringing, buzzing guitars are a delight. Perhaps it is audacious to say so, but this single reminds us of The Clash, and that is direct pipeline to our hearts.

The record will be release via Slumberland Records and is, in fact, the final installment of that label's singles series.

Facebook

Bandcamp for Personal Computing

Slumberland Records page for Personal Computing

Candy Opera - The Patron Saint of Heartache

We like the name of the band - Candy Opera, and we like the title of the album - The Patron Saint of Heartache. But that doesn't get a band digital ink. What does get a band digital ink is a fine set of songs, and this album fully delivers on the quality scale. Add the fact that the album marks the new chapter of a feel-good resurrection story, and we find ourselves cheering for this lot. 

The short version of the background is that Candy Opera were a promising Liverpool band formed in the early '80s, drawing favorable comparisons to Scotland's Aztec Camera and fellow Liverpudians Echo & the Bunnymen and Pale Fountains. The band went through various lineup changes until they pulled the plug in the early '90s. The story may well have ended there, but Firestation Records found the band's old demos and released them in 2018 via an LP titled 45 Revolutions Per Minute. Candy Opera reformed to support the release, and found their creative juices jump-started. The result is The Patron Saint of Heartache, their first new songs in thirty years. The music is spacious, detailed and big-hearted. It is no surprise that the band's '80s guitar pop sensibilities are evident, but it also isn't a weakness. In our view these songs demonstrate both why Candy Opera was well-regarded in the '80s and why they deserve a play in current day guitar pop.

The members of Candy Opera are Brian Chin Smithers (guitar/vocals), Alan Currie (drums), Frank Mahon (bass), Paul Malone (vocals/guitar), and Ken Moss (guitar). The Patron Saint of Heartache is out now via A Turntable Friend Records.

Candy Opera · These Days Are Ours

Candy Opera · Start All Over Again

Candy Opera · Hashtag Text Delete

Candy Opera · There Is No Love

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Bandcamp for The Patron Saint of Heartache

Soundcloud

The Royal Landscaping Society - Frost 7"

 

A certain landscaping business has been in the news in the United States as a player in yet one more farcical episode in the reality TV presidency. However, our tastes landscaping run to The Royal Landscaping Society, a two-man band from Seville, Spain. Chris and David make swoon-worthy electro pop that uplifts our spirits and fires our romance synapses. Their latest creation to reach our ears is the just released Frost 7", consisting of the wonderful title track coupled with a cover of "This Gift", a song recorded by They Go BOOM!

The Frost 7" is out now as a digital single via Matinee Recordings, available at the Matinee online ship and other digital sources. In other good RLS news, the band will be releasing LP Means of Production in the coming months.

Matinée Recordings · The Royal Landscaping Society - Frost

Facebook for The Royal Landscaping Society

Twitter

Matinee Recordings page for Frost

Facebook for Matinee Recordings

I Am A Rocketship - Orange EP

Perfect for the last evening of the weekend, Orange EP by I Am A Rocketship wraps the listener in a throbbing dance groove through three tracks, then the brooding rocker "The Light In Your Eyes" and the slow-burning "Back From The Shadows".

I Am A Rocketship is duo Eric Weissinger and L E Kippner. Weissinger has been a bass and guitar hired gun for various acts, and Kippner formerly was the vocalist for a Swedish pop band. Together they create an intriguing blend of dream pop and dance rock with some experimental touches, embellished with lyrics inspired by the state of the world. The duo is versatile enough that the five songs don't allow us to predict the direction an LP might take, but we can say we would be eager to hear it.

Orange EP is out now as a digital release via My Long Wknd.

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Bandcamp for Orange

Soundcloud

Order of the Toad - Re-Order of the Toad

 

Since the subject of our last feature was a Scottish band, we thought we'd give a lift to another release from Scotland before focusing on other projects on our ever-increasing list of worthy releases. And so we present Re-Order of the Toad by Order of the Toad. The project consists of Gemma Fleet (bass/vocals), Robert Sotelo (guitar/vocals), and Christopher Tayor (drums/percussion/vocals), and began when Gemma and Robert moved from London to Glasgow. The trio previously released By Order of the Toad (link) and apparently had a good enough time that they signed up to do it again. Good thing for us, because they create a fulsome brand of guitar pop with a deep and satisfying groove.

Re-Order of the Toad is out now in digital, vinyl and CD formats via both Gringo and Reckless Yes.

Facebook

Twitter

Bandcamp for Album

credits

Slow Weather - Clean Living EP

We must admit that we aren't obsessive about clean living here and WYMA, but we make an exception for the Clean Living EP. In its five tracks we find full affirmation of the reason we focus on indie releases. The songs are beautiful -- inspired, slowly unspooling gems featuring delicate vocals, memorable melodies and infectious rhythms. The creators are Slow Weather, the Scottish duo comprised of Annie Booth and Chris McCrory. Chris was known to us as an ace and sought-after producer, as well as a member of Glasgow band Catholic Action (link). Edingburgh-based Annie released her fine Spectral EP about 18 months ago. Despite their separate achievements, working together has resulted in a product even greater than the sum of its worthy components. Their talents blend perfectly, and their generosity to each other's contributions is manifest. We have provided the singles below as a stream and in their entertaining visual form. But we don't even know how singles were chosen as each of the five songs would have been a justifiable selection.

Clean Living is out now via Last Night From Glasgow.

Last Night From Glasgow · 03 Great White Male

Last Night From Glasgow · 05 Clean Living

Label page for Clean Living EP

"We Break Up On Friday" by My Darling YOU!

 We have learned that Matinee Recordings has released a single by Swedish duo My Darling YOU! Consisting of "We Break Up On Friday" and "I Adore You", it is a thrilling release that will please long-time fans of the band and bring some new ones into the fold. My Darling YOU! are Klas Hermansson and Christopher Johansson, and their sweet spot is a somewhat manic, punk infused indie pop -- an enthralling mix of energy, heart-on-the-sleeve emotion and melody.

The single is available now, and a collection of the band's songs, titled A Dream Come True, is due in December, also from Matinee Recordings. By the way, "I Adore You" is not on the upcoming collection so you can only have it by buying the single.

Matinée Recordings · My Darling YOU! - We Break Up On Friday

Matinee Recordings page for single

"Press 4 For Love"/"A Rainy Day In Glasgow" by Strawberry Whiplash

It has been a long five years without new music for our Glasgow friends Strawberry Whiplash, but they are back in fine style with Sandra's sweet vocals and  Laz McCluskey's Rickenbacker on the two-track single "Press 4 For Love" / "A Rainy Day In Glasgow". This duo has always offered the perfect blend of twee pop and Creation Records fuzz, all embellished by the aforementioned jangle machine.

The single is available now via Matinee Recordings. Welcome Laz and Sandra back.

Matinée Recordings · Strawberry Whiplash - Press 4 For Love

Facebook for Strawberry Whiplash

Twitter

Matinee Recordings page for single

"The Great Tequila Flood Of 2000-2018" by Fixtures

 If anyone is paying attention, we are focusing on singles this week. Today's offering is by Brooklyn, New York's Fixtures. The song is "The Great Tequila Flood Of 2000-2018". I know the wise guys in the crowd are saying "oh yeah, I remember that. It was awesome". Don't believe them! Anyone who says the recall and extended tequila flood is a poser who wasn't engaged in any meaningful way.

But, um, back to the music. Fixtures create the kind of raw pop that worms its way into your brain. And we don't mind because it is good stuff. "The Great Tequila Flood Of 2000-2018" is the second single from their upcoming album Weak Automatic, which will be released December 4 via Bobo Integral Records.

Various links for single

Bandcamp for Weak Automatic

"World In Numbers" by Permits

 

One album coming out this month that we are eagerly anticipating is Time Permits by Melbourne, Australia band Permits. The album will be released on November 26 via Brisbane label Tenth Court. But you can hear the latest single, "World In Numbers" right now. The track has a relaxed powerpop vocal over a driving VU-style rhythm. Very promising stuff indeed.

Permits are Tristan Davies, Tam Matlakowski, Dusty Anastossiou, and Rob Remedios. The members also belong variously to other bands, including The Shifters, Pop Singles, Day, and Chook Race.

Bandcamp for Time Permits

Various links to order Time Permits

"Terminal Daze" by Kindsight

 

Depending on where you are when you read this you may be ending your weekend or beginning the new workweek. Regardless, we have just the tune for the moment. "Terminal Daze" by Copenhagen quartet Kindsight. "Terminal Daze" is a pristine slice of Nordic jangle pop with a retro coming of age soundtrack feel. It makes us nostalgic and peaceful, and we welcome those feelings wholeheartedly. We also note that the band has been signed by Stockholm's Rama Lama Records, which is a sign of quality in our book.

Kindsight is comprised of Nina, Sore, Anders, and Johannes. And if you like this, the Bandcamp link will also lead you to the dreamy melancholy of the band's August single "Who Are You".

Facebook

Twitter

Various links for "Terminal Daze"

The Working Men's Club - The Working Men's Club

 

One typically hears it said that techno/dance/house music belongs in the evening and early morning hours. While we can't argue that the music isn't at home in that time slot, sometimes we find an album that sounds equally at home in the daylight and out in the wide open spaces. The new self-titled album by The Working Men's Club is such an album. It has been our frequent companion on walks, runs, backgrounds, as well as right now in the late evening. Over an instrumental landscape of Sheffield hard techno and old Manchester synth rock, teenage frontman Syd Minsky-Sargeant vocalizes a compelling speak-sing with an invitation to move your feet that may seem more like a welcome command than a polite suggestion. While the elements are a bit old school, they are played expertly and infused with conviction and emotion that results in a fresh sound. Some albums just stay in our rotation long enough to allow us to decide we like it and write up a feature. This pretty beast has been hanging around for weeks and it isn't going to the self any time soon.

The Working Men's Club are Syd Minsky-Sargeant (vocals/guitar/drum machine/synth), Liam Ogburn (bass), Rob Graham (guitar/synth), Mairead O'Connor (guitar/keys/vocals). The album is out now via Heavenly Recordings with support from PIAS.

Facebook

Twitter

Heavenly Recordings page for band

Various sites to source album

"23, Never Me" by Dead Pony

 

Glasgow nurtures a large number of fine bands covering a wide spectrum of styles. Today's release of single "23, Never Me" by Dead Pony carries the flag for the punk/post punk brigade. With a confident bubblegum pop vocal from irrepressible frontwoman Anna Shields and a slashing, bashing performance by the lead guitarist, bassist and drummer, it is a three minute stunner that left us a bit breathless and wanting more. Fortunately, a EP is planned for later this year. For now you can find "23, Never Me" at your preferred digital outlet.

The members of Dead Pony are Anna Shields (lead vocals/guitar), Blair Crichton (lead guitar/backing vocals), Liam Adams (bass), and Aidan McAllister (drums). "23, Never Me" is out on this week via LAB Records.

Dead Pony · 23, Never Me

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Loaver - Fern

Loaver is the solo project of Malmo, Sweden's Linnea Hall, who also is a member of WYMA favorite Kluster B. While Kluster B creates an adventuresome and eclectic array of songs, Hall has created the Loaver project to make a more individualistic musical statement. She released an EP in 2019, and now has presented her first solo full length, Fern. While not as experimental as a Kluster B record, Fern is inventive and packed with delights. If this is bedroom pop, it is a deluxe version with all the trimmings. The arrangements are varied and well-fleshed out, venturing into dream pop, trip hop and dramatic indie pop. As always, Hall's vocals are clear and dynamic. Fern is the sort of album that rewards the repeat listener with new thrills. It is a remarkable solo debut and a keeper of an album.

Fern is out now via Stockholm label Rama Lama Records.










Facebook
Bandcamp for Fern
Various links for Fern
Rama Lama Records

The Luxembourg Signal - The Long Now

 

With their third album, the recently released The Long Now, transatlantic project The Luxembourg Signal confirms their status as one of the better dream pop bands on today's scene. The soft vocals of Beth Arzy and Betsy Moyer certainly are part of the reason. But at least as impressive is the band's knack for getting the balance of elements just right. In particular they blend the background atmospherics, vocals, insistent rhythms, muscular guitars and intriguing melodies into a seamless, dynamic whole. The entire album has a bright vibrancy that lifts the listeners mood and makes today's journey more enjoyable. We can't ask for anything more right now.

The Luxembourg Signal are Johnny Joyner, Beth Arzy, Brian Espinosa, Ginny Pitchford, Daniel Kumiega, Betsy Moyer, and Kelly Davis. The Long Now is out now via Shelflife Records and Spinout Nuggets.

Facebook

Twitter

Bandcamp for The Long Now

Claire Tucker - Same Old Hunters EP

 

The world is an exceedingly unsettling place right now, and all of our readers could be forgiven if they are feeling more than a little bit stressed and in need of a lift. We humbly suggest that we may have just what you need: The approximately 18 minutes of transcendent beauty that is Same Old Hunters EP. The 4-song record is the solo work of Claire Tucker, a Seattle musician possessed of exceptional talent and remarkable versatility. She is the guitarist, songwriter and vocalist of Loose Wing (whose 2019 album was one of our favorites of the year - our feature here), and on which she shows the triple threat of nimble and shimmering guitar, siren vocals and deft storytelling. Another current project is Seattle shoegazers Black Nite Crash, in which she displays a different aspect of her guitar prowess.

But for these tough times, the most welcome version of Claire Tucker may well be the singer songwriter of Same Old Hunters EP. The songs glisten with aural perfection and warm with sincerity. Claire's vocals are pristine and compelling with a natural folk/country ache that sells the emotional content. We have embedded the terrific single "Tigers Make Milk" below, but we strongly urge you to stream the entire EP at the Bandcamp link. We find it to be just the hug we need right now.

Other players on the album are Jack Peters and Jon Pontrello. The EP is out now in digital and CD formats via Drums and Wires Recordings.

Facebook

Bandcamp for EP

Drums and Wires Recordings page for EP