The Yellow Melodies - Sunshine Pop 3

 Rafa Skam and his colleagues in Spanish band The Yellow Melodies seem to have been working overtime to bring us sunshine over the past year. They released Sunshine Pop EP1 last April. December brought Sunshine Pop EP2. And now we have Sunshine Pop EP3. As with its preceding siblings, the elements of Sunshine Pop EP3 are the classic and uncomplicated guitars, keys, rhythm section, harmonies, melodies and hooks. But The Yellow Melodies combine them with skill and sincerity that makes for music that is affecting and pleasurable. Yes, the lyrics for three of the five tracks are in Spanish, but we think that sunshine is a universal language.

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"Tarmac" by Locked Hands

Via his project Locked Hands, Edinburgh's Sean Ormsby has proved a master at conveying unease or anger in his music without sacrificing rhythm and melody. And "Tarmac", his latest single is a perfect example. Although Sean's various projects lean towards electronica, "Tarmac" is more guitar-oriented in the past. Very good stuff, and because Sean is a generous guy, it is a free download on Bandcamp.

"Tarmac" is released via Sean' Errant Media label.

Locked Hands · Tarmac

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"Second Time" by Red Sleeping Beauty, featuring Mary Wyer of Even As We Speak

Of course, Sweden's Red Sleeping Beauty needs no embellishment to be a 'must listen' -- they always hit perfection on the synth pop scale. But we must admit that adding Mary Wyer of Aussie pop legends Even As We Speak is a stroke of genius. Born of the failure of a plan to have Mary join the band on stage at the Cologne Popfest, which was derailed by the pandemic, the alternative was to have Mary provide vocals for "Second Time, Red Sleeping Beauty's new single. We must say that for those of us who, for various reasons, did not intend to attend the aforementioned Popfest, this is a clear win. As for "Second Time", the song is an absolute triumph. The synths and beats recall the days in the '80s when we twirled on the dance floor, while Mary's vocals bridge to more delicate indie pop tunes. We really need to go to bed, but this track is so good that we are splashing in a bit more of the 'water of life' in the glass and pressing replay a few more times.

The song is a digital single via Matinee Recordings. It also will be included in the upcoming album by Red Sleeping Beauty.

Matinée Recordings · Red Sleeping Beauty - Second Time (featuring Mary Wyer of Even As We Speak)

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"Gutters of Love" by Quivers

 

"From Tasmania to Melbourne to conquering the indie pop world" (from a brief unauthorized history of Quivers). OK, that may be getting ahead of things a bit. But there is no doubt that Quivers is the sort of jangling indie pop generators that this world needs much more of. And we probably would have been able to see them tour if not for that nasty virus that we heard has been going around. However, the band has used their time wisely an will be releasing new album Golden Doubt on June 11. And if opening track "Gutters of Love" is representative, we are in for a treat in June. A sunny and rousing anthem good vibes, it has lead to us declaring the weekend a few days early. Sorry boss, 'we have the Quivers'.

Quivers are Sam Nicholson, Bella Quinlan, Michael Panton, and Holly Thomas. Golden Doubt will be released via Spunk Records (Australia/NZ), Bobo Integral (Europe), and Ba Da Bing (North America/UK).

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Various links for "Gutters of Love"

Various links to pre-order Golden Doubt

Cool Ghouls - At George's Zoo

 

Long time favorites of this blog, San Francisco's Cool Ghouls have rightfully been known as an ace garage and psychedelic pop band. However, the truth is that they have always been much more. From their lyricism to their sense of humor to the sweet harmonies supplied by multiple vocalists, the Cool Ghouls are a top shelf musical entertainment package. And just in case anyone in the indie music world needs more evidence, their new album At George's Zoo is the band's Swiss Army Knife album. Yes, there is garage rock and psychedelic pop. Yes, there are harmonies. But there also are horns and arrangements that could put them on a late '60s - early '70s soul stage. There are strings to embellish baroque pop songs, and folky songs to slow the pace and change the vibe.

But the story here isn't the scope of the music, it is about the consummate skill in execution and conviction in the performance. At George's Zoo isn't a band playing at being a surf pop band, a folk band, a psychedelic band, a garage band, it is a band that really is all of those. That breadth is rare, and should be treasured. The members of Cool Ghouls may be at the stage of life where it isn't possible to play numerous shows or tour, but we certainly hope they can find time to continue to make albums like this. And it certainly is one of our top albums of this young year.

Cool Ghouls are Pat McDonald, Ryan Wong, Pat Thomas, and Alex Fleshman. At George's Zoo will be out March 12 via Empty Cellar (US) and Melodic Records (UK).

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Black Twig - Was Not Looking For Magic

 

When we heard the first two singles from the album, we knew that Was Not Looking For Magic by Finland's Black Twig would be a special record. After all, "Black Cat" (link here) is one of the top songs for the year, sounding like it could have been undeservedly lost in the shuffle in a recording session in Glasgow for Teenage Fanclub, or perhaps in Dunedin for The Chills. "Devils Please Be Gone" (link here) swaggers effortless between blues rock and shimmering indie pop. Yet, the reality is that the full album surpasses our expectations. A band that first caught our attention for its appealing version of drone pop and folk rock -- reminding us at times of Velvet Underground, Black Rebel Motorcycle and The Jesus and Mary Chain -- now boasts a broad arsenal of shoegaze, jangle pop, folk, psychedelic and guitar pop. New influences supplement the old, with current comparisons tending towards Teenage Fanclub and Sonic Youth. Cue up Was Not Looking For Magic and you are treated to the shoegaze of "New Moon", the jangle pop of "Outdoor Blues" and instrumental "Puuhastelu", the moodier guitar pop of "Typical Winters Day" and "Walking Up A Hill", and the robust album closer "You Never Were Mine".  And album opener "I Was Not Looking For Magic" is a perfect bookend companion for showcase track "Black Cat".

Black Twig are Aki Pohjankyrö, Rasmus Rantanen, Kaarlo Stauffer, Janne Vainikainen. Was Not Looking For Magic is out now via Helsinki's Soliti music.

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"That Picture of Me" by Wy

 We begin our music Friday with another single from the upcoming album by Malmo, Sweden duo Wy. "That Picture of Me" is a high-energy garage pop banger that we find to be a perfect boost for the final work day of the week. Stream it or watch the video below.

Marriage will be released May 7 via Rama Lama Records.

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Various links for single

Bandcamp for album

"Classical Antiquity Sunsets" by Dom & The Wizards

And we now have the second single from the upcoming album by Dom & The Wizards. Dom Trimboli's speak-sing spins a tale over a bouncing melody and rubbery rhythm. We expect a psychedelic trip through a weird and sinister world, and we know that we will get it and love it.

The Australian Cyclone Intensity Scale will be out April 2 via Tenth Court Records (US orders will be fulfilled by The Business, located in Anacortes, Washington).

Bandcamp for "Classical Antiquity Sunsets"

Links for "Classical Antiquity Sunsets"

Bandcamp for The Australian Cyclone Intensity Scale

Label page for pre-order of vinyl format of album

Jane Weaver - Flock

 Liverpool's Jane Weaver is musically restless and delightfully adventurous. Her discography includes psychedelia, synth pop, dream pop, folk, and grunge. Adding a new page to her musical adventure book, her new album Flock re-imagines pop in Jane Weaver's world. That means pop on a cosmic scale, with electronic, dance, psychedelic elements that expand and embellish the pop core of the songs without ever detracting from it. She deconstructs, reconstructs, blends and decorates, living up to the origins of her surname by weaving it all together as if it was always meant to be.

Ultimately, we think Flock is an album that will please pop fans and music fans who think that they don't like pop. That is a big category, but this album deserves a big audience. It is out now via Fire Records.

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"Like Butterflies" and "A Tall Tale" by Union of Knives

This week Scottish electronic act Union of Knives shared two new songs, "Like Butterflies" and "A Tall Tale", featuring Ladytron's Helen Marnie. Both songs also have been released with accompanying videos, with the video for "Like Butterflies" featuring an interpretative dance by Alexandra Tsiapi. The two songs can bookend your evening with different approaches to fill the dance floor. Both songs are taken from their new album Endless From The Start -- their first in 14 years -- which is out on either May 31 or June 4 (we have differing information) via Disco Piñata. Few bands can combine dance, soul, electronic and industrial like this trio, and we are thrilled with the promise of their return.

Union of Knives are Chris Gordon, Ant Thomaz (Dope Sick Fly), and Peter Kelly (of The Kills and Ladytron).

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Bandcamp for "Like Butterflies"

Bandcamp for "A Tall Tale"

Bandcamp for album (pre-order)

 

Corvair - Corvair

Sometimes guys just have to rock, and we almost slept on this appropriate soundtrack for doing so. Corvair is a trio based in Portland, Oregon, formed by Pacific Northwest rock veteran Brian Naubert and Heather Larimer (ex Eux Autres and others). The music on their self-titled debut album is high-energy, melodic, and muscular. Listening to it reminds us of finding one of those rare good radio stations because the songs have elements of '70s - '90s rock. The album is a good set of songs, and at its best it prompts head nodding, fist pumping and perhaps a bit of moving the feet. All in all, a good dose of energy for our Sunday.

Corvair are Brian Naubert (guitars/bass/keys/percussion), Heather Larimer (vocals/keys/percussion), and Eric Eagle (drums). Corvair is out now via Paper Walls in the US and WIAIWYA in the UK.

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Corvair's Bandcamp link

wiaiwya's Bandcamp link

Various links for album

"Somewhere New" by Melby

Swedish quartet Melby has proven their chops with strong records based on pop and folk elements. But one of the band's best qualities is their willingness to expand their sound into new territory. This week brought us "Somewhere New". Thrillingly dynamic and embellished with psychedelic flourishes, it displays the resolve and talent of a band with ambition and a high ceiling.

Melby are Matilda Wiezell (vocals), Are Engen Steinsholm (back-up vocals, guitar), David Jehrlander (bass) and Teo Jernkvist (drums). "Somewhere New" is out now via Stockholm's Rama Lama Records.

Rama Lama Records · Melby - Somewhere New

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"Don't Understand the Shorthand" by Mope City

 One of our highlights this week was the release of "Don't Understand the Shorthand", the second single taken from the upcoming album by Marrickville, Australia's Mope City. The band is centered around Matthew Neville & Amaya Lang, who are joined for this record by Shaun Donovan (drums) and Nick Johnson (bass). We would characterize the band's music as a downer indie pop with flashes of distortion. There are similarities to Galaxie 500 and Low, but Mope City's songs are distinctively theirs and we find them quite addictive.

The album is titled Within The Walls, and will be out April 30 via Tenth Court.

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Various links for single

"Flower Girl" by Lionel Boy

 Here is a smooth late night treat: The bass-heavy and ultra-coo. "Flower Girl" by Hawaii native, Long Beach resident Lionel Deguzman, aka Lionel Boy. It is the kind of song that justifies the replay button.

The single is out now via Innovative Leisure.

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Various links for "Flower Girl"

"Serotonin" by Girl In Red

 Winter is edging away up here, and we are craving serotonin. And we have a double dose today because the skis are sunny and we have the new and appropriately-named single by Norway's Girl In Red.

Girl In Red is Oslo, Norway-based Marie Ulven. She wrote "Serotonin" and all of the other songs on her debut album, If I Could Make It Go Quiet. The album is due April 30th via AWAL.

girl in red · Serotonin

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Various links to order album

Nightshift - Zoe

We apologize to those who rely on us for a bit of diversion when trying to work from home, but we took a few days off for a road trip. So we now will attempt to make amends by presenting one of our contenders for top albums of 2021. Zoe is the pandemic lockdown creation of Nightshift, an assembly of fine songwriters and performers from various Glasgow bands (some of which we have featured here in the past). The members assembled the songs in their own homes, adding their parts and sending the files on to other members. Despite that unusual approach, the result is a post-punk masterpiece -- smooth, cohesive, and consistently intriguing and even surprising.

Very often, even with a good album, some aspects stand out more than others. Sometimes it is the rhythms, sometimes the vocals, sometimes the melodies or guitars. However, in the hands of Nightshift, everything stands out. admittedly, the rhythms hit us first. They are standout earworms all by themselves, and they have a "sticky" quality that prompted a feeling of physical loss when the last song finished. However, the vocals pull you in like an emotional tractor beam and the guitars and keys, while spare, are perfect accents. I particular, the rhythms and vocals combine to create a hypnotic effect. This is post-punk with hear, soul, intelligence and intensity, and a bit of humor. We can't recommend it enough.  

Nightshift are David Capbell, Andrew Doig, Eothen Stearn, Chris White, and Georgia Harris. Zoe is out now in digital, vinyl and CD formats via Trouble In Mind Records.

TroubleInMind · Nightshift - Make Kin

TroubleInMind · Nightshift - Power Cut

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"Ferme la Bouche" by Wojtek the Bear

 

A bracing slice of Philadelphia soul pop/rock from the streets of Glasgow? Why not? We think "Ferme la Bouche" by Wojtek the Bear is a perfect way to start the last-day-of-the-week-which-really-is-the-first-day-of-the-weekend. Out today as a digital single, add it to your "essentials" kit for the weekend.

We also suggest that you note the expected summer release of the band's album, Heaven by the Back Door (which we think is one of the better album titles we have seen lately). All released via the good and very tasteful crew at Last Night From Glasgow.

wojtek the bear · ferme la bouche

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Various links for single and upcoming album

"Dream House" by Wy

"Dream House" is the latest single by Malmo, Sweden duo Wy. It also is taken from the band's upcoming album Marriage, which is due May 7 via Stockholm's Rama Lama Records. The duo consists of married couple Ebba and Michel Gustafsson Ågren, who have released two previous albums. Their music is emotional, vulnerable, and personal. If the rest of the album is as dynamic and affecting as "Dream House", this may be the record that gives them the broad audience they deserve.

Rama Lama Records · Wy - Dream House

Soundcloud for 'Dream House'

Bandcamp for "Dream House"

Rama Lama page for pre-order of LP 

"Outlaws and the Cops" by Dom & The Wizards

At WYMA world HQ we are bouncing around with excitement with the news that Dom & The Wizards will unleash new album The Australian Cyclone Intensity Scale on April 2. We expect Dom Trimboli's delightfully off-kilter stream of consciousness speak-singing, a full album of new favorite songs and plenty of psychedelic imageruy to bend our impressionable minds. And you can glimpse inside the treasure chest right now with lead single "Outlaws and the Cops". Insistent groove, a violin, and Dom spinning a tale. Just what we would have ordered had our waiter asked us.

The Australian Cyclone Intensity Scale will be released by Tenth Court Records.

Dom & The Wizards · Outlaws and the Cops

Various links for "Outlaws and the Cops"

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Label page for pre-order of vinyl

Raveloe - Notes and Dreams

This music may not be for everyone. If you don't like beautiful folk-accented melodies, impeccably crafted and sung, well, you might want to turn your ears elsewhere. But for everyone else, we suggest that Notes and Dreams is an EP that you will want. Indeed, that you need. The creation of Glasgow's Kim Grant under the name Raveloe (named after a town in George Eliot's Silas Marner) and a few collaborators from far and wide, it consists of five tracks created during the pandemic lockdown. Proving herself an accomplished wordsmith as well as an excellent musician, each of Grant's songs are a hushed but powerful burst of light. We expect more good things from Raveloe in the future, but for now this EP really hits the spot.
 

Notes and Dreams is out now in digital and CD formats via Glasgow's Olive Grove Records.

On this record Kim sings and plays the guitar, synth, and bass, and Jacob Tomlinson plays the drums. Izzy Rose plays bass on "Post It" and "Steady". Jen Anthan provides the strings for "Old Tree". Erin F. Watt plays the piano for "Post It".

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Olive Grove Records page for EP

"New Moon" and "Why Don't You Come Out Anymore?" by The Natvral

 

Fans of The Pains of Being Pure At Heart will be thrilled to know that Kip Berman -- songwriter and frontman for that band -- has a solo project called The Natvral (well, did you expect a straightforward name?). Its debut album, tilted Tethers, will be released on April 2 via Kanine Records. The album reflects Berman's new groundedness as a father in a young family, and the tension between the comforts of home and the desire to go out and participate in the broader world.

So far, The Natvral has released two singles from the album. The latest is the folky "New Moon", while the first, "Why Don't You Come Out Anymore?", demonstrates that Berman hasn't lost his knack for infectious guitar pop. Enjoy both below.

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"Loath to Leave" by The Gracious Losers

 Today we introduce you to Scottish folk rock band called The Gracious Losers. In fact, they are a supergroup comprised of members of Sister John, Thrum, God Help the Girl, The Parsonage, Sporting Hero, and Berie Big Band. As you might expect, the assembly of that much talent from various spots in the musical spectrum results in a sound that reflects psychedelic, Americana, Celtic, folk, and pop. In fact, the introductory single, "Loath to Leave", falls into the moody, atmospheric pop category. We think is displays range, nuance and talent, and look forward to more from The Gracious Losers. And speaking of more, the band's full album Six Roads Ends is due in digital, CD and vinyl formats March 26 via Last Night From Glasgow.

Last Night From Glasgow · Loath To Leave

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Label page for vinyl version of album

"Mirrorball" by The Catenary Wires

Welcome to one of our favorite duets in recent memory. "Mirrorball" is jaded, sweet, worldly, world-weary and optimistic. Yes, that is quite a package, but The Catenary Wires is powered by Amelia Fletcher and Rob Pursey of Heavenly and Talulah Gosh fame, joined by Ian Button, Andy Lewis and Fay Hallam. "Mirrorball" is available to stream now, and will be released April 16 as a 7" digital or vinyl single via Skep Wax in the UK and Shelflife in the US. We don't want to divulge any secrets, but just between us the B-side will be a Human League cover.

While we don't have a release date yet, but we can tell you that The Catenary Wires will bestow a full album titled Birling Gap on the ears of eager fans this year.

SKEP WAX · Mirrorball

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Shelflife Records page for release

 

"Bottom Feeders" by Tim Cohen

About two months ago we featured "Rave On" by Time Cohen of The Fresh and Onlys and Magic Trick. Although release date still is five weeks away, we have a new single entitled "Bottom Feeders". A thrilling slice of surfy noise pop, it fuels our Saturday night.

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

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Bandcamp for album

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"Nya Normala" by änsendå

The isolation of COVID is considered a negative by nearly everyone, but having a sense of humor about it seems to be a healthy approach. One view is expressed in "Nya Normala" (new normal) by Swedish singer songwriter änsendå, which suggests that not everyone copes with complete stability.

änsendå is the project of Nico Chavez, who recently returned to Sweden after an extended period working in bands in London. Expect an EP of Nico's brand of psych pop soon via Stockholm's Rama Lama Records.

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Guy Blakeslee - Postcards From The Edge

 

Channeling the emotions of change, loss, health issues, geographic dislocation and breakup, The Entrance Band guitarist Guy Blakeslee has created a powerful and affecting set of songs that deserve a high ranking in the American songwriter canon. Titled Postcards From The Edge, it consists of seven well-crafted songs featuring raw emotions, pointed and sometimes bittersweet observations, insistent questions and portraits of moments in time. The production is full, and at times, lush. The arrangements are unhurried, with the songwriter's plaintive vocals appropriately high in the mix. The instrumentation is varied, but Guy's piano features prominently. This is an album we had not anticipated, but it has become part of our lives and we find ourselves turning to it frequently.

Postcards From The Edge is out now via Guy's Entrance Records.

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"Piece Together" by Nightshift

One of the gems of the new year, Zoe by Glasgow's Nightshift, is still a week and a half from release. But we now can enjoy the hypnotic and mesmerizing opening track, "Piece Together". And yes, it deliberately plays with the notions of "peace" and "piece".

Zoe will be available February 26 via Trouble In Mind Records.

TroubleInMind · Nightshift - Piece Together

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"Hear Not Say" by Western Column

 We start our Monday with  "Hear Not Say", a shoegazey guitar pop treat by Glasgow's Western Column. The project of Christopher Devine, who also is a member of Dutch Wine and Stock Manager. The song has a propulsive, forward pushing vibe and hazy vocals. It strikes us as a good summer tune, which is somewhat perversely welcome right now as we prepare to gig out from the weekend's snowfall. Good stuff -- check it out below. 

"Hear Not Say" is out via Negative Hope Records. And we also suggest that you check out the previous single by Western Column, "Golde" (here).

Western Column · Hear not Say

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Bandcamp for "Hear Not Say"

Sports - Get A Good Look Pt. 1

 We must confess that we haven't often featured acts from Tulsa, Oklahoma. But when the music grabs you, its place of origin doesn't really matter. And Get A Good Look Pt. 1 has grabbed us hard to juice our Saturday night. The product of duo Sports, consisting of Cale Chronister and Christian Theriot, the six-track EP boasts danceable pop with elements of psychedelia, shoegaze and disco. It is bright, colorful and irrepressible. What more do you want for a weekend evening?

The Bandcamp link is below, but we expect you can find the EP wherever digital music is sold.

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Bandcamp for album

 

Cool Sounds - Bystander

 

These days few records make us happier than a new record by Melbourne's Cool Sounds. Fortunately for our collective emotional state, the band is prolific. This week brings the new nine-track Bystander, and it effortlessly reaches the high standard we expected. Written on a summer tour in Europe and recorded upon return to Australia, the sound is a full pop/rock sound, fleshed out by six members. The arrangements channel the best of '70s soft rock with a touch of strutting, semi-funk rhythm and standout guitars. Whether expressing carefree joy, melancholy, or a bit of unease -- understandable these days -- the sound is warm and the vibe is sunglasses-and-convertible-too-cool-for-school. Overall, the lyrics are more direct than past recordings from this band -- Dainis has some things to say and he says them well. So come for the ambiance and atmosphere, and stay for the whole package. You'll be glad you did. After all, it is Cool Sounds!

Bystander is out now via Osborne Again Music and Spunk Records in Australia and New Zealand, and Nice Guys Records in the rest of the whole wide world. Cool Sounds are Dainis Lacey, Nick Kearton, Ambrin Hasnain, Steve Foulkes, Jack Nichols, and Pierce Morton. The band will be touring the Eastern Coast of Australia in the next couple of months.

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Bandcamp for Bystander

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Nice Guys Records

"Supplication" by Wurld Series

A month ago we shared a "fuzzing, buzzing, psychedelic" treat named "Nap Gate" by New Zealand band Wurld Series (link here). The band now has shared "Supplication" the second song taken from their upcoming LP, What's Growing. "Supplication" displays a different facet of the band's art, more folk rock and dreamy. It seems to us to have an appealing strains of Syd Barrett and Kevin Ayers DNA.

Wurld Series is formed around Luke Towart and drummer/producer Brian Feary, with additional contributions from other musicians as available. The album will be released March 19 via Meritorio Records (Europe/USA), Osborne Again (Australia) and Melted Ice Cream (New Zealand/Rest of the world).

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Various links for "Supplication"

Bandcamp for What's Growing

Meritorio Records

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Melted Ice Cream Records

The Boys With The Perpetual Nervousness - Songs From Another Life

 

With the Northern Hemisphere in the midst of winter, who doesn't want jangle pop/power pop that evokes tooling down the California highways with the top down and sunshine warming your face? We have just the thing to aid you in your dreams: Songs From Another Life by The Boys With The Perpetual Nervousness. We are delighted to find the full load of 12-string jangle accenting melodies and execution that remind us of Big Star, Teenage Fanclub and a number of legends of the '80' and '90s'. Thundering drums add a propulsive drive to the sunny arrangements. The overall effect is one of the brightest and most positive sets of music you are going to find. Whether you know it or not, you probably need this music in your life.

The Boys With The Perpetual Nervousness are Andrew Taylor in Scotland and Gonzalo Marcos in Spain, each recording separately. Songs From Another Life is out now via Bobo Integral Records 

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"Heaven and Holy" by Painted Shrines

 This week brought another treat from Painted Shrines -- "Heaven and Holy", the new single from their upcoming album, also titled Heaven and Holy. Painted Shrines is a duo comprised of Jeremy Earl of Woods and Glenn Donaldson of Skygreen Leopards and The Reds, Pinks and Purples so you just know the album will be good.

Heaven and Holy will be out March 5 via Woodsist.

 

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Woodsist page for album

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Various links for album

"Big Cat" by Black Twig

 

We can confidently opine that one of our favorite releases of the first quarter of 2021 will be Was Not Looking For Magic by Finland's Black Twig. It is too early to further discuss the album, but we can provide a bit of the evidence backing our conclusion: The new single from the album, "Big Cat". We loved Black Twig before, but we still are impressed with how much they have refined their sound in the five years since their last album.

Black Twig are Aki Pohjankyrö, Rasmus Rantanen, Kaarlo Stauffer, Janne Vainikainen. The album is titled Was Not Looking For Magic, and it will be released February 26 via Soliti Records.

Soliti · Black Twig : Big Cat

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