Thursday, May 25, 2023

Spirit Award - The Fear

 


Some of us may reside in Seattle, but that doesn't mean that we have comprehensive knowledge of the city's wide and vibrant music scene. An example is the subject of this post, Spirit Award. A week ago this band was unknown to me. But while driving to pick up some skis which needed an end of the season tune up, I heard a live performance on KEXP. I pulled over and listened to several songs, captivated by the guitar work and atmospherics. I researched the band when I got home and discovered that they were releasing new album Fear last Friday. So that chance encounter over the airwaves results in tonight's post about a captivating record.

The songs are intense explorations of emotions, states of mind, and alternative perspectives. There are elements of psychedelia, dreampop, post punk and even, to my ears, a tough of surf. But I can't fit it into any specific boxes. It isn't like anything else I've heard this year, and I'm glad I discovered it.

Spirit Award's main man in Daniel Lyon (songwriting/vocals/guitar). Drums were by Andrew King and bass by Chris Jordan. Fear is available in digital and vinyl formats.




Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Bandcamp for The Fear

Various links for Spirit Award


Wednesday, May 24, 2023

"Gonna Have To Tell You" by Lost Days

 Tony Molina (Ovens/solo work) is a master of hooks and jangly melodies. So, given our love jangling indie pop, we were drawn to his project with Sarah Rose Janko (Dawn Riding). Calling themselves The Lost Days, the duo released an EP of demos in 2021. Quite recently they released a full LP titled In The Store which is out now via Speakeasy Studios. The themes are weighty, but the treatment by these ace songwriters is an absolute treat for the ears. And speaking of treats, The Lost Days have released a video for album track "Gonna Have To Tell You" and it is like a chocolate cookie for your brain. Try it below and if you like it, check out the links for the full album.


Bandcamp for In The Store

Speakeasy Studios

"Downwinders" and "Giving Up The Ghost" by Life Strike

 


Life Strike are Nick Pratt, Patrick McCabe and Scotty Brique. They wowed us with album Primitive Future in 2019 (link). New album Peak Dystopia will drop this summer, and we are looking forward to it. This band addresses serious topics, and do so with an artistic flair that makes you want to listen to their message. For example, new single "Downwinders" addresses nuclear weapons testing, an undeniably weighty topic that is nevertheless presented in the form of a terrific guitar pop song. "Downwinders" and the recently released "Giving Up The Ghost" are both taken from the upcoming album. Give them a listen below.

Peak Dystopia will be released on July 14 via Stable Label (Aus) and Bobo Integral.


Facebook

Bandcamp for "Downwinders"

Bandcamp for "Giving Up The Ghost"

Various links for "Giving Up The Ghost"

Bandcamp for Peak Dystopia (July 14)

credits

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

"Bang" by Melenas

 


One truism in following indie pop these days is that one must follow Chicago's Trouble in Mind Records. These folks have excellent taste and put out good music from various spots in the globe. Today we are bringing you a single from TiMR signee Melenas. The title is the aptly-named "Bang". The song sprints into your brain with swirling electro-pop keys and a motorik beat. The sparse lyrics are in Spanish but that shouldn't give anyone any pause. Heck, we can't even sit still listening to this song!

Melenas' upcoming album is Ahora, and TiMR will release it on September 29.


Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Bandcamp for pre-order of Ahora

Various links for Melenas

"Crisp" by Hugh Klein and Komang

 

The artist in the above photo is Hugh Klein. The artist in the photo below is Komang. Both are worthy of your ears, but especially captivating is their joint composition "Crisp". The song is a sensual slice of new soul that puts us in the mood for, well, something other than writing about music. In fact, we are inclined to consider this a subgenre of soul that we will call 'take your clothes off soul'. I think you can figure out what we mean by that.


Various links for "Crisp"

Instagram - Hugh Klein

Twitter - Hugh Klein

Various links for Komang

Instagram - Komang

Monday, May 15, 2023

Rob I. Miller - Companion Piece

 

With Companion Piece, San Francisco musician Rob I. Miller has delivered one of the powerpop albums of the year -- a dynamic, melodic, jangling and sometimes snarling collage of an ace songwriter's art. Thematically, it covers the various stages of romantic breakup replete with dead on observations, incisive thrusts, and even some hints of hope. To be honest, we expect top quality work from Mr. Miller; the only surprise here is this album comes soon after the 2023 release of All In Good Time by Blues Lawyer, in which Miller is a guitarist, vocalist and songwriter (our feature here). Rob has, indeed, been a busy boy. Busy and productive.

Breakup albums can be difficult, but this one goes down easily, like Mary Poppins spoonful of sugar. That is partly due to the classic indie pop paring of melancholy and upbeat melodies, but mostly due to the thematic arc and excellent songcraft. Come for the music, come for the tears if you must, but you will stay for the music.

Companion Piece is out now via Miller's Vacant Stare Records.



Twitter

Instagram

Bandcamp for Companion Piece

Various Links for Companion Piece

Sunday, May 14, 2023

"Bete" and "Selkie" by Special Friend

 


Skep Wax, Howlin' Banana Records and Hidden Bay Records are teaming up to bring indie pop fans a special treat in late June. The release is Wait Until The Flames Come Rushing In by Paris-based Special Friend. The album is the band's second, and we expect that it will deliver the noise pop for which the band is becoming known. If you like bands like Galaxie 500 with a touch of Glasgow's Pastels, you are going to love these guys.

The first two singles are out now and we have them below in video and streaming formats. "Bete" is sweetness itself and reminds us of the Pastels. "Selkie" hits our noise pop pleasure receptors perfectly, and who can resist a song take from a Celtic tale of seals that come ashore and transform themselves into seductive humans. We'll swipe right!

Special Friend is a duo consisting of Erica Ashleson and Guillaume Siracusa.




Facebook

Instagram

Bandcamp for album pre-orders

"Dirty Dancing" by Echo Ladies

 

A trio melding dreamy soundscapes with powerful and dynamic shoegaze, Echo Ladies are due for discovery by a broader music audience. And Stockholm's Rama Lama Records, who have an keen eye for talent, have signed up their fellow Swedes. The band's first single for the label is "Dirty Dancing". Feel the power, feel the dark shading, and look forward to an album later this year.

Echo Ladies are Matilda Bowid, Mattis Andersson, and Joar Andersen.

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Various links for Dirty Dancing

Saturday, May 13, 2023

Alfie Firmin - Absentee

 


Taste in music is very individualistic, but it is unassailably true that a singer songwriter whose music is favorably compared to Harry Nilsson, Ron Sexsmith, early '70s Beach Boys and other soft rock legends is doing something very right. And having spent time with Absentee, the new album by Southend-on-Sea musician Alfie Firmin, we readily agree that the comparisons are deserved.

The songs aren't loud, widely dynamic or possessed of flashy instrumentation. Alfie relies on songwriting and winning melodies. The results are always pleasing, and a number of the tracks are beautiful. If the weather is good, we suggest sitting in your backyard with your favorite beverage and listen to the album while imagining that Alfie and his friends are there performing for you.

Absentee is out now via Bobo Integral.



Facebook

Bandcamp for Absentee

Friday, May 12, 2023

Sumos - Surfacing

 

It is never a surprise when a Manchester bands again proves that bands from that city seem to have the guitar pop sound in their DNA. Never a surprise, but always a pleasure. And so, with great pleasure, we remind you that today is the release date Surfacing by Manchester's Sumos. Self-described as a 'scuzz pop' band, we think that term is too limiting for a band of Sumos' talent. On this album you will hear rock riffs, pop hooks and power pop melodies, and plenty of fuzz and jangle. Quite simply, it is a smashing album that deserves to be publicized far and wide.

Sumos are Joel Sloan (guitar/lead vocals), Kyle Tarbuck (lead guitar/backing vocals), Siobhan Tarbuck (bass), and Andy Kilroy (drums). Surfacing, will was released today, May 12, via Meritorio and Safe Suburban Home.



Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Bandcamp for Surfacing

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Super 8 - Hoopla

 

Hoopla is the 'pandemic era' album by Paul Ryan, aka Trip, aka Super 8. In our opinion, the 12-track album is vintage Super 8 with superb melodies and interesting and varied arrangements. Without getting too far over our skis, we must say that we find it to be a Beatlesesque set of songs. So cue it up and relax. It will lower your blood pressure and make you smile.

Hoopla is available on CD and as a digital (name your price) download. Even if you decide on the download, please pay something for it. Paul loves making music, but making a bit of money with it makes it easier to make music.



Facebook

Twitter

Bandcamp for Hoopla

"American Candy" by The High Water Marks

 

Norway's The High Water Marks has a new treat for us. Titled "American Candy", it is the latest single from their June 23 LP Your Next Wolf. It is a fist pumping power pop nugget that reminds us of a kiwi fruit -- fuzzy on the outside and sweet and tart on the inside. They are good for you and, in our opinion, so is "American Candy".

The Grøa, Norway fourpiece consists of Hilarie Sidney (Apples in Stereo and Elephant 6 co-founder), Per Ole Bratset, Logan Miller & Øystein MegÃ¥rd. Your Next Wolf will be released in June via Minty Fresh.

Facebook

Twitter

Various links for "American Candy"

Bandcamp for Your Next Wolf

Monday, May 8, 2023

"Scum" by Fort Not

 


Fredrik Soderstrom and Robert Carlsson of Fort Not are back with a message for all of us men. Fine by us -- we love the breezy vibe of this new single. And even though "Scum" is a tough title for a song aimed at us, a bit of tough talk every now and again is good for us. The Kungaly, Sweden duo has a new album titled Depressed For Success due July 7 via Meritorio, Records. It will include "Scum" and 12 other songs likely to be just as appealing.

Facebook

Bandcamp for purchase of single or pre-order of album

Meritorio Records page for album

Sunday, May 7, 2023

"Lost On Me" by Alfie Firmin

 

Listening to "Lost On Me", the latest single to be released by UK singer songwriter Alfie Firmin leads us to the inescapable conclusion that Alfie is pretty good at this music stuff. This tune is just the warm-hearted and light filled soft rock to make us content and happy. Give it a listen and note that Alfie's album, Absentee, will be out May 12 via Bobo Integral. The math is "warm-hearted contentment X 10 tracks = Winner".

Bandcamp for pre-order of Absentee

Friday, May 5, 2023

The National Honor Society - To All The Distance Between Us

 

Playing a brand of indie/dream pop with big college rock hooks and a post punk urgency, The National Honor Society clearly takes top honors in their channel. The Seattle quartet drives the songs forward with assured rhythms and lush arrangements, and manage to blend guitar solos and shimmer with no dissonance. But that is to be expected from a band that displays many facets of guitar pop in a single album, executing all of them well and never sounding like anything other than The National Honor Society. Somewhat embarrassingly as Seattle residents, this is our first encounter with the band. It won't be the last. 

National Honor Society are Coulter Leslie, Jerry Peerson, Andrew Gaskin, and Will Hallauer. All The Distance Between Us is out April now in vinyl, digital and CD formats via Shelflife, Discos de Kirlian, and Subjangle. Check for your 'local' label among those to save shipping costs.




Facebook

"Enemies" by Sumos

 

Our favorite new scuzz pop band Sumos has dropped their final single before releasing their debut full length album Surfacing. The song is "Enemies" and, quite simply, it rocks and swings with just the right balance of noise and melody. 

Sumos are Joel Sloan (guitar/lead vocals), Kyle Tarbuck (lead guitar/backing vocals), Siobhan Tarbuck (bass), and Andy Kilroy (drums). Surfacing will be out May 12 on vinyl and digitally on Meritorio Records and Safe Suburban Home in The UK.

credits


Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Bandcamp for single

Bandcamp for pre-order of Surfacing

"Get Me" by Panic Pocket

 

It's Friday, which strikes us as the perfect day for some sassy and catchy indie pop. The chosen tune is "Get Me" by London duo Panic Pocket. And if you like it as much as we do, you will be happy to learn that it is taken from their soon to be released full length, Mad Half Hour.

Panic Pocket are Sophie Peacock and Natalie Healey. Mad Half Hour will be out May 26 via Skep Wax Records.

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Bandcamp for Mad Half Hour

Various links for Panic Pocket

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Announcing: Upcoming compilation of music by The Particles

 

Today we are bringing you some news about new old music. What? 

OK, slowing down, we wish to inform you that Melbourne' Chapter Music has announced the release of a collection of tunes by Sydney indie pop band The Particles. Titled 1980s Bubblegum, it collects all of the recordings of the band from the period 1980-1984, plus some additional rarities. The  Particles started out in the punk space but transitioned to an inventive brand of indie pop that we believe is still vital and interesting today. Check out the album promo video below, and stream the two singles from the album which are available now.

1980s Bubblegum will be out on July 7 via Chapter Music. US fans can purchase at Seasick Records and UK fans can purchase at Monorail Music.



Bandcamp for 1980s Bubblegum

Various links for album

Various links for the two singles

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

"The One" by Rob I. Miller

 


We are getting a double dose of Rob I. Miller this year, and we are more than fine with that. The first dose was All In Good Time, the most recent album by Blues Lawyer (of which Rob is a member). This month, the San Francisco musician and songwriter will release a solo album titled Companion Piece via his own label, Vacant Stare Records. The album promises to address various post-breakup stages. Will that be a downer? Not hardly -- sample the glorious power pop single "The One" and mark down May 12 for acquiring what may be your new favorite album.

Facebook

Twitter

Bandcamp for Companion Piece

"El Greco" by Errant Boy

 


We have many obsessions, some of which are even legal and somewhat socially acceptable. One of such obsessions is indie pop from Scotland where, at least if the surname of one of our members is authentic, some of his ancestors originated. We could list several reasons why we find Scotland to be a fertile source for our inspiration, but we prefer to illustrate our point with music. So here is the latest single from one of our favorites -- Edinburg's Errant Boy. the song is "El Greco", a noisy and beautiful slice of chaos to supercharge our midweek activities. "El Greco" will be available to stream and download May 5, and is taken from the band's third (and yet unnamed) album which will be released later this year via Errant Media.

Errant Boy are Chris Harvie (electric guitar), Sean Ormsby (vocals/guitar/synths), and Sarrah McLaren (drums).



Monday, May 1, 2023

"Heart In Hand" by Martin Frawley

 

Since his previous band, the much loved Twerps, disbanded in 2018 Martin Frawley has focused on a solo career, as well as finding love and a hobby (wine making). His second album The Wannabe will drop next month and Martin recently shared the thirds single, "Heart In Hand". An uptempo slice of bright pop, it gets the blood racing.

For The Wannabe, the members of The Martin Frawley Band are Martin Frawley (acoustic guitar/vocals), Steph Hughes (drums/vocals), Nik Imfeld (bass/vocals), Dan Luscombe (guitar/organ), and Dan Kelly (vocals). The Wannabe is out June 23 via Trouble In Mind Records and Spunk Records

Twitter

Instagram

Bandcamp for The Wannabe

Various links

"You're So ?!" by The Hannah Barberas

 

We are starting out the week with some vivacious, immediate indie pop from London's The Hannah Barberas, a band that reliably delivers such thrills. The song is "You're So?!" and it's dueling male/female vocals explore exploding springtime falling in lust. It is the lead song from the band's upcoming LP Fantastic Tales of the Sea.

The Hannah Barberas are Lucy Formolli (vocals), Damien Devaney (guitar/vocals), Ian Evans (bass/vocals), and Matthew Chalkley (drums/vocals). Fantastic Tales of the Sea will be out on May 26 in all formats via Spinout Nuggets/Doo Lang/Subjangle, and Gazer Tapes.

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Bandcamp for single

Various links for The Hannah Barberas

Bandcamp for Fantastic Tales of the Sea

Friday, April 28, 2023

"Hook Echo" by Wireheads

 


We only write about music we like on this blog, but inevitably some songs and albums have a greater wow factor for our ears than others. One such group is Adelaide's Wireheads, whose new single "Hook Echo" is one of our favorite songs in 2023 to date. One listen and we all agreed that this is the kind of stuff that keeps us devoting time to write add free features about new music. Damn -- it is so good! These rocking space cadets always deliver.

And fans should note that the single is take from Wireheads' upcoming LP Potentially Venus which is due June 28 via Tenth Court Records.


Facebook

Bandcamp for Potentially Venus and two singles to date

Link for purchase/stream of "Hook Echo"


Thursday, April 27, 2023

"Blue Over Blue" by The Clientele

 


This week brings us news that UK trio The Clientele is releasing a new album titled I Am Not There Anymore. Advance word is that the band has broadened their scope from their traditional shimmering guitar pop to include additional instrumentation and musical styles. Mark us a hugely interested. Our first hint of what will come can be enjoyed with the accompanying video of the lead single "Blue Over Blue".

The Clientele are Alasdair MacLean (vocals/guitars/tapes/beats/bouzouki/Mellotron/organ), James Hornsey (bass/piano), Mark Keen (drums/percussion/piano/celesta).

I'm Not There Anymore will be out July 28 via Merge Records. 


Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Bandcamp for album

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Dancer - Dancer

This is one of those times when we can't bore you with excessive verbiage because we know very little about Glasgow's Dancer other than it brings together members from Nightshift, Current Affairs, Order of the Toad, and Robert Sotelo. Their music is rhythmic and enthralling and we hope the project brings us more in the future. Dancer's six track self-titled opening statement is out via Gold Mold Records in cassette and digital formats, although all three runs of the cassette are already sold out. The electrons are still available, however.

Instagram

Bandcamp for Dancer

Terry - Call Me Terry

 

Terry made us wait five years for a new album -- FIVE YEARS. However unconscionable that delay may be, we must admit the the result, Call Me Terry, is well worth the wait. To our ears the band has not changed their approach for this album, and that gives them a positive mark. The music Terry makes is what we here at WYMA call 'favorite shaggy dog music'. Exactly what is 'favorite shaggy dog music'? It is music that reminds us of our favorite neighborhood shaggy dog - friendly, happy, lights up our life and reduces our stress whenever we encounter it. And Call Me Terry has the added advantages that it doesn't require walks and you can dance to it. We note that thematically the album isn't all grins and giggles, as the foursome hits out at Australia's colonial sins. But such reminders have value, and the music is top level.

A big part of what makes Terry's music work is the chemistry of its members and their chosen style of performing. Terry is comprised of pairs Amy Hill + Al Monfort, and Xanthe Waite + Zephyr Pavey. There is a lot of group singing and choruses are emphasized. And in addition to all of the expected instrumentation, Terry deploys horns to great effect. It all sounds very collegial and, we must say, it sounds like it was as much of a blast to make as it is to hear.

 Call Me Terry is out now via Upset The Rhythm and Anti Fade Records.




Sunday, April 23, 2023

Lachlan Denton - Furnishings

 

It always is a pleasure to receive a new album from a project including Lachlan Denton, whether a solo effort of the fruits of one of his many group projects (including The Ocean Party, Pop Filter, Partner Look). The latest from the Melbourne singer songwriter, furniture craftsman, and young 'old soul' is Furnishings. In our opinion the album's 12 tracks are among Lachlan's finest work to date. The songs are warmly rendered memories, explorations of loss, observations of and messages to family, including his deceased brother Zac, and other elements of life. The arrangements vary from sparkling and jangling indie pop to gently rendered folk pop, and even include a soul inflected mood-booster in the form of "Changed".  And in exploring grief and relationships while fusing the past to the of trajectory of his current life, Lachlan has crafted a deeply affecting and ultimately positive statement. These songs should stay with you for a long, long time.

Our favorite songs: "Zac", You", "Lose", "Changed", and "Mum". Furnishings is out now via Bobo Integral, Spunk Records and Osborne Again.



Bandcamp for Furnishings

Spotify link for album

Saturday, April 8, 2023

Withered Hand - How To Love

 

Withered Hand is an attention-getting name for a musical project. But that is appropriate because Dan Willson's music deserves attention. His latest album, How To Love, is warm-hearted and a breathtaking collage of varied excellence. Indie rockers, pub singalongs, and ballads, with plenty of chunky riffs, bouncing rhythms and some horns and strings. And of course, intelligent lyrical content. In terms of the dynamics, the focused performances, the sharp writing and the fulsome arrangements the closest comparison that readily comes to mind is The Band in their prime. No, Dan and his compatriots aren't mining Americana/rock, but I stand by the comparison. And Dan can equal the great Levon Helm in selling a lyric.

Dan called on the services of many friends for the making of How To Love. Dan played electric and acoustic guitars and sang. Other players were Malcolm Benzie (guitars), Fraser Hughes (bass) Owen Curtis Williams (drums/percussion), Peter Liddle (keys), and Pam Berry (backing vocals). Addition contributions were made by Kenny Anderson, Kathryn Williams, and Benedikt H. Hermannson.



 

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Bandcamp for album

Various links


"Time And Again" by Tough Age

 


When they named themselves a decade ago, a young Vancouver band decided that they were (or were at a) Tough Age. Apparently the intervening years and a move to Toronto and back home haven't changed them, because they still are Tough Age. And they are still a fine indie pop band. Consider new single "Time And Again" -- uptempo with plenty of chug and jangle. To our ears it appears to have a '60s British Invasion vibe and that makes us happy.

Tough Age are Jarrett Evan Sampson (guitar/vocals/keys), Lauren Smith (bass/vocals), and Jesse Locke (drums/percussion). They will release a new album Waiting Here via We Are Time (Canada) and Bobo Integral (everywhere else).

Twitter

Instagram

Bandcamp for Waiting Here

Friday, April 7, 2023

"Centuries" by Terry

 

We have been waiting patiently for another album from Melbourne post punk band Terry. But after the high quality of the first three LPs, five years was a long time to wait. But we will give them a break for the pandemic, which I'm certain will come as a great relief to all four of the members. The album is titled Call Me Terry and will be out April 14 via Upset the Rhythm (most of the world) and Anti Fade (Australia & New Zealand). You can get a taste of the album via "Centuries" which is the third and final single. The theme is corrupt controller of society and the potential for combatting them, but the video is some entertaining violence. Hey - it's Friday!

Terry is comprised of pairs Amy Hill + Al Monfort, and Xanthe Waite + Zephyr Pavey.


Bandcamp for album

Twitter

Instagram

Upset The Rhythm page for Call Me Terry

Upset The Rhythm

TV Star - Hallucinate Me

 


In our eagerness to look beyond our borders for new music, we sometimes forget that excellence is found close to home as well. So here we present a local Seattle band.

Just before the pandemic, Seattle musicians Bryan Coats and Che Hise-Gattone formed TV Star. Starting a band just as the country goes into lockdown inevitably delays the launch of a project that relies, at least to some extent, on  practicing together and performing in public. But Bryan (guitars/percussion/vocals) and Che (guitars), augmented by Ashlyn Nagel (vocals), KTB (bass/vocals) and Waylon Trim (drums), persevered and began recording. Two-track singles were released in 2021 and 2022, and now they are the proud birthing people of the 6-track mini-album Hallucinate Me. For this outing the band is delivering some delicious psychedelia, with hooks, jangles and riffs. We suggest you treat your ears to a listen.

Hallucinate Me is out now in digital, vinyl, cassette and CD formats.




Instagram

Bandcamp for Hallucinate Me

"Jump" by Only The Poets

 


Friday is the day we try to finish all of the things we aimed to do this week but left to the last minute. We hope that includes more new music features, but we first need to jump start our day. The song of choice for that task is the appropriately titled "Jump". It is from a Reading, UK band Only The Poets (love that name, by the way). It is a banger and does the intended job quite well.

European readers take note: The band is touring in Europe for the rest of this month, ending with a London show on May 3.

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Various links for "Jump"

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

"Earthly Belonging" by Cindy

 

We have followed the music of Cindy over the past few years with interest, and with great pleasure. While the San Francisco band's sweet spot so far has been a hazy, generally slow tempo dream pop that we find addictive, several songs have shown a deft hand with more outwardly dynamic indie pop. Such is the case with "Earthly Belonging", the just-released single from their upcoming Why Not Now?. The song is a delicious treat which to our ears has a bit of Veronica Falls vibe.

Why Not Now? will be out April 14 via Mt.St.Mtn.

Instagram

Bandcamp for Earthly Belonging

Various links for Cindy's music

Mt.St.Mtn.

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

"Can't Stop Thinking About You" and "December Third" by Alfie Firmin

 

It is time for all of us to get to know Alfie Firmin. To be honest, we are just getting to know him. Some of you savants may be familiar with one of his three previous solo albums or the 2018 album by the band Vestiges, of which he was a member. The lane Alfie travels now is a singer songwriter, soft rock approach which well displays his songwriting talent and easy performance style. His new album will be released on May 12 via Bobo Integral and, while we have not heard the entire album, we certainly endorse the two singles released to date: "Can't Stop Thinking About You" and "December Third".


Bandcamp for pre-order of Absentee

Monday, April 3, 2023

The Reds, Pinks & Purples - The Town That Cursed Your Name

 


We expect that The Town That Cursed Your Name  by The Reds, Pinks & Purples will get a good amount of digital ink in the indie blogsphere and more 'formal' press, and it deserves every inch. You can read of sweet melodies and hooks, bittersweet themes, and warm, lightly sandpapered and aching vocals. We agree -- it is all true. It is a fine album infused with the great melodies we have come to expect and augmented with a bit more bite and fuzz instrumentally. It will certainly will be one of our most memorable and often played albums of the year.

But for us the overarching point is what the recent series of releases from TRP&P, culminating with The Town That Cursed Your Name, means to us. The last few years have been challenging, with pandemic fears and uncertainties, job upheavals, social discord, and isolation. It becomes all to easy in such times to withdraw inward. For us, what Glenn Donaldson has done with TRP&P during this period is to remind us of our humanity, our connectedness, our ability to feel pain and love, to cry and be resilient. In that sense, The Town That Cursed Your Name and its predecessors are a gift beyond music. And since the main theme of The Town That Cursed Your Name is persistence and resilience, it is the fitting statement as we move forward.

The album is out now via Slumberland Records and Tough Love Records



Instagram

Twitter

Bandcamp for album

Slumberland Records

Tough Love Records

Sunday, April 2, 2023

"Changed" by Lachlan Denton

 

As regular readers of WYMA know, we have been fans of Lachlan Denton's art in his various group projects (The Ocean Party/Pop Filter/Partner Look), as well as his work with Emma Russack and his solo recordings. We previously shared "You" and "Lose" from his upcoming Furnishings LP and they were more than sufficient for us to be sure we are going to love the album. While we will need to wait a couple of weeks for a fulsome discussion of the album, "Changed -- the third and final single -- is now out. And it presents a "wow" moment. It bubbles and chugs with a terrific vocal performance riding the synth-driven arrangement. Considering the introspective and affecting lyrics, it may well be the anthem of the album, but in any event it is a showcase tune.

The release date for Furnishings is April 14 via Bobo Integral, Spunk Records and Osborne Again.

Bandcamp for Furnishings