Glasgow Eyes will be out February or March of 2024 via Fuzz Club.
Various links to pre-order Glasgow Eyes
Thursday, January 18, 2024
"Chemical Animal" by The Jesus And Mary Chain
"Vibrations Now" by Fantastic Purple Spots
Austin Town Hall is one of the best indie music sites on the internet, specializing in short form but incisive blurbs about recently released music. If you want to know what good stuff came out on any day (or maybe the day before) ATH is your source.
But ATH also has a little record label that releases the kind of stuff that they feature on their site. And today they have announce an upcoming EP from Austin psychedelic/garage duo Fantastic Purple Spots. The band consist of Barrett Jones and Dave Junker, and not only do they have a perfect name for a psychedelic band, but their music is ace. Check out the title track below and note that the Vibrations Now EP will be released January 26 via Austin Town Hall Records.
Various Artists - Under the Bridge 2
The good folk at UK label Skep Wax have a promising young label (as well as being members of the smashing band Swansea Sound). They also are alums of the Sarah Records/c86 era bands such as Heavenly, The Pooh Sticks and Talulah Gosh, which leads us into today's post. Calling for contributions from their fellow indie pop veterans of Sarah/c86 days, Skep Wax issued a terrific compilation titled Under The Bridge in 2022 (our feature here: link). However, while that release was stuffed with treasures, not all of the worthy submissions could be included. So the label has decided to issue Under the Bridge 2. Consisting of 20 tracks from beloved bands such as Boyracer, the Orchids, Action Painting and St Christopher, it will be released in digital, CD and vinyl formats on April 6. The astute fan will note that some of the band names reflect current acts not in existence in the Sarah/c86 era. Do not be alarmed as those name simply reflect the current artistic homes of the original artists. This album should be a wonderful buffet treat for indie pop fans.
The first two tracks are available to stream now. The first is "Dodge the Rain" by The Gentle Spring, a song that echoes the material of the main man's former band, The Field Mice. The second is the more rambunctious "Just Who Are The Cockleshell Heroes?" by Action Painting!.
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
"Chain of Days" by Topographies
Dark, icy shoegaze is just what the musical doctor prescribed for this midweek evening, and it comes via "Chain of Days" by San Francisco's Topographies. It is the second single from the band's upcoming second album, Interior Spring, and it certainly raises both our interest and expectations for the release.
Topographies are Justin Oronos, Jeremie Ruest, and Gray Tolhurst. The album will be out February 2 via Dark Entries Records.
"My Circle Line" by Hanemoon
Hanemoon is the project of Berlin artist Hans Forster. Rain or Shine will be released on February 2 via Jigsaw Records.
Thursday, January 11, 2024
"No Matter How" by Torrey
Early in another year and we already have a stellar album from San Francisco on the near horizon. It is the self-titled LP from Torrey. Listen below to the artful fusion of indie pop and shoegaze on the album's first single, "No Matter How".
Torrey is due March 8 via Slumberland Records.
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
"Gone" by The Umbrellas
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In some parts of the United States people are thinking about snow shovels, and in other parts people are thinking about umbrellas. Where we live, we are thinking about snow shovels and umbrellas. And that's because it may snow a lot here over the next few days and we have a new song from San Francisco's The Umbrellas. "Gone" begins with echoes of early R.E.M., but with bigger drums. However, the Athens stars didn't have the trading male/female vocals that add depth and interest to songs from this band. We have been advised to expect a bigger and bolder soundscape from The Umbrellas on their upcoming LP Fairweather Friend. And the singles so far indicated that the promise has substance.
Fairweather Friend will be out January 26 via Slumberland Records and Tough Love Records.
Monday, January 8, 2024
"Caroline (I Found Love)" by Red Sleeping Beauty
We suppose that artists search for their own personal way to find inspiration and motivation (we need to "suppose" because there seems to be a -- at least temporary -- gap between true artistic talent and our "talents"). Our beloved Swedish band Red Sleeping Beauty has decided to release a song every month in 2024 to prime their creative side. But buying the song isn't just going to get you a single, it is a purchase of an album in progress. And every ensuing month will bring another track. At the end of the year the purchaser will have a 12-track Red Sleeping Beauty album!
Well, it is January of 2024 and we have single number one: "Caroline (I Found Love)". It is classic Red Sleeping Beauty with big pop hooks and bigger vintage synth arrangements, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
Bandcamp for "Caroline (I Found Love)"
Sunday, January 7, 2024
"Hollowed Out" and "Train Full of Gasoline" by Ducks Ltd.
Ducks Ltd. consists of Tom McGreevy and Evan Lewis. Harm's Way will be out February 9 via Carpark Records and Royal Mountain Records.
Saturday, January 6, 2024
Tony Jay - Better Before Vol. 1
Here at WYMA World Headquarters we believe that there is no such thing as too much Tony Jay, an opinion that was reinforced by the release of their Perfect Worlds LP (our feature here) a few months ago. We recently learned that Better Before Vol. 1, a compilation of earlier songs by Tony Jay and other bands in which Michael Ramos has performed, is now available via Slumberland Records as a digital download. It previously had only been available as a limited run cassette to accompany Perfect Worlds. For fans of Tony Jay, this release is an excellent addition to your collection. We can only hope that the "Vol. 1" designation signals that one or more following releases is in the works.
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Field School - A Familiar Fate EP
We have been gone for a while. You know the drill: Holidays; winter illnesses; family gatherings; and ski trips (or rather trips looking for patches of snow). So as is our usual practice we want to bring you something special. And special today comes in the form of the A Familiar Fate EP by Olympia, Washington's Field School.
Field School is the project of Charles Bert, alum of the much loved jangling twee pop band Math and Physics Club. On the five tracks of this EP Charles nimbly assesses aspects of past segments of life and the relationships that give them meaning. Appropriately, that results in painting in colors both bright and muted. But even when bittersweet, the melodies are vibrant and upbeat while the jangle and strum are just what we expect and want. Every song is top class, but if we had to tag one as unmissable it would be track 2, "I Think You Are Amazing, Grace". Emotional and revealing but never maudlin, this EP is a treasure.
On A Familiar Fate Charles was assisted by Jimmy Ulvenes, Chris Hanzsek, Eric Fleming, Jules Bert-Worrell, and Ethan Jones.
Thursday, December 14, 2023
"Fell In Love" and "Alison" by The Maureens
Jangle and powerpop are a priority gateway to our musical hearts, so a listen to "Fell In Love" and "Alison" by Dutch band The Maureens will tell you why we are putting them on the "nice" Christmas list. That is especially true as they will deliver a late, but welcome, present in the form of new LP Everyone Smiles on January 19 via Meritorio Records. As for references, think Teenage Fanclub and, maybe, the Beach Boys. That should make everyone smile!
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Lower Plenty - No Poets
In the corner of my mind there's a little town Like a ghost it follows me around I go away, I lay awake I go so far away I see the face. Stop thinkin' it was all so easy Stop drinkin', well that's not so easy Layin' in bed you talk about behavioural theory I go to sleep underneath you janglin' jailer's keys
No Poets has been out since early October, so we are remiss in not writing about it earlier. We certainly have played it enough that is has become a soundtrack for life. But with the hindsight available as we reach the end of the year, we are confident that this is one of our top five albums of the year. Buy yourself some poetry for the holidays. And buy some for someone you love.
Lower Plenty is Al Montfort, Daniel Twomey, Jensen Tjhung, and Sarah Heyward. The members' various other projects include Terry, Sleeper & Snake, UV Race, Deaf Wish, and Total Control. No Poets is out now via Bedroom Suck Records.
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Tuesday, December 12, 2023
"The Expat" by The Infinites
Monday, December 11, 2023
The Brights - Oyster Rock!
Jangling, folky guitar pop can be just what our psychologist prescribe for the weekend. The Brights walk the more folky side of the jangle pop channel, but don't mistake the gentle vibe for a lack of punch. On the newly released Oyster Rock! the melodies are packed with joyous earworms and the arrangements bounce like a happy new puppy. The listener even finds power pop strands and country breaking through with great effect. The effect is blissful and laid back and there are plenty of good musical moments that will have you hitting the replay button. This is a bit of a sleeper album in that if you miss it now, it will surface in the future and you will wish it had been in your life all along.
The Brights are Sunny Blayney (vocals/guitar), Samuel Morris (vocals/bass), Cooper Anderson (drums/backing vocals), Dylan Ferguson (guitar), and Will Maddock (keys/percussion/backing vocals). Oyster Rock! is out now in vinyl and digital formats via Meritorio Records and Stable Label Records.
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Loose Wing - Miracle Baby
The latest album by Loose Wing is the recently released Miracle Baby and we think it is a superb musical statement. It is locked-in and concise, but there is a gritty blue collar, heart on the sleeve swagger that sells every song like they are playing live and getting paid by the volume of the applause at the end. The songs embrace a variety of emotions including consumerism, paternalistic males, job anxiety and isolation. And they do it well without lecturing or turning the proceedings into a downer. On this album Loose Wing proves there still is room for bands that splice together multiple styles. It is all about the execution, and this gang executes.
Loose Wing is Claire Tucker (guitar/vocals/keys), Jack Peters (bass), Aimee Zoe (drums), and Bill Patton (guitar/pedal steel). Miracle Baby is out now in digital, vinyl and CD formats via Drums & Wires Recording.
Sunday, December 3, 2023
Jacob Yates and the Pearly Gate Lockpickers - Murder 24/7
The band is Jacob Lovatt (vocals/lyrics), Josh Longton (bass/guitars/keys), Michael Bleazard (drums/percussion), Jamie Bolland (keysboards/piano), and Christopher Haddow (guitars). Murder 24/7 is out now in digital and vinyl formats via Errol's Hot Wax.
Pop Filter - CONO
All members are singers-songwriters, most or all are multi-instrumentalists, and all have been members of respected bands, so there is no fear of contradiction in writing that Pop Filter is an Australian super-group. But the special nature of the band's recordings goes beyond those facts. This is a collection brought together by affection for each other and love of making music, not ego and a chase for fame (and since it is an indie pop band, we are confident it is for reasons other than acquiring great wealth). Their cohesion as a playing unit is a testament to their talent, but also is earned over the years playing with each other in various combinations in other bands (The Ocean Party, Cool Sounds, Snowy Band, Partner Look).
The songs on Pop Filter's new album CONO evince comfort and sincerity, but also the ambition to make each member's creation as perfect as possible -- understanding that perfection in this realm doesn't necessarily mean a glossy finish. The guitars, keys and rhythms always sound terrific while the vocals are delivered in that now familiar laconic Aussie style. All of the foregoing combined with the top class and delightfully distinctive songwriting result in an album that sounds special, feels special, and is special. Which songs are our favorites? All of them, but we have a few for you below. By the way, "Racin' Like Hell" is an album closer that shames most other album closers. So we haven't embedded it below because we hope you go to the Bandcamp link and are tempted to buy the album. Sure, the band deserves it. We think you deserve it too.
One of our clear favorites of the year, CONO is out now via Spunk Records, Osborne Again, and Bobo Integral
Saturday, December 2, 2023
"Coping"/"Paris" by Layman
Are you in the mood for some garage rock? Oh good, because so are we. Some friends in Australia sent us this delightful two-track single "Coping"/"Paris" by Sydney trio Layman. Consisting of three former members of the band BLAND, the band is Cambell Smith (guitar/vocals), Samuel John McEwen (bass/vocals) and Brock Perry (drums). There is nothing complicated here, and there is no need for complication. This is just the sort of music that draw many of is to the indie sphere. And if you have the inclination to look beyond the groove, we think the songwriting is quite good, and "Paris" is very amusing.
"jamcod" by The Jesus And Mary Chain
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We are confirmed fans of Glasgow legends The Jesus and Mary Chain, even several times having spent days listening to every song on a B-sides and rarities compilations titled The Power of Negative Thinking. Accordingly, we are quite excited by this week's news that Jim and William Reid will grace 2024 with a new album Glasgow Eyes at the 40th anniversary of their first single.The announcement of the album and the release of its first single, "jamcord", came on November 29 -- the anniversary of the release. We are told to expect classic J&MC chaos, intensity, and clever pop touches, while supplementing to foregoing with additional influences. But rather than engaging in predicting the future, we will just commend "jamcord" to your ears. The track looks back at the band's 1999 breakup while clear eyes and scorching intensity.
Glasgow Eyes will be out February of March of 2024 via Fuzz Club. There also will be a UK and European tour in 2024.
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