"Visions At The Stars" by Spinning Coin

Finally, Glasgow's Spinning Coin are back with a release.  Well, almost back with a release.  The two-song 7" Visions At The Stars actually won't be released until August 30, which is nearly two years after their excellent album Permo (our feature here).  However, the A-side is available to tickle your music receptors right now with the breezy guitar pop that earns "favorite" status around WYMA headquarters.  Apparently, we will need to wait a month to hear B-side "Not A Dream".

Spinning Coin are Sean Armstrong (vocals/guitar), Jack Mellin (vocals/guitar), Rachel Taylor (bass/vocals), and Chris White (drums).  Visions At The Stars will be released in digital and vinyl formats via the Geographic Music imprint of Domino Record Company



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Various sites to stream Visions At The Stars

Possible Humans - Everybody Split (August repress)

We usually don't revisit our posts, but we are making an exception for Everybody Split, the 2019 album by Australian band Possible Humans. When we covered the album earlier in the year it was available in Australia and New Zealand via Hobbies Galore, but did not have the backing of a North American label. However, Trouble In Mind (which has made a major and appreciated effort to bring good Australian and New Zealand bands to North American ears) is releasing Everybody Split on August 2.  So none of you Northern Hemisphere possible humans miss your second chance at a very good album, here is a reprise of our feature:

The world is full of possibilities, and promise inherent in that fact seems to be the fuel for the creative impulses of Melbourne's Possible Humans.  On Everybody Split, their new album, the five piece digs deep into intriguing guitar jams that adroitly walk the tightrope between guitar pop and free form rock.  With riffs neatly balancing hooks, and the urgency of tracks like "Stinger" balanced by the psychedelic pop of "Born Stoned" (almost 12 minutes long, and worth every second of your time), the alleged homo sapiens seem about as far away from corporate rock as you can get, and they do it with joy, skill and a lack of pretense.

The five guys that are Possible Humans are Leon Cranswick, Samuel Tapper, Steve Hewitt, Adam Hewitt, and Mark Hewitt.







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Bandcamp for Everybody Split
Trouble In Mind Records page for Everybody Split

James Clarke Five - Parlour Sounds

Good music, good fun: Parlour Sounds by the James Clarke Five.  Calling to mind great British guitar pop of The Kinks and their contemporaries, perhaps the exuberant pop of Emmit Rhodes, and Mods such as The Jam, it is the project of James Hughes.  James also was a member of The Cherry Boys in the '80s -- a band that deserved a longer career.  Summer isn't over in the Northern Hemisphere, and Parlour Sounds clearly is a summer album. Dive in to the Kinksian opener, followed by the soulful '70s rock swing of "Rock and Roll (Took Me to the River)".  "Under Your Skin" lives up to its name, and as a bonus it invades your brain like the proper earworm that it is.  This is music played with a smile and plenty of pep, and it will be received the same way by the listener.

Parlour Sounds is out now in digital and CD formats via This Is Beautiful Music.







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Label page for Parlour Sounds

Strange Ranger - Remembering the Rockets

Strange Ranger continue their journey.  Physically, the band was formed in Montana, relocated to Portland, Oregon and then, again, to Philadelphia.  Musically, for their third album Remembering The Rockets the band has transitioned from a more emo approach to a broader guitar pop/melodic alternative rock sound.  For our tastes, the music offered on the current album is quite appealing.  The rhythm section is robust and the guitars and keys swirl brightly.  And while the lyrical content can be melancholy, the overall vibe is warm, welcoming, and invariably melodic.  We are particularly taken with the opening track, "Leona", and "Sunday", which reminds us of The Cure.  Treat your ears some Strange Ranger, they likely will thank you.

Remembering The Rockets is out now via Tiny Engines.






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"Change of Heart" by Steve Buscemi's Dreamy Eyes

The only complaint we have regarding Swedish four-piece Steve Buscemi's Dreamy Eyes is that they are taking a long, long time to release a debut album.  However, we understand that this flaw will be rectified soon.  And based on the evidence provided by new single "Change of Heart", the care the band takes in crafting their music probably tells us why the first album has taken so long.  What a great way to begin a Monday!

Steve Buscemi's Dreamy Eyes are Siri Sjöberg, Tilde Hansen, Lias Mahfoud, and Edvin Arleskär.  "Change of Heart" is out as a digital release via Rama Lama Records.






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Various links for "Change of Heart"

Mike Gale - Summer Deluxe

Summer Deluxe, the recent album by Mike Gale, the former frontman for UK band Co-pilgrim, proves that the textures of summer need not only be variations of bright sunshine.  On this eleven-track beauty Gale wields keys and guitars to combine sparkling sunshine with hazy melancholy producing a multifaceted set of pop songs that delight with the first listen, yet manage to reveal even more with each repeat.  Romance, joy, peace, and moody reflection swirl through the songs buoyed by perfectly crafted arrangements.  In fact, a clear highlight is the instrumental title track -- a perfect summer song suggestive of sitting in the park sipping lemonade.  When it fades out we want to scream "No! Come back!"  But then we find that there is no need to panic, because the following "Jump Start My Heart" amply delivers the promise of its title.  And that isn't really surprising, because this album is packed with great songs.  As we head into the languid days of August, this may become your chosen soundtrack.

Summer Deluxe is out now in digital and CD formats.  See the Bandcamp link below.









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Bandcamp for various Mike Gale recordings

Mick Trouble - It's The Mick Trouble LP

It's The Mick Trouble LP is an album that likely will put a smile on the face of guitar pop fans, especially the fans of '80s British guitar pop and some '60s British Invasion bands.  There is a back story about Mick Trouble being a UK musician from several decades ago whose recordings are finally getting the release they deserve.  It is a cute enough story, but we won't spend any more time with it because it isn't true (although we did fall for it hook, line and sinker when the EP was released last year).  In fact, Mick Trouble is Jed Smith of My Teenage Stride and Jeanines.  The important fact is that Jed has crafted a set of songs that could well have been written and performed by a decades-ago talent who was influenced by Nick Lowe, Television Personalities, The Jazz Butcher and Wreckless Eric. And that is more than enough for us.  Expect jangle, rubbery bass, pop hooks, a punk-influenced performance style and some tongue in cheek humor aimed at British culture.

Jed did all the work himself -- you should reward him.







Bandcamp for the album

"More to Enjoy" by Cool Sounds

When searching for cool sounds to soothe your ears a good place to look is, well, Cool Sounds.  The perfectly named Melbourne band delights us with every recording, and new single "More to Enjoy" is as aptly named as its creators.  The release of the single also coincides with the announcement of the band's next album, which also is titled More to Enjoy.  The album will be out on September 20 via Osborne Again Music, Hotel Motel Records, and Meritorio Records, but you can pre-order it now.  And if you are in Europe, you may be able to here the new, cool sounds while the band is on tour.  Here is the link for European tour dates for Cool Sounds, Lachlan Denton, and Nathan Roche.




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"I Won't Be Found" by Galileo's Fan

A midweek gift for your ears: Please unwrap the sweet single "I Won't Be Found" by Galileo's Fan.  The band is comprised of siblings Fi and Martin Vass, who are from the Scottish Highlands.  The song is the title track for their debut album, which will be released September 16 via GF Records.  Today's treat features perfect vocals by Fi and an anthemic arrangement that evokes the wide open spaces of the northern coast of the Highlands.  Enjoy!



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"Patterns Prevail" by Young Guv

Yes, there is a lot of good new music out right now, but that won't keep us from thrilling you with "Patterns Prevail", another gem from the upcoming GUV I by Toronto's Young Guv.  Every song we have heard is top drawer, and you should be eager to add the album to your library.



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Run For Cover Records page for pre-order of GUV I

"In The Air" by Allah Las (video)

The wait for the next Allah Las album has been far too long, but it ends in October.  And while that still leaves us with a long wait, we have the video form of album track "In The Air" to help us bridge the gap.  The visuals should please fans of the cult movie Weekend At Bernie's, and the music should please fans of the band's heavenly brand of Southern California psychedelic pop.  For our part, we are very, very pleased.

Allah Las are Matt Correia, Spencer Dunham, Miles Michaud, and Pedrum Siadatian.  LAHS will be out on October 11 via Mexican Summer.



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Various links to pre-order LAHS

Sail By Summer - Casual Heaven

William Hut (vocals/guitar) and Jens Kristian (keys/programming) have a magical artistic connection which manifests itself in grand-scale pop tunes inspired by the grandeur of Western Norway and shaded by Nordic melancholy.  The project is Sail By Summer, and the fruits of their collaboration are embodied in new album Casual Heaven.  The songs melodic and the arrangements are thoughtfully detailed without being fussy.  The emotional content is touching and genuine, but doesn't detract from the sonic celebration of the sea, the mountains, the fjords, and the whole of the natural beauty surrounding Bergen.  For us, a plane ticket to Norway is out of the question at the moment, but Casual Heaven will tide us over.  Quite simply, this music makes our hearts feel good.

Casual Heaven is released via Apollon Records.






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Shake Some Action - Thirty Nine

James Hall's Shake Some Action is a too-well-kept Seattle secret.  With echoes of The Feelies and R.E.M., the band flies the local flag for power pop and psychedelic rock.  Their extensive catalog can be accessed via their webpage, but we are writing today to focus your attention on their brand spanking new album, Thirty Nine.  The twelve tracks display plenty of muscle while not ignoring the pop end of the spectrum, resulting in a supercharged set of jangle, hooks, and rumbling bass and drums.  We assure you that Thirty Nine is a good way to start the week.







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The Proctors - Letters to the Girl / Footsteps

Sure, the Letters to the Girl 7" by The Proctors isn't released until next Friday.  But with the vinyl edition limited to 250 copies, we are obliged to advise you that you might want to consider purchasing sooner rather than later.  Of course, it will be available in digital format as well, and you should be proud to own it in either case.  The single begins with the title track, with the rush of sound and jangle that we expect and love from The Proctors.  B-side "Footsteps" has a wonderfully atmospheric dream pop vibe that suggests that this record really is a double A-side.  Your favorite will depend on your mood at the moment, but there is no wrong choice.

The Proctors are Gavin Priest, Margaret Calleja, Phil Guest, Lisa Bouvier, and Thomas Aherne.  Letters to the Girl 7" is available via Shelflife Records.




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Theatre Royal - Singles 2010-18

We like being hip and knowing a lot about the world of indie rock. We even like pretending that we are hip and know a lot about the world of indie rock, even when our knowledge lags behind our ambition.  But we aren't going to pretend here -- until a couple of days ago we were unfamiliar with Theatre Royal.  However, a chance viewing of some commentary on our Twitter feed (including a recommendation by Wally of The Beautiful Music label link), let us to one of our more delightful discoveries lately.  So we would like to share with you the most excellent Singles 2010-18, a collection of 22 songs released by the band between ... well, you just read the title, so you know.

Wielding two guitars and boasting an aggressive rhythm section, this four-piece dishes out classic up-tempo west coast rock adorned with sweet harmonies.  We have been playing it repeatedly since we found the Bandcamp link, and we highly recommend that you do the same. The only aspect of this record that makes us sad is that we have gone almost an entire decade no listening to a band that would have been one of our favorites had we known.  We will make amends.

The good lads of Theatre Royal are Oliver, Robert, Jon, and Bendan.  Singles 2010-18 is out now in digital and CD formats.








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"Smoke You Right Out Of Here" by David Kilgour and the Heavy Eights

Whether you want good news or not, we are delivering good news: David Kilgour and the Heavy Eights will release a new album titled Bobbie's A Girl in September.  Of course, David is well-known as guitarist and co-founder of seminal Dunedin, New Zealand band The Clean.  But he also has had a notable musical career outside of The Clean, with solo albums as well as recording with others as David Kilgour and the Heavy Eights.  The new album will consist of ten tracks, and you need wait no more to hear number two - "Smoke You Right Out Of Here".

In addition to David Kilgour, the members of the band are Thomas Bell, Tony de Raad, and Taane Tokona.  Bobbie's A Girl will be out in digital, CD and vinyl formats on September 20 via Merge Records.






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Bandcamp for Bobbie's A Girl
Merge Records page for Bobbie's A Girl
Various links to pre-order Bobbie's A Girl

Subshine - Easy Window

Ole Gunnar Gundersen writes and performs as Subshine after a stint as singer and songwriter of Lorraine.  A series of singles now leads to his debut album, Easy Window.  If you are experiencing summer (or just wishing you were experiencing summer) and are in love, this is a very good album for you right now.  In fact, if you aren't in love right now these songs may help you feel as if you were in love, and it is hard to buy that feeling any other way that is legal.

The songs are melodic, hopeful, romantic and superbly crafted.  There is a nice balance between the slower paced ballads and the upbeat tunes that likely will prompt a dance step or two.  But even in the latter arrangements, Gundersen eschews the au currant 'big drop' and sticks with the classic electro pop approach we all loved in past decades.  If some of these songs remind you of New Order, you won't be alone, and certainly won't be disappointed.  It is an enjoyable, 'feel-good' listen, and we like pulling it out frequently to recharge the positive vibes.

Easy Window is out in vinyl, digital and CD formats via Norwegian label Apollon Records.







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Kool Aid - Family Portrait EP

In the past we have featured several compilations and individual records released by Christchurch collective Melted Ice Cream, so we didn't have any hesitation in diving in when we discovered the new Family Portrait EP by Melted Ice Cream super band Kool Aid.  The members are Jamie Stratton, Violet French, Luke Towart, Ben Dodd, Brian Feary, and Spencer Hall, many or all of whom have played on other recordings featured here.  The six tracks here range from free-wheeling indie rock to breezy summer psychedelia.  Short? Perhaps, but it makes a big impression.







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Trash Kit - Horizon

Trash Kit are not one of those bands that produce an album or two a year, but the pace of their output is due to he application of creative energy to the multiple other projects in which its members are engaged rather than a lack of creative energy.  We think all those varied musical experiences combine to great effect, and the proof is right before us in Horizon, their third album and their first since 2014.  The music here is surging, adventuresome, and brightly colored.  Rachel Aggs' intricate, African-influenced guitar certainly is a notable element, but is only one of the many highlights.  The instrumentation is varied and detailed (with assistance from several contributors) and the melodies sparkle.  The vocals are interesting both for the lyrical content and the presentation, with call and response, speak-sing and interrogatives providing immediacy and impact.  The template is simple -- find a groove, work it well and decorate it with flair.  The results are stunning and oh so pleasurable.

The members of Trash Kit are Rachel Aggs (guitar/vocals), Rachel Horwood (drums/vocals), and Gil Partington (bass).  Horizon is out now via London label Upset the Rhythm.








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Upset the Rhythm page for vinyl and CD formats

"Club DZ" by Acid Arab

As fans of Acid Arab, the dudes that bring middle eastern and Parisian club music together in intoxicating fashion, we are thrilled that they have announce a new album.  Jdid will be available in October via label Crammed Discs.  Our first hint of the upcoming album is the thumping "Club DZ".  Start your week out with a great tune!

Acid Arab originally consisted of Guido Minisky and Herve Carvalho.  Their roster now includes Pierrot Casanova, Nicholas Borne, and Kenzi Bourras, as well.






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Various links to buy/stream "Club DZ"
Bandcamp for pre-order of Jdid