The Reds, Pinks & Purples - Dust In The Path Of Love

Around the holidays it is common to hear "it is more satisfying to give than to receive". And while that generally is true in our experience, an unexpected gift is always a welcome pleasure. And today our day is made brighter by Glenn Donaldson, the mastermind of The Reds, Pinks & Purples. Today the man who has been filling our ears and hearts with wonderful sounds the last few year dropped Dust In The Path Of Love -- a free 5-track digital EP. Perfect for any time or place, but the timing and vibe is excellent as a soundtrack for our present wrapping duties tonight.

Enjoy!

Twitter

Instagram

Bandcamp for EP

Principia" by En Attendant Ana

 

Smarter indie pop fans than the brain trust here at WYMA may be long-time fans of Paris four-piece En Attendant Ana. We just learned of them this week. But we aren't too proud to jump on the bandwagon now. Our introduction is "Principia", the lead track, first single and title track of the band's upcoming album. We understand that En Attendant Ana is known for their jangle, but this track is infused with dynamics and layers that go beyond jangle pop. It is an intriguing glimpse at the band's talent and we eagerly await the full length from our new friends.

En Attendant Ana are Margaux Bouchaudon, Camille Frechou, Maxence Tomasso, and Adrien Pollin. Principia will be out February 24, 2023 via Trouble In Mind Records.

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Bandcamp for Principia

"Grassharp" by Julian Never

 

A bit over three weeks until the release of Pious Fiction, the debut album by California's Julian Never, we have "Grassharp", the second single. With roots in New Zealand guitar pop and a wash of darkly shaded post punk, it is a compelling track that further elevates our excitement for the release of the album.

Julian Never is the project of Julian Elorduy, who formerly was the drummer for MAYYORS. Our post about the first single is here. The album will be available on January 13 via excellent Sacramento label Mt.St.Mtn, and will be distributed by Revolver USA and Cargo UK.

Instagram

Pre-order page for Pious Fiction

Mt.St.Mtn.

"Mountain Pony 20" by Spice World

On our somewhat humble opinion, the perfect close to the weekend is "Mountain Pony 20 by Spice World. Relaxed and DIY, it has a bit of jangle and a lot of strum, and offers the Sunday evening intimate vibe that we craved. The song is the fourth single taken form There Is No I In Spice World by Freemantle, Australia's Spice World.

The album will be out on January 20 via Tenth Court and Meritorio. US orders will ship from Portland and European orders will ship from Spain.

Bandcamp for album pre-orders

The Catburgers - Dreamworld Sessions

 

We can't claim to have been lucky enough to have seen The Catburgers perform in Edinburgh back in the '80s, but probably not many can. More would have heard them if the songs that they recorded for Dan (Television Personalities) Treacy's Dreamword label had ever worked their way to the top of the "print" list, but that didn't happen either. Fortunately the good folks at Copenhagen's FELT label grabbed those recordings and had them remastered. The result is the three-song Dreamworld Sessions. The 7" is available in vinyl or digital at the links below. You might be interested if you are into collecting Scottish music, or it you are a jangle pop fan, or you are a C86 era obsessive, or if you thrill to collecting rare music. But our reason is simple -- these are damn fine tunes that we would want whenever and wherever recorded by anybody. So there!

Twitter

Bandcamp for Dreamworld Sessions (digital)

Rubadub page for Dreamworld Sessions (vinyl)

FELT bandcamp page

Galore - Blush EP

 

Well, well, well, this EP is precious. And we mean "precious" in the most complimentary way. It is sweet, melodic, hooky jangle pop of the kind that we often spend hours scouring the web to find. And here is Blush, in our inbox and created a few hours down the west coast in San Francisco by Galore. It isn't the band's first record (the released a self-titled LP on Sonny Smith's label a couple of year ago) but it the first of their records that have come to our attention, which is our loss. The five songs display solid pop smarts and an undertone of punk attitude without the insecurity that leads to snarls and shouts. They wouldn't sound out of place on K Records or one of several UK labels in the '00s, but as it is they have found a perfect home with hometown label Paisley Shirt Records. And may we bold to say that these tunes go well with the upcoming holidays?

Galore is Ava Rosen (bass, Britta Leijonflycht (guitar), Griffin Jones (guitar), and Hanna Smith (drums). Blush EP is out now in cassette and digital formats via Paisley Shirt Records in the US and Safe Suburban Home in the UK. Note that tapes are sold out in the US, although you still can get one shipped from the UK.

Bandcamp for album

"Dead Meat" and "Sniveller" by Tubs

 

A band name like Tubs does invite some humorous references, but since we a pretending to be serious journalists, and because our partners frequently remind us that we have a ridiculously inflated opinion of our own humor, we will refrain (but some partners are getting a lump of coal for Christmas -- oh hell, make that a TUB of coal for Christmas).

OK, who are Tubs? They are a London-based band with DNA reaching back to Welsh band Joanna Gruesome via Owen 'O' Williams and George 'GN' Nicholls. Their album Dead Meat is due in late January on the Trouble In Mind label, but we have the first two singles for you now. Of course, two singles are a slim basis to judge an album, but if we were forced to predict the future we would put Dead Meat down on our just started list of favorite albums of 2023. Yup, this is stuff we love.

  

Facebook

Instagram

Bandcamp for album

Long Odds - Fine Thread

 

Fine Thread is not a new release, although it was released in the first half of this year. But we won't let the fact that we belatedly discovered it to keep it off this blog. It is a fine album of lo fi guitar pop that we would have featured if we had heard it last spring, so we bring it to you now with apologies to our readers and, especially, to Long Odds. Your ears may detect some Sebadoh or GBV, although only hints of main man Adam Elliott's fine former band New Times Viking. It is lo fi and recorded in mono, but the songs are pop earworms well-worth your time and cash. And speaking of cash, this is a 'name your price album' so you can give some holiday cheer to Long Odds and still feel good at beating inflation.

Facebook

Bandcamp for album

Katie Lass - Hypnopomp

 

Hypnopomp is a multi-layered treasure box that might just be the best tapestry of sounds that you have heard in a long time. It is sufficiently different that it presents a challenge to describe, but we will try -- creator Katie Lass has earned that. The songs on this album are colorful and detailed bedroom pop that fall more on the atmospheric/ambient side as opposed to the more traditional pop song. But the melodies are sweet and the sounds are like quickly blossoming flowers in a multiple or colors. Perhaps an apt analogy is that it is a musical version of a kaleidoscope. You probably won't miss you friend's 'new favorite jam' if you don't listen to this album, but you would miss a delightful and rewarding listening experience.

Hypnopomp is out now in vinyl and digital formats via HHBTM Records and Remove Records.

HHBTM Records · Katie Lass - Shadow On The Shoreline

Instagram

Bandcamp for Hypnopomp

Various links

"Jag ser bara fel" by E. Bjorklund

 

Four to five years ago we covered several releases by a Swedish band known as Delsbo Beach Club. The group was headed by Erik Bjorklund, who also fronted Blodmyren. We had no news of Mr. Bjorklund in the intervening years, but we now have learned that his new project is E. Bjorklund. Our introduction comes via the very catchy and "Jag ser bara fel" (which we are advised translates to "I only sell flaws/faults"). The song is about being overwhelmed, but Erik's arrangement gives it an appealing swagger.

The single is out now via Rama Lama Records. A debut album is expected in the spring.

Rama Lama Records · E. Björklund - Jag ser bara fel

Bandcamp for single

Various links for single

Label page for artist

"High School" and "Silver One" by Julian Never

 

Although we haven't even completed our Christmas shopping, our priorities are in order: We have already begun our shopping lists for music to be released in 2023. And one of the first on that list is Pious Fiction. The album is by Julian Never and will be available on January 13 via excellent Sacramento label Mt.St.Mtn. Julian Never is the project of Julian Elorduy, who formerly was the drummer for MAYYORS. He released well regarded 7" previously, the two tracks of which are also on the upcoming album. Check our the jangling goodness on "High School" and "Silver One".

We give you permission to copy our work -- put Pious Fiction on your list too.

Mt.St.Mtn. · 2. High School

Instagram

Pre-order page for Pious Fiction

Mt.St.Mtn.

XXXXXX

The Reds, Pinks & Purples - Mountain Lake Park

 

We would never tell you that the only music you need is by The Reds, Pinks & Purples. But we will tell you, and often have told you in the past, that you need his music. His offerings have expanded yet again with the recent release of Mountain Lake Park. The album, which is comprised of eleven instrumental tracks, was originally an limited release, vinyl only add on to the Summer At Land's End LP. However, Glenn has made it available now as a digital download. Give the relaxing set of music a listen and, if you are so-inclined, get it at the Bandcamp link.

Twitter

Instagram

Bandcamp for album

"This Is Gonna Change Your Mind" by Martin Frawley

 If your wish list for 2023 is like ours, it has an entry about new music from former Twerps maestro Martin Frawley. We are here to tell you that you can put a check mark next to that entry, because The Wannabe, Martin's sophomore release under his own name, will drop on June 23 via Trouble In Mind Records (North America/UK/EU) and Spunk Records (Aus/NZ). And for those of you not sure, well, "This Is Gonna Change Your Mind". Yes, that is the name of the debut single, and it is an irresistible calling card.

TroubleInMind · Martin Frawley - This Is Gonna Change Your Mind (Trouble In Mind Records)

Facebook

Instagram

Bandcamp for single

Bandcamp for The Wannabe

Skytone - Adrift

 

Skytone is a duo consisting of siblings Rodney and Darius Doddridge. When we first encountered their music they were best described as a jangle pop band. However, for new album Adrift the brothers have created a very appealing tapestry of crystalline synth pop. So the sound is more Stockholm/Malmo than Dunedin/Glasgow. But the hooks are good, the choruses soar, and the arrangements paint in warm, bright colors. This album is so good that you will want to play it right now and think of warmer times. But don't forget to break it out again next summer for a worthy encore.

Adrift is out now via Ottawa label The Beautiful Music.

Facebook

Twitter

Bandcamp for Adrift

Storm The Palace - La B​ê​te Blanche

 

Enthralling storytelling, which sometimes stretches credibility in a very good way, is the fare on offer on La Bete Blanche. The album is by Edinburgh-based Storm The Palace. The band, whose members hail from Scotland, the United States, and Spain, cook up a heady stew of progressive folk, chamber pop and, to our ears, a touch of Americana. But what really sets it apart from other folk albums is the quality of the writing and the band's evident joy in the theatrics and drama of their performances. The band cites fantasy cinema, dream pop and metal as among their influences, and that isn't mere puffery. So allocate some time to listen and some exciting musical doors may open for you.

Storm The Palace are Jon Bews (violin/vocals), Will Bews (bagpipes/bass/flute/vocals), Alberto Bravo (drums/vocals), Sophie Dodds (autoharp/field recordings/guitar/harmonium/vocals), and Reuben Taylor (accordian/harpsichord/organs/piano/Rhodes/synths/vocals/Wurlitzer piano). The album is out now in digital and CD formats.

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Bandcamp for album

The Persian Leaps - Machines For Living

 

We love power pop, and one of our favorite purveyors of that pop/rock standard is St. Paul, Minnesota's The Persian Leaps. This is the ninth time Drew Forsberg's project has featured here, and so long as he continues and we continue, this won't be the last. Whether crafting snappy EPs (which seems to be his preferred mode of musical packaging) or stretching out into full albums, Drew always brings the crunchy, ringing guitars and indelible melodies. You may detect more than a  bit of GVB vibe here, and that certainly is a selling point. But there is a wash of Twin Cities guitar pop that puts an even more personal stamp on the music. Our favorite tracks at the moment are 1, 2, and 5, but that is subject to change with repeated plays. And there will be repeated plays.

The EP is available in digital and CD formats.

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Bandcamp for Machines For Living

Model Shop - Love Interest

 

Whether the message of the songs on Love Interest are happy, sad, melancholy or joyous, nothing therein is too heavy to not euphorically rise to the skies on the glorious music created by Model Shop. The Seattle trio has earned their stripes over the year in various projects (including Math & Physics Club for Kevin and Ethan), but this current combination has the feel of the graduate thesis after years of work. Why? Well, the simple answer is that it clicks on all fronts and in all presented styles. The guitars are direct and bright and the choruses are simply superb.  Model Shop can do a slow burner and rock out, but they shine the brightest on the uptempo pop songs such as "Lucky", "Letters to Melissa", Compilation Tape", "I Was Told This Would Be Easy", and "The Greatest Only"

Model Shop are Kevin Emerson (vocals/drums), Jen Fox (bass), and Ethan Jones (vocals/guitar). Love Interest is out now in digital and vinyl formats via Madrid's Meritorio Records. However, vinyl will be shipped to US purchasers from Portland, Oregon, which will save shipping costs.

Website

Facebook

Bandcamp for Love Interest

Meritorio Records link for Love Interest

Field School - When Summer Comes

 

At times like this we wish that we had purchased the deluxe box of superlatives because the subject of this feature certainly is worthy. Charles Bert, vocalist and rhythm guitarist of Math & Physics Club, refused to let the isolation of the pandemic prevent him from creating music. He began his solo project Field School and released a couple of EPs on a small label started by a friend. But quality has a way of finding a broader audience, and Charles' debut LP When Summer Comes is now available via Spanish label Bobo Integral. For fans of the sweet and bittersweet tunes of Math & Physics Club, and more generally for fans of jangling indie pop, the album is everything we could wish for and more.

The DIY ethos of hometown legends K Records seems to come naturally to Charles. But his musical feet remain firmly planted in the jangle and twee channel of Sarah Records, as well as numerous labelmates at Bobo Integral. What elevates the songs on When Summer Comes above others in that category, however, are the incisive writing and sincere performances. The listener can feel the joy and the melancholy, and enjoy the self-effacing humor. And even the more melancholy tunes benefit from Charles' relatively light touch, leaving the listener with a warm feeling and an understandable desire to hit "replay". This certainly is one of the jangle pop albums of the year.

When Summer Comes is out now in digital and vinyl formats.

Bandcamp for When Summer Comes

Bobo Integral

The Laughing Chimes - Zoo Avenue EP

 

Every year a number of bands surface with a jangling sound that earns our ears, as well as a place in the lineup with those jangle poppers who preceded them. But occasionally a new band will carve their way to the center of the genre, sounding like they have always been there and now are being imitated by others. Southeast Ohio's The Laughing Chimes may be such a band. The project begun by teenage siblings Evan and Quinn Seurkamp has released their debut EP Zoo Avenue which is one of the stronger opening statements we have heard from any band lately. It is no wonder that the brain trust at Slumberland Records signed them. Sunny, chiming optimism for a gloomy fall -- you really shouldn't miss these guys.

Zoo Avenue is out now in digital and cassette formats.

Twitter

Bandcamp for Zoo Avenue EP

Various links for Zoo Avenue

No Zu - Heat Beat

 

If a man in a trench coat approaches you and gives you a choice of "zu" or "no zu", you are hereby advised to take the less obvious choice. Sure, you might be tempted to take the first choice and become the proud owner of some zu which, you think, surely must be better than no zu at all. However, if you take the second choice you will have Heat Beat, the new EP by Melbourne's ultra terrific No Zu. If this discussion hurts your head, turn off your brain, press "play" on Heat Beat and let your heart and feet be your guide. This is punk funk. It is dance. It is world beat. It is dark but vibrant. It is the one and only heat beat.

No Zu are icons in Melbourne (and probably everywhere else they have played). Heat Beat is their first record in several years, and presents their last recordings with vocalist Daphene Camf, who died in 2021. We hope they continue because there is nothing quite like them. But the future aside, the weekend comes and everyone should have Heat Beat on their soundtrack. The EP is available in vinyl and digital formats via Chapter Music.

Facebook

Twitter

Bandcamp for Heat Beat

Various links for No Zu