The Cords - The Cords

 

If you are an indie pop fan you probably will read about Scots duo The Cords in multiple publications. There is a reason: They have earned it. Sure, that is our opinion. But it also is the opinion of other music writers, concert promoters, and other bands. And when knowledgeable label heads like the boss at Slumberland Records and the veteran indie popsters Rob and Amelia (Heavenly/Talula Gosh/Catenary Wires/Swansea Sound/Pooh Sticks) at Skepwax Records sign a band for their debut LP, you can be sure that there is substance behind the chatter. And while sisters Eva and Grace Tedeschi can feel lucky to appear on those labels, we suspect that the labels feel lucky to have them on the roster.

And this leads us to their self-titled debut. Jangle and melody abound, and there is that welcome familiarity of the rush of vocals and guitar that we heard with Shop Assistants, The Vaselines, C-86 bands and Sarah Records favorites. But in our view the special ingredient is way that those familiar and cherished styles and sounds are molded into something present and now by two talented artists born much more recently. It is like going into a vintage clothing shop and finding garments you want with delightful and unexpected details -- an unusual contrasting collar, an offbeat color, or an unusual cut to the lapels. It all is delivered sincerely, but also a dose of wry humor and an understanding that indie pop songs are best at a breezy pace and don't stick around too long.

The Cords is out now via Slumberland Records and Skepwax Records.

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Slumberland Records page for album (USA)

Skepwax page for the album (UK)

The Radio Field - Air and Sunlight

 

One of the treasures of the jangle pop world is Dusseldorf band The Radio Field. They impressed  us mightily a couple of years ago with an LP titled Don'ts and Dos and they are back with new album Air and Sunlight. We are happy to report that there is no evidence of a sophomore slump -- this album is even better than the first.

The album hits all the right notes out of the gate with opener "It's Alright" and jangles and pops with enthusiasm for nine more tracks with blends, in various degrees, of jangle, bright indie pop, and a touch of country rock/Americana. There is one slower track, but the gang has to catch their breath at some point -- right?

Air and Sunlight is one of the hidden gems of the year -- don't miss out. It is available now via Less Records and Subjangle.

Bandcamp for album

"Dirt Road Anthem" by Pop Filter

 

As members of young bands mature, finding time for music can become difficult among work, families, location changes and life events large and small. Those of us who write about music appreciate those challenges even though writing about music is simple compared with writing and recording music. So we are thrilled to learn that Pop Filter -- a band that has been a favorite for years in this and previous incarnations -- still finds time to thrill us with new songs. Their upcoming album is titled Trade Place Tape and will be available on October 17. A taste of the 12-track recording is now available via single "Dirt Road Anthem". Over sprightly, danceable instrumentation, the lead vocalist evinces cynicism while the chorus assures him that he won't get what he wants. The song is more than enough to remind use that Pop Filter will deliver top quality pop music. What's more is that we expect, and will get, innovation, humor, an a few unexpected left turns.

Trade Place Tape will be available as a digital release and in a limited batch of cassettes via Osborne Again (Australia/New Zealand) and Bobo Integral (everywhere else).

Bandcamp for single

Bandcamp for Trade Place Tape pre-orders

"Memory Light" by Creative Writing

 

From the opening crunching, jangling power pop riffs to the rousing chorus, "Memory Light" is one of those treasured instant classics the we put on lengthy bouts of "repeat". The song is just the latest released by New England band Creative Writing. The band's members are based in Western Massachusetts and southern Vermont, and are, or have been, in Huevos II, Jeanines, Sore Eros and other projects. The song is taken from their upcoming LP Baby Did This which is due October 3 via Meritorio Records. Expect a satisfying mix of college rock, jangle and country inflected indie rock -- the American guitar pop we love.

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Glo-Worm - Glimmer (reissue)

 

Glimmer is a charming, chiming, twee jewel that satisfies as much now as it did when originally released. It is the definitive musical statement of Glo-Worm, a justifiably beloved indie pop band. Formed by Pam Berry (vocalist for Black Tambourine, Belmondo and others; editor of Chickfactor magazine) and guitarist Terry Banks (Tree Fort Angst and St. Christopher, now Dot Dash), the band then added Dan Searing (Whorl, The Saturday People) on drums. The band's active phase was a mere 2-1/2 years in which they released 7"s and contributed to compilations. Glimmer was a compilation of those recordings and was released originally in 1996 by Olympia, Washington's K Records. To the delight of WYMA and indie pop fans, K Records has reissued Glimmer in honor of its 30th anniversary. This is the first time the album is available in vinyl format, and the digital version includes several bonus tracks. This is essential twee pop to reside aside lo-fi gems by The Pastels, Beat Happening and other worthies in your collection.

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"When You Said Goodbye" by The Cords

 

[Sigh] "When You Say Goodbye" is a song that is so perfect it should be delivered in a blue Tiffany box delivered by a uniformed footman. Although, since it is heartbreak pop, in our personal experience it might be delivered by a angry ex along with a hastily packed suitcase of our belongings and a command to get out of her sight. The song is the latest single from Grace and Eve Tedeschi, the impossibly talented Scots sibling duo known as The Cords. It is taken from their upcoming self-titled album due later this month from Skepwax and Slumberland. Have you placed your order?

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Slumberland Records page for album (USA)

Skepwax page for the album (UK)

"The Gown" by The Bats

 

In our view, The Bats were magic in the early '80s and they continue to be magic in 2025. They don't do it with bombast, frills, gimmicks, or by following the style du jour. They do it with sharp songwriting, relatable themes, personal connection, and quality performances. This week brought striking song "The Gown", which is the third single from their upcoming LP Corner Coming Up. The instrumentation is slightly restrained for a tune from this band, but with the percussion and bass up in the mix. Atmospheric and haunting, "The Gown" underscores that The Bats are not resting on their laurels. We think it is best appreciated with the volume turned up.

The Bats are Robert Scott, Kaye Woodward, Paul Kean, and Malcolm Grant. Corner Coming Up will be released October 17 via Flying Nun Records.

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Bandcamp for album pre-orders

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"Fading Out" and "Daffy Duck" by Massage

 

Pssst! Hey you -- yes, you. How would you like a massage? Don't worry -- no one is going to put their hands on you. We are proposing an aural treat delivered by LA indie pop band Massage. After four years and several landmark life experiences (good and bad), Massage is preparing to release new album Coaster. We expect to be impressed by the groups alchemy of Britpop, dream pop and shoegaze. And having listened to their previous album Still Life earlier today, we know that we won't be disappointed.

Two of the album's songs have been shared. "Fading Out" is Britpop flavored with a hint of J&MC. "Daffy Duck is a propulsive shoegaze gem. Adding it up, our math says this is going to be a very good album. Cynics might point out that when it comes to WYMA math, main writer Scott was a history major with two law degrees. Nevertheless, with respect to music, our taste is impeccable.

Massage are Alex Naidus, Andrew Romano, Gabi Ferrer, Natalie de Almeida, and David Rager. Coaster will be released October 10 via Mt. St. Mtn. (USA), Bobo Integral (Eur), and Prefect Records (UK).

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Bandcamp for Coaster

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Shopfires - We Are Not There But We Are Here

 

Much of the music that we cover is sent to us in the hope (both on the part of the sender and WYMA) that we will have time to listen to it and write about it. But some music we stumble across while trawling the internet. We Are Not There But We Are Here is one of those discovery albums. It is the product of songwriter Neil Hill recording as Shopfires. Rather than a 'big statement' type of release, this album is a lovely collage of ordinary daily life and its experiences, challenges, and memories. The presentation is unpretentious and lo-fi, but expertly layered and shimmering. The quiet, sincerely-voiced lyrics impart an intimacy that draws the listener in and holds on tight from start to finish.

We Are Not There But We Are Here is a gem you will be happy to welcome to your library. For us, it is one we revisit frequently as it seems to give us a feeling of being grounded. But we would be remiss if we didn't mention that Shopfires also has an intriguing collection of recordings available, and we have included a link to Bandcamp where you can peruse the offerings.

 We Are Not There But We Are Here is out now via Subjangle Records.

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Bandcamp for We Are Not There But We Are Here

Bandcamp for other Shopfires releases

Tullycraft: "Tarrytown", "Love On The Left Bank" and LP Shoot The Point

 

If we were to consult our carefully curated and updated lists for our favorite twee pop bands, Seattle's Tulleycraft will be floating at the top riding their trademark energy like a helium-filled balloon. The band isn't as active as it once was, but happily they will release a shiny new album titled Shoot The Point at the end of the week. Tullycraft are musicians and craft terrific stories with twists, turns and surprises behind blind corners. They clearly have a lot of fun doing it, and the listeners share in the fun.

But we aren't the kind of meanies who say "something good is coming but you have to wait". Tullycraft has shared songs from the album and we are going to let you listen to them right now. Yes, now. Here are "Tarrytown" and "Love On The Left Bank". However, we will add that we have listened to the entire album (a couple of times already) and it is terrific. If you are the kind of mope who only wants somber music, give it a pass. For everyone else with a pulse, get in line for Shoot The Point.

Shoot The Point is out Friday, August 22, via HHBTM Records.

HHBTM Records · Love On the Left Bank

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"Fabulist" and "I'm Not Sad" by The Cords

 

Well, well, well -- this is exciting stuff and it is only a taster for the upcoming album. What are we writing about? The two songs shared so far from the upcoming debut album by Greenock, Scotland's The Cords. Comprised of sisters Eva and Grace Tedeschi, the band has attracted the attention of some of the best indie artists from Scotland and beyond, and has appeared on the stage with many. The self-titled album is due September 26 via Slumberland Records (US) and Skepwax Records (UK), and you should line up to reserve your copy because you shouldn't live a minute without it.

Oh, and since we lauded the songs, we would be remiss if we didn't link them below. Feel free to form your own opinions about influences, but our thoughts - limited to one for each song - are Heavenly for "Fabulist" and Shop Assistants for "I'm Not Sad".

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Slumberland Records page for album (USA)

Skepwax page for the album (UK)

Autocamper - What Do You Do All day?

 

Manchester's Autocamper have absorbed the sounds and styles of C86, college rock, Scottish bands such as Close Lobsters and Fire Engines, and janglers of the Sarah Records roster. But like a fun house mirror, what the band reflects back to the listeners on their debut LP What Do You Do All Day? is the band's proprietary blend of the guitar pop canon. In addition to being an entertaining listen from first play, we think that the album suggests that this band has the resources and originality to continue to grow. The presentation is sincere and unpretentious and the overall vibe is of a intimate show in a comfortable local club, and that is a good thing in our book. Maybe its just us, but we give extra points to boy/girl vocals that remind us of The Pastels (for that matter, tracks four and seven remind us favorably of The Pastels).

So if you haven't given Autocamper a listen, we recommend you do so. It is one of the better debuts we have heard this year, and it is out now via Slumberland Records.

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Tony Jay - Faithless

 

We have been absent from our keyboard for most of the past six weeks. We offer apologies, but no excuses or explanations. Life is like being on the surface of the ocean -- sometimes it is calm, sometimes it is stormy. And sometimes you catch a wave and thrill until you wipe out. Winning is staying above the surface as long as possible. So, what brings us back? Well, the soundtrack to our lives is important to us, and to our readers, and a large backlog of good music needs a cheerleading voice. We won't get to all of it, but we will give it our best efforts.

One recent album that we cannot ignore is Faithless by San Francisco's Tony Jay. We are great fans of Michael Ramos' work in various Bay Area bands (e.g. Cindy/Flowertown/Pennys/April Magazine), but his Tony Jay project digs into our soul. The combination of atmospheric whispers and  delicate melodies breaking through fuzz and hiss like sunlight chasing away the fog sound more like an inner dialog being repeated back to us than a external musical score. We don't mean to imply that we have any ownership in the music, but the effect us that we are all in the water together.

Faithless was written and recorded on their recent tour of Japan, and explicitly informer by Japanese indie pop artists such as Les Rallizes Denudes and Shizuka. The band wrote all of the songs except for a cover of Gabys "Familiar Dreams". Tony Jay is Michael Ramos, Kelsey Faber, Cameron Baker, Ida Belisle, and Evie Brown For the Japan tour, the band was joined by by San Francisco musician Kati Mashikian (Mister Baby/April Magazine) who provides vocals on tracks five and six.

Bandcamp for Faithless

Jeanines - How Long Can It Last

 

With sharp songwriting and a sound that combines the familiar guitar pop with echoes of Sarah Records and folk rock, Jeanines are a band we treasure. And their recently released How Long Can It Last finds them at a new high. The vignettes are compact but colorful, told with an adult perspective but a youthful vigor. Always tuneful, with pleasing harmonies and thoughtful lyrics, this album pleases the ears at the first listen, and then draws the listener back for repeated encores.

Jeanines were formed by songwriters/musicians Alicia Jeanine and Jed Smith. The album also features contributions from Maggie Gaster, who plays bass for the band's live shows.

How Long Can It Last is out now via Slumberland Records and, in the UK, Skep Wax Records.

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Slumberland Records page for How Long Can It Last

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The Perfect English Weather - Just Beyond The Lights

 

Wendy and Simon comprise The Perfect English Weather, in which they create perfect indie pop. With memorable melodies and thoughtful arrangements supporting Wendy's sublime vocals, the husband and wife duo (also members of The Popguns) are at the top of their artistry with their delightful new release Just Beyond The Lights. The album is a set of songs that reflect locale and time. The locale is small-town south English coast, as well as Simon and Wendy's past residences. The time is the period of life where enough years and experiences have occurred to allow reflection, perspective and appreciation. The stories are deftly and warmly illustrated and adorned with restrained instrumentation. The first time listener may be first impressed by the simple beauty of the music, as were we. But in our view the full appreciation of Just Beyond The Lights comes with attention to the stories, reflections and remembrances.

The album is available via Bandcamp outside of the USA, and via Matinee Recordings In the USA.

Matinée Recordings · The Perfect English Weather - Pilgrimage

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Matinee Recordings page for album

"Cologne" by Allo Darlin'

 

Yes, we enjoyed our time away from blog duties while traveling and reconnection with friends. But as we return to the lucrative business of blogging about indie music, it seems appropriate to make our first post about a band that has returned after over a decade away from the scene. Yes, Allo Darlin' is back to recording and touring. Their new album Bright Nights will be available July 11 via Slumberland Records in the US and Fika Recordings in UK/Euro. Do you want to know whether the band still has the indie pop chops? Of course you do, so check out recently released album track "Cologne" and the two previous singles, "My Love Will Bring You Home" and "Tricky Questions". We will tip our hand - this is sharp, evocative songwriting and assured performances. That all adds up to a very promising album.

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Bandcamp for Bright Nights

 Bandcamp for previous releases

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The High Water Marks - Consult The Oracle

 

The High Water Marks have done it again. Their new album Consult The Oracle is packed with rocking powerpop gems that plays out as much as a proto-greatest hits album as a single LP. To our ears, this may be their best album of their two decades of recording, although given their trajectory I wouldn't discount the possibility of greater heights (or higher high water marks) in the future. The magic sauce in songs by THWM is a heady blend of impeccable pop smarts and joyous, playful exuberance. And for fans of the jangle, like WYMA's executive editorial board, this band delivers at a premium level.

THWM are Hilarie Sidney (Apples in Stereo and Elephant 6 co-founder), Per Ole Bratset, Logan Miller & Øystein Megård. Consult The Oracle is out now via Meritorio Records.

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The Pennys - The Pennys EP

 

We are fans of separate work of both Michael Ramos (Tony Jay/Flowertown/Cindy) and R.E. Seraphin (excellent recent solo power pop), so we eagerly awaited the debut of their joint project The Pennys. Happily, the self-titled mini-album exceeded our high expectations. Gorgeous guitars, hushed vocals, and chords that tug at the heart nestle in lo fi production to create and intimate set of songs that its creators aptly refer to as heartbreak pop. The result is immersive, immediate and compelling. Is six songs sufficient to make an album qualify for our year end list? When the songs are this good, yes.

The Pennys is out now via Mt.St.Mtn.

Bandcamp for The Penneys

Link to order of vinyl version of The Pennys

Sad Eyed Beatniks - Hot Dish of the Sun On the Table of the Heavens Demos 2016-2024

 

A feature on a collection of demos? Perhaps unusual, but Sad Eyed Beatnniks always attracts our attention. The solo, lo fi project of Kevin Linn, the head honcho of San Francisco's Paisley Shirt Records, showcases Kevin's knack for melody and invention while never over-complicating the end result. Will you like every song? Maybe, maybe not. But the digital release is $1 so a positive return on the investment is likely. And there are NO TARIFFS on these demos.

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Bandcamp for album

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Various links for Kevin Linn

Say Sue Me - Time Is Not Yours EP

 

UK indie fans have a genuine treat coming to their doorsteps. Busan, South Korea's Say Sue Me are playing six shows in May (dates and locations are at the end of this post). And to remind music lovers why they should pay attention, the band has just released five-track EP Time Is Not Yours. We featured lead single "Vacation" a few weeks ago, but for this post we want to lead with our favorite track -- and in fact one of our favorite songs of the year so far -- title track "Time Is Not Yours".

One of the great joys of this band is their versatility. Compare the above song with the joyous chaos of the instrumental "Mexico" --

But they continue to surprise with the gentle, sun-kissed closer "Bone Pink".

Say Sue Me are Choi Sumi (vocals/guitar), Kim Buyngkyu (lead guitar), Kim Jaeyoung (bass), and Lim Sungwan (drums). Time Is Not Yours is out now via Damnably.

saysueme.com

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