The mere two words “Christmas song” annoy me, they’re overrated unless they’re from the ’70s/’80s. For some reason they nailed them and no one since has come close, unless they weren’t intended to be a Christmas song like ‘Holocene’ or ‘White Winter Hymnal’. These songs always remind me of Christmas, but the fact that I […]
Author: Jacob Shoobridge-Chandler
LISTEN: Alexei Shishkin – ‘Pigeonhole’
‘Pigeonhole‘ is the new winter warmer from the NY via Portland musician and filmmaker Alexei Shishkin, taken from his forthcoming record, Happy Bday.
TRACK OF THE DAY: Margot – ‘Tired’
The gentile nature of this jangling beast whimsically flows throughout my headspace, it is the new single from London-based Margot. The five-piece craft music of sensuality and calmness; permeating their third release is a sleek bed of gossamer synth work and melodic guitars that create an atmosphere of free flowing idyllics and late summertime frolics.
TRACK OF THE DAY: Far Caspian – ‘Let’s Go Outside’
Leeds quartet Far Caspian tap into the sunshine atmospherics of the moment, with new summer tune ‘Let’s Go Outside.’
TRACK OF THE DAY: Odina – ‘I’m Not Asking’
The Iberian singer-songwriter Odina presents us with ‘I’m Not Asking‘.
LISTEN: Kalpa – ‘B Side’
A thumping throwback to a Seventies four-to-the-floor funky bass line sets the tone for this new single – ‘B Side‘ – from Bath quintet Kalpa. The cheekiness of the music makes you bop and walk with a spring in your step in the hope that it’s setting you up for a brain melt-down of songwriting […]
TRACK OF THE DAY: Kalpa – ‘Wrong Faces’
A submerged sea of twangy energy sets off the new single from Bath-based outfit Kalpa, the distinct vocals of frontman Sam wake up my ears and I’m instantly pulled in.
WATCH: Puppy Loop – ‘No Romantic’
Dreamy Danish pop beauties Puppy Loop have really made an impact with the visuals for their latest single ‘No Romanic.’ Encapsulating all elements of ego and vanity, with a little sprinkling of what we all love to do (secretly) and that is to pretend we’re in a music video.
LISTEN: Mugen – ‘Commentary’
Hello, This is my second encounter with Mugen’s monstrously melting music. Their first single ‘Come and Go’ as I remember was impeccable, now my ears have been picked to listen to some ‘Commentary‘.
TRACK OF THE DAY: Mugen – ‘Come and Go’
Head bobbers… Get ready.
ALBUM REVIEW: Puppet Rebellion – ‘Chemical Friends’
Straight in, no messing around. The first track (The Pact) on Puppet Rebellion’s debut album, ‘Chemical Friends,’ hits the ears with anthemic chants coaxed by strong standardised lyrics and fast-paced power-pop chords, Henry Rogers’ adrenaline-charged drums further entice the desire to engage.
SONG OF THE WEEK: CHILDCARE – ‘Getting Over You (By Dressing Up Like You)’
CHILDCARE’s latest ‘Getting Over You (By Dressing Up Like You)’ incorporates Motown swing with sharp ’00s indie pop (recalling the likes of The Wombats). A gentle start to this heartbreak healer surprises, before launching into thrashing guitar and polyphonic delight.
LISTEN: Toothpaste – ‘TV Years’
A doorway to heaven creeps open with thundering force in Toothpaste’s debut single, ‘TV Years’.
TRACK OF THE DAY: AUGUST – ‘Chemical’
A spacey falsetto pace pushes the words of this emotional songwriter from London, in the new single ‘Chemical’. A song with a strong message is expected from the pop writer and is delivered; musical development from start to finish transverses a pleasant journey, from picked guitar to anthem-like drums and ambience.
TRACK OF THE DAY: The Machiavellis – ‘She’
Space dust fuzz fills my head with the new single, ‘She’ from The Machiavellis; the bass line hook is full of good intentions with tender atmospheric guitar riffs panning from left to right, swaying my consciousness, both delivered by the talented Ruben Elbrond-Palmer, whom also produced the track.
ALBUM REVIEW: Jen Gloeckner – ‘Vine’
As I sit in amongst the breezy post-spring blues in Brighton town, I’m struck by ‘Vine’ – the first and title track in this ethereally majestic album from Jen Gloeckner.
ALBUM REVIEW: Cigarettes After Sex – ‘Cigarettes After Sex’
Finally. The long anticipated self-titled album from our beloved tear-jerking Texans, Cigarettes After Sex, is to be released on 9th June 2017.
LISTEN: Swimming Tapes – ‘Queen’s Parade’
A jolly summertime scene is painted of the Northern Irish heartland in Swimming Tapes’ latest track ‘Queen’s Parade’, a nostalgic ode to the prized Mariners strip in Bangor (where some of the band grew up).
LISTEN: Birthday Card – ‘Heartstops’
Aylesbury lads Birthday Card make a dreamy debut with ‘Heartstops’.
TRACK OF THE DAY: SAHARA – ‘Skyline’
A Gameboy-esque intro tickles us into the new tune from indie funkers SAHARA.