And not an Erasure track in sight….
Stars On Fire – Salty Kiss
South Korean band Stars on Fire follow up June’s Blue Skies Above EP with a new four tracker entitled Songs For The Summer. Salty Kiss is the first track lifted from the EP which to these ears is a marked improvement from anything on the first EP. The aforementioned EP didn’t grab me as it should despite having all the right ingredients. Where as the first EP was heavy shoegaze Salty Kiss is a back to basics indiepop track which jangles it’s way into my affections.
Songs For The Summer is available digitally from the band, on digipak CD via Emma’s House Records (Mexico) and on cassette via Japanese label Galaxy Train.
Failed Flowers – Faces
Failed Flowers are back with a new single and line up. Faces will be released via Slumberland Records next month and is backed with Broken Screen. The track itself is a vintage sounding indiepop tune with static amongst the girl band influences and jangled guitars.
Faces will be available on 7″ vinyl (damn those ridiculously expensive US postal charges) and digital formats. You can pre-order it from here.
Breakup Haircut – What Did You Expect? I Got It Off The Internet!
I caught this lot on the recent Grrls Like Us mix and was impressed with their track Why Can’t I Be Cool Enough to Move to Berlin? and the choice they music selected. The music is DIY pop-punk with angst and humour thrown in – that Windows 95 artwork for one. It’s rough sounding but the lack of polish adds to it’s charm.
The BIS influenced Mystery Inc is my pick of the bunch as they sing of hunting vampires whilst preparing to head off late to a party. Who needs a Scooby snack when you can have this tasty morsel instead?
It’s available on CD via Hell Hath No Fury Records or digitally direct from the band.