Drum roll and back. After a combination of holidaying and self-imposed exile, I have started to catch up on the releases I have missed from the past two weeks. I have also given some thoughts on how I may approach this blog in future. But for now here is another sampler.

Here is the Playlist:

or listen on YouTube

Castlebeat – Something Else

A rather fine mix of a moody yet optimistic blend of indiepop and shoegaze can be found on the new single from Castlebeat which is out now on Spirit Goth.

Vacations – Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions is a song about struggles with mental health, including managing and how to cope. As the band say, “be kind to yourself, it takes time”, which given my own struggles is certainly something I can empathise with.

The Linda Lindas – Resolution/Revolution

Another powerful garage-punk/new wave single is the order of things on Resolution/Revolution which is out now via Epitaph. Play loud!

The Prize – First Sight

A fine slab of motoring rock and roll, coupled with some late 1970s sounding New Wave thrown in for good measure.

Red Sleeping Beauty – Pristine Christine

Taken from the From Sarah with Love EP Red Sleeping Beauty turn the Sea Urchins all-time classic into a sublime piece of synth-pop. I thought it would not work, but amazingly it does! The EP can be purchased from Matinee Recordings.

The Crystal Furs – Neon Heart

Staying with Synthpop The Crystal Furs write that “We wanted to explore a different side of our musical influences, so we decided to throw ourselves into a song inspired by our love of 1980s New Wave” with Neon Heart being the result. It really has that vintage sound! If you miss the band’s trademark sound, then flip side Get Scrappy! should keep you happy.

Small Crush – 5

5 is taken from the new album from Oakland’s Small Crush. Titled Penelope, it will be released on Asian Man Records in a month’s time. The track is a sweet and carefree indiepop/indie rock one, and it’s all over far too soon. A bit like being 5 I guess!

Beach Vacation feat Cathedral Bells – Blurred Out

Blurred Out is taken from Beach Vacation’s forthcoming new album Coping Habits that will be released on September 15th 2023. It features Cathedral Bells, a band who have slipped my mind recently but one who I will reinvestigate based on their collaboration here. It’s great, by the way!

Stomp Talk Modstone – Drive

Drive is a noisy but poppier shoegazing take by the Japanese revivalists Stomp Talk Modstone. It’s an addictive listen, especially the 1980 retro sounding female vocal sound. Most agreeable it is, too.