The Sweetest Touch – Too Many Dust, Too Many Haze

I am not sure why the legacy of Sarah Records, and C86 in general, is so big in Indonesia. Bands from that country has been producing high quality indiepop for years and this, the latest release by The Sweetest Touch, is no exception. The whole EP sounds like it is from another decade. You could have sneaked the excellent title track onto the recent C88 compilation from Cherry Red and no one would have been the wiser. Are we quite sure that these are not recently found recordings from a back room in Bristol 28 years ago? Amazingly available for … Continue reading The Sweetest Touch – Too Many Dust, Too Many Haze

Cattle – Slow Sailor EP

Upbeat, catchy and totally fun indiepop from Tokyo’s Cattle on their second EP. I just don’t get the label’s shoegaze or dream pop references as this EP sounds like good old fashioned indiepop. I would go as far as saying it sounds like Strawberry Story to these ears right down to the singer’s vocals. And that’s including the cover of Ride’s Twisterella. Maybe Cattle’s Made of Stone moment? Anyway there are five tracks here and it’s Within Your Reach that is the EP’s standout moment for me. It’s noisy pop perfection. Cattle? They are clamming for it……….. Out now on … Continue reading Cattle – Slow Sailor EP

Battery Point – Star

Battery Point certainly made an impression on last years self titled debut but here on Star they manage to surpass themselves. Opener track Wish is amazing. They fuse indiepop and shoegaze to great effect and unlike other bands I have heard who simply go through the motions and try to replicate their influences Battery Point have set the bar so much higher. By two plays in it already sounds like a classic and that’s due in no small part the voice of Jessica Severns. They just have a natuaral fit with the shimmering guitars. Wonder sounds like a track My … Continue reading Battery Point – Star

Everso – Single

I am guessing, that like me, you initially thought this had a massive Telescopes vibe written all over it given the band name and artwork. Whilst Silence/Disarm has some hints of shoegaze it’s hard to confine it to any one genre. Suffice to say it’s an excellent track which I wished could be at least five minutes longer rather than pressing replay constantly. Rebirth has less of an effect from me with it’s slow build up as I am too impatient wanting to listen to Silence/Disarm again. However perservere(rare in my case I know) and you are rewarded with a … Continue reading Everso – Single

Within Your Reach – A Records I Like Playlist (July 2017 #1)

Starting this month as we finished the last. Here is another playlist for you to check out. I am particularity fond of the Cattle, Sea Blite, The Sweetest Touch and Battery Point tracks. Still no fillers here or it just be comprised of those four tracks! Continue reading Within Your Reach – A Records I Like Playlist (July 2017 #1)

Various Artists – Matinee Idols

Those purveyors of indiepop, Matinee Recordings, celebrate their 20th anniversary by releasing Matinee Idols a compilation featuring both new and established bands on their roster from the States, the UK, Europe and down under. It’s full to the brim of indiepop songs whether guitar or synth driven. There are some great tracks here such as new signings Tinsel Heart with Talk, Last Leaves, who feature ex members of The Lucksmiths with Something Falls, Seabirds who contribute Independent Horses and Game Plan by The Hermit Crabs. Mind you there is not a dull moment here and the highlight for me though … Continue reading Various Artists – Matinee Idols

Closure – Journey EP

This EP has been one of my most loved discoveries of the past couple of months. It’s certainly one of the best debut releases I have heard for a while – well since Strange Passage last year.  Indie pop with a heavy post punk influence and some fantastic vocals to boot combine to make this a fantastic EP. Check out the jangletastic Would She Love Me and Slow Drive and try to deny you have heard better this year (and if you have tell me!). Essential listening……. Available on CDR from O Pamela or digitally from Let’s Kiss A Secret … Continue reading Closure – Journey EP