Category: C86

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Tinsel Heart – Hey Boyfriend!

Tom

Whilst listening to this debut release from Sweden’s Tinsel Heart I got the same “hair on the back of my neck standing up” sensation I did when I first heard the debut EP from The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart. Like that EP this one too is packed to the rafters with homages to that classic C86 and jangly guitar indie-pop sound. They even call one of their songs Sunny Sunday Smile which should give you some idea of how these songs sound. However, they don’t just make a carbon copy replicas but instead expand on their influences effortlessly. … Continue reading Tinsel Heart – Hey Boyfriend!

C86, Garage, indiepop, Jangle Pop, Labels, Powerpop, PunkLeave a comment

Something For The Weekend – Three (Free?) Sampler Pack

Tom

Three label samplers for you today all of which are available for free – well on a pay what you want basis. That should keep you busy over the weekend. Oddbox Records feature a lot on this site simply because they consistently put out quality releases on a regular basis. The originally named 2016 rounds up their output this year and there are choice cuts here from The Wolfhounds, The Manhattan Love Suicides, The Bellamys, City Yelps and plenty more. Facebook I also like a lot of the music that Emotional Response releases but for some reason, I have not … Continue reading Something For The Weekend – Three (Free?) Sampler Pack

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The Bellamys – EP

Tom

This self-titled debut release, discounting the demos of course, from Cardiff’s The Bellamys is an enjoyable romp through the sounds of indie pop’s golden ages. The EP sounds like a mix of two halves depending on whether it’s lead male or female vocals. If it’s the former they sound like a Glass records era Pastels whilst on the latter they cross into bands fronted by Amelia Fletcher country. The first two tracks are exceptional to these ears but the whole EP is a fantastic way to spend another 10 minutes over and over again in seeing 2016 to a close. … Continue reading The Bellamys – EP

C86, indiepop, Jangle Pop1 Comment

E’spaniel – Just Another Day/Knots

Tom

Two fab slices of jangle pop just like they used to make in the olden days. With that description you should be able to tell both these tracks have a very strong 1980’s indie sound and both tracks are very catchy both lyrically and musically. The way Just Another Day hurtles towards its conclusion with the boy/girl vocals and driving guitars is simply fantastic. I am liking this a lot! It’s only available digitally at present. It’s up on i-tunes, Amazon and Spotify but I hope we will see it in lossless format on the likes of bandcamp (hint, hint). … Continue reading E’spaniel – Just Another Day/Knots

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Mighty Mighty – Misheard Love Songs EP

Tom

Mighty Mighty, one of the C86 originals, return with a new EP that points in the direction of a new album due for release next year. The Misheard Love Songs EP is the bands first new “single” since Maisonette in 1988 and I have been waiting for some new material since their excellent return at Indietracks gawd knows how long ago now. Welcome back chaps! Available digitally from Bandcamp. Facebook Continue reading Mighty Mighty – Misheard Love Songs EP

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Yumi Yumi Hip Hop – Enamorats EP

Tom

Barcelona’s wonderfully named Yumi Yumi Hip Hop are spot on with their 1980’s influenced tunes. Taking their cues from the likes of Talulah Gosh and The Rosehips they deliver two slices of fun packed indiepop. The fuzzy guitars really sound like the latter on the second track Madonna and it’s as long as one of theirs too. Am I Thrilled To Bits by Yumi Yumi Hip Hop? You bet I am! The Enamorats EP (can two tracks be an EP?) is out on 7″ from Snap! Clap! or digitally from the band. Facebook Continue reading Yumi Yumi Hip Hop – Enamorats EP

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The BV’s – Ray / Speaking From a Distance

Tom

Ray by Cornish based The BV’s not only sounds like a vintage “C86 period” song both lyrically and musically but, thanks to the artwork, it also looks like a release from that period too. I guess it’s what Another Sunny Day would sound like if Rodney Allen was on vocal duties rather than Harvey Williams! I am less keen on flip side Speaking From a Distance which unfortunately is never going to hit the heights of it’s a-side cousin. Ray is definitely one for fans of Sarah Records and/or The Subway Organisation. Ray / Speaking From a Distance is an … Continue reading The BV’s – Ray / Speaking From a Distance

Alt Rock, C86, indiepopLeave a comment

Univers – Europa

Tom

Catalonian indiepop/rockers Univers released their latest album Limit Constraint back in May. It’s packed full of excellent tunes such as Mecànica Moderna or Divisió de la Victòria but it is the second track in Europa that gets the biggest thumbs up from me. It’s full of those classic deadpan vocals and shambling guitars complete with chanting lyrics and chorus. It will be in this years top 10 for sure….. The band still remind me of a Spanish 1990’s Wedding Present and they haven’t moved on that much musically since 2014’s debut L’Estat Natural but hey if it isn’t broke, why … Continue reading Univers – Europa