The Francine Odysseys – What If We Were Wrong

The debut EP from Los Angeles based The Francine Odysseys is a delightful twee/indiepop/bedroom pop/jangle pop/dream pop (delete or combine as appropriate) EP. Opener Hide Your Eyes is simply amazing and is the kind of song Labrador Records and other Swedish labels put out in their heyday, reminding me of the likes of The Charade. Silver Lake slows things down – is that some spaghetti western guitar I hear around the camp fire? Carry Me Home is the sort of catchy and melodic folky indiepop that The Hermit Crabs used to provide and the females vocals shine on this one … Continue reading The Francine Odysseys – What If We Were Wrong

The Friday Round Up

For those unaware Bandcamp are running a Covid-19 fundraiser today which seems them waiving their revenue share so that all monies go directly to supporting the artists. You can read about that here. If you can buy just one release that would help the artists concerned and the fundraiser lasts until Midnight Pacific Time tonight (7am in the UK). Onto the round up. It’s been two years since we last from Dunedin’s Astro Children. On new single Milk the band move away from their alt-rock/shoegazing roots and instead is a vibrant alternative pop song. Well worth the wait and it’s … Continue reading The Friday Round Up

VIM – Waiting EP

I have been Waiting er looking forward to this EP since the title track dropped last December. The first four tracks here are excellent examples of shimmering and ethereal dream pop. The songs swirl like no tomorrow and closing ones eyes they present hazy, shady and mottled imagery. The female vocals are softened, calming and soothing the listener as waves of guitars and synths glisten. However I was not expecting the final track to divert from this path with the band showing a different side. The title may give some clues because Krautro is a droning Krautrock opus. Even at … Continue reading VIM – Waiting EP

Records I Like Mix March 2020

Another mix collating tracks released in the past month or so. Lots to listen too here (hear?). Full tracklisting: The Tubs – I Don’t Know How It Works The debut single from another offshoot from Joanna Gruesome. The Empty Shell – You Can’t Hide The same is true for You Can’t Hide which gives nods towards the likes of The Wake and The Sea Urchins both musically and lyrically. Pop at Summer – Sunny Day Parade With a band name like Pop At Summer and a song title of Sunny Day Parade I will guess most people will fathom how … Continue reading Records I Like Mix March 2020

Weekend Round Up #2

I am writing this one later than expected and as I listen, being a nice varied mix on this blustery Sunday Night. Australian indiepop legends Even As We Speak will be releasing a new album on Shelflife Records and Discos De Kirlian in June. Forgiving is the first single to be lifted from said album and it is, as you would expect from the band, to be a lovely twee/c86 inspired slab of pop music. The band play London’s Lexington on March 28th supported by Jetstream Pony and The Hannah Barberas. Guess who can’t make it – sigh. Talking of … Continue reading Weekend Round Up #2

Weekend Round Up #1

The Hannah Barberas release their debut album Into The Wild next month. It features 13 tracks including a previous single or two. It will be released on limited green vinyl (via Spinout Nuggets/Doo Lang Records) and cassette (via Gazer Tapes) whilst Subjangle will be releasing a CD version. You can pre-order all from the band. They also have a couple of live dates in London lined up. First they support Even As We Speak alongside Jetstream Pony at The Lexington on March 28th 2020. The following weekend they open the Trust The Doc Festival 2020 at New Cross venue The … Continue reading Weekend Round Up #1

The Empty Shell – Faint Light EP

Naufal Azhari is the person behind Bandung based The Empty Shell who have just released their debut release in the form of three track The Faint Light EP. Opener Put It Behind You is a a slow paced dreamy indiepop track with shoegaze influences that echoes to the sound of days long past. The same is true for You Can’t Hide which gives nods towards the likes of The Wake and The Sea Urchins both musically and lyrically. Disappear brings proceedings to a close, dwelling in a pool of despair. An impressive EP and another fine addition to the list … Continue reading The Empty Shell – Faint Light EP