indiepop, Twee1 Comment

Parsnip – Adding Up

Tom

Parsnip will be releasing a new four track EP in May. Titled Adding Up it features four tracks and the band have made the title track available for streaming. It’s a lovely indiepop tune that still draws from 1960s girl bands for influences although it’s not so prominent here as on previous efforts. Dolly Mixture was another band that sprung to mind whilst I was listening to the track. In short it’s as catchy as ever. Adding Up will be available in limited 7″ vinyl (500 copies) and digital formats from Anti Fade whilst those in Japan should be able … Continue reading Parsnip – Adding Up

ShoegazeLeave a comment

Spring Winds – Alpine Vic

Tom

Russian band Spring Wind have released a new single and it’s their first since the Sway EP which was released last August. Alpine Vic is a slab of noisy shoegaze that is not too far away from what their fellow Russians PinkShinyUltrablast were doing at one stage. I am sure that if it was played loud enough the track could possibly be heard in their native Saint Petersburg!  Note that an English version of the song will appear on the band’s next album. Until then head over to Bandcamp to obtain the track on a pay what you want basis. … Continue reading Spring Winds – Alpine Vic

indiepopLeave a comment

Even As We Speak – Someone

Tom

Even As We Speak have released the second single to be taken from the forthcoming album Adelphi that will be jointly released by Discos de Kirlian & Shelflife Records in June. Titled Someone the words & voice interlace with the hook laden keyboards and guitars resulting in a pretty strong sounding indiepop/spacepop hybrid. Shelflife write that the song is “one of our favorite tracks from the album” and it’s hard not to hear why.  It’s available digitally from Discos de Kirlian & Shelflife Records. Homepage Facebook Continue reading Even As We Speak – Someone

PunkLeave a comment

Ataxie – Demo

Tom

I don’t really write about or mention punk enough on these pages. But, this EP from German band Ataxie featuring three demos and one live track, will rectify that. Opener Jesus Christus is an addictive listen due to the voice of singer Lena. Angst, as the title suggests, is in your face whilst Einbetoniert again draws the listener in thanks to the guitars those vocals once more. The live track Friede durch Hass has me wanting to bag a flight across to Germany to go and see them but, in these times of lock-down, blasting this EP through my headphones … Continue reading Ataxie – Demo

Garage, Noise Pop, PunkLeave a comment

Cosmit – Cosmit

Tom

Bristol’s Cosmit write that their brand of “High octane, scrappy brand of garage punk” is “inspired by Northern Soul, Motown and 1960’s pop groups”. With that description one really has to dive in and I cannot say I am disappointed. More punk-pop than garage, the band blast their way through the three songs on this, their debut EP in around six minutes. The songs are of love, unrequited or otherwise, as shouty vocals and loud, fuzzy guitars are the order of the day. I mean what’s not too like? Cosmit is available on 7″ vinyl and digital formats from Specialist … Continue reading Cosmit – Cosmit

Folk, Lo-FiLeave a comment

Huan Huan – I’d Better Be on Time

Tom

The new single from Taiwan’s Huan Huan is somewhat different from their last single Charlie. I described that one as an instant shoegaze classic but that description is in complete contrast to I’d Better Be on Time which is a gentle, folk-ish tinged ballad. The band write that they are “hoping to comfort hearts filled with anger, disappointments, happiness and sadness in every normal days.” Whilst it’s relaxing enough I am not sure the band are playing to their strengths. Time will tell but for now, lie down, close your eyes and drift off….. Facebook Continue reading Huan Huan – I’d Better Be on Time

C86, indiepop, Jangle Pop3 Comments

Die Zärtlichkeit – Die Zärtlichkeit EP

Tom

Die Zärtlichkeit (Tenderness) are a two piece outfit from Cologne, Germany and this self titled EP is their debut discounting a preview track released last month. That track, titled Chaos, opens the EP and it’s a vintage sounding indie/jangle pop song which gets things off to a fine start. That benchmark does not waver during the rest of the EP. I hear sparks of the likes of The Smiths, The Dentists and The Railway Children on Trugschluss and on the mellow closer Schnee und Eis with it’s echoing, jangling guitars. There is also some beautiful programming/synths throughout none more so … Continue reading Die Zärtlichkeit – Die Zärtlichkeit EP

Goth, Post Punk1 Comment

Jenni Sex – Treasures

Tom

São Paulo based post-punk band Jenni Sex will be releasing their debut album for Wave Records later this year. The band, whose influences include The Cure, The Chameleons and The Sound to name but a few, have released the first single from the album. Called Treasures it invokes that classic eighties sound that one associates with the darker side of the genre and I can imagine this one going down well on dance-floors at Goth clubs across the land. Now, where have I seen that cover art before? Treasures is available digitally from the usual digital outlets including Bandcamp. Facebook Continue reading Jenni Sex – Treasures