Alt Rock, Noise Pop, ShoegazeLeave a comment

Sicayda – Sown

Tom

I mentioned Go On by Sicayda towards the end of last month. The band have now released the full EP that Go On was taken from in the shape of Sown. It features five tracks which err on the noisier side of alt-rock/shoegaze. The songs are varied by pace which works and blends well across the whole EP. For example Struggle Bug is a full on noise “fest” but then I am caught off guard by the melodic, gentle ending. Two’s is short and rocky and closer Asleep is a predominately instrumental slow burner which builds up until it’s flame … Continue reading Sicayda – Sown

C86, indiepop, Jangle Pop, Post Punk2 Comments

Tampopo – Atompop

Tom

Until recently Danish indiepop act Tampopo was the work of just the one individual but since last November they have become a fully fledged band. Unless I am mistaken Atompop is their first release with this new line up. Given I have not listened to a Tampopo release since 2017s Ketchup! I was wondering what to expect. Well what I didn’t expect was how good this EP would be! Sounding like The Monochrome Set, The Loft, Television Personalities and 14 Iced Bears (check out She Blows It! for that last reference) amongst others these tracks just radiate and tug at … Continue reading Tampopo – Atompop

Post Punk, Synth pop1 Comment

The Dreams Never End – Cor da Alma

Tom

Portuguese synth pop band The Dreams Never End (great name!) have been going for donkeys but this track, taken from the recent Orphans compilation via French label North Shadows Records, is the first I have heard from them. Translated as Soul Color (you can see where this is going based on this weekends posts!) the song is about if hurt and sorrow was a colour, the eyes of the songs subject would be it. A bit harsh on the artworks vintage beauty methinks but the driving synths beats of the track well and truly hit the aural spot. I suspect … Continue reading The Dreams Never End – Cor da Alma

Coldwave, Darkwave, Post Punk1 Comment

Mannequin – Nocere

Tom

Mannequin deliver three fine coldwave tracks that should tickle the fancy of any post-punk fan. Whilst musically, they are not as dark some of the post-punk bands I have featured recently, there are still hints of darker waves amongst the melodic synths especially on the sometimes moody Them. It’s Lines however that piques my interest. Electronic beats complete with a catchy vocal performance suggest its headed straight down to the post-punk dance-floor which isn’t a bad place to be! Continue reading Mannequin – Nocere

indiepop, Jangle Pop1 Comment

The Proctors – Letters To The Girl

Tom

Letters to The Girl is the Proctors first single since 2016’s Cellophane – if you discount January’s digital offering Icelandic that is. And what a belter we have on our hands, well ears! Jangling guitars, catchy boy/girl vocals and a melody to die for. No wonder their label thinks it will become a “future guitar pop classic”. It’s hard to disagree with that sentiment. Flipside Footsteps has a lot to do in order to follow the “A” side up and you know, it nearly pulls it off. Layers of guitars and synths combine with Gavin Priest’s words and voice producing … Continue reading The Proctors – Letters To The Girl

Alt Rock1 Comment

Capitol – Blondie

Tom

Canadian band Capitol used to be known as UK Cinema who, if you remember, released the excellent English Girls a couple of years ago. I am not sure what has bought on the name change but thankfully musically nothing has changed. Blondie still has that retro feel as misshapen vocals collide with twisted melodic guitars that ring out throughout. The clever lyrics remind me of the writing of Lloyd Cole, Matt Johnson and Edwyn Collins. It’s a promising first single from the forthcoming debut album Dream Noise, which will be jointly released on Meritorio Records (EU) and Kingfisher Bluez (US/CANADA) … Continue reading Capitol – Blondie

Dream Pop, Dreampop, indiepop2 Comments

Lorelei – I Am a Road

Tom

I guess any band who may have well taken their name from a Cocteau Twins song is always going to sound this dreamy. Swirling sounds mixed with ethereal vocals puts the dream right into dreampop in a big way. The way the song ends hazily with the vocals sounding like they were lifted straight from 4AD’s catalogue in the 1980s is extremely pleasing to these ears. I guess it would have the same effect on yours too. Facebook Continue reading Lorelei – I Am a Road

indiepop, Noise Pop2 Comments

FRITZ -Jan 1

Tom

Jan 1 is a sparkling gem from down under! It’s catchy, poppy and a bit noisy, being the sort of tune that should have you bopping around like no one’s business. The female vocals work well against the sometimes frantic fuzzy guitars and whilst Jan 1 is the first track I have heard from Fritz, it certainly will not be the last. Pop music as it should be. Facebook Continue reading FRITZ -Jan 1

Alt Rock, Dream Pop, Dreampop, Drone, Experimental, Krautrock, Psychedelia1 Comment

Anajunno – Fuegoinvierno

Tom

It’s turning into an Argentinian themed weekend! Anajunno hail from Santa Fe, Argentina and Fuegoinvierno, which translates as Winterfire, is the follow-up to 2017s self titled debut. Anajunno’s music is primarily dreampop, but they also delve into other spheres. For example Julia Knows flirts with psychedelic pop whilst the instrumental Generador de pruebas is an excellent drone inspired track which reminds me of Eat Lights Become Lights. Another instrumental track Video 2000 is relaxing in a space rock sort of way. It’s the dreampop I prefer and the “poppier” the better. Both Burn The House and Salud temporal are cases … Continue reading Anajunno – Fuegoinvierno