C86, indiepopLeave a comment

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

Post PunkLeave a comment

Spagat – Spagat

Tom

Spagat, which is Splits in German, are a post-punk outfit from Berlin. The self titled lead track is an effort that looks to Interpol rather than say Joy Division for inspiration. It has a well produced, expansive sound that fills a vacuum around you. It certainly sounds impressive on my headphones! Flip side Maler (painter or artist) is a noisier, rougher sounding (recorded live?) affair that could easily be taken from any 1980’s post punk compilation such is the authenticity when it comes to it’s sound. In short this is a release that really should be on the listening list … Continue reading Spagat – Spagat

Alt Rock, Dreampop, indiepop, Jangle Pop, Post Punk, Punk, ShoegazeLeave a comment

September Round Up Time!

Tom

I have been a bit slack on posting these past couple of weeks but I have some good excuses for that! Firstly I have set up a new record label with my Sleeping Today Promotions collaborator. I have also been helping promote the next Culture Bunker night which takes place on October 22nd and it will also be part of the #keepingitpeel events for 2016. And on to getting back on track and the music that has been grabbing me of late. Indiepop supergroup (?) Tangible Excitement! will  be releasing a new 7″ single shortly on Freakscene (UK & Europe) … Continue reading September Round Up Time!

Powerpop, Pub Rock, Punk1 Comment

TV Crime – Hooligans

Tom

This one from Nottingham’s TV Crime has been on repeat for a couple of weeks now. Hooligans is one hell a stomper of a tune that has it’s roots deep down in punk, pub rock and power pop alongside it’s terrace chants. If it doesn’t make you pogo, mosh or whatever else you do then there really is no hope. Most excellent. Hooligans is out now on 7″ vinyl or digitally via Static Shock Records. Facebook Continue reading TV Crime – Hooligans

Alt Rock, Jangle Pop, Post Punk2 Comments

Strange Passage – Shine and Scatter

Tom

I have to say that the Shine and Scatter by Massachusetts based Strange Passage is one of the best debut releases I have heard on Bandcamp this or any other year. There are no fillers on this four track EP and the music harks back to the when UK guitar bands were breaking out from the shadow of post punk. The deadpan vocals of singer/guitarist Renato Montenegro are another plus as he scowls through the thriving, jangling guitars at will. Immense…… Shine and Scatter is available on cassette and digital formats from bandcamp. Continue reading Strange Passage – Shine and Scatter

indiepop, ShoegazeLeave a comment

Youthmemory – April Kisses

Tom

April Kisses from Tokyo’s Youthmemory is a shining indiepop/shoegaze hybrid that feels just right in London’s searing heat. Due to the shimmering guitars it soon becomes somewhat infectious causing my head to bop up and down. Thankfully there is no cure! It was available on cassette from The Stone Records but that has sold out but you can still get it digitally from the band. Facebook Continue reading Youthmemory – April Kisses

indiepopLeave a comment

Kitty Kat Fan Club – Songs About Cats

Tom

Kitty Kat Fan Club feature members of San Jose punk bands Hard Girls and Shinobu alongside the owner of Asian Man Records Mike Park. However punk rock this is not and is instead indiepop at it’s finest. I must admit I don’t care that much for cats but I do care for these fun inducing tracks! Opener Talk About Love is the standout for me simply because I got grabbed by the excellent vocals and the cat-chy (geddit?) music. Songs About Cats is available on limited edition coloured vinyl through Asian Man Records. You can order it from the label’s … Continue reading Kitty Kat Fan Club – Songs About Cats

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

Punk, Riot GrrrlLeave a comment

Skux – The Two Sides of She

Tom

It’s a tale of two halves on the debut release from Kiwi/US outfit Skux. Opener, and possibly one of the tracks of the year so far, On Her Way is a an addictive, pleasing punk pop song that worms it’s way into your brain such is it’s catchiness. Flip side More Than 10 Things, based on the 10 Things I Hate About You film, doesn’t grab your attention in the same way and they could have done with the guitars being turned up whilst the singer is venting her spleen. A grower I suspect. That’s if I ever stop playing … Continue reading Skux – The Two Sides of She