C86, indiepop, Noise Pop1 Comment

The Fireworks – Switch Me On

Tom

It’s been out for a couple of weeks now and it’s a cracker setting the benchmark for all other album releases this year. From opener With My Heart via the brilliant single Runaround to the closing track it’s a glorious way to spend 37 and a bit minutes. That means I get to play it twice on my journey into work! Get it from Rough Trade (UK) or Shelflife Records (US) Photo by Pierre Delpino taken at the bands recent launch show at Rough Trade East. Homepage Facebook Continue reading The Fireworks – Switch Me On

Dream Pop, Post PunkLeave a comment

Satsuma – Cassette Tape

Tom

It was the cover of this release that caught my eye reminding me of those half page band shots in the NME or Sounds circa 1984/5. The music also has that vintage feel and Satsuma sound like a mix between The Mary Chain, Cocteau Twins and early Sisters of Mercy. Now that band would have got a 4AD deal! I am not sure where the actual tapes are available but you can pick it up digitally from Bandcamp on a pay what you want basis. Facebook Continue reading Satsuma – Cassette Tape

Dream Pop, Shoegaze2 Comments

Various Artists – Revolution – The Shoegaze Revival

Tom

Revolution – The Shoegaze Revival is a thirty track global dream pop/shoegaze compilation. Of all the bands that appear here Ukrainian shoegazers Ummagma were the only ones I have heard of previously. Whilst I am not sure about the revival part of the title I am still making my way through this great sounding compilation and highlights so far include Sharesprings and Intenna both of whom hail from Indonesia. Updated Link: The compilation is no longer available on Ear To Ear Records and can be found on Raphalite Records as of 03/09/2015 Revolution – The Shoegaze Revival is available on … Continue reading Various Artists – Revolution – The Shoegaze Revival

Dream Pop, ShoegazeLeave a comment

The Morelings – No Sign

Tom

Any band that describes themselves as being dream pop/post punk appeals to me somewhat. The band certainly lean to the former part of the description especially on opener Less which builds up slowly before reaching a crescendo comprising of soaring guitars with ethereal female vocals thrown in for good measure. They repeat the trick on Too Far and the title track but it’s Less that I keep coming back to as it is not as polished and sounds less (no pun intended!) contrived when compared to the rest of the EP. No Skin is the bands debut self released EP. … Continue reading The Morelings – No Sign

indiepopLeave a comment

Starry Eyed Cadet – Starry Eyed Cadet

Tom

I mentioned Starry Eyed Cadet and their demo track On The Run back in June last year. The full EP mentioned in that post is now out and On The Run is better than ever and already sounds like a long lost indiepop classic. The rest of the EP fully encompasses the full range of inspirations behind the indiepop sound from 1960’s girl bands (Sugar), twee (She Used To Shine) and there is even a bit of fuzz and shoegaze thrown in (Expect A Kill). The only let down is on Baby Please Come Home. It just doesn’t do it … Continue reading Starry Eyed Cadet – Starry Eyed Cadet