Red Sleeping Beauty – Tonight EP

Red Sleeping Beauty lift Tonight as a single (are there any more tracks left on Stockholm?) and it’s another example of a pleasing pop track with joint vocals and synths that echo throughout. Mind you second track Someone Somewhere should have been the single. It’s melodies are as catchy as a dose of the catchiest flu and the vocals continue to delight as the song progresses. The band get back to their original indiepop roots with a cover of Emma’s House originally by the Field Mice. Starting of in a sedate manner it slowly morphs into a piece of eletronica. … Continue reading Red Sleeping Beauty – Tonight EP

The Popguns – Carrying The Fire EP

The Popguns have built upon the two tracks they submitted to WIAIWYA for their recent The Moon And Back – One Small Step For Global Pop compilation celebrating the 50th anniversary of the The Apollo 11 Moon landings (or did they eh, eh?) for this new EP – or Space Operetta as the band say. Both of the aforementioned contributed tracks are here and one, the title track with it’s title lifted from astronaut Michael Collins’ autobiography, is a rousing guitar driven track asking “are you ready to go…….one step” which is sung singer Wendy Pickles in a raucous manner. … Continue reading The Popguns – Carrying The Fire EP

Red Sleeping Beauty – California

California is the latest single to be lifted from the current Stockholm long player and appears in three forms. The single itself starts in a sedate, folkish mood before synth pop beats kick in drawing comparisons to The Pet Shop Boys.  Norwegian singer/songwriter Dylan Mondegreen then supplies this take on the longing and yearning Ikkje Gråt for Me, California. The final version is a demo recording which is less polished and, with the synths being toned down, gives the track a different feel. Three solid versions of one fine track! California is available digitally from the band or in lossy … Continue reading Red Sleeping Beauty – California

Red Sleeping Beauty – The Swedish Winter

The Swedish Winter is the lead single to be taken from the forthcoming album Stockholm by Red Sleeping Beauty. It’s a full on synth pop affair that can spark comparisons to the likes of O.M.D, The Pet Shop Boys and Saint Etienne. And it’s rather good! The Swedish Winter can be purchased digitally from the label (lossy formats only) or via Bandcamp. Stockholm will be released later this month by Matinee Recordings. Pre-order it from here. An album sampler can be streamed here. Facebook Continue reading Red Sleeping Beauty – The Swedish Winter

Bubblegum Lemonade – Our Mother’s House EP

The Our Mother’s House EP is the prequel to the forthcoming album on Matinee Recordings titled Desperately Seeking Sunshine which is out next month. The title track appears on the said long player whilst the two additional tracks Barely Regal and When Life Gives You Lemons are exclusive to this EP. Musically the band are still producing, as ever!, 1960s bubblegum pop nuggets and this EP is no exception. It’s available digitally from the label or via the band. Facebook Continue reading Bubblegum Lemonade – Our Mother’s House EP

Various Artists – The Official Matinée World Cup EP

With the football, soccer if you prefer, World Cup kicking off next week Matinee Recordings have released a World Cup EP featuring five songs from five artists from countries partaking in this years tournament. Australia’s Last Leaves give us some jangle pop complete with cheering crowds whilst Spain’s The Royal Landscaping Society song harks back to their 2010 triumph. There are more cheering crowds on The Popguns effort Red White And Blue with the band doing their usual jangling thing driving England on to another quarter final defeat – if they make it pass the group stage this time that … Continue reading Various Artists – The Official Matinée World Cup EP

Ending 2017 #1

As we hurtle to the end of 2017 I am trying to collate a number of releases over the next few posts. Sky Faction – Sky Faction Sky Faction have members of Starry Eyed Cadet amongst their ranks so if you are familiar with that band you may guess how this lot sound. If not then we have five indiepop tracks that may delight or annoy in equal measure. Whilst No One Else is an absolute delight I am pegged back by the over complicated Miss Solitary and the dreary Mar. Thankfully things pick up on Lactose Intolerant and the … Continue reading Ending 2017 #1

Various Artists – Matinee Idols

Those purveyors of indiepop, Matinee Recordings, celebrate their 20th anniversary by releasing Matinee Idols a compilation featuring both new and established bands on their roster from the States, the UK, Europe and down under. It’s full to the brim of indiepop songs whether guitar or synth driven. There are some great tracks here such as new signings Tinsel Heart with Talk, Last Leaves, who feature ex members of The Lucksmiths with Something Falls, Seabirds who contribute Independent Horses and Game Plan by The Hermit Crabs. Mind you there is not a dull moment here and the highlight for me though … Continue reading Various Artists – Matinee Idols

The Popguns – So Long

It’s been a quiet couple of years for The Popguns since 2014’s Pop Fiction album and subsequent singles especially if you ignore last year’s side project The Perfect English Weather and the hit & miss album Isobar Blues. The good news is that they are back and June will see the release of the new album Sugar Kisses. So Long is the first single taken from the album and it features their trademark, infectious jangle pop sound. What’s not to like? It’s currently available as a free download so hurry! Sugar Kisses will be out on Matinee Recordings. Pre-order it … Continue reading The Popguns – So Long