Track: Secret Shine – Ember
It is really delightful to see Secret Shine back again with a thrilling single, ‘Ember’. Secret Shine were, of course an indelible part of the Sarah Records/C86 era and made a welcome return in 2017 album with the album ‘There Is Only Now’ – remind yourself with my review of the single ‘For You’. ‘Ember’ …
Track: Ky Vöss – Masochism
Multi-instrumentalist and classically trained artist Ky Vöss has just released an exquisitely gorgeous synth pop single which has a dark and pervasive edge to it. There are glimpses of M83 and a faint nod to a wider eighties synth pop genre but above all ‘Masochism’ is a fresh vibrant and exciting release: a dream pop …
Album Review: Even As We Speak – Adelphi
There is a fragile and elegant beauty in Even As We Speak‘s new album ‘Adelphi’ that leaves the listener swooning with bliss. The entire architecture of the album is built on graceful, sweet melodies expressed with a purity and naivety that is endearing and enthralling, and is yet imbued with such a sense of world …
Track: Tourists – Lego Man plus news of signing to Modern Sky
Torquay five piece Tourists have released a shimmering new single, ‘Lego Man’, in anticipation of a much awaited new album later this year, and on announcing news of signing to record label Modern Sky. Singer Jamie Giles describes Lego Man as: …a song about love turning sour. It fascinates me how love can turn into something dark, …
Track: The Ghost of Helags – Parallel
After the stunning single ‘Chemistry’, followed by an exclusive Live in Session with Backseat Mafia (if you haven’t already – go and subscribe), Berlin residents The Ghost of Helags are back with a gorgeous ambient-filled track ‘Parallel’. It is a shimmering slice of euro-disco electro-pop that thrums and vibrates with an insistent rhythm and driving …
See: Noga Erez – NO News on TV (Kids Against the Machines Volume II)
The video for a mostly acoustic live version of a brilliant song – ‘NO News On TV’ has just been released by Tel Aviv-based artist Noga Erez and it is simply stunning. This version, called ‘NO News on TV (Kids Against The Machines Volume II)’ was recorded live almost spontaneously at a friend’s house with …
Premiere: Golden Fang – Don’t Take Your God To Town
We are delighted to premiere the blistering new single from Sydney band Golden Fang – a cool, rumbling track imbued with swagger and attitude and a wall of tasty guitars. And a great pop sensibility. Golden Fang have the essential ingredients for delivering gritty and passionate music as well as an insouciance and attitude that …
Track: Cucamaras – Keep It Cool
With a buzz saw drive and the most louche sardonic vocals you could hear, Cucumara‘s new single ‘Keep It Cool’ is the very definition of cool. Imbued with a healthy self-deprecating sense of humor in the wry lyrics, delivered in an urgent studied style with tongue firmly planted in cheek, Cucamaras have a delectable swagger …
Track: Amaunet – Pilot
Scandinavia’s position as a hotbed of cool indie rock continues apace with the release of the debut single from Sweden’s Amaunet. ‘Pilot’ has a fresh rawness and delivery: an anthemic quality with a rough and tender edge and a melodic spine. There are no doubt echoes of Kings of Leon and bands from the Britpop …
News: The Chills’ classic albums to be re-issued through Fire Records
It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of the New Zealand indie music scene ever since the heady days of the eighties, with the Dunedin music scene, spearheaded by the legendary Flying Nun Records, the explosive ingredient. And, at the head of the vanguard was, of course, the delectable The Chills. Fire Records …