Tracks: The Raft, Summertime Blues/December (Again)
I recently enthusiastically reviewed a double EP from Liverpool’s Phil Wilson recording under the name The Raft, noting the sparkling production and glorious brightness of the songs. The prolific Wilson is back with a brilliant double single release, but this time with the ethereal voice of Claire O’Neill taking the fore. Her dreamy vocals add …
New Music: Eilish Gilligan, Creature of Habit
Melbourne’s Eilish Gilligan could not be accused of being prolific, but what she does release is stunning and all the more valuable for its scarcity. Her new release, “Creature of Habit” is out now and it is a haunting, beautiful song. Melancholic, electronic indie pop just begins to pin its style down, and yet it …
New Music: Wild Meadows, Feel the Noise
Out on 22 September 2017 is a fantastic new single from Australian band Wild Meadows called ‘Feel the Noise’, off their soon to be released self-titled debut album. It is a classic shoegaze anthem redolent with swirling vocals, waves of sparkling guitar and gob-smacking choruses grander than the Simpson Desert: It’s invigorating, terrific stuff and …
New Music: Racing, The Bass (EP)
There’s nothing like a bit of swaggering, posturing, assured rock’n’roll and no better is that epitomised than by a new band out of New Zealand called Racing. They have just released an EP entitled “The Bass” and my attention was fully captured after seeing their new video for the song “Let It Slip”. Directed by …
New Music: Wild Ones, Mirror Touch
Wild Ones are an indie pop band from Portland, Oregon – as always, a petrie dish of artistic creativity. With an EP already under their belt, Wild Ones are about to release their debut album, “Mirror Touch”, and in a crowded bus of indie pop/rock brilliance, they stand out with their effervescent, shining, intelligent pop. …
New Music: Mogwai, Every Country’s Sun
Scotland’s Mogwai are one of those bands that have been on the periphery of my vision (or hearing?) for many years, receiving strong critical acclaim and amassing a huge and dedicated following. I just haven’t had room on my brimming musical plate to encompass them, and to be honest the idea of a (mostly) instrumental …
New Music: Priest, White Wing Dove
We’ve been huge fans of duo Priest since their debut under the name XPriestX and its great to see a new release following a brief hiatus. “White Wing Dove” has all the hallmarks of Priest – yearning melancholy indie electro-pop with expansive skywide choruses and bittersweet melodies. Priest is the result of a collaboration between …
New Music: Unruly Girls, Cruel Tales
Many years ago in the nascent years of Backseat Mafia, we wrote about a number of exciting Italian bands creating distinct indie rock with style and attitude. One of these was a wild and brilliant band called “Sweet Jane and Claire” who (as their name suggested) were very much a Velvet’s-influenced attitude-laden breath of fresh …
New Music: The Raft, A Lullaby/Coming Up For Air Double EP
I could make a droll comment about The Raft ferrying me happily across the Mersey with this bright, sparkling double EP release but that would be too easy and trite. I guess I’ve already let that one slip out, but in all seriousness, this release, from Liverpudlian singer/songwriter Phil Wilson collaborating with producer JPedro, contains …
Video and Album News: Baxter Dury, Miami
Any uncertainty about Baxter Dury’s parentage is quickly dispelled the minute he starts singing. If singing is the right term: he is a blistering, sardonic cockney raconteur just like his brilliant dad (Ian Dury, in case you are not up to speed). The video release of his new song, “Miami” reminds me of the panache …