Almost a Beach Boys sound at the start of this new track from Slark Moan. From there it opens up into cascading piano notes before settling on a rubbery bass groove and classic baroque and power pop shapes. Vocal harmonies soar skyward while Ringo-style drums keep the song in check, while also adding some nice rhythmic colour behind the vocal, inhabited by the wandering ghost … Continue reading NEW MUSIC: Slark Moan – Honesty
Here’s the debut single from Sydney singer-songwriter (and guitarist for Julia Jacklin), Blain Cunneen. ‘Feelin’ Kinda Fragile’ comes from his four track EP The Prizes We Demand which is due out later this year and finds him crafting a fine line in art-pop that reminds us of Beck, Sparklehorse and dEUS . The song’s melodic hooks are draped over some wonderful angular and interwoven instrumentation, where … Continue reading NEW MUSIC: Blain Cunneen – Feelin’ Kinda Fragile
Body Type EP2 Inertia Music / Partisan The Sydney quartet are releasing this, their second EP, on the eve of a UK tour, another sign of the band’s rising star status on the international stage. Of course, they’ve been the local talk of the town for a couple of years, building a solid following via their own shows and some fine support slots. If EP … Continue reading EP REVIEW: Body Type – EP2
Some wonderfully weird-pop here courtesy of Wine Flies, the solo project of Swedish musician Henrik Lennartsson. It hits that same spaced-out, fever dream vibe of John Maus and Ariel Pink with a warped, lo-fi production aesthetic that accentuates the haunted feel of the music. “Business was the result of me, merely improvising keys over a beat. I never know what I’m gonna get, since I … Continue reading NEW MUSIC: Wine Flies – Business
Welsh quartet Kidsmoke may have taken their name from a Wilco song (maybe?) but other than a lazy affable strum and an affinity for melody, these four from across the Atlantic make music that is much sunnier, breezier and indie-pop centric. There’s a refreshing simplicity and economy to their songwriting as hooky guitar lines ring out across jangly chords and vocals that bind it all … Continue reading NEW MUSIC: Kidsmoke – Passenger
Malmö, Sweden duo (Ebba and Michel) Wy are set to released their second LP Softie, at the end of April and this is the title track, a swelling swoon of a song that takes in pop angst, dream-pop swirl and an indie aesthetic. At various times it reminds us of Siouxsie Sioux and Anna Calvi singing the music of Cocteau Twins. It’s emotional and passionate … Continue reading NEW MUSIC: Wy – Softie
‘Exile’ is the new single from Icelandic/Russian psychedelic group Pale Moon and it finds them weaving some damn fine guitar melodies through a pop hook landscape and chiming indie rock chords. The catchy and beguiling track comes from their forthcoming new EP Dust Of Days. Continue reading NEW MUSIC: Pale Moon – Exile
A sultry slice of indie pop/rock this afternoon from American trio Kerchief. They’ve just released their debut album Fluke and ‘Til The End’ is a great example of the way they subtly approach shimmering and sparkling guitars, softly unfurling melodies and a danceable element that gets under the skin. We’re hearing Jen Cloher and Placebo as possible influences on their sound. Continue reading NEW MUSIC: Kerchief – Til The End
New music today from the debut album by Finnish quintet Pastis. They’ve got a big sound, not afraid to paint outside the lines with big ringing indie guitars, tumbling drums and a slackerish yet rousing swing in their vocal melodies. Their songs are catchy, bustling and possess a full-hearted delivery. Continue reading NEW MUSIC: Pastis – Circles / Ballad Of Franz Reichelt
UK group These New Puritans return with ‘Inside The Rose’, the second single (and NSFW video) from their forthcoming new LP of the same name, due out March 22nd. It’s their first album in six years and saw the band record in Berlin, London and Southend-on-Sea, before mixing it in Los Angeles. The group have reverted to the original duo of brothers Jack and George … Continue reading NEW MUSIC: These New Puritans – Inside The Rose
Here’s a soaring, brisk slice of indie guitar pop courtesy of UK band FUR. ‘Him & Her’ channels The Beatles, The Kinks and The Las with a light psych touch and without ever getting too coy or knowing in their references. Infectious stuff. Their self-titled EP will be released on February 14th via Nice Swan Records. Continue reading NEW MUSIC: Fur – Him & Her
More new shoegaze sounds today! This time it’s courtesy of Frenchman Yann Le Razavet who, as Marble Arch, records music that draws heavily on the likes of New Order and Ride. He makes it sound effortless with cascading melodies, obscured vocals and synths and guitars that blur into one billowing vapour of 80s indie pop. Marble Arch have a full album on the way in … Continue reading NEW MUSIC: Marble Arch – I’m On My Way
Doubtful Sounds 