Indie
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 …
Track: Bang Bang Romeo – Natural Born Astronaut
Since I first encountered Bang Bang Romeo in early 2014, their potential was immediately obvious to me. In the years since then they have gained themselves an ever-growing fanbase, enjoyed national radio play and established themselves as one of the most thrilling live acts doing the rounds today. “Natural Born Astronaut” is one of Bang …
Classic Compilation: Kirsty MacColl – Galore: The Best of Kirsty MacColl
There’s a parallel universe somewhere where Kirsty MacColl receives all the respect she deserves. A universe where the wider public knows her for more than a decent, but overplayed, festive tune, or the wonderful, but ultimately kitsch “There’s a Guy Works Down the Chipshop Swears He’s Elvis”. A universe where her late career highlight “In …
Classic Compilation: The Lightning Seeds – Like You Do… The Best of The Lightning Seeds
For some the phrase pop-music is an instant turn off, but in truth they are missing the point a little. The whole point of music is for an audience to be entertained, be it the moody teen listening to their favourite epic maths-rock opus, my jazz playing friend getting into the swing with his Count …
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 …
Album Review: Sparks – Hippopotamus
When Sparks roared back to relevance with 2002‘s Lil’ Beethoven, it was treated as a glorious return to form. How long that form would last was another matter. Was it a one off, or the start of a more sustained period of creative success? 2006’s Hello Young Lovers very much confirmed that the previous album’s …
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 …
Track: Bayonet – Just Want You
Sheffield consistently tops polls of friendliest/happiest places to live in the United Kingdom and with music like this pouring out of it, it’s not hard to see why. Bayonet are a Sheffield four piece who bring an endearing aesthetic to everything they do, whether it’s their artfully retro videos, poster-boy-pretty good looks or carefully constructed …