The Perfect English Weather – Simon and Wendy Pickles of 90s indie pop favourites The Popguns, return with a double offering that reaffirms their gift for crafting wistful, melodic indie pop soaked in gentle melancholy. “London By The Sea,” the second single from their upcoming album Just Beyond The Lights, is a beautifully rendered daydream — a shimmering mix of chiming guitars, soft harmonies, and nostalgic warmth that wraps around you like your favourite old jumper.
There’s a comforting familiarity here, but it never feels recycled. Instead, it drifts with grace through the passing of time, reflecting on change with a soft ache. Inspired in part by a fleeting 1980s train conversation and rooted in the band’s Brighton roots, the track balances personal memory with wider emotional resonance — making it feel quietly universal.
Paired with non-album B-side “Flames,” the single becomes even more intimate. This track strips everything back to just voice, acoustic guitar, and the most tender of cello flourishes. It’s delicate and utterly lovely, with the duo’s harmonies melting together in a way that speaks of years of shared life and music. There’s a fragility to it, but also strength — a kind of hushed resilience that lingers long after the final note.
Together, these songs are a reminder of how powerful understatement can be. The Perfect English Weather have created something quietly special — music for rainy afternoons, late-night reflections, and anyone who finds beauty in the bittersweet.
London-by-the-sea is out now via Matinée Recordings, pop over to matineerecordings.com and pick it up along with a load of other indie pop goodness.
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