Paper Scenes

Paper Scenes are a four-piece that hails from across the UK. Frontman and rhythm guitarist Bav is from Sleaford in Lincolnshire. Lead guitarist, Julian is from Rotherham, drummer Oscar is from Burton Latimer in Northamptonshire, and bassist Cal is from Ashbourne in Derbyshire. 

Having met at university they were bonded by romantic kitchen table conversations of mid-00s bands and forming a band of their own. With this spirit in their hearts, they did just that and now reside in Manchester.

Let’s check out their debut single Echo Falls:

Echo Falls

The rippling guitars are destined to infect the hearts of a nation immediately. Not willing to be just another hazy indie band, they light fires with a dynamism akin to the early days of The View and the stomp of Harrisons and the playful urgency of Pull Tiger Tail.

The reimagining of the 00s scene is backed up exquisitely by frontman Bav’s melodically abrasive vocal. The cuteness of Charlie Walker (The Rumble Strips), the cuteness of Fyfe Dangerfield (Guillemots), and the emotive power of Orland Weeks (Maccabees) all come out to play.

Similar to The Goa Express and L’objectif, Paper Scenes have brought a fine musicality to their love of the 00s scenes they grew up with. What was once a great underground scene is now being lit up by these bands as the future of alternative music to great effect.

*image courtesy of Maria Cooper. 

Tickets go on sale soon for the below:

Second Thoughts

The five-piece from Hitchin in Hertfordshire are made up of Jude Mcreath (vocals & rhythm guitar), Ben Campbell (vocals & lead guitar), Georgia Vermeiren (bass), and David Addison (drums).

Their debut EP ‘Stay Hydrated’ was self-released back in 2019 to critical and fan acclaim alike. Let’s take a look at two singles from 2021:

Joyrider

Much like The Goa Express, they have a vibrancy and carefree youthfulness which makes their sonic sound part of a coming of age journey. They are kissed with Woah’s laid-back coolness and the infectious pop of Belle & Sebastien on this single.

As their jagged indie edges fade into an adrenaline-filled rumble, their infectious sound and attitude become euphoric.

Nicotine Stains

Produced by 1975’s Ross McDonald they find a sweet spot for their indie-punk magic. Nestling between the playfulness of Sports Team and the drool of Chapel Club

Irrepressible guitars are anchored with vocal morbidity. This musical entrapment tantalises you with a release, but, rather than the obvious solo release, they found expertly, exquisitely, and elegantly deliver a forlorn but hopeful solo. The perfect accompaniment for the protagonist’s dreams of moving on.

Second Thoughts join The Lanes for This Feeling’s #Bigin2022 gig at The Water Rats

The Goa Express

Manchester-based The Goa Express are set to release ‘Second Time’ via Ra Ra Rok Records on the 18th of June. It follows their raucous indie anthem ‘Be My Friend’, can they maintain their form?

Like a Sparrow flittering from tree to tree, they pick the best parts of so many greats and have conjured a sure top 5 single of the summer. The effortless of Teenage Fanclub float on with the love-drenched oddities of Mull Historical Society and the romance of Psychedelic Furs.

There is something so charming about this record. A tale of youthful naivety and the endless repeating of mistakes should be laden with regret but, they manage to dust themselves down and carefree explore the next adventure.

This joyous coming of age journey has an eloquence way beyond its years. It can only form a youthful but, is fully appreciative of the freedom that affords it. With daily spins from Lammo, it will be garnering lifelong fans by the day!