L.A. Witch – Motorcycle Boy

LA punk trio L.A. Witch released their second album ‘Play With Fire’ last August to critical acclaim. They are back with a scintillating video for the track ‘Motorcycle Boy

Cat’s Eyes 60s girl group pastiche meets the outsider rock ‘n’ roll of their label mates (Suicide Squeeze) Death Valley Girls on this Hopper/Fonda inspired gem. Aloof, sexy, and dangerous, they traverse ‘Easy Rider’ and ‘Wild One’ landscapes with the effortless cool of Nicholson and Brando. Backed up by the instantly iconic video, L.A. Witch have found a way to move their punk sound forwards with distinct and rebellious integrity.

The guitars are simply divine. Freer than any BRMC track, beefier than The Byrds, and cooler than Steppenwolf, they are set to titillate even the sourest of souls! If like us, you missed the album, dive back in and let its magnificent wash away the February blues.

*Image courtesy of Marco Hernandez

My Raining Stars – Mirror

Alaska is perhaps the unlikeliest place for a band indebted to Creation and Sarah’s Records to emerge but, in My Raining Stars, the indie flag is flying high. Their latest single ‘Mirror’ is from their ‘Obvious Reasons’ EP released last November.

Many look those labels for inspiration, few can say they take from the angelic side of Creation and the harder edges of Sarah’s Records. It’s often vice versa and becomes a poor rehash. However, My Raining Stars have successfully revaluated the era to carve out a tiny space of the record shelf for ‘Mirror’.

The cuteness of Ride’s early work and the pop genius of MBV’s ‘Soon’ collide with the spirited noises of Brighter’s ‘Does Love Last Forever?’ and Gentle Despite’s ‘Darkest Blue’. Inevitably, it creates a beautiful sound but crucially, it has momentum and positivity. It goes beyond aching introspection and finds a space for hopeful romance.

Their EP ‘Obvious Reasons’ is free to download on their Bandcamp page and, on this showing, is well worth exploring.

The Crayon Set – Moment

Dublin outfit The Crayon Set have released their new single ‘Moment’. Taken from their forthcoming third studio album ‘Downer Disco’.

The array of vocals here is nothing short of breath-taking. The infectious and sweet nature of Suzanne Vega, Chvrches, and Roisin Murphy infiltrate the various lead and backing vocal deliveries. Often, with so many twists and turns, there is no room for the music to breathe but, here, everything is dreamily laid out for you to adore.

Despite cherry blossom pop of the vocals and synths, depression and anxiety loom large:

“Can’t get out of bed / There’s evil voices in my head / Now the wolves have been let loose”

If anyone writes a more devastating chorus of ‘it only takes a moment, to say goodbye’, this year we’re not sure anyone’s heart could recover from the pain. To wrap it up with so many pop hooks is a masterclass of songwriting. One that will surely elevate them towards the greats!

The five-piece have set the bar incredibly high for their upcoming album with this masterclass. If the rest of the album can be within touching distance then, we’re in for something truly special.

Apollo Junction – On The Ropes

The Leeds outfit recently returned with their new single ‘On The Ropes’.

Unashamedly ambitious, it struts and beats its chest like a primordial god! Integrity becomes a tightrope to walk in this style but, they remain righteous as they channel the kinetic fizz of Kasabian and glam-wielding stardom of Miles Kane.

The song builds to such a colossal climax that, you’re left with something more bombastic than their aforementioned icons. It’s brazenly chest-out but, laced with character dissemination to keep it grounded and thus, is easy to clutch to your heart.

Eighteen months on from their debut album, Apollo Junction have accelerated their songwriting skills. Their second album, on this offering, is not one to miss.

*Images & Artwork courtesy of https://weareboutique.co.uk/

Oli Swan – All My Friends Are Lonely

The legendary Fierce Panda Records latest signing Oli Swan, has released ‘All My Friends Are Lonely’. Hailing from Suffolk and based in North London, Swan will release an EP of the same name on April 30th.

Classic pop song-writing is infused at every turn here. If the Travelling Wilburys were to make a laid back glam record, this would surely be it. Swan has a playful sense of Tom Petty about him on this coming of age tale.

Lyrically, Swan paints pictures of inbetweener aged dreamers and schemers. As he decrees “all my friends are losing / ain’t no choosing / ain’t no easy around it”, groups of young outsiders will look upon failed nights out and botched creativity wryly.

“Friday night when we’re drinking” is as a great a closing line as you’ll hear this year. For life’s underdogs and outsiders, dreams, and plans being unhatched rush to the fore. This could be the weekend we get laid, the band get signed, or get served in the pub!

Oli Swan · All My Friends Are Lonely

Paragon Cause – Making Up For Lost Time

Ottowa’s Paragon Cause kick their 2021 off with ‘Making Up For Lost Time’, the lead-off single from their upcoming album ‘Autopilot’. Aiding and abetting their adventure in the studio was, none other than The Ravonettes’ Sune Rose Wagner.

The single is available to buy on their Bandcamp page.

They have taken the noise and distortion of the Mary Chain and infectious indie-pop of Veronica Falls, Vivian Girls, and Dum Dum Girls to conjure a great juxtaposition of regret and positivity.

Michelle Opthof’s infectious vocals summon the angelic majesty of Alvvays’ Molly Rankin and The Concretes’ Maria Eriksson. Not settling to be just another indie-pop band though, the duo channels this tale of looking back at a “prick” of an ex through the power of fuzzed-up production. It gives their great pop instincts a different dimension to adore.

During lockdown (all of them), it’s been inevitable not to look backward. Anyone who hasn’t reflected upon past relationships is frankly, a sociopath. So, to hear their verses riddled with jealously is heart-warming. To hear it countered with the chorus of “making up for lost time” though is inspirational. They’ve laid their soul bare and in doing so, they have found a blueprint for us all post-covid. One life, live it!

The Lottery Winners ft Frank Turner - Start Again

The Lottery Winners have hooked up with punk-folk legend Frank Turner to release the new single ‘Start Again’. The band recorded their part at Giant Wafer Studios in Wales whilst Turner delivered his vocals digitally.

28 days into 2021 and frankly, what’s the point right? Who has energy for anything? Energy for what exactly? Well, not The Lottery Winners and, not national fucking treasure Frank Turner! If this single doesn’t drag you to the brink of changing the world, nothing will.

In the backdrop of Trump being made to look the total cunt that he is, and vaccines breeding hope into society once more, The Lottery Winners have unearthed a blistering piece of euphoric punk rock music.

A tale of leaving the past behind is hard to difficult to grasp from the confines of your bedroom, except, this is where all the great ideas began. Write them, film them, sing them, anything! This world is still there for you to paint with colour, is there for peace to be harnessed in. Get up and start again!

The Coral – Faceless Angel

Merseyside’s favourite sons, The Coral, have returned with their first new music in three years. ‘Faceless Angel’ is the lead-off single from their upcoming double album ‘Coral Island’. Recorded at the legendry Parr Studios in Liverpool, it marks the five pieces next adventure in pop-cum-psychedelia. Will it stack up?

With the swagger of Duane Eddy and the beguiling pop of Lee Hazlewood, you bet your life it stacks up. Johnny Cash’s abrasive licks are met with James Skelly’s iconic vocals. Cool, crisp and indebted to the 60s (and Wirral), Skelly tells tales of forlorn seaside towns and the characters within, whose identities, fade into obscurity.

The Horrors classic ‘Primary Colours’, brought the wild and dank side of the British coast to life. Here, The Coral have painted the fall out of those heady days. Melancholic and despairing, alive but not living, they conjure the images of grey landscapes trapped in yesteryear.

It’s nineteen years since they burst onto the scene with their debut album. They show no signs of slowing down creatively.

Darling Boy – Tea Drinkers of the World

Darling Boy is the creative machinations of multi-instrument Alexander Gold. Having already featured in bands with Carl Barat, films with Topper Headon, and musically directed the All or Nothing musical, Gold is already a star. His latest gift to the world is the single ‘Tea Drinkers of the World’, released on January 29th.

Not many singles can profess to encapsulate the last twelve months and remain euphoric! It’s balled up the hyper emotions of the Covid19 era and batted them away with ecstatic alt-pop joy.

Jagged riffs throb their way to your heart before the synths melt all cynicism away. Elements of Coxon and Super Furry Animals lurk but, this as fresh rock music has sounded, in a generation. It climaxes with thunderous guitars and a screeching cacophony of guitars, illuminating the desperate need to escape the wretched maze we find ourselves in!

This single has it all. Anthemic lyrics, raw emotion and bombastically pounding along at under three minutes. It’s not just what we need, it’s what the human race deserves. It’s less a cuddle, more the intense embrace we know is waiting for us out there.

Columbia – Waiting For You To Believe

Cardiff’s Columbia have released their latest single ‘Waiting For You To Believe’. Recorded at Kings Road Studios, it’s taken from their upcoming album ‘Embrace The Chaos’.

Decadent guitars join forces with the most robustly defiant vocal you’ll hear this year. In frontman Craig Lewis, there is a raging bull smashing away at the gate for freedom. Not many can carry the devilment of these guitars, in this instance, the guitars just about latch on to his behemoth spirit. When he wrenches ‘took too much and took it again’, the dark glow inside you will brighten. Whilst we care for his health, vulnerable but bullish rock stars are a depleted force.

After just ten seconds, a knowing wink comes from the lead guitar. Something special is imminent! Little gold licks flirt their way through this tale of debauchery. Then, from heaven, comes the divine solo. As though Richards’ devilment made its way into Stephen Stills’ soul in his Manassas period. Dark and satanic, it’s escapism at its best!

Their album ‘Embrace The Chaos is due out this Spring. With this kind of ambition and talent, it’s set to be one of the year’s underdog successes.

The Red Stains – Freezer Jesus

The Manchester post-punk four-piece have kick-started 2021 with their new single ‘Freezer Jesus’. After being championed by Tom Robinson and Tim Burgess in 2020, can they follow up on their early success?

The single is available on their Bandcamp page.

Their debut single ‘Mannequin’ was littered with post-punk bleeps and, ‘Freezer Jesus’ has upped the ante. The production and keys tentatively emerge before culminating in something far grander, akin to Bugeye’s thrill-seeking debut ‘Ready Steady Bang’. Escorting it there is a sexed-up bassline creating a groove worthy of Ian Brown’s lo-fi debut ‘Unfinished Monkey Business’.

Their attack on shopping as a release from boredom is one well-worn but, they keep fresh by adopting the position of a preacher in the closing stages.

In an era of such uncertainty, their unique and amusing take on the world is sure-fire to inspire new generations to pick up guitars and fight for their futures.

Tindersticks - You'll Have to Scream Louder

The Legendary Tindersticks have returned with a cover version of ‘You’ll Have To Scream Louder’ by their heroes Television Personalities. It’s taken from their forthcoming album ‘Distractions’, due out in 2021 on City Slang Records.

Back in June, with Cummings still at the helm and the cabinet increasingly showing themselves to be out of the depth, frontman Stuart Staples found TVP’s ‘You’ll have to Scream Louder’ stuck in his head. Buoyed on by the frustration of the UK’s failure to deal with Covid, he took to the studio to put his own take on the cult classic.

Staples has taken the anti-Thatcher rhetoric of TVP and retold it from a position of the elder statesmen passing on information to the next generation. Calmer, crisper, and funkier than the original, they’ve perhaps struck upon a clarion call to over 40s to reawaken their protest spirit at this abysmal government.

The focus and imagination on show here mark out ‘Distractions’ as a must-listen for 2021.

The Lutras - Give It Up For Christmas

When was the last genuine dent into the Christmas classic realm? The Darkness? Now, The Lutra’s have thrown their hat into the ring courtesy of ‘Give It Up For Christmas. All proceeds are split between Music Venue Trust (#saveourvenues) and Shelter.

It lacks that truly killer hook to take them into the leagues of Slade and Mud but, the gospel choirs and John Lennon meets Kyle Falconer vocals have it peeping through the window at the greats.

Humble, heartfelt, and crucially, fun, they take you on a frosty walk and arrive at a bouncing brass led party of joy!

It’s been a big and much deserving week of The Lutras. Not only this single, but they also featured on the Brits & Pieces compilation. Both signifying a bright future with much adulation coming their way.

Redwood – Honey Sauce

Redwood is the machinations of West Midlands multi-instrumentalist Ellie Williams. At the end of November, she released her latest single ‘Honey Sauce’, recorded at the legendary Rockfield Studios.

The opening moments do no justice to the power and pop prowess of this record. What tentatively begins as 6music fodder, soon sparks into something incredibly vital. Although musically worlds apart, it has the feel of an early track by The Coral. The kitchen sink is the first thing to be thrown as she twists and turns melodies inside out.

Lyrically, Williams is venting about a failed relationship that she lacked closure on. The mental torment of the line ‘I wish you’d get up and move out of mind’ rages with volatility that belies the sheer beauty of her vocals.

Williams may just be starting out but, this is the work of a third album national treasure.  

The Winachi Tribe - Time For Love (Dave Tolan remix)

Warrington’s Winachi Tribe arrived at the peak of Tory austerity. Their brand of disco grooves and love fuelled house couldn’t have been more aptly timed. Five years on, they have returned with a Dave Tolan (Primal Scream, Tears For Fears) remix of their debut single ‘It’s Time For Love’. Can they provide the tonic we’re all craving again?

Smiling through the tears, they keep on moving on. The guitars shimmering like Rodgers and Marr alongside the pop ecstasy of Donna Summer. Human League’s infectious production sparkles alongside a Sumner-esque solo. This is everything the second summer of love was about and more.

Frontman Liam Croker’s gravelly vocals give it a brashness that can only come from England’s North West. Tough but loving, he injects a working-class funk that was born to be adored.

Five years on, they have yet again provided the tonic. A hopeful bridge to lead us to the vaccine.

Ocean Flaws – Spirit Level

Essex outfit Ocean Flaws returned last month with their latest single ‘Spirit Level’. The DIY outfit had great success with their previous offering ‘Deep Sea Dreaming’, can they kick on?

This is pop music at its finest. Instantaneous? Check. Melodic? Check. Furthermore, like all the great top ten hits from the UK, it slips darker themes under the radar. Your parents will unknowingly singalong, while younger generations think about the descending love affair at play.

Bristling with the alt-pop of Blossoms, they intertwine sublimely eerie synths and heaven-sent vocals to provide a serious contender for single of the year. Callum Quirk’s vocals pay homage to Tom Ogden but never rehash. Quirk possesses a huskier devilment which, allows him to insinuate something more sinister.

‘Spirit Level’ was almost scuppered by lockdown one back in March. Thankfully, Ocean Flaws had the desire to power on and deliver a serious contender for single of the year.

Model Society - Are You For Real?

London’s Model Society have returned with their new single ‘Are You For Real?’. It’s the first from their upcoming EP ‘Entertainment’ via Kitchen Disco Records. Last time out, they delivered bona fide classic in ‘Public Service’, can they pick up where they left off?

Musically, they hit upon the oppressed realising they can struggle and break free of the chains. The guitars are bullish and unifying, but, are clearly in a fight, something we can all relate to.

Lyrically, it seeks to reject those of cultural totalitarian thought. A brave concept in an age where opposing sides seek to destroy rather than engage and enlighten. An aptly timed release with Biden’s election victory in tandem. Neither signifies a bright utopian future but, they are stepping back to consensus building and normality.

This is not the dizzying heights of ‘Public Service’ but, it gleefully sits in its slipstream!

The Institutes – All That You’ll Ever Know

The Coventry four-piece have been building a head of steam in 2020. Their escapist dreams ‘Alleyways’ and ‘Heal In Time’ have been championed by Lammo and, led them to sign with 42’s Records. Can their latest single push the envelope further?

With the pop hooks of Gigolo Aunts, they set out on a quest for meaning. Although isolated, they are never beaten into submission. The struggle leads them to the glory of 3 Colours Red’s ‘Beautiful Day’ and Feeder’s ‘Pushing The Senses’.

Andy Hall’s more aggressive guitars have drawn out something more vital from frontman Reid Currie. A desperation to be heard in a world falling apart couldn’t be more apt right now.

The Institutes are a band for right here, right now, and god willing, huge stages in 2021.

Columbia – Fat Catz

Liverpool’s Columbia have followed the up death defying ‘This Life’ and The Verve-esque ‘Nothing Left For Me’ with their new single ‘Fat Catz’.

Emerging from the sewer, ‘Fat Catz’ is dank and dirty, it’s the party you’re afraid of but know you must be at. Venomous guitars from the Manics combine with the viscous but melodic aspects of The Cult. All the while, Jonny Eccleshall’s bass and Jay Culkin’s drums combine on to create the hallmarks of a ferocious dance track. Jagz Kooner and Eddy TM must remix this!

Their third release has once again, sonically, shown off another side to the band. Lyrically though, they remain constant. Their tales of working class life anchor their outlandish tunes and are all the better for it.

Tourists – Another State

Torquay outfit Tourists have released ‘Another State’, the title track from their upcoming debut album (out Nov 20th). Released via Modern Sky UK, it was mixed by The War On Drugs and Diiv cohort Daniel Schlett at his Strange Weather studios in Brooklyn.

The blissful swirling guitars chime perfectly with the Grandaddy circa ‘Crystal Lake’ production. It takes the sun drenched joy of Real Estate to somewhere fuzzier and unbelievably, more carefree.

Sonically, with so much at play, you’d forgive them for sounding muddled but, like a sun setting on still water, they have conjured a simple beauty to marvel at.

For anyone desperate to escape Trump, covid or personal woes, ‘Another State’ is the artistic ticket to elsewhere you have been waiting for.