BOI – Ribidires

Welsh outfit BOI have released their latest single ‘Ribidires’. It is taken from their eagerly anticipated debut album 'Coron O Chwinc' which comes out on 25th June via Welsh label Recordiau Crwn.

Image & artwork courtesy of Beast PR

Many may be familiar with Osian Gwynedd (keys) and Rhodri Siôn (lead vocals) work with Beganifs & Big Leaves during the 90s and 00s. Cult heroes on the Welsh circuit, they supported Super Furry Animals and Catatonia alongside several studio albums.

Their latest project BOI sees them in top form. ‘Ribidires’ combines the acoustic lullabies of Badly Drawn Boy with the psyche pop Gruff Rhys’ solo career. Not content with just rehashing the aforementioned, they twist and turn the melody to conjure moments of doubt and darkness. The essence of doubt in those cute pop moments is what sets this pop song apart from most.

The psyche licks are akin to shards of technicolour lighting bolts being sent down by a Don Letts or Lammo DJ set. Heartfelt and challenging, they shower you with alt-pop you never knew you wanted. It won’t be long until BOI’s fresh sound becomes a cherished one!

The Institutes – I Just Can’t Keep Myself From Loving You

Coventry dreamers, The Institutes, release their new single ‘I Just Can’t Keep Myself From Loving You’ this Friday (11th June). Released via 42’s Records, it will be premiered tomorrow (10th) on This Feeling and then again on Lammo’s 6Music Recommends show.

Image and artwork provided by 42’s Records

Fifteen years ago, this kind of track would have trickled into view with a hazy solo. In today’s society, who has the time? Wasting no time, they dial up the love on the sumptuous guitars. So powerful is the feeling of love, it begs the question, who or what is the protagonist in love with?

A feeling this strong defies the instant serotonin release of the music and becomes a darker, possibly unrequited, or worse still, substance-related urge.

No matter the imbalance of character, musically, they omit a feeling that only DMA’s can match at present. Even the lowliest of spirits could be bogged down by its buoyancy. As singer Zappa Currie sings “take my breath away”, the otherworldly joy of Ride shimmers upon the horizon. All the while, Andy Hall’s guitars (along with Currie’s) take the infectious romance of Lucas Crowther (The Rifles) to more far-out dimensions!

Covid permitting, this tracks destiny is sundown at multiple festivals this summer! Check back Friday morning to revel in its glory.

Desperate Journalist – Fault

London's four-piece Desperate Journalist are back with their new single ‘Fault’, the lead-off track from their upcoming fourth studio album ‘Maximum Sorrow’ (out July 2nd Fierce Panda Records).

Image & Artwork courtesy of Fierce Panda

Bass player Simon Drowner has struck gold with his basslines upon return. Recorded solely in lockdown, Drowner has tapped into a caged animal mindset. Thrashing around with rage and destruction desperately seeking an avenue for the angst!

Set to the shifting chorus of “it’s no one’s fault / then it’s everyone’s fault”, the past year of miscommunication and lack of leadership bubbles up to the throat in bile form. Singer Jo Bevan, reels you in with an ethereal beauty before you have time to notice the volatility simmering below the surface. A glorious precursor to the political reckoning the majority of the UK has yet to admit It needs.

No one does relationship songwriting like Desperate Journalist. Smudged eyeliner, trampled souls, and the search for meaning are their raison d'etre. With the utmost integrity, they impart yet more life-affirming lyrics for the lost.

In 2019, they hit near perfection on ‘In Search of the Miraculous’. In 2021, they appear to have expanded their horizons and look set to go beyond!

Columbia – Where Did It All Go?

Liverpool's Columbia returned in May with their debut music video for “Where Did It All Go?'. It follows the death-defying single 'This Life' and looks set to light up stages sooner rather than later.

There's a temptation for fledgling bands to overplay their hand on a slow-building epic. For Columbia however, they've straddled a tightrope of The Verve and Oasis with an effortless that is irresistible. The optimism of the acoustic guitars and the soft Scouse vocals step out of the shadows, humbly but assured.

Before long, frontman Alex Sheppo lets his vocals growl whilst all around him rock 'n' roll ecstasy unfurls. Sheppo leads them to the promised land but, then guitarists Jay Sweeney (lead guitar), Tom Comer (rhythm guitar) transcend music altogether. The guitar licks and solos have hints of Craddock, Gallagher, and McCabe but, their spiraling brilliance owes no one nothing.

Together, Columbia have not only found their sound, but they've also found a nation's. One that needs a release from lockdown and my, haven’t they provided it!

By George – Handsome Hobo

North Carolina alt-rockers By George released ‘Handsome Hobo’ last month. Their upcoming album ‘The Life of Guy’ follows the joyous single ‘Relax’.

Image & photo supplied by https://offthehook.agency/

Every so often, the sound of being a teenager comes along for everyone to revel or rejoice in. George has exquisitely retold Romeo & Juliet from a humble beginning. Dreary landscapes with nothing to do form their rebellion and thus, inform this scuzzy doomed dream.

Boring suburbs are lit up with infectious melodies, Norman Blake–esque vocals, and hapless teenage romanticism. It’s the perfect landscape for the endless summers of youth. Ones that have been tragically ripped away from too many this past year.

By George have reminded those over 25 what they had and, what we should be striving to give back to future generations post-covid. For those in the throes of youth, their hope and despair have been given a great outlet. On this showing, ‘The Life of Guy’ is shaping up to be a must listen album.

The Velvet Hands – Star

Last Month The Velvet Hands returned with their latest single ‘Star’. After a string of great garage singles, could they advance their sound with brass arranger Simon Dobson (Architects) stepping into the studio?

There was no call for a ‘Kid A’ reinvention this early in their careers. Gigs were selling out and their buzz was growing. With two headline shows this bank holiday Monday, they look set to continue this form. What Dobson has added is, a splash of musicality to broaden their garage horizons. Subtly done, it keeps visions of Keith Richards and Albert Hammond Jnr on guitars whilst adding the bombast of Shed Seven’s ‘Maximum High’.

It goes to show what a bit of creative thinking in the studio can be done on small budgets. One only hopes that they get their chance of the grandiose ten years in like ‘Urban Hymns’ or ‘Ladies and Gentleman We Are Floating in Space’.

*image courtesy of Harvey Williams-Fairley

The Crooks - Frankie

Chesterfield’s The Crooks were set to blow up in 2020. ‘Nevermind’ in late 2019 and ‘She Walks Alone’ & ‘In Time’ in early 2020 were of such stature that, the word was out. Venues were selling out, This Feeling nights were repeatedly filled with “when are The Crooks playing”. It was their time!

We all know what happened next. So, when they announced their return with ‘Frankie’ in 2021, we tentatively pressed play. What bombast and the swagger of that initial run was diminished? Worse still, what if the quality dipped?

In many ways, the ebullience has abated. As they decree “I don’t know what will get us out of here”, 18 months of hardship gushes from their souls. Even at the peak of the twisted solo, there is a sombre mood at play. The magic, however, is prevalent more than ever. The band many pinned their hopes on have come back and captured the mood of the nation once again.

Fans from before the pandemic will find the power of the lyric “I know I’ve got a lot I wanna say” is immeasurable”. We all love bands with confidence. However, we should love this band more. They’ve stepped up to say, we’re here, we’re great but, we’re not sure we can do this and, we can’t do it alone. The feeling of a band and fans as one has elevated itself to an almost family level on this showing.

When you throw in the devastating psychedelia of the guitars, it’s hard to see how it’s not still their time. Only this time, they feel mortal and, people can feel even closer to their music.

Shade – Jump Into Heaven

Manchester's Shade recently returned with their third single 'Jump Into Heaven'. It follows the colossal Seahorses inspired 'Head in the Clouds' and Noel key change Gallagher behemoth 'Neverdie'.

Motoring in town like most songs climax, Shade have set their lasers to euphoric motherfuckers once more. It rips apart everything you loved about The Courteeners for a decade and screams, it's their turn now!

Whilst they strive to be above clouds, they beautifully deploy the odd seed of doubt. Those fleeting moments of ambiguity cloud its positivity but, crucially, never cages it. Nothing can stop the hope bursting from the seams.

This is very much a song for the end of lockdown. Jaded souls and tired minds are in need of a paternal nudge back into society and, through Shade's stadium-sized belief and earnest soul, it quickly becomes a welcomed shove.

The Kecks - Tonight Might Be Different / Modern Girls

The Kecks are back with double a-side ‘Tonight Might Be Different’ and ‘Modern Girls’. It follows the dark Hawley-esque croon ‘All For Me’, can this be the catalyst for 2021 the guitar scene needs?

‘Tonight Might Be Different’ is wrapped in the 4am glow they speak off and follows the despair of ‘All For Me’ neatly. Emerging from the wallow comes a purposeful strut that beckons you to follow alongside rather than inline.

*image courtesy of Denis Uhreniuk

With more purpose and heart than ever before they building melody like Pulp at their deranged best. Just when you think it’s polished, it staggers into rocks desperate clutches to become more interesting. Warped like Cabbage but, they’ve embedded wave upon wave of melodies it conjures images of Mick Ronson and Graham Coxon having a debauched but fertile studio session.

Meanwhile, ‘Modern Girls’, is a different animal altogether. Flamboyant aggression pervades every turn of this early Strokes track. Whilst us mortals have lived in continual fear, The Kecks have stared down 'Is This It' and spat it out nastier and heaped on the brutality.

This is the sound of freedom beckoning you to a dark sweat-filled room to let it all hang loose. Smashing your doc martens into the floor, crashing into your fellow man, and letting a righteous love fill the night with endless dreams of possibilities.

Not since Dogs' debut album have guitars meant this much. Cosmic mind-bending punk-fueled fuck you guitars sent from the people to the people. You bet your life this is the catalyst needed!

Charlie Clark – A Bridge to Your Idol

Scottish singer-songwriter follows the sun-drenched success of ‘Don't Have A Cow, Man!’ with a more sombre affair in ‘A Bridge to Your Idol’. Recorded with Jason Shaw (Cambodian Space Project) and Calum Buchanan (The Sea Atlas) it will be the closing track on his forthcoming album.

In the summer of 2020, Clark’s father sadly passed away. This single was written prior to this but, in the knowledge, it wouldn’t be long. The song and the video are poignant testimony to how high Clark (and his family) regarded him.

With such emotion at play, it would be easy for Clark to lose sight of what works for him musically. Tapping into the wistful Celtic of King Creosote, he conjures something eloquently joyful. Through isolated soundscapes and hushed vocals, he has created the silence and distance that come with grief. It goes beyond music, it’s a triumph of the human spirit.

The pain of the opening line “I don’t want to feel like this again” lets out an agony they will stop you dead in your tracks. The crushing despair of waiting for the worse news just pours out of Clark’s soul. It’s a reminder of why music lovers need songs as much as the artist. It immediately takes you to a world you don’t want to visit (or revisit).

Despite the nuggets of despair, it’s a beautiful ode to someone lost. Simple and accessible, after the past 18months, one that I am sure many will clutch to their hearts.

‘A Bridge to Your Idol’ is out now via It’s Creation Baby Records.

Mount Forel – Elba

With members from the US, UK, Japan, and New Zealand, London-based Mount Forel are a truly international outfit. Their second single 'Elba', is taken from 'Small Worlds' released today via Futureproof Promotions.

On this showing, it's easy to see why Tom Waits, Robert Smith, and John Mayall recently gave them praise. The slow psychedelic amble into action brings back all the hope of the Roses 'Breaking Into Heaven' before they take us somewhere far more cinematic.

So often, with emotive psyche guitars dazzling as they do from Ross Thompson and Pete Garner here, the vocals will cool off like Kevin Parker (Tame Impala) or Ruban Nielson (Unknown Mortal Orchestra). Here, Thompson does something truly majestic and matches the power of the guitars. The underrated power of Peter Green joins forces with soul of Plant to conjure something truly spellbinding.

Mount Forel's debut album is out today. Check it out here https://mf.fanlink.to/smallworlds

*Images courtesy of Futureproof Promotions

The Gabriels - We

The Midlands four-piece follow up on their stunning debut single 'Loose Canyon' with 'We'. Recorded in 2020, can it stand up to their fine start?

You can buy the single on their Bandcamp page.

The scintillating guitars of 'Feel A Whole Lot Better' saunter across West Coast landscapes with ease and an elegance that is simply undeniable. Splicing in Gene Clark's country-tinged masterpiece 'No Other' lifts 'We' to another dimension.

What cuts through and prevents this from being just a pastiche are Gudg's vocals. The cuteness of Beth Arzy (Aberdeen / Luxembourg Signal / Jetstream Pony) chimes with the alt-pop vibrancy of Maria Eriksson to conjure something truly unique.

The Gabriels have now released two singles of the utmost quality in 2021. Their debut album is shaping up to feature on many end of year lists.

Charlie Clark – Don't Have A Cow, Man!

Scotland's Charlie Clark released 'Don't Have A Cow, Man!' last month on Alan McGee's new label It's Creation Baby. The former Astrid member has often gone under the radar, might this be the time he steps out of the shadows?

Having forged a new career in promoting in LA, Clark had left his song-smith days behind. However, with the tragic news of his father becoming terminally ill, Clark moved to Stornoway to help with the care. Such life-altering moments not only charged his muse but altered his personal life too.

In doing so, he has sent out the clearest reminder of this decade that music still has the power to sparkle and change lives. Shimmering like Cosmic Rough Riders' 00s classic 'Enjoy The Melodic Sunshine', it possesses the joyous pop of The Wannadies and the infectious meanderings The LA's. The lyrics detail Clark's tale of cleaning himself up which is admirable. Set to this pop-psyche whimsy, it almost renders Big Star and Belle & Sebastian obsolete.

Clark's new album 'Late Night Drinking' is due out soon and, after this single, has laid down a marker very few can follow.

Columbia – Meet Me at Dawn

Cardiff's Columbia are back with their latest single 'Meet Me at Dawn'. It follows their escapist anthem 'Waiting For You To Believe', one of 2021's singles of the year.

For anyone who feels life has ebbed away this past year, put this record on. Now! Columbia have picked a fight with your fears and are throwing bombs from start to finish! The relationship between front man Craig and lead guitarist Ben is rapidly becoming one of the most vital in the UK. The guitars brood with an intensity that compliment the unhinged desperation to succeed of the vocals and lyrics.

Musically, Embrace's 'Last Gas' has been given the looping magic of Oasis' 'Columbia'. It's an explosive piece of rock 'n' roll that will destroy all those who stand in its path. Together with lyrical bullets like “too young to die / never too old to old to fly / we search for heroes tonight” it resounds with defiance.

Columbia have delivered yet again, making their upcoming album 'Embrace The Chaos' is becoming one of the most anticipated rock 'n' roll albums of the year.

Shader – Runaway

Shader follow their massive anthem 'True To Life' with their new single 'Runaway'. Released on 42s Records, it was produced by the king of new bands Gavin Monaghan.

Following their previous single is a tall order. It was a monster demonstration of rock 'n' roll escapism. Their only option was to produce a single so infectious it slaps you round the face. 'Runaway' does just that! You'll know the words by the end of the first listen and, by the end of the third listen, you'll be on your knees, offering your soul for sacrifice.

The rejection of vapid celebrity cultures dominating our TV screens in their discourse is a welcome return. Corporate scum masquerading as hipster and empty vessels from reality TV has been too prevalent for too long! Shader's rock classicist rebellion should be prescribed on the NHS to wash this pain away.

When June 21st comes, let their howling guitars feed your determination to change everything you hate in society for the better!

*Image courtesy of A Supreme Shot

The Clockworks – Feels So Real

Galway's The Clockworks, now based in London, returned last week with their new single 'Feels So Real' . Released via It's Creation Baby, it was recorded at Unity/Aquarium Studios and was produced Michael Rendall.

The delirious noise and confusion of early Libertines house parties pervades the brooding guitars whilst James McGregor's lyrics and vocals, recall the poetic punk prose of The Rakes' Alan Donohoe.

Their move to London has come alive on this record. The sound of being young, lost, and furious has reawakened dreams of Albion with their razor-sharp social observation. Although stylistically different, their integrity is on par with Doherty, Barat as well as Brett Anderson. Like the aforementioned, their move to London has ignited poignant insights into the culture and crucially, the people of their new home. A rejection of greed is contrasted with the struggles and deprivation many endure is put back in the spotlight and it couldn’t be more necessary.

This feels like a watershed moment for the band. The music, the lyrics, and the intensity have all gone up a few notches and now anything feels possible for this band.

MOSES – Move On

London outfit MOSES have returned with their new single 'Move On'. Collaborating again with producer Gavin Monaghan at Magic Garden Studios, the single is released today.

The song opens with the epic line “this road in my way / it’s my whole life”. Thoughts of their defiant debut album immediately return. However, sonically, they're back with a brand new sound to match their romantic spirit.

Indebted to Foals' career defining 'Total Life Forever', they take their tales of love and rejection to vaster landscapes. As a result, the opening line becomes embittered as much as it embraces songwriter Victor's affinity with euphoria.

The move away from bombastic punk hooks to a groove-based style feels well suited. In closing stages, there are attempts to align said grooves with their early, more robust sound. This avenue is one which, if they land successfully, conjures images of bigger and more raucous live crowds.

*Images courtesy of Mike Radulescu.

There re-arranged tour dates are:

21/08 London, The Grace

03/09 Birmingham, Sunflower Lounge

09/09 Brighton, Prince Albert

18/09 Manchester, The Castle

25/09 Leeds, Lending Room

https://www.ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/moses-2

Model Society - I-Spy

London’s Model Society recently released their new single ‘I-Spy’ via Kitchen Disco Records.

Sha na na naaing its way to the hearts of a nation of dr martens wearing Buzzcocks loving freaks. It’s has a wonderful British sense of rebellion. Snarling positivity from the sarcastic wit of sweat-filled gig venues,  they’ve drawn a line in the sand.

This isn’t just a battle line being drawn. It’s the big reset that didn’t come with Rishis’s sopping wet speech in the week. Model Society have presented us with a blank canvas to reinvent this treasured isle of arts, rebellion, and working-class glory.

Their first draft comes equipped with the punk we’ve known and loved for the past 10 years. It also follows last year’s ‘Are You For Real?’ with another sublime solo. It cuts through with rip-roaring ease. It’s desperate and intense, as though Theatre of Hate hired Graham Coxon!

With reality and community on the horizon once more, let Mode Society guide back to the good times.

Girl Friday – Earthquake

L.A.’s Girl Friday have come flying out of the traps in 2021 with their new single ‘Earthquake’. Produced by Norm Block, it will be the new single from their album ‘Androgynous Mary’.

A stinging piece of punk rock that demands attention! They evoke the Riot Grrrl fire of Bikini Kill and Veruca Salt to a level that, frankly, makes the early 90s scene redundant. Percolating among the vicious storm of vocals and guitars is the playfulness of Generation X’s ‘Dancing With Myself’ and the hypnotic drama of L7.

Unsurprisingly, this blast of punk is a tale of liberation. They’ve embedded a belief and desire to cause an uprising that usurps the Arab Spring! Even though sonically, it’s as direct a record as you’ll hear, there is a universality at play that allows for personal traumas to formulate around their fire.

‘Androgynous Mary’ is out now via Hardly Art Records.

Lucigenic – Hope

Manchester supergroup Lucigenic are set to release their new single ‘Hope’ on the 19th of February. Recorded at Far Heath Studios with producer Mike Bennett (The Fall & Ian Brown) and engineer Angus Wallace (The Fall) it is taken from their debut EP (EP 1).

The band are made up of Lucy and Gary Wyatt, Simon Wolstencroft (The Fall/Ian Brown), Dave Barbarossa (Adam and the Ants/Bow Wow Wow/Republica), Mark Refoy (Spiritualised/Spacemen 3), Steve Etherington (Rubettes/Sisters of Mercy), Mark Woolfenden and Chris Toole.

Wyatt’s vocals are a joy to behold from start to finish. At points, there are flourishes of Bowie and Patti Smith. Then, when she really lets go, both her and the sonic combine to recreate the magic of JJ72’s ‘October Swimmer’.

Feather-light production and delicate guitars shimmer across shoreline like paradise coming into view and, who can say they don’t need that right now. When they deploy an injection of tempo, a warmth will rush up the neck as ripples of joy keep on coming.

Despite the supergroup status, there are no egos at play here. There’s a recognition that Wyatt’s vocals are iconic and all has been done to make them soar. It’s an effortless piece of music and, one that eases the misery and must be savoured.

 *Video/Photography by Jim Solan at ‘Wolf Films’