Andrew Cushin – Memories

Image and artwork courtesy of Sonic PR

Newcastle starlet Andrew Cushin has returned with the new single ‘Memories’. Released alongside a great merch bundle, Cushin attempts to continue his meteoric rise.

It’s not too overstated to say Cushin is the heir to Noel’s throne. His ability to conjure a sense of belonging is first-rate. Where Noel always seems to be at the limit of his vocals (great as they are), Cushin has an effortless power that surpasses his former producer.

This is Cushin’s most accomplished tune to date. His love affair with Richard Ashcroft shines bright as the acoustic guitars bristle with hope whilst Nick McCabe’s little nuggets of gilder flitter in and out of view. Together, they summon huge levels of affection and empathy on this tale of defiance.

The nod to booze and blocking out the pain is fleeting but, gut-wrenching. Cushin, in one soul powerhouse couplet, gets to the heart of the common man’s fallibility in the modern world:

 “what is a man / what can he do”

The haunting backing vocals (by Cushin) of ‘days pass me by’ ram home the lost soul looking for his place achingly but, expertly.

Cushin has skipped his apprenticeship and gone straight to masterful. The more backing he gets in the studio will surely bring bigger and better results for the songsmith. To do it all, virtually, without live interactions is not just remarkable, it’s a triumph of the human spirit!

The Crooks - I Wonder

To date, the Chesterfield outfit have been delivering huge Oasis anthems or furious psychedelia with dark working class lyrics to cut through the glory of the sonic. On the last outing ‘Frankie’, the three began to merge, so, what will the new single ‘I Wonder’ bring?

The merger has been signed, sealed, and delivered! Previously, their aching to belong kept them on the outside looking in. Although lyrically, that yearning for more remains, musically, they have entered the eye of the storm.

Generations should awake to this song and ignite their dreams once more. It races around humble streets like the Roses’ ‘She Bangs The Drums’, a sense that anything is possible every morning oozes from its pores. The psyche guitars glisten on the gloomiest of days and beckon the people to set their souls free.

Their guitar parts have always been freeing. Whether it’s the emotive power of ‘She Walks Alone’ or, the soaring Hurricane #1 licks of ‘Nevermind’, the anticipation of huge release beckons and then blows you away. Now, they have Squire’s desire to spiral and Marr’s ability to thrill.

Despite the freeing nature, they too have been trapped inside their heads of late:

“I sit and wonder of what might have been”

The fallibility of the mind, even for our heroes, laid bare for us to emphasise with but, heroes they are and a guiding light they beam down upon us:

“Free fall deeply in your mind and let in spin / break the door and join me now”

There’s much talk of Oasis’ impending Knebworth documentary at present. One of the truly great moments of working class glory. However, it doesn’t have to be the last. Oasis-mania should have bitten the dust by now! With the scintillating guitars of The Crooks and, frontman Jacko’s innate ability to evoke empathy and togetherness, rock ‘n’ roll is coming home, again!

Blab – Eton Mess

After stealing the show at Get Cape Wear Cape Fly’s Half Moon weekender, Southend’s Blab has been busy writing punk anthems for a new generation in ‘Casual Sex’ and ‘R.I.P’.  She is back once more with the new single ‘Eton Mess’ via Asylums Cool Thing Records.

Featuring the aforementioned mentor Get Cape as producer (and backing vocals), Blab has stepped up the vitriol as she laments the Tories. Sure, whatever, everyone does it, right? Not this well though!

The guitars fire out nastier and dirtier than The Libertines’ ‘Vertigo’ alongside the brutal infectious hooks of The Buzzcocks and Stiff Little Fingers. Like Pete and Carl’s writing style, there’s a lot of heart to the song. However, these are not the heady days of ‘Up The Bracket’. Racism, homophobia, and fatal incompetence are brushed aside as jokes or, if dare questioned, are ridiculed for not being patriotic enough. Blab expertly taps into the rage that far too few of us wake with every day about this government.

With disdain in her heart and a guitar on her shoulder, punk has been reawakened, reimagined and, put her in a class of her own mt lord!

*Image courtesy of Cool Thing Records.

Murderers – Tape One

Manchester’s Murderers is the nom de plume for Luke Thompson. The ex-physicist, now game developer, began his musical journey to re-recreate the live circuit he loved and missed so dearly in the past year.

Image & artwork by Sam Tygier. Courtesy of Puffer Fish PR.

No one can recreate the live scene on record. Not fully. Thompson though has relayed his cinematic majesty. ‘Save Yourself’ is destined for the said big screen. Colossal in sound and clear in purpose, Thompson defines the inciting incident has laid out the quest and now, our hero must traverse his demons both physically and mentally, ‘Save Yourself’ is the emotive art to the spine-tingling montage accompanying it. The drama he deploys is tantalising close to watching a gripping film. Does the hero make it? Does he save the day? Well, the glory pervading ‘Man Made’ suggests yes and yes.

On ‘Made Man’, things get truly mega. The human spirit has been tested beyond what most thought possible this year. Thompson relays its frailties and, in doing so, what truly makes it great. Flawed, and fatigued but never out. Hope lives on in a new Spring or child’s first steps. For ’Made Man’ it comes in the form of a man-mountain of a synthetic soul record.

Defiant and determined but wavering on the edge. Thompson stands on the edge of the world, staring into the abyss. It stared back and encroached by the second. No matter, Thompson lays out his mortality and marches forwards to say ‘so fucking what’:

 “it’s not a victory march / you will forget my name”

A resplendent trip to the 80s via the White Lies, Editors, and Spielberg’s masterpiece ‘Ready Player One’. This is as cinematic as an EP can be.

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

David Long and Shane O'Neill - Moll & Zeis

Childhood friends David Long (Into Paradise) and Shane O'Neill (Blue In Heaven) have hooked up to release an album made solely during lockdown. 'Moll & Zeis' is out now on Pylon Recordings.

The two Dublin songwriters have known since the age of six and this connection resonates in the fluency of the album. Lyrically, an air of mystique looms throughout which lends a beautifully open quality to the songs.

Title track 'Moll & Zeis' maybe be about a US pilot but, for anyone unwillingly saying goodbye to love, it provides an eloquent outlet. The ethereal beauty that emerges from the guitars builds a mournful but hopeful turn away from the past.

The 'Earth Moves' protagonist cuts a forlorn figure, who agitates for clarity of mind but is still beset by fog. The track’s triumphant moment comes from its rejection of “man up”, a phrase no one should be uttering in 2021.

The darker moments of the album come via the Primal Scream inspired 'In Out' and 'Morning Song'. The former conjures images of a wayward soul going beyond its means. It brings in those heavily shrouded drug moments of 'Vanishing Point' like 'Trainspotting' or 'Long Life'. Meanwhile, 'Morning Song', grooves like their dub classic 'Echo Dub' but, crucially, adds nuggets of psyche to carry it to higher planes.

The album is given a cut through and immediacy from 'Far From Home' and 'For You'. 'Far From Home' strips back New Order's 'Crystal' to portray a fragile character reflecting upon a relationship. Their take is more New Order at sunrise rather than sunset which, allows a joyous tension to arise between past and present during the solo. Whereas, 'For You' finds a slot somewhere between Beatles and The Beta Band for the album’s most pop-friendly moment.

Human connections have been lost this past year. No matter how much you jump on Zoom, it doesn't suffice. Yet, somehow, Long and O'Neill's life-long connection has burrowed through the inhuman aspects of technology to really connect musically. One can only imagine what could happen if they were in a studio together.