In what is a slightly new way of doing things here at heavymetalkids.uk, I will now be occasionally providing a round up of some of the beautiful sounds I have happened upon/been sent/been alerted to over the last few weeks. Some I’ll dig more than you, some you may even enjoy more than me, but it’s all good that much is certain…
Soft Science – Lines (Shelflife/Spinout Nuggets, out now)
There is a mid-eighties sheen to the production of this spellbinding album that puts me in mind of UK bands such as The Wake or The Chameleons, but shot through with an unmistakable California dreampop cool that is very much of the now. Treading a path somewhere between fellow CA bands such as Seablite and Massage, but with an added darkwave element bringing just a hint of danger, the addictive melodies and crystalline guitar lines make for a particularly satisfying listen.
Big Cry Country – Living Conditions (self-released, out now)
Big hooks and memorable melodies abound on this debut EP from Washington DC based quartet Big Cry Country. The songs centre around vocalist Roxanne Bublitz’s recent move from DC to Brooklyn, and the turmoil and anxiety that such a life altering move can bring. Whilst the soaring chorus’s and glistening production may paint a vivid pure pop-punk portrait there is also a very real depth to these recordings, with multiple layers bubbling away beneath the surface that are sure to capture even the hardest of hearts. Very cool artwork too.
Single Lash – Ladida (self-released, out now)
Sophisticated, dark-hearted jangle and synth textures are at the forefront of this Austin, Texas based project, hitting a similar spot (in my mind at least) to those wonderful White Rose Transmission albums that Carlo Van Putten (The Convent) and Adrian Borland (The Sound) combined to make in the mid to late nineties. The album is built around the stirring songwriting prowess of Nicolas Nadeau, whose searching lyrics frequently cut to the bone, whilst the guitar/flute contributions of Neil Lord & Kristine Reaume (Joys Union Group) create whole worlds for the listener to lose themselves in. All of these elements combined make for a bitter-sweetly satisfying whole that demands repeated listening.
Jared Leibowich – Secret Spells (bruit direct disques, out now)
This is the kind of wildly inventive DIY indie-pop that almost makes me wish I had an extra pair of ears to help take it all in. Melodies for days and harmonies The Beach Boys would be proud of, with a psychedelic, almost baroque edge that at times reminds me of Papercuts’ wonderful Past Life Regression LP from last year. Music that works it’s magic at any time of day or night, both rousing and comforting in equal measure.
Look.Up. – Dear William (self-released, out now)
The self proclaimed ‘audio graffiti’ of mysterious UK based artist Look.Up is heady, intoxicating stuff. This latest cut, the William Shatner sampling Dear William, is a pulsing electronic rumination on the fragility of life, built on a foundation that brings to mind the expansive house/techno arrangements of The Mix era Kraftwerk. The bio talks of Look.Up’s time spent working in the music industry and the bitter taste it left, and this project is very much the sound of an artist breaking free from the ties that bind, following their heart to a brighter future.
Thanks for reading. If you found anything you enjoyed, be sure to LISTEN/BUY/SHARE and help support these wonderful artists and labels. Much love.
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