The glorious 2021 self-titled debut by Bay Area DIY jangle project Chime School provided a giddy rush of pure pop that encapsulated thirty plus years of glorious indie within its thirty minute duration. This time out Andy Pastalaniec has drawn breath, taken stock and further honed his already considerable songcraft, making new single Give YourContinue reading “Chime School – Give Your Heart Away”
Author Archives: francarlyon
Ship Full Of Bombs ep.14
My latest radio show is now available for streaming/download via Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Mixcloud, Google Podcasts, Deezer and other leading podcast apps. Alternatively, you can visit http://www.sfob.co.uk and scroll down to the widget at the bottom of the page. Playlist: Monday 17th June 1) Yea-Ming and The Rumours – Before I Make It Home https://dandyboyrecords.bandcamp.com/album/i-cant-have-it-all 2) The Reds, Pinks & Purples – RareContinue reading “Ship Full Of Bombs ep.14”
Goodbye Wudaokou – Mirror Skies
Discovering the work of Manchester based DIY artist Mat Mills has been a constant source of real joy over the last few months. His songwriting blends lofi fuzz-laden indie/shoegaze with affecting electronic dreamscapes, giving his project Goodbye Wudaokou a unique flavour all of its own. Debut album Mirror Skies wears its heart unashamedly on itsContinue reading “Goodbye Wudaokou – Mirror Skies”
Yes Today – Still
Following on from a scattering of sporadic but spellbinding live performances, Southend-on-Sea based collective Yes Today arrive in style and substance with self-released debut album Still. Rooted in loss, acceptance and the finding of new ways to heal old wounds, Still faces up to reality with an abundance of grace and wonder. Centred around theContinue reading “Yes Today – Still”
Aluminum – Fully Beat
Audaciously adept at refashioning the very best melodic twists and turns of 90s alternative, Bay Area fourpiece Aluminum have truly arrived with thrilling debut album Fully Beat. Reminiscent of a time when it felt as if the right chord change could alter your entire world, Aluminum bathe their soaring songwriting in a contemporary California coolContinue reading “Aluminum – Fully Beat”
Lightheaded – Combustible Gems
With an immediacy that demands attention and a tenderness that pulls you close, the music of New Jersey based Lightheaded is unwaveringly pop in the truest sense of the word, a giddy combination of pure melody and electric energy. Following on from last years introductory Slumberland Records EP Good Good Great!, the band’s full lengthContinue reading “Lightheaded – Combustible Gems”
Ship Full Of Bombs ep.13
My latest radio show is now available for streaming/download via Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Mixcloud, Google Podcasts, Deezer and other leading podcast apps. Alternatively, you can visit http://www.sfob.co.uk and scroll down to the widget at the bottom of the page. Playlist: Monday 20th May 1) Porcine – Stop The World https://porcine.bandcamp.com/album/porcine-2 2) Lightheaded – Bright Happy Girls https://areyoufeelinglightheaded.bandcamp.com/album/combustible-gems-2 3) Aluminum – Everything https://aluminum.bandcamp.com/album/fully-beat 4)Continue reading “Ship Full Of Bombs ep.13”
Magic Fig – s/t
Capturing the magic of the Bay Area underground in fullest flight and rearranging it into bold new shapes, the moog-bending progressive psychedelic pop of Magic Fig is a unique, all-encompassing journey into sound. A post-pandemic coming together comprising members of The Umbrellas, Whitney’s Playland, Almond Joy and Healing Potpourri, Magic Fig have embraced creative collectivismContinue reading “Magic Fig – s/t”
EXCLUSIVE: Porcine – Layaway *video premiere*
Formed whilst ghost hunting around Barnsley market back in 2018, slacker pop trio Porcine’s irresistible melodies and endless hooks are inspired by the very best of 80s/90s shoegaze and indiepop, with a giddy emphasis on fun. New line-up Sam Horton, Giannis Kipreos & Georgia Murphy released their self-titled third album earlier this year and LayawayContinue reading “EXCLUSIVE: Porcine – Layaway *video premiere*”
A Penny Arcade for your thoughts…
Throughout his creative life James Hoare has been at the heart of some of the finest and most loved underground independent music to come out of the UK. His various projects have garnered praise and admiration not only here at home, but across Europe and the US too. On Saturday 11th May James brings hisContinue reading “A Penny Arcade for your thoughts…”
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