Ryann Gonsalves: A sense of Bay Area belonging…

Bay Area artist Ryann Gonsalves has been omnipresent on the underground independent scene this year as frontperson and key member of the bands Torrey and Aluminum. The full-hearted melodic gift that flows through both of these projects can also be explored in its starkest form across Ryann’s enchanting DIY solo album Ouch!, recently released viaContinue reading “Ryann Gonsalves: A sense of Bay Area belonging…”

Dummy – Nullspace

I first discovered the kosmische noise-pop of LA quartet Dummy during plague year 2020, the far-reaching ambition of their DIY motorik explorations providing much needed focus during a time of frequently overwhelming stasis. Following two low-key EP releases, the fully formed arrival of their stunning 2021 debut Mandatory Enjoyment and a contribution to Sub Pop’sContinue reading “Dummy – Nullspace”

R.E. Seraphin: Powering-Up the Bay Area Popscene…

The music of Ray Seraphin is somewhat of an outlier in a Bay Area underground scene renowned for its delicious jangle and fog enveloped fuzz. Giddy riffs and heart tugging solos are his trademark, brought down to earth by a keen eye for melody and an unmistakable street smart croon. R.E. Seraphin’s second album Fool’sContinue reading “R.E. Seraphin: Powering-Up the Bay Area Popscene…”

Label focus: Safe Suburban Home

In the first instance of what may become an occasional detour here at heavymetalkids.uk, I am today focussing in on the work of one specific label. A relentless flurry of recent announcements has placed York based Jim Quinn’s Safe Suburban Home Records right at the forefront of the underground independent scene here in the UK.Continue reading “Label focus: Safe Suburban Home”

En Attendant Ana: Making sense of the world one tour at a time…

Parisian quintet En Attendant Ana have been steadily capturing hearts and minds across Europe and the US with their long running tour in support of last year’s stunning album Principia, the group’s third. Ahead of their recent triumphant gig at Twenty One Southend for Tea and Oranges, the band’s frontperson and principal songwriter Margaux BouchaudonContinue reading “En Attendant Ana: Making sense of the world one tour at a time…”

Chime School – Give Your Heart Away

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”

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”