All of the emotions I can never quite find the words to express seem to exist effortlessly within April Magazine’s hushed melodies and glacial textures. Each release further refines their unmatched lofi beauty, making Falling Window their most affecting release to date. As is customary, Falling Window’s enveloping wash of sound is best experienced inContinue reading “April Magazine – Falling Window EP”
Tag Archives: San Francisco
Farewell, Seablite…
There wasn’t a dry eye in the indie pop house last week as Bay Area underground icons Seablite announced their farewell show. Active since 2017, Seablite specialised in nineties inspired shoegaze and baggy fusions, shot through with unmistakable California cool. When they fully hit their stride across 2023’s epic Lemon Lights, they hit upon shimmeringContinue reading “Farewell, Seablite…”
Magic Fig – Valerian Tea
Effortlessly blending the heady mystique of Broadcast with the baroque playfulness of Friends-era Beach Boys, San Francisco psych-pop experimentalists Magic Fig return with the first taste of their forthcoming full length debut Valerian Tea. The album’s title track builds on the theme’s of last year’s self-titled EP, with Inna Showalter’s sun dappled vocals once againContinue reading “Magic Fig – Valerian Tea”
heavymetalkids.uk is Bay Area bound…
I was totally blown away this week by the announcement of a stunning Dandy Boy Records showcase to welcome me on what will be my first visit to the Bay Area. Yes, after following the scene for some five years and covering it here for the last two and a bit, my wife Julia andContinue reading “heavymetalkids.uk is Bay Area bound…”
Tony Jay – faithless
Originally recorded to coincide with the band’s recently completed Japanese tour, faithless is the latest lofi revelation from Bay Area fogpop auteurs Tony Jay. Boasting a new line up and drawing influence from the band’s favourite Japanese artists Les Rallizes Dénudés and Shizuka, faithless unwinds in a hazy slowcore blur of fractured greyscale psychedelia. OceanContinue reading “Tony Jay – faithless”
Hectorine – Arrow of Love
There is a tenderness and directness at the centre of Sarah Gagnon’s songwriting that stands alone amongst the busy and beautiful Bay Area underground. Unabashed and unafraid, she wears her heart on her sleeve, wrapping her incomparable vocals around soulful dreampop melodies steeped in magic. New album Arrow of Love, Gagnon’s third under the HectorineContinue reading “Hectorine – Arrow of Love”
Whitney’s Playland – Long Rehearsal
It’s no secret that this blog fell hard for Bay Area duo Whitney’s Playland’s 2023 debut Sunset Sea Breeze. Loaded with charm, melody and garage indie riffing, the album captured hearts from the very first listen. With Inna Showalter (Magic Fig, Blades of Joy, Modern Charms) and George Tarlson (Grandma’s Boyfriend) now joined by EvanContinue reading “Whitney’s Playland – Long Rehearsal”
Rhymies – I Dream Watching
Fresh out on the relentlessly dependable Oakland based Dandy Boy Records comes this solo debut from Seablite’s Lauren Matsui. Trading in that group’s multi-layered dreamgaze in favour of melody drenched electronics, Rhymies’ inaugural EP I Dream Watching is a giddy synth-pop triumph. From the pulsating urgency of the title track’s soaring chorus through to TheContinue reading “Rhymies – I Dream Watching”
The Pennys – s/t
I have been excited to hear the first fruits of this collaboration between Bay Area underground heroes Michael Ramos (Tony Jay/Flowertown) and R.E. Seraphin ever since it was first mentioned in my interview with the latter, published last year. Say Something sways soothingly in perfect alignment with where I’d expect the pairs music to land.Continue reading “The Pennys – s/t”
Hospital – Hospital II
I’ve held experimental Bay Area trio Hospital in the highest regard ever since the initial tape release of this collection back in summer 2023. Three brilliant minds working at the very edge of their creativity and allowing us in to hear the results, what could be better? Combining the talents of Kevin Linn (Sad Eyed Beatniks/PresentContinue reading “Hospital – Hospital II”
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