Souvenir Stand #4 - Fall

Facebook

I'm sure and hope you'll forgive a little blog about a song that is being released through my own label, Beautiful Strange. Souvenir Stand was originally an organic blog discovery, as long ago as June 2012 and since there's been a cassette tape EP release (the wonderful Days) and now this, a new two track 7" single called Surprise, it is due at the end of the month and available to pre-order now via Bandcamp.

"Fall" sees Souvenir Stand, primarily the work of New Jersey's Stephanie Cupo, shed some of the sugar and spice and all things nice allure that shone through Days for a darker, more grown-up, Twin Peaks' esque mystique. I won't go on, I've never been one for excessive self-promotion but it's a belter, I'm sure you'll agree.

Listen below and any support you may like to give Stephanie and this release, would be greatly received.

Poppy Red - Hand Into The Fire

Facebook

Poppy Red is a new name to me but the now Brooklyn based quartet seemingly formed as an evolution of the solo project of Molly Long. Their debut full-length Hand Into the Fire is Released in the US via Nineteen98 on September 23rd with the tracks I've heard thus far have me itching for more, two slowly-revealing mini-epics of haunting melodies and glistening guitarscapes.

The first of them, "Crush", is wondrous, a heady marriage of grunge guitar riffs, crashing, sparkling melody and ethereal vocals harmonies, Molly's cooing vocals floats on top evoking nostalgia and gripping emotion throughout the breathless track.

The more introspective "Hand Into the Fire" is just as good, a gorgeous, sparkling torchlight beauty that pulls you in amongst its atmospheric grip and refuses to let go, simmering on the edge before rising to a sumptuous, dynamic climax around the repeats calls of "I only want to understand".

A new love is seemingly found. Check out both tracks below:

Esben and the Witch #10 - Dig Your Fingers In

Facebook

The last time I wrote about Esben and the Witch it was to rave about the behemoth "No Dog", now the trio return with the more subtle (that wouldn't be hard, in truth) "Dig Your Fingers In". The latest track to see the light from their new album A New Nature, due September 9th and available fromRough Trade amongst others.

"Dig Your Fingers In" deals in a delicate, spiritual world and is somewhat sparser than you are perhaps accustomed to from Esben, beginning with little more than soft, gentle ringing guitars patterns and Rachels' shiver-inducing vocal, the atmosphere is kept on edge through before climaxing with a brutal, raw crescendo of pummeling guitar noise.

Exceptional, but you probably didn't expect anything else.

Esben play London's Oslo next Thursday - I'm looking forward to it. Details.

Everything By Electricity #5 - Abyss

Facebook / everythingbyelectricity.com

Very glad to welcome Everything By Electricity back to these pages again, as a long time follower - this is a band without any official release that I first mentioned here two and a half years ago - I keep wondering where they are /pi hong for a live return / release news. Now, perhaps we are nearing the time for those questions to be answered...

Last week the seemingly still London based trio reveled a new track "Abyss" and its a beauty, continuing with the retro-synth soundscapes heard on last years re-birth with Yulia's soft-focus vocals stealing the show amongst a swooning tapestry of glacial guitars, shimmering effects and propeller-like beats. Simply put it's utterly delicious.

I'm pretty sure I've asked EbE not to stay away from us for so long, I'm going to do so again.

Meenk #2 - Firefly

Facebook

It's safe to say that Meenk is one my new music addictions, following swiftly from my 'introducing' post a couple of weeks back is this, a new track, "Firefly".

Softer and prettier than anything on the Scamu Scau EP it retains the same lo-fi, home-recorded charm throughout and amongst the simple, stripped back ringing guitar riffs is this super-sweet, tuneful melody which endears with May's flickering vocal full of melancholic delicacy and moreish beauty. Become hooked below.

Scamu Scau is available now via Bandcamp - go and give it your love.

2:54 #9 - In The Mirror

Facebook

2:54 are back with the latest track to their newly announced second album The Other I, due via Bella Union on November 10th (and up for pre-order via the link).

"In The Mirror" follows last months "Orion" and immediately takes you to the same dark, claustrophobic skies but this time takes a slower approach, gradually unveiling a hazy maze of the siblings signature soundscapes as a swirling pool of brooding guitarscapes and Hannah's typically haunting vocals collide to leave you just that little bit on edge. I like being on edge.

Children - New Music "Introducing"

Facebook / /childrenchildren.de

Children, not the most Google friendly of band names, a trio from Berlin come to my attention with two tracks that specialise in soft textures, dreamy minimalism and unhurried ethereal beauty that instantly enters the same head space as the XX.

"Grace" is full of exactly that, with luscious synth pad beats, gentle bass throbs and intricate guitar strokes forming a heart-warming rhythmic structure to the track around smooth, breathy vocals and "Cut" is equally gorgeous with a delicious nostalgic focus that reaches a swirling, tropical infused finale.

Both tracks are taken from Children's debut album Leaving Home which follows on September 5th via Fleet Union.

The Sinclair Sinclair #6 - Cosmos

Facebook

A very welcome back to Tallinn's The Sinclair Sinclair whom return with a wonderful new 'live' video "Cosmos", expanding on their ethereal debut EP The Dreamer of the Dreams and the beautiful shrouded haze of "Paradise" with a stronger and dynamic live sound.

There's this otherworldly synth loop throughout which adds an eerie flavour of the track as it slowly builds from minimalist beginnings and Keit's soft-focus vocals before exploding amongst a soaring high of rushing guitars and driving drums beats - it's pretty awesome. The back drop of the video looks equally stunning too.

Long term readers of this blog will be aware this a band I love, lots, you really, really should too. Check out "Cosmos" below.

Shadow Culture - New Music "Introducing"

Facebook

Shadow Culture are a new London based sextet who released their debut track, a live recording of a track called "Demons" just a couple of days ago, a track which immediately hints at a big future ahead, both from the cinematic noise produced and potential scope for development once they hit the studio.

It starts patiently enough with the focal point of Amy Wilson's stunning vocal before steadily cranking up the brooding atmosphere through rumbling drums and ever expanding soundscapes before climaxing with an almighty finale as crashing crescendos and soaring vocal peaks collide.

It makes me think of the initial impression I got from Embers - that's definitely a good thing.

Parlour #3 - Slow Down

Facebook

On a recent trip to see The Joy Formidable in Cardiff the conversation, as usual, got onto new bands that I'd taken a shine to, and whilst I had a number to quote at the drop of the hat, when it came to naming exciting new guitar bands, the list wasn't so numerous. As far as I can see there are areas of upcoming and popular 'guitar bands' whom are (to generalise) still stuck in a rut of cloning such stellar acts as Oasis, The Libertines or even worse Arctic Monkey's.

Thankfully, there are beacons of hope throughout, the likes of TOY continue to exhilarate and we've got Esben and the Witch, Fear of Men, Embers and more coming through too. One of those upcoming bands is Parlour, the London based quintet who have expanded on their already mighty sonic palette with their new song "Slow Down".

The track is perhaps titled "Slow Down" because that's what people will likely be shouting at you if you are playing this loudly in your car alone, it's anything but slow, with a catchy and inspired melody full of long, epic-sized krautrock instrumental sections, effect laden shoegaze guitars, hard driving beats and dreamy psych vocal harmonies, it commands to be played loud and repeatedly.

"Slow Down" is released on the forthcoming Marshall Teller compilation LP, available August 25th and you can order one now here. A riotous storm of noise is guaranteed when Parlour support Ringo Deathstarr at the Garage on September 2nd - details.

Lazy Day #2 - Oldest Friend

Facebook

When I called Tilly Scantlebury's Lazy Day 'hypnotic guitar riffs and sumptuous, magnetic vocals' on her debut track "With My Mind" little did I know they'd be another track following that perhaps exceeds the first.

"Oldest Friend" is the latest release from the London based artist (to be found on the upcoming Beech Coma compilation tape - already sold-out but available digitally via bandcamp) and weaves its way into your conscious with ease. As mid-paced guitar jangles ring around Tilly's dreamy vocals you are immediately entranced, her luxurious voice immersing you within the luscious, cascading melody that builds with increased layers of harmony and volume. Spellbinding, as ever.

Live shows to follow, you will want to be there.

Palms on Fire #2 - Cars

Facebook

Four years ago I came across the Russian band Palms on Fire and since seemingly forgot about them (sorry!). It happens to us all I am sure, there are hundreds and hundreds of acts and only one of me. I cannot remember everyone, nor continually listen to every band I feature here with my limited free time...

Back to Palms of Fire, it seems I have totally missed a 2012 release by the band but return with the recently released EP Cars. A release which sees the trio/quartet adopt a fresh, carefree approach to indie pop and results in four soft-focus tracks full of quirky pop sensibilities and delicate yet moreish tunes.

"Sun Is Over My House" opens with a funk-laden groove and sun-kissed swagger full of the pastel coloured nostalgia of youth, whimsical and romantic throughout with Anna Kislova's sincere, softening vocals melting hearts along the way. The title-track "Cars" follows a more traditional arrangement with cascading guitars and fast-paced bass rhythms over bright synth washes and graceful vocals.

There's more goodies though, "Suitcase"opens with theses game-boy esque synth loops and progresses with the same lovely/pure elements that made the EP stand out, whilst closing track "Two Hearts" is the sweetest, catchiest moment of surf-pop on the release. If you are searching for refreshing yet simple tunes that can do little but make you raise a smile, Cars is for you.

There is a very limited CD run on the EP available now via Dufflecoat Records or digitally from the band themselves.

The Mites - Wash Away

Facebook

Heading way back in time on my email submissions folder now, August is normally a pretty quiet time for new releases and that seems to be the case again this year (there are of course exciting new tracks still coming through and I'm featuring them as I discover them).

Austin, Texas trio The Mites released "Wash Away" as long ago as last December and an email was promptly starred in my inbox, yet it's taken me some eight months to re-discover it, I'm a bit crap like that. The band have been quiet since April on their Facebook so hopefully I'm not writing about a band whom no longer exist, a promised Spring 2014 album certainly seems not to have materialised...

Anyway, "Wash Away" is great. A track that ticks pretty much all of my boxes, there's a luscious, soft vocal filled with romantic nostalgia and a melody that is awash with fuzzy/chiming guitars and strong, consistent drums. They entwine together perfectly and the result is a simple, pure moment of sun-kissed beauty. It's certainly suits a summer listen better than a pre-Christmas one, perhaps I came back to it at the right time...

"Wash Away" is available now on a pay-what-you-like basis - via Bandcamp.

Curxes #7 - Valkyrie

Facebook

Hope you've got hold of your hat because it's likely to be blown off now... the fabulous Curxes released their new single today and it's an absolute corker...

"Valkyrie" is (and this is saying something) the duo's most bonkers three minutes yet, commanding your complete attention with a no-holds barred combination of clattering rhythms, distorted beats and a monstrous vocal that grabs you firmly in its grip and refuses to let go. It's not just crazy noise though, the track is fun and completely addictive too. You probably weren't expecting anything less.

Curxes debut LP Verxes is promised soon. "Valkyrie" is available now via Bandcamp.

Manon Meurt - New Music "Introducing"

Facebook

I discovered Czech quartet Manon Meurt a couple of months back thanks to Bandcamp discoverer and then added them to my 'to listen to' pile, it's something I am seemingly doing at an ever increasing amount but a quick catch-up listen to their debut EP over the weekend was enough to make me quickly catapult the band to the top of my posting list...

Opening track "To Forget" is a stunner, an epic quiet/loud shoegaze beauty which reminds me of the sadly quiet Fountains' "Easily Led" in places, a marriage of wistfully cooed vocals and bright glistening guitar textures with a fuzzy rhythm guitar which builds to a heady climax of instrumental noise.

The EP is six tracks deep and combines blissful, never-hurried dreampop beauties such as "94" and "Blue Bird" (another track which grows to dark, brooding conclusions) with the lighter, poppier structure of the wonderful "Glowing Cityscape", a brilliant, sparkling track propelled by wonderful guitar work and a precise drum beat. The vocals never falter throughout, soft and transcendent, this EP, simply, is the sort of release shoegaze has needed for a couple of years now.

Manon meurt is available now via Bandcamp. I've seen a picture of a vinyl release but haven't found a link to buy it anywhere - let me know if you have one and I'll add here. Update - it seems you can buy the vinyl here. My Czech isn't too hot but 250 Czech Koruna is just over £7 plus shipping so you cannot complain about that!

Tennis #8 - I'm Callin

Facebook / tennis-music.com

Tennis follow the super "Never Work For Free" with the second track taken from their forthcoming LP Ritual in Repeat, "I'm Callin". A track which confirms the bands shift to from the intimate lo-fi sounds of their debut to gorgeous 80's swoon-pop.

Here, Alaina Moore's candy-sweet vocals glitter right at the centre of the mix amongst a disco groove bass rhythm, breathy harmonies and luscious instrumentation, it. It's the sort of track that Madonna would have taken to the top of the charts twenty years ago.

I really like this band, I seem to find myself writing about pretty much every single they put out. I can't say much more positive than that. Listen below:

Sea Oleena #3 - If I'm

Facebook

I featured Sea Oleena here a couple of times over three years ago now, she, Montreal's Charlotte Loseth, returns to my conscience, belatedly, after three quiet years spent writing, recording and whatever it is that incredibly talented musicians do. The result is her debut full-length record Shallow, due to be shared with the world on September 30 via Lefse Records.

The first taster "If I'm" instantly makes the wait seem worth the while, introducing a more developed, increasingly ambient continuation (and it's not just the move from a bedroom to a studio to that for that) of her soothing  musical landscapes, adding rich, cinematic instrumentation to the soft, haunting lullabies that comfort and sooth in equal measure. "If I'm" is pure, beguiling art at it's finest, a vast ocean of organic textures and intimate soundscapes which pull you in and leave you in the most dreamlike of states.

For those new to Sea Oleena, her two earlier EP's are still available via Bandcamp on a pay-what-you-like basis. Your weekend just got better.

She Keep Bees #8 - Owl

Facebook

A double whammy of good news, a new She Keeps Bees London show announced (at The Lexington on November 15th - details) and a new song, the second taken from their forthcoming LP Eight Houses - due September 22nd in the UK - "Owl.

Following the delightfully controlled "Is That it is" with another track that gets firmly under the skin, a slow, brooding beauty that radiates through ringing guitar patterns, never rushed beats and Jess' soulful, vocal. It hit hards - find out for yourself below:

The album is available to pre-order now via Rough Trade (and other places too).

Warehouse Eyes - New Music "Introducing"

Facebook / warehouseeyes.com

I know I am in the minority as a blogger who likes to reference my sources (if there is one, I am quite self-sufficient) but this post was saved in my draft folder (of which there are hundreds - not enough hours in my days) with nothing more than a link. I apologise if you are my source and I can say that I'm glad I pressed on the link late last night...

Warehouse Eyes are from Minneapolis which gives them instant kudos with a Prince fanatic like me, although you wouldn't really guess that from their one an only track on Soundcloud so far, the beautiful "Tokyo". The track starts all soft and dreamy, drawing instant comparisons to the majestic synth and textured arrangements of Blonde Redhead before increasing in scope as probing bass rhythms and ringing guitars move the track in a new direction, growing to a truly triumphant finale amongst Jennie Lahlum's luscious ethereal vocal.

A four track EP is available via Bandcamp. I can't quite work out if it is release already or a pre-order, I'm looking forward to hearing more in any case.

Wyldest #2 - Wanders

Facebook

Wildest Dreams have become Wyldest and earlier this month shared their second track "Wanders", hot on the heels on winning a slot at the Green Man Festival (this weekend, I wish I was going - arguably the best festival line-up of the year)...

The track continues the softening dreaming pop introduced on debut track "Dark Matter", a luxurious 80's influenced slow jam that moulds ethereal melody to breathy vocal coos with heart-melting results. Sweetly addictive, if you've not come across this duo below you should definitely listen below.

A London date is in the diary, September 6th at Old Blue Last - details.

Meenk - New Music "Introducing"

Facebook

Heading to last months inbox now and for an irrestible submission from an artist called Meenk, the project of a girl called May from Texas (now based in Brooklyn) and her debut EP Scamu Scau.

The EP consists of four tracks and comes in at less than ten minutes in length, it makes up for brevity with ample dose of ear candy, full of laid-back, 90's inspired slacker guitar riffs, simple melodies and May's eternally charming vocal. "Up" sum this up nicely, a dry yet sweet delivery and straightforward ringing guitar riffs that carries its weight not through bombast but by how it hooks in your heart with its enigmatic storytelling lyrics.

"Reasons"  is the softest, prettiest track of the four and follows a similar path of lo-fi psychedelic guitar rhythms and floating melody with "19" possibly the strongest track of the lot, a bustling tempo and increase guitar/drum groove will have you nodding along with May's magnetic delivery, her purposeful phrasing and wonderfully evocative lyrics delighting further as layers are discovered on repeated listens.

A wonderful debut that deserves a bigger audience than the couple hundred plays on Soundcloud so far, spread the word. Scamu Scau is available on a pay-what-you-like basis via Bandcamp now.

Aurora Aksnes - New Music "Introducing"

Facebook

My discovery to the 18 year old Norwegian artist Aurora Aksnes came perhaps six months later than some, thanks to her inclusion in the initial line-up for a rather stellar looking Berlin Music Week; a free, three day festival that runs from September 3-5, the 10 acts thus far announced also including Alice Boman and Adna - free flights / accommodation anyone?!

"Awakening" is the only track on Aurora's soundcloud but I've found some tracks that seemingly pre-date it on Youtube, I'll focus on the former here. A track that immediately gets your pulse racing and excited for what more is to come, introducing a strong, radiant and seemingly versatile vocal which intertwines effortless atop a web of warm electronics, their's an organic quality which lingers throughout and the chorus is simply beautiful too, a tapestry of pure, mystical poetry awaits below.

Aurora plays what I imagine to be her London debut on September 25th, at The Lexington for the ever impressive Ja Ja Ja - details.

Allo Darlin' #3 - Romance And Adventure

Facebook

I thought it must be about time for the return of Allo Darlin', I can remember cramming into Buffalo Bar at some point last year and hearing a set full which had lots of new material included (all of which sounded great), yesterday the announcement of We Come From the Same Place came along with an October 6th release date (through Fortuna Pop! in the UK and Slumberland in the US).

"Romance and Adventure" is the first track taken from the release and instantly sounds like a vintage track from the Allo Darlin' vault, everything you'd expect from the quartet's upbeat, poppier side is here to be enjoyed, an immediate and warm melody that shines with its jangle guitar rhythm and Elizabeth's sweet, endearing vocal, the story told throughout is equally enjoyable and the track is sure to instantly become a favourite live.

After a recent slot at Indietracks, the band return to the UK in November to play Scala on the 24th - details. I'm sure we'll all be addicted to the new album by then.

Itasca - Nature's Gift

Facebook

My inbox has been substantially quieter these past few weeks and to be honest I prefer it that way, continually unsubscribing from unwanted lists and using unroll.me to siphon non-personal emails is one way I cut back on the stuff I'm not likely to want (searching and removing reference to remix / hip-hop and rap is another!). It's one of the least enjoyable aspects of blogging but it's worth keeping your inbox open, up-to-date and read (kinda) for beauties like this. Just when you think the new music world has perhaps slipped into holiday mood something comes and knocks you off your feet....

Itasca is the project of Los Angeles based singer-songwriter Kayla Cohen whom has been releasing limited releases for a few years now (according to her webpage, the name is new to me), my discovery point comes with "Nature's Gift", the first track taken from her forthcoming full length Unmoored By The Wind, due October 14th  via New Images. The track is a treat, a real shivers down the spine moment with never hurried guitar strums pared with a strinking, lonesome vocal, the mood is as intimate as they come, the naked, organic style of the song-craft perfectly matching the story told throughout, conjuring a scene in the Wicker Man with its beautiful imagery and powerful atmosphere.

Three tracks from a debut LP are available on Itasca's webpage here - from a quick listen - and with the promise of a revisit when I've a little more time - the mood seems more desolate and haunting at times yet "Milk Tea" is just gorgeous, a pretty guitar tapestry around Kayla's deep, echoed vocals. Don't miss out on this one.

Foxsmith - New Music "Introducing"

Facebook

Brisbane quartet Foxsmith come to my attention on the back of their second single "Pentimento", a pretty ace introduction it is too, highlighting a sonically rich musical palette and an absolutely gorgeous vocal.

Initially the heart-beat of the track comes from the repeated rhythm of a marching drum beat and a rather nifty chiming guitar pattern before switching up at the minute mark to become a bass-led groove laden beauty in which the rich, sumptuous vocals melt hearts around the increasingly luscious melody.

Last years debut "Wake Up" is pretty different, poppier, more buoyant and bright with dancing keys, jumping bass and chiming guitars combining to infectious indie-pop enthusiasm amongst a vocal that keeps reminding me of Chrissie Hynde (and I'm not sure if that's just because I read it in an earlier comment or not, but I have to agree anyway). In any case, what we have below are two appealing tracks from a band well worth keeping an eye on.

Hella Better Dancer #6 - Like A Child

Facebook

You'll probably know that this is a band close to my heart, Hella Better Dancer return with their deepest track yet, "Like A Child", due to be released via Beech Coma on a super limited compilation tape Vol. 2 (that also features Tilly's solo project Lazy Day and is available to pre-order via Bandcamp now.

It must come with the precursor, of course, "Like A Child" is great, captivating around spidery guitar patterns, creeping bass-heavy rhythms and Tilly's intoxicating vocals, 'pure good vibes' was the pre-song promise, and yes, vibes (and reverb) are delivered aplenty, check out that funky rhythm section and the intricate guitar patterns that builds to a fascinating finale of awesomeness (solos). Cheers, once again, guys.

Listen below and don't hang around with those pre-orders...

The Wild Reeds - Blind and Brave

Facebook / thewildreedsmusic.com

The Wild Reeds hail from Los Angeles and come to my attention with the first track to be released from their third album, its title track "Blind and Brave". It sees what was a three piece harmony trio (which sounds right up my street to be honest, a future investigation awaits) grow into a quintet harnessing the power of a full band.

That's something that's on evidence of "Blind and Brave" and the wonderful video released to support it, a beautiful torch-light anthem that builds gradually from a soft, emotive beginning to a bombastic chamber-pop finale full of emotive weight and feeling.

The quiet passage at the start highlight a trio of vocalists' stunning harmonies, their dusty, honey-toned voices entwine around shimmering instrumentation before gradually adding layers of choral tones to reach the stirring, expansive conclusion. It's a track that commands repeated plays which only further make this gem sink deeper into the skin.

The album follows tomorrow and is available to pre-order via Bandcamp now.

Jodie Goffe #3 - Terrence (Live)

Facebook

On one of my earlier posts about London singer-songwriter Jodie Goffe I labelled her as a candidate for one of my 'ones to watch' features in 2015 or 2016, yet since that post near the end of 2012 I'm not sure I've heard anything from her. It's okay though, Jodie is still only a teenager and time is most definitely on her side. Thankfully for those, like me, who lack patience, that silence appears to be over with a few live dates posted up on her website (all on bloody Wednesday's when I cannot go) and the release of a live video to a new track taking from a forthcoming EP, due later this year...

The track is called "Terrence" and it comes via a lovely video (it seems Jodie has a liking for cold videos) where the light comes from hundreds of candles placed around a garden house (I've no idea what the real name for a massive bird house is!). It sees Jodie standing solitary armed with sparse acoustic plucks and her stunning voice, the result reminds me a bit of Elena Tonra's output before Daughter added percussion and electronics, just a stripped-back haunting vocal that brings goosebumps throughout and re-introduces a sure-fire song-writing talent. I'm not taking back my original comments yet...


Jodie Goffe - Terrence - Live Session from Leo Buckley on Vimeo.

Black Honey #2 - Teenager

Twitter

Black Honey caused a little stir of excitement amongst new music bloggers with their debut track "Sleep Forever" towards the end of June, they return with their second track "Teenager" this week and immediately it is apparent that the stir has become all the more louder.

The identify of the Brighton based band is still hidden but the track is another beauty, as nostalgic and cinematic as the title would indicate with woozy vocals and jangle guitars playing out a vibrant psyche melody which rings around your hard thanks to it's infectious chorus.

Two tracks in and it is not a band start at all...

Tape Waves #7 - Let You Go

Facebook

I've been meaning to catch up with Tape Waves here for a good six weeks but I didn't want just to post something half arsed and I've been ridiculously busy and then recently away lots and even more recently ill, so time slipped even further away. The duo of Kim and Jarod Weldin released their debut album Let You Go late last month via the excellent Bleeding Gold Records and it serves as the finest collection of indie-pop gems that we've seen so far this year.

Opener “Slow Days” lets you know what to expect from the album from the outset, a soft, tranquil combination of lulling drum-machine rhythms, sun-kissed melodies and even prettier vocals. It serves more than that however, the circling guitar rhythm is one of the most hypnotising on the album and the breathy sighs that accompany the track to its conclusion can only fill you with a warming glow.

“All I Can See” is one of the highlights, armed with a faster melody than we’ve previously heard from Tape Waves. it sees chiming guitars race around Kim’s drifting vocal with the next track, the title track equally impressive. Here layers of jangle guitars riffs circle around a precise beat and some wonderfully nostalgic lyrics with the repeated final words of “how can I let you go” sure to embed themselves in your head.

Two tracks re-appear from last years wonderful debut EP, "Ready Now" is utterly beautiful, a breezy melody twinkles with soft percussion and calming vocals and "Wherever I Go", where a surf-pop guitar riff echoes around rat-a-tat percussion and the airy, whispered vocals which blissfully calm and soothe.

I’ll stop the track by track run down now, though I must say I also love the last track “I Can Tell”, more spacious instrumentally with some luscious, cooed backing vocals.

I don’t live near the beach, I doubt I ever will live near the beach, but if I did (or if I was just visiting) then Let You Go is the perfect soundtrack for a laid-back cruise around the seafront, wistfully passing your days with the most sweet, charming collection of pop tracks that never once out stay their welcome. Though, fear not fellow landlocked friends, the album is just as perfect to listen to as you gaze into space lost in pleasant/sad thoughts.

Let You Go is out now via Bleeding GoldRecords. 

Lily & Madeleine #5 - The Wolf Is Free

Facebook / lilandmad.com

More siblings today, Lily & Madeleine return with "The Wolf is Free", the first track taken from their second album Fumes, which was announced yesterday and is due October 27th via Asthmatic Kitty Records.

It sees the pair quickly following last years self-titled debut, a record of simple, restrained instrumentation and beautiful, enchanting voices with a track that immediately expands their palette.

"The Wolf is Free" still, of course, owes much of its charm to the sisters' gorgeous voices, their entwining harmonies haunt long after the track is finished but here there is an added richness and conviction on display, with a luscious, hypnotising guitar and enveloping piano melody hinting that the new record might be a slightly darker shade this time. I'm looking forward to finding out for myself later in the year.

Jagaara #2 - "Marble Arch"

Facebook

Jagaara instantly put themselves on the radar of countless new music bloggers with their debut track "Faultline", an exquisite combination of soft, brooding atmosphere, shimmering guitars and beautifully smooth vocals. Their second demo "Marble Arch" continues that, coming in somewhere between fellow sibling trio Haim's harmony-laden soft-rock and the dream-like sonic textures of Warpaint.

It's a slow-burner that opens with a restrained rhythm section and whispered vocals before swelling with the arrival of crisp Tango in the Night era instrumentation, the combination of the dreamy, repeated bass riff and fiery, emotive guitars sounds just perfect to these ears.

Young Summer - Leave Your Love

Facebook / youngsummermusic.com

I saw Young Summer perform at this years Great Escape festival and I'm honest enough to say the show left me feeling a little empty, the set was vocals and electro drums / laptop and it failed to sparkle as I perhaps hoped prior. There was no doubting the beautiful, silky smooth vocals or the flickering 80's torchlight melodies but without a 'real' band I failed to connect as I perhaps should.

Three months on and in the comfort of my own room I rediscover her with the gorgeous "Leave Your Love", a  bittersweet pop ballad which comes with all the qualities I remember from the show, it soon captures your heart and makes you wish you were swirling around arm in arm at a high school party.

I'm surprised to find I never posted about last years Fever Dream EP, you'll possibly want to get it for the spectacular "Waves That Rolled You Under". Young Summers' debut album Siren is due August 26th.