Jagaara #3 - Heartbeats

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I've written about flip side the Jagaara's debut single "Faultline" already but it's digital release (available via iTunes) comes coupled with the release of a video for the singles other track "Heartbeats", a hazy beauty which is only going to heighten those UK Haim comparisons but now adds in a luscious, smooth Warpaint groove for added gloss and goosebumps.

As I said, "Heartbeats" is more chilled, ambient affair than the shimmering "Faultline" but continues to weave the sister's tight harmonies around sparse, polished melodies, here delicate bass and flickering electronics. which gradually shifts from guitars to restained, atmospheric electronics.

I missed their headlining show last week due to an Angel Olsen sized clash and cannot make tomorrow's second one either but some of you may be lucky enough to be free. If so, you'd do far worse than heading to London's The Waiting Room - the trio have more dates throughout October too - details.

The Pretty Greens - Jealous Waves

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Last but certainly not least in a little quartet of fuzz (for now) is Philly trio The Pretty Greens, a new discovery that appeared in my draft folders from an unknown source (sorry, I forgot to link you). Their February EP Jealous Waves bringing a charming slice of diy indie pop to the table with perhaps title track "Jealous Waves" summing it up best,

You are soon introduced to a super infectious little gem which flutters around your heart with tumbling percussion, simple jagged guitar chords and super soft harmonies, complete with candy sweet vocals that are pretty much impossible not to swoon after.

"Lonely Hunter" reminds me of Tender Trap, catchy, melodic surf pop rhythms with clever wordplay lyrics, you can imagine it being even more fun live. There's even room for a cover of The Palisades' "Make the Night a Little Longer", transforming 60's girls group Motown sound to pure jangle pop bliss. Extend your summer and grab the dreamy three track EP now, available via Bandcamp.

The Debutantes - New Music "Introducing"

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Irish trio The Debutantes contain a rhythm section familiar to these pages, Paula and Sarah from the wonderful September Girls alongside guitarist / co-vocalist Leon.

Their self titled, five track EP is due October 11th via the ever wonderful Soft Power Records and introduces a band that actually reminds me of the garage pop band that the early days September Girls were, full of delightful carefree fuzz, melody and reverb.

Take "Adam's Apple" for example of the melodically driven urgency that propels the release of pop jewels, a scuzz-ball of fierce drums and guitars paint dissonance around delightful harmonies and a perfect pop chorus whilst Gentleman's Wash" packs a similar punch, here awash with a softer, dreamy sheen, a swirling sea of lush kaleidoscope beauty. Indie-poppers - go and give it your love.

If you want a tape, you probably need to move quickly, 14 remain at time of writing. Order here.

Slowcoaches - Tourists EP

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I found Slowcoaches via Feature whom I posted about a couple of weeks ago, the band share a member (SC's vocalist Heather) and have recently completed a tour together which supported a split EP from which both bands provided three tracks, two originals and a Wire cover.

Slowcoaches have perhaps the most ironic band name of the month, "Raw Dealing" introducing a sound that is anything but, catapulted by thunderous drums and frantic guitar riffs it's heavier and shoutier than my usual type of pop-punk but I can't help but fall for this blast of sharp, abrasive noisescapes complete with infectious hooks, blistering vocals and a mighty, mighty dose of feedback. A fan of raw / melodic pop-punk played with perfect controlled aggression? Well I'm sure you've already found your new favourite band.

The split EP is available to download now via Bandcamp.

Susan - New Music "Introducing"

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Yesterday's post on Working has renewed by enthusiasm for fuzz-pop, so much so that I think I'll have a couple of days dominated by it on the blog, the first post comes from LA's Susan with their debut EP Just Call It.

The title track kicks off the no-stop-for-breath seven minute, three song release with a deliciously addictive statement of intent, combining hook-laden garage pop riffs, pounding drums and girl-group melodies for a sweet as sugar romp.

Flip-side tracks "Frenchie" and "Pancake" continue with the chugging, reverb soaked noise pop moods, charming, swoony harmonies that offer a rush of smile-inducing adrenaline. The lyrics throughout are pretty direct with the rather biting finale of "fuck you, I hope you die alone" ringing through on "Pancake" amongst all the catchy, urgent choruses. Don't worry, I doubt it's directed and you and it's an awesome introduction in any case.

Just Call It is available on a super limited 7" via Volar Records now. An extended EP with more tracks is due via Burger Records soon.

Wonderful Humans #2 - Worth Your While

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Wonderful Humans return after the marvelous "Edge of the Night" with another 80's inspired pop banger, "Worth Your While" is a massive radio-friendly anthem filled with huge soaring synths, electro-drums and splashes of guitar that transports you to late night drives with your high-school sweetheart.

The bombastic melody is illuminated further by Amanda's enchanting vocals, if you're looking for some swooning, deliciously sad daydreams to brighten up this rather dull London Thursday (it might be nice where you are, the same applies), you should look no further than the soundcloud link below.

The band make their live debut at CMJ next month. Not a band place to kick off your career...

Brooke Bentham - New Music "Introducing"

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Originally from Newcastle, but now London based singer-songwriter Brooke Bentham comes to my attention through her gorgeous torchlight single‘We’ll Be Ghosts’, her debut release due next week, 29th September via Trellis Music.

It introduces a potential future star, armed with devastating tone and a stunning vocal range as sparse piano and ringing guitar patterns provide the backing to a truly emotive stunner. Goosebumps await.

Working - New Music "Introducing"

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My music tastes have varied / changed over the years, this blog started almost five years to the day now (27th September 2009 was my first post). I've progressed from indie-rock to more dark-folk vibes over that time but one constant remains in my heart, the place for fuzzed-up sweetness...

Rhode Island quartet Working are the latest to tick that box with their debut self-titled EP the perfect example, three slices of 90's inspired noise-pop which combine warm, nostalgic memories with delicious vocals and plenty of guitar.

Take "Can't Wait For Summer", perhaps aptly titled given we've just had the first chilly mornings of autumn, where amazing hook-filled pop guitar riffs, machine-gun drum beats and super-sugary power-pop vocals combine to charm your pants well and truly off.

The EP is out now through Shelflife Records and available via Bandcamp. A debut LP is due in 2015.

First Aid Kit #9 - Love Interruption (Cover)

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If there was room within me to love First Aid Kit more, it certainly went a notch on Sunday night when I caught the sister's at The Roundhouse as part of the iTunes Festival. A faultless set of polished country tunes and perfect harmonies was delivered with beguiling ease and charm, something that UK audiences got a taster of themselves when the band appeared on Jools Holland last night, performing the wonderful "My Silver Lining" from their recent LP Stay Gold, with melodies nearly as shimmering as their outfits, a new wave of fans are sure to be heading their way.

The reason for this post though is to talk about a cover of Jack White's "Love Interruption", a song I am not familiar with at all and got my first taster of on Sunday when they played a energetic, all-out rocking version with enthusiasm abound and hair-flicking aplenty. Something you can see for yourself on the slightly more pared-down version for Like A Version below. I love both sister's voices, Klara has a gold standard of country vocals and Johanna's slight huskier tones makes me swoon every time it's allowed to flourish, here they melt my heart amongst stirring acoustic guitar and pitter-patter percussion. The result is incredible.

You lucky, lucky people seeing First Aid Kit at Royal Albert Hall tonight.

Fear of Men #12 - Sleeper

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I'd be lying if I said I knew the original in this case but a new track from Fear of Men is always welcomed in these parts and their take of Ty Segall's "Sleeper" fits so well with the aesthetic of the Brighton bands debut full length Loom (whose place in my end of year lists is a guarantee) that you'd be forgive for passing it off as their own.

With jangly guitars throughout languid, softening, always melodic rhythms and Jess' exquisite vocal the track's title becomes quite apt, a lovely, somewhat dreamy moment of calm for your day awaits below

Fear of Men's extensive tour of the UK / Europe kicks off tomorrow - full dates.

PINS #10 - Come Back

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I've been a fan of cassettes over the past couple of years because they offer an affordable way for bands to release something physically. Small-run vinyl is expensive on a per unit basis whilst CD's are not exactly glamorous and add to that the fact, something I know from personal experience, that selling them can be difficult (don't let 'record vinyl sales' stories lull you into a false sense of security - it is harder than ever to sell records as a small, diy label). Many releases these days are seemingly more for the nostalgic, die-hard collectors like myself rather than your day to day music enthusiast - apparently streaming off Spotify (I still don't have an account) is meant to support for a musicians livelihood.

So with that in mind I'm quite open about Cassette Store Day, sure there's no such thing as a cassette store and quicker than you can say feed-an-executive some bigger labels have jumped on board as another way to eek money out of the hardcore fan base with a re-re-re-issue of some 'classic' release but it also offers some interesting / cool releases too. Top of the list this year is this from the awesome Manchester quartet Pins, a three tracks covers EP from which we've been treated to an advance stream of the title track "Come Back" ( a cover of the The Belles song from 1966)

Vocally the track retains much of the same vibe, a buzzy, alluring sheen to which Pins add their own distinctive characteristics, spiky, adrenaline fulled fuzz-pop rhythm laced with darkley-hued menace.

Come Back is released on Cassette Store Day, this Saturday 27th Sept, limited to 100 copies. Don't expect them to hang around too long. Pins hit American next month with some UK shows also in the diary before the year is out - details.

Alvvays #2 - Next of Kin

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Alvvays, one of my discoveries of The Great Escape, and indeed 2014 return to the conscious (if they were ever away from it) with a rather nifty video to one of their debut record's finest moments, "Next of Kin".

The track is as glorious a moment of melodic guitar pop as the year has offered, giving you almost four minutes of near-perfect delicious, sweetening vocals, bursting guitar hooks and glistening, rose-tinted romance. That's something you can hardly refuse.

Alvvays is out now in the UK via Transgressive. I was on my sick bed when the band last hit London so I'm sure to be making amends when the band return to on October 30th - details.

Slow Skies #3 - Bodies

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After the exceptionally gorgeous "Ice Field", Slow Skies returns with the second track from her forthcoming Keepsake EP, "Bodies", due here in the UK on September 29th via Faction Records. The good news, it's even better...

"Bodies" starts equally restrained and intimate with slow motion percussion and shimmering guitars guiding Karen's soft, crystal-like vocals before turning in a darker direction, with haunting lyrics and funeral march beats leading to a stunning climax of raging instrumentation which takes the band off to a completely new territory. It's one I like. Lots.

Angel Olsen #3 - All Right Now

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First a grumble, I really do not approve of the whole 'deluxe edition' thing (which usually come hand-in-hand with a Pre-Christmas marketing campaign) unless it comes with a free copy for the people who purchased the 'old' album when it was originally issued (and I've known that to happen twice, once Bloc Party, once The Staves). I can understand re-releasing a record to try and ride a wave of publicity or eek out a few extra sales but I'm really don't understand why it seems to come at the expense of early adopters, or fans as they should be known. Anyway, the net result here is that we're getting new music from one of the finest artists around today, so I'm not going to moan anymore...

Angel Olsen is to release an expanded edition of her Burn Your Fire For No Witness record on November 18th via Jagjaguwar, it comes with five additional tracks (or three if you have the Endless Road / May As Well 7" already) and the the stream of "All Right Now" provides fine ammunition to tempt you to part with your hard earned, a slow, sultry number that gives the listeners new and old the perfect insight to Angel's haunting vocal, here it dominates through meandering acoustic plucks and leaves the listener gasping for air with its simple, heartbreakingly beautiful air of splendour.

Noire - Those Days

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"Those Days", the second track from Sydney's Noire serves as a gorgeous introduction to an effortlessly cool and mellow sound, bringing together Jessica Mincher's delicious, swooning vocals with beautifully restrained disco-shimmer and slick, polished production, the result is as smooth a groove as I've heard all summer long (I know it's pretty much autumn).

Fans of lush, nostalgia inducing pop should listen below. You can download it via iTunes now.

The Hanged Man - First Time Dreaming

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Rebecka Rolfart might look familiar to you, she certainly was to me from her earlier time in the sadly defunct Those Dancing Days, her debut track as The Hanged Man, "First Time Dreaming" has instantly perked my interest in her new project, offering a dark, heady statement of intent.

What immediately grabs you is the bass-line, full of intensity and deep, spidery patterns which swarm around Rebecka's ominous vocals and psychedelic synths for a mood firmly fixated within the dark realms.

"First Time Dreaming" is released via PNKSLM Recordings and a new act to follow is discovered.

Fickle Friends #2 - For You

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Pretty happy to have Fickle Friends return with another pop hit banger.

The Brighton quintet's third single "For You" sticks closely to the formula trademarked in their last single "Play" (and the preceding "Swim"). A bright, joyous, ready made hit full of infectious, 80's throw-back pop choruses, sweetening vocals and clinky, soaring instrumentation. If this doesn't have you bouncing around your room, then frankly nothing will.

"For You" is available on iTunes now or via limited CD's at the band shows, of which there are currently many as they tour the UK alongside Jaws - details.

Golden Fable #6 - Breathe In

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After announcing both a new EP and album for the final quarter of 2014 it's natural to be expecting a bevvy of Golden Fable goodies to be heading our way shortly and sure enough, quickly following the dramatic "Armour" is "Breathe In", the title track of the aforementioned EP and second track to be heard from the trio's forthcoming album Ancient Blue.

The track continues to favour a stronger, guitar-led sound that shifts the bands focus from dreamy, fragile electro-pop to harder, dynamic alt-rock, of course, Rebecca's vocals remain as unmistakably pure and enchanting throughout, carrying you away with beautiful thoughts amongst surging instrumentation, it's the most urgent we've head Golden Fable yet.

Breathe In (and Ancient Blue) can be pre-ordered via Bandcamp. There's a London show (amongst others sure to be announced) already on sale, Tuesday November 25th at Madame JoJo's - Tickets.

Odessa - I Will Be There

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Here's another swooning track that your going to lap up immediately before it starts plucking at your heartstrings, California's Odessa is a new name to me and this track "I Will Be There", is the first shared from her self-titled debut EP that's due this very day (via Chop Shop records).

It's pretty magical too, a sparse, sparkling melody that's guaranteed to leave you with nice, warming thoughts as luscious harmonies weave around restrained beats and shimmery guitars.

From searching online it appears to have been used in a stateside advert, it's time for Odessa's star to shine by itself. A dreamy listen awaits below.

I'll update this link when I find a place to stream / purchase the EP in full.

The Staves #5 - Blood I Bled

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As someone who has lived down the road from Watford for the past twelve years I think I am in a fair position to say that not too much excitement comes out of the town, concrete market centres and dodgy nightclubs aside of course. So it's left to The Staves to fly the flag for all that is good (and not Elton John's football club) from the town, therefore, it's great to have the sibling trio back in our ears after almost two years away with the title track from a newly announced EP Blood I Bled (the EP is due October 28th).

The track begins in familiar fashion, finger plucked guitars woven around haunting vocals and rich, heart-melting harmonies before slowly unveiling layers of flourishing strings and dramatic instrumentation, recorded it with help of Bon Iver's Justin Vernon it combines Americana with an autumnal and fresh sound that will have you (almost) glad that summer is practically over...

The EP is due to follow on October 28th preceded by a week long series of intimate UK gig - details.

FURS #4 - An Eye On The Vicious

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Twelve months have passed since we had new music from FURS so it's great to be able to talk about their new, second official single “An Eye On The Vicious”, a track which follow the wonderful "Just Kids" and cements the London based quartet as one of the most exciting new acts about (a set on the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury had already given me that impression admittedly.

"An Eye On The Vicious" continues their bright, effortless blend of psychedelic pop with sweeping guitar licks and echoey drum beats rising around Elle's gorgeous vocals, the delicious, polished melody is about as moreish as they come and rises to become their most accomplished track yet.

The single is launched when the band play London's Lexington on October 7th - details.

French For Rabbits #3 - Woke Up To A Storm

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If you are new to New Zealand duo French For Rabbits, it's safe to say your week is about to get off to the most wonderful of starts. Having created the most serene, calming dream folk on their debut EP it's great to hear we're finally going to get a full length record, Spirits, due October 27th via Lefse Records.

“Woke Up To A Storm” is the first track to be taken from it and it's the most expansive track we've heard FRR to date, don't let that scare you off if you were hoping to hear Brooke's softening vocals and beautiful, haunting soundscapes, you're still in luck.Yet now, there's more too, "... Storm" builds up gradually as per its title, from lush, ethereal beginnings to climax with sweeping, grandiose orchestral flourishes amongst crashing percussion and foreboding piano keys, it's the most dramatic and brilliant we've heard this fantastic band sound.

French for Rabbits are back in Europe next month, supporting Agnes Obel throughout October with more gigs promised for November.

Perfume Genius #6 - Grid

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Now here's an absolute stormer from Perfume Genius, I'm not sure they are words I thought I'd associate with PG after two albums of introspective heartbreak but the new sounds introduced on the stunning "Queen" have been hardened on this, the phenomenal "Grid".

An intense, gripping journey awaits listeners as an looping beats and abrasive synths introduces Mike's powerful, dramatic vocals, pummeling drums soon enter the fore and you are immediately transfixed, soon all sorts of eerie horns and nightmarish screams petrify and the result is simply mind-blowing. A candidate for track of the year is found.

I've no fucking idea what is going on in the video but if you've seen American Horror Story the idea of six rubber men will probably mean you won't be sleeping much for the next week....

Perfume Genius' new album Too Bright is released September 22nd - it promises to be extraordinary - pre-order a signed copy via Record Store now.

Pr0files - Forgive

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It's almost the weekend and I'm sure some of you are in the mood for some Friday heartbreak, today that comes from LA's Pr0files with their smoldering piano led "Forgive", a gorgeous plaintive ballad which highlights the stand-out vocal of Lauren Pardini amongst tortured lyrics and twinkling keys. You could imagine it hitting the highs of the charts if released by a so-called household name...

Elsewhere the band deal in luscious, lifted from the 80's synth pop, with "Luxury", the title track the duo's debut EP (out September 16th via Straight A Records) the perfect example of the shiny, hypnotic grooves and alluringly cool vocals that dominate,  the result is dangerously addictive.

Feature - Tourists

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I meant to do a write up on London trio Feature during the promo for their last EP Culture of the Copy but obviously I never did, let me correct that with their next, three tracks which form a split release with Slowcoaches ahead of a forthcoming tour together next week.

Feature's tracks include a cover of Wire's "Mannequin" and two new ones of their own, the first "Tourism Fiction" is possibly their best yet, adding a sing-along chorus to their jagged guitar based noise-pop, with hard scuzzy rhythms and punchy beats propelling sweet-sounding vocal harmonies that command attention throughout every lyric of the of song.

"Wisdom Teeth" is more raucous, a fuzz-filled fusion of raw talent and infectious pop which washes around you with a smile inducing rush of distorted spirit, something they've brought in equally brilliant dose to their fine cover of "Mannequin". You should enjoy this. Listen below and grab a download of the Tourist EP now on a pay-what-you-like basis from Bandcamp.

Videotape / Impulsive Hearts - Split Cassingle

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I think this only the second time I've ever done two bands in one post but given my discovery to both bands comes through the same split release, it only seems fair... Chicago bands Videotape and Impulsive Hearts each add a track to a new cassette singles club by hometown label Impossible Colors, it promises a very reasonable priced series of singles (12 tapes for USD20 + postage) over the next year and the first is a absolute belter...

Starting with the a-side, Videotape's "Salty" combines beefy guitar riffs with snarly vocals and big beats. As well as the whole heap of nostalgia crush there's much to like on top, with dreamy harmonies colliding perfectly with the piercing melody, full of the right mixture of menace and warmth throughout.

I am completely in love with the flip-side by Danielle Sines' Impulsive Hearts, "MDB" is an immediate jangle pop hit in the making, propelled by an infectious drum march and jagged, cavernous guitar patterns it recalls long lost summer days, you'll soon find it swirling around your head leaving you giddy for more, a repeat play will suffice nicely.

You can subscribe to the series of tapes via Impossible Colors or if the price of postage puts you off (and as a label myself, postal charges can most definitely do one), download the release for just $2 via Bandcamp now.

Deers #2 - Castigadas en el Granero

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Since I talked about Madrid's Deers back in May they have become one of the most talked about new bands of 2014, with a promptly sold out debut 7" Demo catapulting them to full page spreads in NME and equally sold out shows in London town. The now expanded quartet return with their first new tracks since "Castigadas en el Granero" to fully justify the hype...

The track combines the free-natured ramshackle spirit of their debut with the same boundless enthusiasm and spirit but also manages to sound tighter and more polished, thanks in no part to the tracks fantastic rhythm section and the infectious dual vocals, which sees Anna and Carlotta's words bouncing off each other, the result is sure to see live audiences do the same.

"Castigadas en el Granero" is the lead track to Deers' second release Barn, available to pre-order on 7" ahead of a 10th November release date via Lucky Numbers now.

Bed #2 - Wayward

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Since I caught up with bed almost half a year ago the Portland band (led by the husband and wife pairing of Alex and Sierra Haager) seem to have gained a member and added some grit and scope to the lo-fi fuzzed up sound introduced on "Bother".

New track "Wayward" immediately pays off, with a big beat, chiming guitar and jagged bass rhythm swarming around Sierra's gritty vocals, "Wrong, fucking wrong" she snarls at one point, yet it's impossible to be wrong when it sounds so right.

Sounding so perfectly tense, crisp and catchy too, it's one of the finest grunge pop tracks of the year. Go and download it now via Bandcamp.

Jodie Goffe #4 - Pavements

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During my catch-up post on Jodie Goffe last month I adhered to a soon to be released EP from the young London singer-songwriter, we've now been treat to the first glimpse from it in, the form of the beautifully pure title-track"Pavements".

Jodie possesses this warm, timeless tone which is capable of making the hairs on your neck stand on end. her comforting vocal is joined by additional guitar lines here, adding a rich, breezy layer of melody to her gentle finger-picking acoustic and beautifully captivaing voice.

I've had a sneaky preview of the rest of the EP, more emotive, story-telling lyrics, waltzing guitar lines and some subdued percussion await. A talent surely on the verge of breaking out.

The EP is launched tomorrow with a show at Tooting's The Antelope - details.

Kate Miller - Collar Up

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If you're as unfortunate as I am to have two Frozen obsessed children then it's likely the only songs you have stuck in your head on permanent rotation are "Let It Go" and "Fixer Upper" or if you're really lucky "Do You Want to Build a Snowman". So I'm glad that Kate Miller came along last night with the infectious and immediate "Collar Up" to give my mental jukebox a welcome change of pace...

The track introduces a gorgeous breathy vocal and a funk-laden guitar pattern that has you tapping along with the groove before the chorus fully entwines itself into your conscious at around the minute mark, afterwards you're hooked and hitting the repeat button soon after. I don't quite understand why it's not got another zero on the play count already (it soon will have with my plays alone).

There's a slightly older track, the ambient warmth of "Fortify" too (both taken from Kate's forthcoming debut EP Neophyte, due September 29th via Karma Artists) which has the same richness to it with exotic synths and another smouldering guitar line.

All that and still only a teenager, a new name to watch is found.

Slow Motion Picture - New Music "Introduction"

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Here comes the most aptly titled band I've heard for a little while (on the basis of one track anyway). New York's Slow Motion Picture introduce a wonderfully dense but controlled cinematic sound on their beautiful debut" Hideout", a track available via their Bandcamp page now.

The track is an exercise in the loud/quiet dynamic, starting softly with widescreen guitars textures soon joined by a devastatingly pretty vocal before brooding, atmospheric soundscapes rise into focus, simmering with intent, they threaten to fully explode but remain restrained, perfectly suiting the understated feeling of glorious melancholy that runs throughout. It's a compelling start for sure.

Slow Motion Picture's debut album In Memory Of… is due October 28th.

Tully On Tully - Two Birds

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Australia, it seems, is at the forefront of the world when it of making big, powerful pop music, following The Jezabels comes Melbourne's Tully On Tully whom, on the basis of the tracks I've heard so far are here to bring skyscraping 80's power pop full of emotion to a home near you.

"Two Birds" is my introductory point, so I'll start there, the first track taken from the quintet's forthcoming EP and it is simply huge. Immediately dazzling through the sheer scope and range of Natalie Foster's startling vocal before infusing itself in your head through an addictive cocktail of skittering drums, compulsive synths and guitars.

Earlier track "Naked" is equally compelling and attention worthy with a dynamic melody of strong keys and dominating drums patterns threatening to explode throughout before finally doing so on the two minute mark with thrilling, euphoric results.

The only word of warning I have is to make sure you are near your computer when "Two Birds" finishes, my Soundcloud (hopefully not yours too) keeps playing Ed Sheeran in my ears afterwards - that's simply not on.

Springtime Carnivore - Sun Went Black

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This track makes me pretty bummed that I never saw Springtime Carnivore (aka the nom de plume of Greta Morgan) when she supported La Sera - whose live band she also play in - in Hoxton a few months back (I was running late and it was a super early show).

Her debut single "Sun Went Black" is taken from a self titled album due November 4th via Autumn Tone Records and immediately introduces an uplifting psych-pop sound that so often finds itself filling these pages.

"Sun Went Black" doesn't sound like you'd expect from the title alone, there's no misery in the buoyant, sprightly melody and amongst bouncing bass, drums and fuzzed-up guitar rhythms you soon find yourself shuffling your feet along in agreement, Greta's reverb-heavy vocal adds singalong choruses and a late summer pop hit in the making in found.

Astronauts, etc. - Gravity

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I do like a good falsetto, here's one to add to the list, Astronauts, etc. the work of Oakland singer-songwriter Anthony Ferraro, whom comes to my attention with the smoldering highs of "Gravity".

At face value a simple piano pop ballad with Anthony's crooning vocals melting hearts amongst intimate lyrics of betrayal becomes yet more sumptuous and melodic with the addition of synths and a chorus that hits straight at your core.

Earlier track "Sadie" expands on the experimental soundscapes with a dreamy pattern of piano, synths and drums catapulting soulful vocals with addictive results. Both tracks are included on Astronauts, etc.'s debut EP, also entitled Sadie and is released via Hit City USA on September 23rd - pre-order.

Only Girl - Feel It

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I've mentioned Only Girl here a few times this year already since I discovered the London based artist, real name Ellen Murphy, during the judging process for Glastonbury Festival's Emerging Talent Contest. I subsequently shortlisted her from my 300 strong list and she ended up making the last eight (of all entrants, not just my own) and playing a live final in Pilton in front of Michael and Emily Eavis, later earning a slot at the festival itself on the Sunday afternoon and I was glad to be in attendance.

This week saw Only Girl release their first new music since in the form of "Feel It", Ellen's official debut single (released via Akira Records), it follows the swoontastic "Bittersweet" online and raises the bar of her minimalist 90's influenced R&B/pop, with Ellen's soaring vocal swooping around slick, polished synths and skittering beats, all on top emotive lyrics that are sure to resonate with just about anyone whose held somebody close - that should be everyone then.

There's a single Launch Party at The Waiting Room in London on 23rd Sept - details.

To The Wedding #2 - Come On

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Lauren Grubb's To The Wedding released one of 2014's best music moments earlier this year with the stunning "Silver Currents", a track I described as a 'part Chris Isaak, part Hope Sandoval, a stop-you-in-your tracks hymn of heartbreak'... Thus, accordingly I placed great anticipation (and expectation) upon hearing more from the San Francisco artist. Yesterday I got just that and I'm not disappointed either...

"Come On" is equally woozy and intoxicating, a dream-inducing blanket of comforting vocals and softly strummed guitarscapes, verging between drowsy and shimmery beauty, "Come On" is another treasure from a release that looks set to become a firm favourite of those lucky enough to discover it.

The album Silver Currents looks slated for an October digital release (I'd like this on vinyl) - pre-order via Bandcamp now.

Slow Skies #2 - Ice Field

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Are you ready to have your heart melted? Good. Dublin's Slow Skies return with "Ice Field", the first track taken from their forthcoming EP Keepsake and it is a bonafide beaut.

Never hurried, "Ice Field" is an exercise in restraint and emotion, never rising to more than a fleeting moment of prettiness in a rushed existing with the gorgeous murmurs of Karen's soft voice shining amongst equally luxurious instrumentation. There's no heady climax here, no tricks or turn, just beauty and romanticism as you're carried off willingly with thoughts of pure, spine-tingling bliss. Go grab a cup of something warm, sit still and enjoy...

Keepsake is released via Faction Records on September 29th

Rökkurró - Blue Skies

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Well hello Rökkurró, here's a name I'd never heard of until yesterday (with a nod firmly pointed in the direction of the ever brilliant Gold Flake Paint) and after a handful of listens to the tracks I could find by the Icelandic sextet I'm wondering quite why, their new single "Blue Skies", actually the second track to be aired from their forthcoming album (as yet unannounced) gives a wonderful introduction...

The track grows from a plaintive piano ballad with the copy and paste worthy named Hildur Kristín Stefánsdóttir vocals's encapsulated perfectly by the luscious, blossoming instrumentation that sounds as natural (and beautiful) as an Icelandic picture postcard, the resulting feeling is sure to leave you basking in a warm, uplifting glow. You can't ask for more than that on a Wednesday.

I'm loving "The Backbone" too, smooth crystalline guitars, sexy beats and a gorgeous, escalating vocal swoon around my heart whilst sounding like a slowed-down Dirty Projectors before erupting with a soaring, emotive finale as guitars and drums are allowed to loose their constraint. Truly sumptuous stuff. Listen below:

She Keep Bees #9 - Radiance

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It seems new She Keep Bees songs are coming in our ears as often as weeks anew, that's never something to grumble about, "Radiance", the third track to be taken from the Brooklyn duo's forthcoming LP Eight House (available to pre-order now from Rough Trade) is another beauty too...

"Radiance" continues the stark, sparse mood set by earlier tasters "Is What It Is" and "Owl", this time without the backing of Sharon Van Etten's haunting harmonies - that's probably a good thing - we all love Sharon but it should be the case that SKB's can create the wow factor themselves with no need to use a 'name' to create publicity- in an ideal world that is of course and I hope this slow-paced, luxurious wonder draws in fans, new and old alike. It surely should, radiating not with swagger or drive but hard-hitting emotions and grace. This is a special band alright.

Golden Fable #5 - Armour

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Monday morning got off to the best possible start with the very welcome (and long-awaited) return of Golden Fable, now a trio, the North Wales based act have made September their own by announcing not just a new album, their second, but a preceding EP all in one go...

For now we've got "Armour" to sink our teeth into, the first taster of the new album, entitled Ancient Blue and due for release on November 10th, the track gives a hint into an exciting progression, a dynamic and exhilarating rush of bold instrumentation and Rebecca's ever faultless vocal. The jagged guitar patterns and heavy drum beat that runs throughout sees Golden Fable capture their live sound on record for the first time, a collision of haunting and cinematic soundscapes with a dramatic, post-rock edge. It's an impressive, breathless return.

The aforementioned Breathe In EP comes with little information (as yet) other than it contains three additional tracks and is released two weeks earlier than the album on October 27th. Ancient Blue and Breathe In can be pre-ordered now via Bandcamp - I've already done so.

Layla #4 - Fight The Fire

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I adored the emotion that ran through Layla's last track EP Black Mud, taking the London based artist from promising newcomer to a certain star on the horizon, she returns now with "Fight The Fire", the first track taken from her next EP Weightlessness.

The soft guitar shimmers and comforting piano twinkles that introduce "Fight The Fire" lets you know what to expect immediately, a gorgeous torchlight ballad that resonates through its warming melody and luscious string sections as Layla's devastating vocals turns you to mush inside.

More details of Weightlessness are to follow. Layla plays her biggest headline show to date on November 3rd at London's Lexington - details.