Souvenir Stand #5 - Only Talkin'

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I'm sure you'll forgive this little Beautiful Strange update. A couple of weeks back my little label released its fourteenth release and one of my favourites (I'd probably say that about every one to be honest), Surprise by Souvenir Stand.

The 7" released features two brilliant new tracks from New Jersey's Stephanie Cupo (hopefully you've already heard "Fall). This post is to bring you up to date with the releases' flip side "Only Talkin'", a concise, infectious, perfect pop single that you should be playing whilst getting ready to watch American Horror Story Freakshow...
Freaky clowns... eek!

Both tracks can be streamed and the 7" purchased via Bandcamp now (US via Stephanie here).

Lily & Madeleine #6 - Rabbit

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The release date of Lily & Madeleine's second album Fumes draws ever nearer (October 27th via Asthmatic Kitty Records) and to stir up yet more anticipation the sibling duo have shared new track "Rabbit" from the record, it follows "The Wolf Is Free" and similarly exudes a rich, expansive melody, here more boundless and bright than we've seen before.

The restrained intimacy which made up much of the Lily & Madeleine album (still only one year old) has been traded in for stirring, layered instrumentation with strong string work propelling "Rabbit" forward amongst the sister's ever-pretty entwined vocals, they remain crystal clear and beautiful leaving you wrapped in a warming glow and joy. That will do for me...

Greta Isaac - Down By The Water

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I've been following Greta Isaac for a long time now. I can remember first hearing about the Welsh singer songwriter through the very sadly defunct Flying With Anna website a couple of years ago. Time has of course passed and Down By The Water, a four track EP due next Monday is Greta's official debut release (and is available to order via iTunes now).

It (re)introduces a pure, delicate sound with intelligent lyrics and understated delivery that you could imagine being played at both your local folk night or on your Grandparents wireless. Think The Staves crossed with Mountain Man (oh, where art thou?!).

News of the release comes accompanied with a video to the lead, title, track and sees Greta joined by her sister Miriam on a timeless, captivating duet, they harmonise beautifully throughout in a style that is graceful and gently drifting as the soft, pared voices and a clean, wandering acoustic guitar melody weave in and around each other effortlessly. The result; Gorgeous.

Lisa Alma #2 - Fine

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I fell hard for Lisa Alma earlier this year when I discovered the Danish artist through her EP Oh Darling, Let’s Be Adventurers, the releases' stand-out track "Bittersweet" soon becoming one of my favourite tracks of the year, a devastating marriage seduction and longing...

Lisa returns to these pages now with "Fine", a soulful gem where sparse electronic pulses and subtle beats guide a truly incredible vocal, emitting as many emotions as you can count over four wonderful minutes, at times melancholic, rousing, haunting and always, always beauty.

The track is availble November 3rd and cements Lisa Alma as an artist you should be keeping you eye on.

September Girls #10 - "Veneer"

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Joining the ever-expanding, increasingly brilliant bands at Kanine Records (Fear of Men, Beach Day, Beverly) are September Girls with a new track "Veneer" (they're still on Fortuna Pop here). The first song taken from a four song EP of the same name due November 24th in the UK and the next day in the US.

Split label releases are something I can see increasingly happening,.. I know from first hand experience that postage price is killing off mail-order due to high costs - it costs £7.50 to ship a single LP from the UK to the US. Crikey!

Back to the music, "Veneer" is harder and darker than anything we've heard from the quintet before, taking their signature feedback soaked, distorted fuzz pop to the next level with aggressive guitars swirling and continually building around a furious rhythm section whilst sinister doo-wop harmonies and equally ominous vocals keep you firmly on the edge. Don't listen to this one in dimly lit alleyways folks...

Faye Rogers #2 - "Wallpaper"

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I discovered Swindon based singer-songwriter Faye Rogers back in early spring with a gorgeous and pure debut EP Thunder, she comes back to my attention with her follow up track "Wallpaper", a track shared on her facebook / soundcloud pages with a note about taking a break from gigging to work on 'a transition in sound and style'.

Hopefully the said change will be nothing too dramatic because "Wallpaper" is just lovely. Faye is blessed with a soft, gentle voice that wraps around you with a warming glow and here her lyrics are intimate and beautiful amongst shimmering guitars and swooning strings. It's the sort of track that you can't help but fall in love with.

The Night VI #5 - Heroine

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The last time I talked about London sextet The Night VI I said 'they have quickly put together a group of tracks capable of sending shivers down your spine or making you smile with pleasure every time you hear them, they deserve to be one of 2014's break-out acts', It seems I'm not the only one who agrees...

New track "Heroine" has catapulted them straight into the upper regions of the Hype Machine Chart less than 24 hours after its appearance online, with good reason too, a silky, polished beauty that will only add to their increased admirers (as a recent twitter follow by chart toppers Disclosure can only verify).

Much like the tracks subject, perhaps a friend of "Sienna's?", you're soon hooked within the tracks spell as smooth, shimmering instrumentation glides impeccably amongst Sophia Rose's deliciously smooth vocals, a refined, irresistible, ear-worm listen awaits below.

"Heroine" comes coupled with the news of a new EP DIY, collecting five of the band’s recordings (track-listing also includes the aforementioned "Sienna" and "Wonderlust"). It will be available on limited edition CD available exclusively at the band’s shows (first). One of which takes place at Madame Jojo's, Tuesday November 18th - tickets. A US vinyl edition of "Heroine" is also in the works.

The Staves #6 - Open

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The opening line of this had me weak at the knees, such is its haunting power, "Open", the second track we've heard from The Staves forthcoming Blood I Bled EP is an absolute beauty.

Intricate acoustic plucks and pure harmonies is what The Staves have become renowned for and here, you're not let one down one bit, here though, there's more strength and maturity in their production and writing on evidence too.

From that smoldering beginning "Open" progresses with twinkling keys and purposely slow electronic beats as the trio's harmonies grow together, entwining in unison with the most majestic of results.

I'm glad I snapped up tickets to their quickly sold out London gig at the end of the month, the same day as the EP is released - if you weren't so lucky, you can pre-order it here.

Kid Wave #4 - Gloom

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I had to miss Kid Wave's headlining set at Birthdays on Monday for family reasons but the pain is eased by the release of new song "Gloom", the title track from a forthcoming EP of the same name, due via Heavenly Records on November 24th. A release which will also include their last single "All I Want".

"Gloom", contrary to its name, is a bright continuation of the quartet's powerhouse riffs and swirling pysche hooks, a glorious wide-open rock number with catchy choruses, juggernaut guitars and shimmering keys set off perfectly by Lea's breathy, magnetic harmonies. Fuzz pop with an infectious, melodic accessibility - yes please.

Sister Crystals #3 - Obsidian

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I'm going to put my hand up now and say I'm yet to hear Sister Crystals debut LP (it's now back on my very soon to do list and can be streamed via Bandcamp). After blogging about the Chicago duo a couple of times at the turn of last year, lastly with the brooding daydream "White", I've managed to go and forget about them. I'm sorry. I'll blame the abyss that is my brain and overwhelmed blogger syndrome...

Colin Croom and Lauren Whitacre return to mind with the sweetly sounding psyche trip of "Obsidian", where jaunty keys and jangle guitars flutter around butterfly vocals and result in a sound that brings nostalgic goosebumps. I particularly Toy-esque part just before three minutes, with kraut-rock overdriven rythms playing out a wonderful extended outro.

Sake #2 - Stay With Me

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I find it pretty impossible to hear the words "Stay With Me" without my mind drifting off to Shakespeare's Sister so it might be good for my mind to have it associated with another track, a beauty at that....

"Stay With Me", the second track by the still anonymous Sake follows April's "Almost Never" and is a dreamy, understated affair with shimmering guitars, atmospheric effects and a purposely slow kick drum the languid, softening guide to a truly delicious vocal. They combine for an rich, intimate and rewarding experience.

Kick off your week with this quietening gem below.

Black Honey #3 - The Taste

One of the UK's favourite dishes the past couple of months has been Black Honey, the Brighton act (still keeping their identify close to their chest, something I find a little bit perplexing) have released "The Taste", their latest demo which follows the ace "Teenager" and easily succeeds in upping the ante as far as 'buzz' goes.

This time the jangly pysche rhythms are aided by a real spine tingling hum of jagged guitars and huge fuzzed-up darkness. The snarling vocals remind me of a Pins-esque rocker and combines the breathy style with a moody, strong melody which oozes raw power and style. That's a lot to like.

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.

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.

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...

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.