I'll start this post with an advance disclaimer, the following track is coming out via my little label Beautiful Strange. I'm posting it here not only to help publicise the release but to let you all know about it, after all the purpose of this blog is partly a journal of my music discovery and tastes and there can be no greater commitment to your love of something than helping to release it.
Space Daze is the solo / side project of Danny Rowlands whom maybe familiar to some of you as the guitarist / songwriter in the wonderful Seapony. Follow My Light Back Home is Danny's debut album and it will be released on June 2nd 2014 via Beautiful Strange on limited edition pea green cassette tapes (and digitally too of course). The lead single "Line Up on the Solstice" is available as a free download now via Bandcamp (the same link finds the pre-order link for the cassette too).
I don't like writing superlatives about things coming out via my own label, that's someone else's job (if you want to share the track, please, please do!) but suffice to say if you like the summery, nostalgic soft-pop vibe of Seapony, you're going to love this...
With a vast ocean between us Brits and America it's obvious they'll be numerous Stateside bands who can't afford to make the trip across it to play live shows (and vice-versa I'm sure). I've got a (mental) list of at least twenty bands that I'll be first in line to buy tickets for if they made it to London, good news though, one band that'll be coming off that list soon is Seapony. Tomorrow the Seattle group start their first ever European tour - with a date that I can't make as I'm at The Great Escape - a month long run of dates that you can see via the picture included - the winner of a Facebook competition to draw a tour poster and great it is too.
To celebrate the band have shared a new stand-alone track which instantly brings summery joy to a really damp, cloudy week in London. Seapony's signature sound is simple, breezy indie-pop that's both pretty as a flower and care-free - a track that's called "Hangin Out" is expected to continue that and when you listen to it, it does, instantly jumping out with bouncing drums and fuzzy guitar - nothing short of perfection.
Hopefully their presence here will make the weather remember it's meant to be Summer soon. Be sure to welcome the band to Europe when they are in your town...
Back when the UK was basking in an early summers glow I was posted summery flavoured indie-pop on a daily basis, the return of rain and grey clouds stopped that for a while but after a long weekend of ignoring the dismal weather and trying to enjoy time away from the office what better than a new track from a band who define bright, blissful pop better than most, Seapony, who return with the lead single from their forthcoming second LP 'Falling' (due September 11th via Hardly Art).
The track "What You Wanted" is exactly that, a beautiful, care-free buzz surrounds a catchy guitar / keys melody, almost impossible not to like, the track stays pretty close to the Seapony formula thus far, dreamy, breezy and overwhelmingly delightful.
Their debut LP 'Go With Me' was one of my albums of the year last year and there is every indication that 'Falling' will follow suit, one album I'm definitely excited to hear.
I said on my write up of their debut album 'Go With Me' that I'm an absolutely sucker for the sort of dreamy, blissful tunes that Seapony so effortlessly create and just to prove that point they go and hit me with another one, "Prove to Me" debuted today and is all kinds of wonderful.
It follows the Seattle trios (though judging by the picture expanded for live shows) signature heart-warming indie-pop lines and is one of their most beautiful yet, fluttery drum beats, sparking guitar jangles and Jen's languid, soft vocals combine to simply delicious effect, it makes you all warm inside and reach for a comforting pillow which on a Friday night in nursing a heavy Thursday is just about the perfect combination.
"Prove to Me" is a brand new track which features on a five-year anniversary flexi from Seapony's label Hardly Art and currently only available at their SXSW showcases and anniversary shows. You lucky people. Seapony are definielty one of the bands I'm waiting to see in the UK, please form an orderly queue.
This time last year I did a post where I basically talk (write) aloud to myself about the albums I put as my favourite of the year 12 months ago and what I think about that now, invariably you’re late in discovering a few albums and you’re tastes change over time. My list of albums from 2009 changed quite a lot when I redid it in 2010 (check here). Though, after saying all, that, I've decided my list of 25 albums for 2010 (which can be found here) is actually still highly reflective of what I think now, so I'm not going to do this and instead will launch straight into my twenty five favourite / top / best (whatever you want to call it) albums released in 2011 (UK release) which I'll share with you over the next few days.
Depending on what time of the day it is the ordering presented here would vary, at the end of the day I had to give each and every one a number (I guess I could have ignored the numeric side of things) but in reality there is very little that separates some of the albums (especially numbers 17-3) and a few that aren't included here I like just as much as some that are (when I post a digest of the albums I'll include my full shortlist of forty albums that have primarily been the soundtrack to my year). Without further rambling, my 25 albums of the year:
Montreal based four piece Braids weave arguably the most complex, luscious melodies I've had the privilege of seeing live this year, combining dreamy vocal harmonies with multi layered instrumentation to hypnotic effects led by Raphaelle Standell-Preston's sweeter than sweet voice. Their debut LP 'Native Speaker' came out way back in January (April in the UK) and it sees (just) seven tracks seamlessly flow with the most magical, complex textures and free-flowing vocal acrobatics.
"Lemonade" is the stand-out, a seven minute masterpiece which pushes the boundaries of mainstream psych-pop, swirling, tropical soundscapes and bubbling ambient electronics give the perfect platform for Raphaelle's delicately soft vocals (which hide somewhat of a dirty mouth). Then there's "Plath Heart" the most immediate track on the LP, it's similarly stunning (and arguably the only track capable of a single release without seeing some of its length on the cutting floor).
Other highlights include the sumptuous "Glass Dears", even longer at over eight minutes with looping synths, hazy guitars and drawn-out meandering melodies, the title track "Native Speaker" which see's similarly potty mouth lyrics sit on top of chilly piano strokes, echoey electronics and absolutely stunning harmonies and "Lammicken" a darker, mysterious track that pays more homage to Fever Ray than the usual Animal Collective observations with its throbbing propulsive beat.
Overall, 'Native Speaker' is a dreamy, gorgeous debut from a band that I can't wait to hear more from.
'Without The World' is Bird of Passage's (Alicia Merz) debut release received a much welcomed re-pressing by the wonderful Denovali and came out early this year. It's an intoxicating work of art that is truly heartbreaking and beautiful, combining dark, haunting soundscapes with the delicate whispers of a siren.
Many artists use excessive instrumentation to create atmosphere or mood, 'Without the World' is a master-class of minimalism and experimental song craft, Alicia equally happy to use natural sounds to complement her instruments, on "Whisper a Word" we can hear an organ complimented by leaves rustling in the while Alicia's hushed vocal blend in perfectly delivering a sense of undoubted optimism. There are more traditional lo-fi / folk moments on the more relaxed "Fantastic Frown", straight forward acoustic guitar and twinkling glockenspiel offer one the albums most immediate moments.
The titles of "Prey For A Sunny Day", "Skeletons" and "Those Blackest Winter Nights" give no secrets to the bleak, chilly feeling created by the use of drone, delay and echoey electronics, throughout the album is emotive and touching, recreating the feeling of emptiness during those cold, lonely winter's nights.
'Without the World' is something to immerse yourself in, its hazy, mesmerizing beauty is a perfect antidote to the hectic lives we lead and makes for one of this years essential releases.
I'm an absolute sucker for the sort of music that Seapony have so effortlessly created throughout their debut LP 'Go With Me', original perhaps it's not but the simple approach to syrupy indie-pop is so infectious and luscious that I can't help but be smitten. Catchy lyrics, drum machine beat, syrupy vocals and fuzzed-out, jangly guitars are the staple formula that make 'Go With Me' equal parts bounce and blissfully charming.
"Dreaming", the bands initial introduction to so many of us is still brilliant now, saccharine sweet (and unashamedly so), repetitive (there must be only about six lines of lyrics) and utterly, utterly infectious. I've read some reviews where the sameness of the record has clearly grated with the reviewer but in my opinion the forty minutes (included exceptional b-side "Emma's House") is a wistful, beautiful listen where I can escape to a simple, carefree world without too many other concerns.
Highlights appear throughout, "With You" is a lovable song that's particularly melodic and pleasing, "Into The Sea" is probably the heaviest with track on the album with precise drum and hooky guitar riffs while "I Never Would's" fluttery melody and "Blue Star's" melancholic haze are equally delicious. Though, perhaps my highlight is "Where We Go", Jen Weidl’s vocals are airy and dreamy whilst breezy melodies float beautifully over a wash of drum machine beats and reverb.
Charming (tick), loveable (tick), me a fan (tick).
Widowspeak are another purveyor of laid-back, wistful memories; equal parts melancholic haze and dreamy, inviting warm and blissful thoughts. Their self-titled debut is a slight departure in sound for the label, Captured Tracks, in sound, not in quality for 'Widowspeak' is a beautiful created, lazy afternoon / late night album to immerse yourself fully in.
The drums are downbeat and hollow throughout, the guitar textures remain subtle, intricate and extremely competent (I can vouch for the talent of Rob after catching them live last month) while Molly Hamilton's secondary guitar jangles fill in the trio's sound. Her vocals are arguably their strongest instrument, her sultry, soft purr is so incredibly luscious and seductive throughout.
The punchy, foot-stomping "Puritan" kicks off the album led by a purposeful drum beat and lively guitar solos that blend dark country with rock perfectly, the slow pacing and moody melody of "Harsh Realm" equally stands out, shimmering guitars over Molly's smoky, longing vocals repeated cries of "I always think about you". Dreamy.
The one/two of "Gun Shy" and "Hard Times" bring arguably the albums strongest moments, "Gun Shy's" dry and dusty twangy guitar rhythm bring instant memories of Western movies gone by while the heavenly drawl soothes and lulls. "Hard Times" is beautifully melodic and is another gem in an album where honestly seven or eight of its tracks could easily be singles.
The debut album by The Chapman Family was a long time coming, after first releasing a (bright pink) 7" single in 2007 it took until March 2011 to finally see the first full length from the north-east quartet (although since the album recording the line-up has seen numerous changes and is now a five piece with just two original members), despite gathering a glowing reputation as a fine live act (they are - I've seen them seven or eight times) but you do have to wonder what took them quite so long (especially when a few of the old singles re-appear, though granted "Virgins" is as far removed from the original as possible). Was the wait worth it? Simple answer, yes, yes it was.
The album, the aptly titled ‘Burn Your Town’ kicks off with "A Certain Degree" which purposefully, slowly builds up atmosphere for what is to follow; an album of miserable, dark, post-punk / rock. Singles "All Fall" and "Anxiety" are the closest the Chapman's come to offering pop singles, big thunderous choruses, epic and energetic guitars and well delivered vocals, the polished production makes them clear, immediate and huge.
In my opinion the high points though come with two new songs "She Didn't Know" is a monster, a dark, brooding atmosphere throughout that makes for the most compelling song on the album and "Something I Can't Get Out", quicker in pace and more aggressive, the rhythm section particularly impressive, huge driving beats, wailing guitars, "Kids" is as full of angst as they come, screaming, passionate and certainly doesn't disappoint.
Live favourite "A Million Dollars" takes the record to new depths, an explosive cacophony of noise where thunderbolt drums drive the song whilst a wall of anguished guitars and Kingley's intense vocals create n incredibly chaotic, fierce and unsettling tone... a song that's often introduced on stage as being about murdering kids shouldn't sound so fucking incredible.
Do make sure you find the abrasive assault of "All That's Left to Break", I've no idea why it's not on the album, it really, really should be, it's arguably the best track they've recorded to date.
The is an aptly timed posting for my Seapony 'Go With Me'vinyl arrived from Rough Trade just yesterday (available for just £11.99 with mp3's and a rather amusing sticker on, amusing but with a serious undertone - keep physical products alive), this isn't about that LP though, I've mentioned tracks from it a few times (search label for more), it's delicious. This update is to tell you that there is no stopping the Seattle indie bliss-poppers, now expanded to a four-piece, a follow up release 'Sailing', a stand-alone 7" single is released November 22nd via Hardly Art.
You can listen to the a-side below, "Sailing" is a wistful continuation of their breathtakingly beautiful sound, Seapony like to keep things simple yet "Sailing" sees the band expanding their arsenal slightly with the addition of blissful xylophone and acoustic guitar melodies whilst dropping some of the fuzzy, jangled indie pop that exemplified their debut. Melancholic, tranquil and dreamy, "Sailing" is the perfect anti-dote for evenings like these where a glimpse out of the window quickly tells you that winter's a comin' and if you're anything like me, you're sitting at home still nursing the previous days overindulgences.
Need an album to help you remember that it's actually Summer? Look no further than Seapony’s debut, 'Go With Me'.
We've listened to some of the Seattle trio's album previously on their wonderful debut EP and the formula is understandably the same with the album. A simple approach based around catchy lyrics, nonchalant vocals and jangly guitars, it's surely going to have scores of nostalgic folk like myself swooning all summer long.
“Dreaming”, the album’s opening track reminds me of Best Coast’s summer-friendly single “When I’m With You.”. It was of course the track that first brought Seapony to many peoples attention, it's still brilliant now saccharine sweet (and unashamedly so), repetitive (there must be only about six lines of lyrics) and utterly, utterly infectious.
Another returning track "With You" is deserving of it's place on the album too while "Blue Star's" melancholic haze is equally delicious. Though, perhaps my highlight is "Where We Go", Jen Weidl’s vocals are airy and dreamy whilst breezy melodies float beautifully over a wash of drum machine beats and reverb. It's based around the same chord patterns throughout and the sameness could but a few people off, me, well I'm sitting down looking out at grey clouds today and this album is making me forget that:
Here are a few wonderful video's, firstly the official video for "Where We Go":
It's Easter Weekend (finally) and for one shall be celebrating four straight days off work (or the Birth / Death / Re-birth of Jesus as it's alternatively known) by enjoying as much of this Spanish summer we're enjoying in April, in the UK. That means wearing t-shirts, eating ice creams, drinking beer and listening to songs like "Blue Star" by Seapony.
Since I first mentioned the group last October they've been signed up by Hardly Art and have readied a new album. "Blue Star" is the first new track to arrive and continues with Seapony's signature sound of effortlessly simple yet instantly charming indie-pop.
So pour some nice cool beer, slap on some sunscreen and get your ghetto blaster out in the garden, you're neighbours are sure to love this too:
I featured Seapony a little while ago, but you can now watch this wonderful video for their new single "Dreaming". If this was on the Best Coast album it would be the best track on it, it's not, it's on a 7" from Double Denim Records, their are only 300 of them, so get one from their shop quick and enjoy the other two tracks too because they are also pretty darn good.
Seapony have been around for a couple of months, hailing from Seattle, US; it's hard not to like their sound which is girl indie-pop beach-surf, not too dissimilar to Best Coast.
Their first ever 7" is released on 15th of November via new and promising label Double Denim. Limited to just 300 copies "Dreaming" is a must if you like 70's infused lovely pop music:
They have four songs available now, the 'Seapony EP' is available for free download via bandcamp.
