Pocketbooks are a delightful five-piece indie-pop band from London who popped up on my horizon with the release of their latest track "Promises, Promises", a joyous slice of uplifting, summer-tinged charm.
It's playful and fun, with swirling melodies, bright harmonies and fast pacing set by the sweeping violins and singer Emma Halls' lovely shining vocals. It's simple yet utterly delicious, play this at your party and even the cool kids will be up and dancing.
Their second album 'Carousel' is released this month via OddBox Records, to celebrate there is an album launch gig next Friday (16th September) at the lovely Wilmington Arms - full details.
I knew Jennifer Calvin primarily because of her work with Cold Cave, I didn't know (until a little research into this post) that's she's since left the band, I've no idea why... It's a shame because I really enjoyed her role during the live shows I saw in 2010 on the 'Love Comes Close' shows (all six of them). I was disappointed that her input wasn't all that apparent on the follow-up 'Cherish The Light Years' (it's still a fine album), perhaps she was too.
Anyway, that's water under the bridge now as she's formed a new band Bleached with her sister Jessie (the pair were formerly in punk band Mika Miko before Jen joined CC). They have recently released two fantastic 7's, a world apart from Cold Cave's anthemic, thunderous 80's synth, Bleached combine garage punk with a sun-kissed bubblegum-pop creating (to date) four infectious doses of fast, furious and carefree sing-a-long tracks.
On Art Fag (1st pressing sold out, 2nd to follow here) is the 'Carter 7', "Think of You" is probably my favourite, energetic fuzzed-up guitar, driving bass-line and a toe-tapping melody combine with catchy harmonised vocals. B-side "You Take Time" is equally to the point, short, sharp and fun. You can already picture the head-nodding in the mosh pit to these.
On LA based Ooga Booga comes the debut 'Francis 7', "No Friend of Mine" is equally great, a slightly more scuzzy and lo-fi recording yet still incredibly tight song structure beneath. This one is still in stock but I'm sure it won't be lasting long. No European shows yet...
I seem to be on a cycle of artists returning after around six months off the blog, Ana Lola Roman featured here in March with her wonderful debut single 'Jigsaw / Klutch' (check it out if you haven't already), the follow up ‘No Architect’ will be available November 7th and it's an absolute knock-out.
You can stream an extended version below, it's just great. From its extra-long intro of pounding drum machine beats, looping synthetic effects and driving piano melody you know it's a special track, the toe-tapping pulse instantly danceable, uplifting and infectious. I love Ana's powerful and strong vocals too. "No Architect" is simply a master-class in experimental synth-pop, not a beat feels out of place.
It's so good that I've just played the track back eight times in a row, easily one of the best electronic / synth-pop tracks I've heard in a long time. In a genre that is becoming pretty over-crowed Ana's creative and instrumentation talents should see her stand out from the crowd with the release of her debut album in early 2012
London's La Bête seem to have grown some facial hair (the boys that is) since I did an introducing piece in February, the past six months has seen them play some dates on the London gig circuit and now we've been treated to two new tracks from a forthcoming (as yet unnamed / undated) EP which you can listen to below.
"Wolf" and "All Around Me" see the band continue with their punchy, intense grunge rock. Raw and unrestrained throughout with dirty guitar heavy hooks, pounding bass lines and hammering drum beats. Naomi's sneery vocals emitting just the right combination of passion and swagger, there is a satisfying smattering of filth too, all in all two tracks that command to be played at a high volume probably much to the disgust of your neighbours.
The band are supporting the most excellent Spotlight Kid at their London date on October 21st, it's a shame I'm away or it would have been a must-see. If you are in town, you can take my place - full details.
WILD FLAG can easily be tagged with the word "supergroup" after its members previous careers in various notable indie-rock acts such as Sleater-Kinney and Helium, thankfully this is one time when they seem to have continued in the industry because it is creatively rewarding, feels natural and the music is great rather than simply for the money. From what I've heard of WILD FLAG so far, it's easy to say this; they rock.
Following up a quickly sold-out record store day 7" is their debut self-titled album (due 13th Sept via Merge and Oct 10th in the UK), a taster has been released in the form of "Romance". A guitar heavy, spunky track with infectious riffs, dancing drums, playful organ and catchy lyrics. It's fun and includes hand claps to boot, there's nothing not to like then!
The girls have announced an intimate gig at one of London's best venues, The Lexington on Thursday 8th December following from an extensive US tour. Tickets won't last long but can be snapped up here and here.
Brooklyn-based four-piece Little Anchor release their second EP 'Yellow Lights' this week, they came to my attention through the delicate "Until Our Eyes Adjust", a track that's gorgeous enough to melt you heart. I was instantly instantly in love the softly-whispered, serene voice of singer Alexa Cabellon which shines throughout the six EP's tracks, her sweet, calm voice is nothing short of beautiful.
"A Sentimental Way" is equally soft and mellow with its dreamy, soothing instrumentations. The languid nature of the track would be perfect for a relaxing Sunday afternoon or summers day at the beach, it's a shame the white clouds that shroud London right now mean the only way I can picture that is with my eyes shut. "Lady Tennessee" kicks more of a punch with foot-stomping drum beat and jagged guitar riffs proving the band have more up their sleeves then gentle pop sensibilities.
"When You're Looking" closes the EP on a high with its uplifting tone and sparkling melodies, though if you were to pick one track for your mix-tape, it's got to be "Until Our Eyes Adjust". The lyrics start "tell me sweet, tell me softly, in your sleep, do you still dream, until our eyes adjust...", now its time for some peaceful daydreaming...
You can buy the EP on iTunes or bandcamp now, it will also be available on 12" which I'll link here when I find an outlet. Here's the accompanying video, glad to see the band are safety concious too!
