Dream-pop band Firestations released their fifth album called Thick Terrain on July 14th on Lost Map, on limited-edition 12” vinyl and digital platforms. The album is a “clear-eyed and bold statement, deftly combining big ideas with pop sensibilities in a captivating way”. And you can catch Firestations live, starting 30th August (venues and dates below). Thick Terrain is…
Read More
It’s an exciting moment when we hear of new work… and a tour by Sparks. Enduringly brilliant, Sparks return this year with a tour, so be ready on your keyboards (with your coffee) very soon… Having previously announced 2 nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall and 3 performances at Primavera Sound Festival in Spain and Portugal,…
Read More
I expect that Beans on Toast, the popular folky festival artist, will be toning down the sweary language in his new series of children’s books. Called The Fascinating Adventures Of Little Bee, the books will be coming out in time for Christmas, launching on December 1st, and there’s an accompanying album too. Beans on Toast –…
Read More
There’s a lot of music out there designed to bring down the heart rate, still the breathing, calm the soul and send you to a pleasant and nourishing place. There is one artist, an eccentric, caring and exotic being, who has made work which definitely has this effect: Alabaster dePlume, poet performer has previous form…
Read More
Emerging from a misty and dreamy landscape comes the second album from Canadian outfit Absolutely Free called Aftertouch, released September 24 on Boiled Records. The band caught my attention earlier in the year with the thought-provoking single How to Paint Clouds – the second track on this new release. Absolutely Free, comprising the core trio…
Read More
Kinbote – otherwise known as found-sound sampling glitch-pop producer Matt Gibb – released a quirky and intriguing single called Hiemalis in the summer, reviewed on Gourmet Gigs. And on 4th December he launched his album called Shifting Distance. The cover of Shifting Distance features slices of scenery, tantalising but unable to be grasped and experienced in…
Read More
I have to credit Chris Hawkins’ early morning show on Radio 6 Music for introducing me to the Manchester band Sylvette. The slinky, crystalline notes of their new single Kelpius cut through the early morning blur and I was instantly wide awake. Music as caffeine. The album Stiller than Still, the band’s second album, was…
Read More
The Coronas released their new single Light Me Up on 17 July. It is the latest song to be revealed from their new album True Love Waits, released 31st July. The single follows the critically acclaimed duet with Gabrielle Aplin called Lost In the Thick Of It. The band has also announced that all their…
Read More
Another energy-filled album from Warm Digits. On Flight of Ideas Warm Digits “make a call to arms: when we all think our ideas are right, what are the costs of never believing you could be wrong?” And so the exploration begins, with the duo plus a selection of guest vocalists stepping back in time and…
Read More
Montreal psychedelic band Elephant Stone released their latest album Hollow on February 14th. I first saw them at The Lexington in 2011 and their stunning set remains etched on my memory, the powerful and hypnotic set closer Don’t You Know cementing an ongoing love for this band, and in particular, Rishi Dhir’s thrilling sitar playing.…
Read More