Author: acute.pop

[album] Van Houten – The Tallest Room

acute.pop

On their long-awaited debut LP The Tallest Room, Leeds group Van Houten have carefully combined elements of lo-fi, dream pop, and garage rock to create eight tracks of pure shoegaze bliss.

The record captures the essence of the genre while infusing it with a contemporary edge, establishing Van Houten as a noteworthy presence in the indie music scene. From the very first track, “Black And White” the outfit invites listeners into a world of hazy guitars, ethereal vocals, and immersive soundscapes.

Having enlisted the ears and ideas of producer Alex Greaves (bdrmm, Working Men’s Club, Bloc Party), the album’s production is layered and textured, creating a sonic landscape that feels both expansive and intimate. Each song unfolds like a vivid dream, with swirling melodies and introspective lyrics that draw you in deeper with each listen.

Check it out below and buy the album here, out now via Clue Records / EMI North.

[song] Peter Bibby – Fun Guy

acute.pop
Photo by Natalie Hewitt

Perth misfit Peter Bibby introduces his latest track “Fun Guy” from the upcoming album Drama King, set for release on May 31 through Spinning Top Records.

It is a high-energy rock anthem, inspired by Suicide’s debut record and self-described by the artist as “a fun song about quitting fun”. What sets it apart is its unabashed honesty and vulnerability. Bibby lays bare his emotions, expressing both the highs and lows of retiring from his crazy days with sincerity and authenticity.

Listen below and pre-order the record here.

[song] Pop Miri – Cost Of Being Loved

acute.pop
Photo by Connie Walden

On May 9, London-based lo-fi artist Pop Miri will release Trick Of The Light, her highly-anticipated debut album. We have heard “Battery Acid” out of it already and now are getting a second offering — “Cost Of Being Loved”.

Drawing inspiration from artists such as Deerhunter and Broadcast, the track sees Pop Miri co-produce alongside James Howard (Dana Gavanski, Rozi Plain, Nuha Ruby Ra). It is an irresistibly captivating musical journey that juxtaposes raw reflections of a turbulent breakup with ethereal dream pop. Speaking about the song, she says:

“Cost of Being Loved” is the ‘retrospective’ song of the album and relationship. I was able to get a sense of clarity and closure – this song is my riding away into the sunset, escaping the claustrophobia of my moral and romantic failings; saying no to self-sacrifice”.

Stream below.

[video] Maripool – not today

acute.pop
Photo by Carina Simões

London-via-Lisbon ‘One Girl Band’ Maripool announces sophomore EP a day that feels like nothing at all and shares a new single “not today”.

Out now through Smoking Room (Island of Love, Hotline TNT), it is a brilliant track with the distinctive personal touch of Maripool’s DIY indie pop, draped in a beautiful, sparkling reverie.

The song is paired with a lovely music video, directed by Julie Magnaudet, which sees a musician interacting with the mysterious red entity. It is a melancholic and charming piece that complements the introspective and evocative nature of the song itself.

Watch below.

[song] Cardinals – If I Could Make You Care

acute.pop
Photo by Emilyn Cardona

Today, Irish indie rock group Cardinals announced their debut self-titled EP, which will be out June 7 via So Young Records.

Along with the news they are sharing a new single “If I Could Make You Care”, the expansive nearly 6-minute-long number. It is raw, honest, and utterly captivating — the loud guitars are there, as well as some great accordion!

Addressing the song, frontman Euan Manning shared the following insights regarding its themes: “There’s not much to say about the lyrics of the song past its title which was stolen from Frank Sinatra’s ‘I Could Make You Care’. It was co-written between myself and Oskar and we worked away at it quietly until it became something special between us. The arrangement with the band brought the drama and scale, it grew into something bigger than we expected. It was a great relief to write the song, like we had come to the end of some part of our lives”.

Listen below and pre-order the EP here.