Tag: albums/eps

[album] Eyesore & The Jinx – Jitterbug

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Jitterbug, the debut record by Eyesore & the Jinx, is a haunting exploration of the complexities of health set against the backdrop of personal tragedy and societal turmoil. Recorded in the aftermath of Josh Miller’s (vocals, bass, lyrics) significant loss and the realization of his mortality, the album serves as a testament to resilience and the human capacity for rebuild and transformation.

With vibrant, angular rhythms and tight guitars, the LP delves deep into the darker recesses of the human psyche, offering a raw and introspective journey through the gloom and despair that have characterized the past few years. The production, helmed by Daniel Fox from Gilla Band, is top-notch, perfectly capturing the raw energy and intensity of the band’s sound.

All songs here are true gems, which teeter on the brink of collapse yet captivate with their fragile beauty. Such smashers as “No More Nails” and “The Itch” are destined to be anchors of the band’s upcoming live shows, and it is great to have the classic “Sleepless” in its definitive form. “What Doesn’t Kill You” is also a standout, a brooding, fantastic closer with brilliant lyrics.

Overall, it is a punchy, vulnerable and sad album. But also it’s the one that somehow gives hope and power to change things, and reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we are never truly alone.

Stream below and purchase the LP here.

[album] Van Houten – The Tallest Room

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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.

[album] Dancer – 10 Songs I Hate About You

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Seamlessly weaving together the raw energy of post-punk, shimmering melodies of jangle pop, and the introspective lyricism of indie rock, 10 Songs I Hate About You by Dancer stands as one of the best debuts we heard recently.

Formed just at the end of 2022 and with two great EPs under their belt already, this Glasgow quartet quickly became a cult underground outfit with a distinctive style and charming personality. And on the LP they double down on everything that makes them great and manage to create their best release so far.

All songs here are great, be that an ultra-catchy and sweet “Change”, surreal “When I Was A Teenage Horse”, playful ripper “Make a Decision”, or the meditative “Passionate Sunday”. Jangly guitar riffs intertwine with pulsating rhythms, creating a sonic tapestry that feels just right.

Stream below and purchase the record here.

[album] Sourface – The Eternal Summer

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Eclectic Anglo-Parisan quartet Sourface share today their debut The Eternal Summer, and it is not just an album; it’s a grandiose concept record with a broad theme centred on bringing back light to a dimmed universe while confronting a supreme malevolent force known as the ‘Lizard King’.

Crafted by the enigmatic four musicians, this masterpiece transcends conventional boundaries of genre, weaving together a tapestry of sound that defies categorization. It is a melting pot of jazz, post-punk, disco house, funk, psychedelic pop, lounge etc. made by real music lifers who are very passionate about their craft and not willing to compromise in terms of quality.

Maximalistic in its scope and delivery, the album smoothly floats from start to finish, with Sourface creating a whole fictional world in which it is set (with even the comic book version of the album available) and with twists and turns in every corner.

In a world where the airwaves often resonate with the discordant notes of anger and despair, the emergence of a musical offering that feels so truly fun and positive is very exciting.

Stream below.

[album] bedbug – pack your bags the sun is growing

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Rarely do we get a record so wholesome such as pack your bags the sun is growing by bedbug. Over the years, the project of Dylan Gamez Citron (they/them) has grown from a solo outfit in Boston, MA to a full-fledged indie rock band in Los Angeles, and their new release is something truly special.

Although it sounds simply beautiful, the album proves to be far from an easy listening experience and is definitely not background music. It’s a real transcendent journey with profound emotional depth and needs your full attention. From the moment the first notes echo through the speakers, listeners are drawn into a world of haunting beauty and raw vulnerability.

This record evokes many great artists/bands who are usually tagged as emo, indie rock, bedroom pop, lo-fi etc. and it effortlessly puts all those influences under one umbrella, creating an organic whole and a living body of work. A lovely, lovely album that leaves a profound impact on the soul and makes your heart warm.

Listen below and buy the LP here.