Tag: albums/eps

[ep] Chalk – Conditions II

acute.pop

Everything that made Chalk’s Conditions great is maximised and perfected in its sequel. Belfast’s group put out another intense collection — their own mixture of noise rock, industrial, and dance-punk elements, creating a visceral and beautiful sound.

Musically, the trio aimed to deepen their exploration of the electronic aspect of the music, striving to capture the vibrancy of their live performances within the studio recordings. They surely don’t shy away from experimentation, incorporating a wide range of influences from electronic music (for example, Aphex Twin) and industrial/noise scenes to create a sound that’s both challenging and captivating.

Conditions II has been released and is now available for streaming and purchase across all major digital platforms via Nice Swan Records. The production work on this EP was handled by Chris Ryan, known for his collaborations with NewDad, Enola Gay, and Just Mustard, alongside Chalk’s Ross Cullen.

Stream below and buy the mini-album here.

[album] Bingo Fury – Bats Feet For A Widow

acute.pop

Despite being released in the early months of 2024, it can be confidently stated that Bats Feet For A Widow by Bingo Fury already stands out as one of the most original and comprehensive records of the year so far.

It presents an intriguing collection of experimental, highly creative music combining Scott Walker-inspired songs, refined jazz, and dynamic no wave elements. The tracks on the LP may not be easily accessible, but with each playthrough, their unpredictable nature and overall eccentricity increasingly captivate the listener.

Bingo Fury demands a lot from his audience but in exchange offers rich rewards — moments of transcendent beauty and profound emotional resonance. He masterfully channels his innermost feelings into something that, while atypical and avant-garde, remains sentimental and intimately relatable.

Bats Feet For A Widow is a one-of-a-kind debut, a truly timeless-sounding experience poised to connect with an inquisitive audience.

FFO: Scott Walker, These New Puritans, Talk Talk, Bark Psychosis, Kim Gordon.

Listen below and purchase the record here.

[ep] Research Vessel – Going Tomorrow

acute.pop

Seattle-based musician Danny Rowland (Seapony, Space Daze) is back with his new solo project Research Vessel.

His debut EP Going Tomorrow is out now through Small Craft Advisory (Olympia, WA) and it is a little gem of a release, made with the musician’s DIY approach to music and his ability to create deeply resonant indie pop songs with little elements in the mix (but with a lot of soul put into it).

All four songs here solidify and elevate the ideas laid out in Rowland’s previous work, presenting a guitar sound that’s both breezy and deeply affecting, this time lo-fi with a drum machine and Casio.

Despite its compact nature (the whole mini-album lasts a little bit less than just 10 minutes), Going Tomorrow doesn’t feel rushed, offering a charming tour through the artist’s songwriting abilities and musical versatility.

Stream below.

[ep] Green Hands – Anyplace, Anywhere, Anytime

acute.pop

Leamington Spa-based quartet Green Hands released a brand-new EP Anyplace, Anywhere, Anytime, and it is a masterclass in indie rock charm, blending jangly guitars of the past with the lyrical anxieties of the modern age. It’s a mini-album full of catchy hooks, thoughtful lyrics, and the kind of indie pop goodness that never goes out of style.

From the opening chords of Pavement-ish “Been Around” to the closing notes of “Garden at Noon”, Anyplace, Anywhere, Anytime is a seamless journey through light and shadow, both musically and emotionally. Through understanding listening and a warm hug of guitars, they provide listeners with the glow, akin to a hearth’s embrace, to guide you through winter’s gloom.

Check it out below.

[ep] Lando Manning – Brighter Days

acute.pop

Lando Manning’s EP “Brighter Days” is a hauntingly beautiful collection that invites listeners into the intimate depths of his soul. Written in dark mental states, it demonstrates his raw talent and introspective lyricism in a stripped-down, acoustic setting, akin to the classic works of 70s folk songwriters like Nick Drake and Towns Van Zandt.

Manning’s delicate fingerpicking and calming vocals draw listeners in, while his contemplative lyrics paint a vivid picture of vulnerability and longing. Despite the gloomy nature of the mini-album, it still feels hopeful and reminds us that no matter how dire our circumstances may seem, there is always a glimmer of light waiting to guide us towards a brighter tomorrow.

Stream below and purchase the EP here.