It’s been five years since Jack Tatum aka Wild Nothing dropped Indigo, a lush album which transported listeners to a hazy, dreamlike realm with its playful, synth pop jams. On Hold, which just got released via Captured Tracks, he doubles down on this direction, making it his most bombastic and most pop LP.
Delved into the ’80s aesthetics, Hold features Wild Nothing’s catchiest and most vulnerable songs in his career, like the beautiful and anthemic “Dial Tone” or “Headlights” (which also features Australian singer/songwriter Hatchie). At some moments it can feel a bit too repetitive, but in general, it is a strong release and a definite win for Tatum, who once again cemented his reputation as one of the most consistent and talented indie musicians of the ’10s.
London quartet automan share today their stellar debut EP Vegetables, out via Undisclosed Society. Varied and brilliantly produced, it takes listeners on a sonic journey through a diverse landscape of emotions and musical styles, ranging from indie rock and shoegaze up to broody, irresistible grunge.
The EP explores the band’s creative struggles with imposter syndrome, delving into those nascent experiences of fighting one’s feet in the muddied musical waters. Yet judging by the confidence of their tracks there’s very little they have to worry about.
Automan’s musicianship shines brightly on Vegetables, with tight and inventive arrangements that keep the listener engaged from start to finish. The guitar work is particularly notable, ranging from hauntingly moody to explosively powerful, such as on the cathartic closer “Episode”. The rhythm section keeps a solid foundation, adding groove and dimension to the songs which get stuck in your head right away.
Years ago, when The Drums were only gearing up to release their self-titled debut, Jonny Pierce mentioned in the BBC Sound of 2010 interview their early manifesto: “We only write about two feelings – one is the first day of summer when you and all of your friends are standing on the edge of a cliff watching the sun set and being overcome with all of your hopes and dreams at once. The other is when you’re walking alone in the rain and realise you will be alone forever”. This got stuck in my mind and incredibly, after 13 years, and 6 full-lengths (with the newest titled Jonny out now), it still echoes in the music. And The Drums are only getting better with each release.
Now a solo artist for years, Pierce always operated on the highest level of creativity, openly sharing his captivating journey into the complexities of human emotions and transitions in life. His songs were always emotionally charged, and packed with honest lyricism and irresistible melodies they continue to resonate with listeners on the new release as well. Another word that is fitting to describe the record is vulnerable. Rarely does an artist open up like this (both visually and lyrically) to such fantastic results. It might feel a bit excessive, especially for someone unprepared, but if you know well Pierce’s previous releases, specifically 2017’s Abysmal Thoughts and 2019′ Brutalism, then Jonny feels like the best possible continuation and culmination of sorts.
Instrumentally the record is probably slightly less interesting and is not as varied as already mentioned Abysmal Thoughts or cult classic Portamento, but such minimalism actually feels appropriate here. 16 tracks that last 51 minutes total pass very fast, striking a perfect balance between introspection and accessibility. To spice up things we also get a cool song with Rico Nasty in the middle, which works very well and introduces something new into The Drums world, who did not have collaborations previously on albums. Overall, Jonny Pierce once again strikes gold, and we cannot be happier about this fact.
The new LP Soft Serve from Naarm/Melbourne-based band Soft Covers sees the trio creating the loveliest jangle pop with a distinctive personal touch.
The melodies are extremely catchy and all the sparkling songs here are prime examples of the finest melancholic guitar pop which went through the lo-fi filter and seasoned with some exciting instrumental left turns, wordplay and relatable lyrical material. It is awesome.
Stream below and buy the record here, out now via Hidden Bay and Little Lunch.
Having recently finished a mammoth summer run of shows, Belfast-based Enola Gay released a fantastic new EP, Casement. Produced by Johnny Hostile (Savages), it features the previously heard noisy smashers “PTS.DUP” and “Leeches” and also an unexpected left-turn in the form of the second part of the collection, “terra firma”.
A collaboration with Irish electronic producer and Berghain veteran Neil Kerr, Mount Palomar, the song shows the more introverted side of the band. Impossible to pigeonhole, it is a varied and hypnotic earworm that lyrically reflects on the weight of the past, its effect on the present and the fleeting nature of time.
Acute Pop 