Given their name, it would be easy to assume that Bristolian quartet The Garage Flowers were Stone Roses wannabes ('Garage Flower' being the name of that band's aborted 1985 debut album, eventually released over 20 years later), and they may well be fans or have taken their moniker from the Mancunian legends, but musically their "drunken guitar pop" is closer to swaggering garage-punk. It's not surprising that they're Libertines fans (and the feeling may be mutual as the two groups recently met and demos were passed on), as they're comparable to a certain extent, but certainly not copyists.
The two tracks that make up the 'Strivers and Skivers' single share a shambolic charm though, and they seem more concerned with songs being good, rather than just polished and note perfect, which is a basic ethic when it comes to punk and garage anyway. 'Scumbag Utopia (Kings, Queens & Reprobates)' is surprisingly epic with squalling guitar, dirty riffs, and without following a set verse-chorus-verse format. If it sounds right, keep it that way. The melody is memorable too. 'Lollipop Candles' is an frenetic burst of chiming guitars and is both immediate and a grower. They may be just starting out, but The Garage Flowers seem to know where they're headed and have the capabilities to get there, and they're definitely not lacking the hunger for it either.
It's remarkable what twists and turns your life can take and also just what you're capable of. Songwriter Glenn Prangnell had been on the garage/beat group scene for many years, but had begun to take a back seat. Meeting a vocalist he was determined to work with was the catalyst for not only increasing his output, but penning what have been perhaps some of the best tracks of his career. Groovy Uncle & Suzi Chunk now have several releases under their belt, but new album 'Life's A Gift' is surely their best to date. Always with a passion for '60s sounds, the aforementioned garage/beat group leanings were given a soulful edge thanks to some powerful vocals.
'Life's A Gas' is still heavily influenced by that decade. The title-track is a gorgeous mix of west-coast harmonies, sitar, backwards guitar and classic sounding melodies, but as a whole this is a quite diverse collection. There's a very strong argument for opener, 'Your Tiny Mind', being the best tune they've made. The typical guitar sound is replaced by a soulful, Mowtown vibe with Stax horns and even a sax solo that could be from a Phil Spector recording. The production is impeccable and it has that timeless northern soul groove. It's not to be missed. Contrast this to the Small Faces-esque cockney knees-up (with a little comedy - think side 2 of 'Ogdens Nut Gone Flake') that is 'Tea And Cake' and you get an impression of how many bases they can cover to such a high standard.
There's plenty inbetween to get excited about too. 'My Destination' manages to give a US, almost Buffalo Springfield-like twang to the British invasion; 'Waiting For You' is more soulful and closer to the perfect pop of, say, Petula Clarke or even Dusty Springfield when sung by Ms. Chunk, and the bonus track is a version with Glenn taking the lead and flexing those vocal chords close to the power of Chris Farlowe or Steve Marriott. It's not the only time they touch on classic pop, with the waltzy 'My Precious Time' combining early Beatles guitars with an easy listening feel, and later on, 'Back To Me' inhabits a similar space. The familiar garage tunes aren't shunned at all, as 'Married To The Captain Of The Team' shows. It may have a few cheeky lyrics, but it wouldn't be out of place on a 'Nuggets' compilation.
The sweet, acoustic 'Joni's Birthday' has hints of McCartney and acts as something of a mid-album interlude before we're slammed into the most visceral song of the lot. 'You Fell For It' is a stomping rocker with a belting vocal from Suzi Chunk that almost rivals those early Tina Turner cuts, but if she'd been backed by The Kinks instead of The Wrecking Crew. If McCartney was the inspiration for 'Joni's Birthday', then 'This I Can't Get Away With' is perhaps the Lennon equivalent, certainly the vocals give him a nod, as does the mildly psychedelic edge, an effect that continues into 'It's What You Do' which again shows what a fine set of pipes Suzi has. This is a record that is trying to push boundaries. Not by venturing into uncharted musical territory, but more in terms of what "Unc & Chunk" are capable of doing; pushing their own limits in terms of writing, recording, arranging and production, and the result is something they can be proud of. 'Life's A Gift'? True, but listening to this album, life's a gas too.
They may be from England, but it's pretty clear that US guitar music of the '90s is the biggest influence on Camcorder. This is confirmed by the fact that they cite Weezer, Nirvana, Dinosaur Jr, Far and Rival Schools as possible comparisons for their debut EP 'Manifest Misery', which was released last month as a name-your-price download via Bandcamp. True to their word, the post-grunge styling of excellent first track 'Wither' has both the poppy element that those bands showed on occasion, but also heaps of glimmering guitar distortion and a tangible energy.
While that song may be the most immediate, it's probably 'Low' that shows off their strengths best, and it packs a bit more punch too. Clearly designed to be played at a decent volume, there's melody, harmony and plenty of crunch to 'Low', all of which make it their most dynamic track. Throw in loads of buzzsaw guitar and a nice solo and you've got a tune that many others in this field would rightly be proud of. We may be isolating one song, but really all four are worth investigating, so check the links and dig in.
Easy, slightly exotic guitar-pop that's so chilled it might as well live deep in permafrost. In fact, Andrew R Burns & The Tropicanas seem that intent on making everyone so relaxed that they've even reviewed their own sound about as perfectly as can be done, which puts idiots like me out of a job, but still... "tropical dreamslop... lazy unpolished, reverb laden tunes". That sums up the Scottish quartet perfectly, as anyone who heard their,fine debut EP 'Dreamslop' will tell you. There is more to be said about the band than one simple snapshot though, but the trio of songs that make up 'Delaydeez' continue what they started earlier this year and do so in a way that's interesting enough to make these warped, twilight world gems sparkle through the mist of their own lo-fi sounding production.
The EP's lead-track is 'Pop snuff-it' a delightfully lackadaisical and hazy number that almost sounds as though it could have been recorded under water - and manages to make that a good thing. That track, much like 'The way she goes', give off the impression that they'd like to spend half the day in bed, and then just head down to the beach to soak up some rays, all whilst living in a fuzzy daydream. Inhabiting the space where reality becomes blurred is something that Andrew R Burns & The Tropicanas do masterfully, creating an individual blend of psychedelia, DIY indie and slow-motion surf. It's perhaps 'Delaydeez' that should have been given top billing, if only because of the fact that it's the most upbeat and immediate of the three tunes which perhaps opens it up to a wider audience. It's still all floaty, drifting vocals and feels like it's shining its light through frosted glass so that everything remains blurry and somewhat surreal. "You could be the one to mend my broken head" is casually sung on 'The way she goes', and if you're feeling a little fragile, then let this music massage your brain until everything is serene again.
You know the whole "it does exactly what it says on the tin" thing? Well, that pretty much applies to the new single from Maine-based Jargon Party, although it should be pointed out that this is a modern form of surf, one where twangy guitars intertwine with indie and alt-rock sounds, leaving a punky edge. So we're not totally in Dick Dale territory. The group was originally formed in Brooklyn by Zack Lewis in 2012 before they expanded to become a quartet, and they've recently been playing some gigs in Massachusetts (in fact, if you're quick, they're playing O'Briens, Allston tonight).
The video to 'Surf Rock Anthem Number 7' is pretty fitting too, showing the band performing in an old-fashioned arcade, shooting some pinball and playing retro video games. The track does take a pinch of the '60s, but it's perhaps closer in spirit to some of the acts building their reputation at CBGB a decade later, it's a bit of a riot, albeit a controlled one. It spirals in intensity towards the end, with references to being "too high" and never getting to heaven. By the sounds of it though, they're having a good enough time as it is.
A selection of some of the finest new music currently doing the rounds. Check out each track individually below with more info and purchase links, or find them glued together in a handy playlist on the right of the page.
Ringo Deathstarr - Guilt
If anyone was in any doubt that you find the best music outside of the mainstream, then surely Ringo Deathstarr are all the proof you need. They've been making fuzzy, sunkissed-yet-serrated shoegaze for years now, and on new single 'Guilt' they're sounding better than ever. Their new album 'Pure Mood' is out on November 20th, pre-ordering is highly recommended.
Hopefully you picked up Patti Yang Group's free track 'I'm Ready' earlier this year. If not, head this way. As good as that was, new single 'ANONYMOUS FACE' is probably better, showcasing light and shade with vocals that are sometimes sweet and lyrics that are often dark. This brooding, upbeat experimental alt-rock tune is both classic sounding and fresh as a daisy.
This week sees the release of the 'Please Don't Tell' EP by Brooklyn's Grassfight. With an impeccable list of influences (including Spacemen 3, natch) the title-track is a menacing post-punk number that's not a million miles away from early Interpol, but when they change the dynamic for a lighter chorus they show a different side that makes them all the more interesting.
Swedish heroes The Radio Dept. have been impressing us for years now, despite slight changes in sound and line-up. Current stand-alone single 'This Repeated Sodomy' (it won't be on the next album) is reminiscent of the early sound that made so many people fall in love with their 'Lesser Matters' album, only with a more indiepop edge. Superb stuff.
Garage-psych? Us? Unless it's your first time here, you know it, and if you have similar tastes then you need to get Leeds band Chaika on your radar. New single 'The Mirror' has just been released and combines guitar twangs with a good dose of brute force and a fuggy atmosphere. This is deep psych with urgency and plenty of hunger.
Russian psychedelic shoegaze types Pinkshinyultrablast have been one of alternative music's best breakthrough acts this year, picking up a good amount of national radio and press coverage. The kaleidoscopic whirlwind of new single 'Kiddy Pool Dreams' tells you all you need to know. If you caught them on their recent UK tour, you'll have had a great night out.
Burnley artist Rob Ashworth, AKA Gaunt Story, has released several albums of timeless indie/pop over the last few years, the most recent of which was this year's 'Nothing Holds You Like A Song'. Single 'Forest Of The Lost' is a great snapshot of what he does; a subtle emotive track that also has an anthemic quality which, combined with the honestly conveyed in the lyrics, is quite lovely.
It must annoy some songwriters that others can be so prolific and consistent. Bristol trio Grubs feature a couple of members of Joanna Gruesome (themselves no slouches) and released their debut album 'It Must Be Grubs' last month. It's chock-full of short but very sweet indiepop songs that have a DIY charm and plenty of melody, as you can hear on the ace 'Windmaker'.
Talking of trios comprising of members of other bands (in this case playlounge and former members of Breathe Out and Saturday's Kids), Nudes have just released their self-titled debut, and it kicks off with the fuzzy, punky pop of 'Our Headache Years'. If you squished together early Teenage Fanclub, Pavement and Dinosaur Jr and told them to make amazing powerpop, it would probably sound like this.
With a twinkle in its eye and some glistening guitars, this perfect slice of summery guitar-pop will make you forget that winter's on the way. This Is Head released their third album, 'This Is Head' last month and single 'Astray' is a thing of beauty with some great attention to detail and seems awash with colour. A glowing recommendation for its parent LP.
It's a shame that Strawberry Switchblade are mainly known only for 'Since Yesterday', because they had a tonne of top tunes. 'Cut With A Cake Knife' was originally recorded for the band's second album, but they split, leaving Rose McDowall to pursue a solo career which is now getting some deserved attention again. This track from the recently remastered album of the same name is an excellent piece of alt-pop.
Higamos Hogamos are masters at creating cosmic krautrock that blends the organic with the electronic. Latest EP 'Fuzzy Majesty' takes you on various sonic explorations, even touching on funk, and while there may be more danceable and upbeat tracks on the album, the gorgeous, stately closer 'Fuzzy Majesty' brings in a warm fuzz, some big beats and an epic feel to make sure things really end on a high.
A couple of months ago we brought you the premiere of 'Crapford', a rather ace single from the self-titled debut EP by Italians My Cruel Goro. The trio formed last year and currently split their time between Italy and Iceland. In a world that's more awash with bands of every shape and size than ever before, it can be a bit difficult to get noticed, but that shouldn't be much of a problem for these guys. Giving away an early single or two as a free download can help, as can crafting songs that are instant big-hitters - statements of intent almost - although the best plan is always to just be flipping great at what you're doing.
My Cruel Goro tick all three boxes: their debut EP is free, the singles, not least latest release 'Glue Buzz', pack a punch upon first play, and it all sounds effortlessly good. The riff could almost be from a hard-rock band, but the big glam stomp brings them closer to early Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. This is exciting and energetic powerpop that traverses genres and will find fans in the realms of rock, indie, glam, shoegaze and much more. Having a melody that's as catchy as a wall of velcro at a knitting convention and a guitar solo that tackles '90s alt-rock in a quite towering way all adds to the potency and affirms the fact that this is a group worth following.
