POSTS TAGGED : post-punk

Rotation Round-Up #3

Time is becoming increasingly precious and difficult to obtain these days but I still have a grá on me for blogging.

So, this is an attempt cover more of what I am listening to on a regular basis, with a relatively quick roundup of what has been on rotation over the past week or two.

The aim is to keep them coming on a weekly / biweekly basis or failing that, I may as well pack this malarkey in altogether.

Stephen Durkan – ‘Prayer’

Glaswegian artist Stephen Durkan released his debut EP The Stories We Tell Ourselves About Ourselves last week and ‘Prayer’ is the latest single lifted from it. Less energised and meaty than previous single ‘The Acid Commune’, we find Durkan poetically reflecting on a lack of divine belief as hard-edged, introspective words play out amid muted swathes of downbeat electronica. Like the rest of the EP, ‘Prayer’ will captivate and will have you hooked from the get go. Durkan is a voice worth listening to.

Langkamer – ‘Teeth’

From Bristol in the UK, Langkamer are commonly described as country rockers (the best yet is Avon Americana, serious thumbs up) but they land somewhere between Pavement, Creedence, Wilco and Hooton Tennis Club. Their latest single ‘Teeth’ is undoubtedly a perfect blend of these components, crafting a supremely addictive, smart and contagious sound that is simultaneously familiar and excitingly fresh. There’s a lo-fi aesthetic to the drums and vocals, lending a garage band vibe as a slide guitar bathes ‘Teeth’ with an alt country shade. It is bright, catchy and playful, finding a sweet spot between off-kilter and hooky, it is a vivid and irresistible tune.

Captain Rico and The Ghost Band – ‘Dracula On A Skateboard’

French surf-rock aficionados Captain Rico and the Ghost Band will release their second album Fréquences d’outre-tombe (Rhythms from beyond the grave) on March 4, 2022, which promises 1’1 new instrumental tracks  featuring a kaleidoscope of guitar riffs, from powerful to simply off the wall’. Ahead of the new album, Captain Rico and The Ghost Band has shared lead single ‘Dracula On A Skateboard’. A free flowing and energetic ramble, it has a vintage yet timeless air to it, with serious echoes of 60’s surf sound of The Shadows and Dick Dale as bright, energetic surf guitars and glistening riff thrive over frantic rhythmic groove that hares off at a furious pace from the off. Wonderful.

Maida Rose – ‘Fallen’

Maida Rose is dream-pop pairing of Roos Meijer and Javièr den Leeuw from Dutch seaside city the Hague, and will release their debut LP Tales Of Adolescence on March 25. Ahead of the album, the pair share new single ‘Fallen’ which perfectly captures their prowess for rich and wistful dream-pop. It oozes with nostalgia and a pang of melancholy, as soft vocals purr with feeling and heartstrung melodies hover above a languid meandering groove and soft shimmering guitar. ‘Fallen’ is yet another beautiful and moving single from Maida Rose; the album promises a lot.

RIFLE – ‘Flag’

RIFLE are a North London punk outfit who’s debut EP, Holloway Demos was recorded live and in one take at Storm on Holloway Road, and all for the price of a tube fair. Fronted by blistering single ‘Flag’ – it, like the EP – is a short, sharp shock to the system, the proverbial kick in the bollocks if you like, filled with scintillating guitars played at breakneck speed, over a furious beat, while raspy vocals fight to be heard amid the barrage of noise. A bolt of biting raw punk energy; an absolute tour-de-force.

Rotation Roundup #2

Time is becoming increasingly precious and difficult to obtain these days but I still have a grá on me for blogging.

So, this is an attempt cover more of what I am listening to on a regular basis, with a relatively quick roundup of what has been on rotation over the past week or two.

The aim is to keep them coming on a weekly / biweekly basis or failing that, I may as well pack this malarkey in altogether.

Panic Shack – ‘Mannequin Man‘

Cardiff noisemakers Panic Shack will release their debut EP, Baby Shack EP, on April 8th via Brace Yourself Records and ahead of which, they have shared lead single ‘Mannequin Man‘.The track is exactly what you’d expect from Panic Shack; a raw, spiky and incendiary punky cut bursting with bouncy basslines, chant along vocals, hooks galore and plenty of attitude. A rip roaring return, the forthcoming EP promises to be quite something.

Lyndsey Lawlor – ‘Love, Lust, Indifference & Hatred’

Lyndsey Lawlor is a Dublin spoken word artist who has teamed up with Kildare producer Gary O’Reilly (Mix & Fairbanks) for new album, Dearest Philistine, released in January. The album came to fruition with Lawlor locked down away from her band and creating an entire record with O’Reilly. ‘Love, Lust, Indifference & Hatred’ is the latest single lifted from the album, Lawlor’s vocals brimming with a positive and hopeful air flow cooly above a beautiful blend of warm, fluffy electronics that shimmer above a soft pattering of captivating beats. 

Peaness – ‘How I’m Feeling’

Longstanding BG favs Peaness have announced their debut album. The Chester trio will release World Full of Worry via their own Totally Snick Records on 6th May, preceded by new single ‘How I’m Feeling’.

Having charmed our ears for years with their irresistible brand of melodic, indie-pop goodness, and latest single is no different. Propelled by a playful, sunny energy juxtaposed by reflecting on the self-loathing and melancholy that can come from being stuck in an unfulfilling job, whilst offering a sense of hope that you can make a positive change. It is insanely catchy, littered with gloriously glossy harmonies, honey-sweet vocals and uplifting jangling hooks . Yet another gem from Peaness who have a propensity for such magic you know.

Listen to ‘How I’m Feeling’ below.

MEMES – ‘Second Thought’

Glasgow’s self-proclaimed “laptop-rock” duo MEMES – composed of cousins John and Paul McLinden – are back with another scintillating slice of fiery and fierce post-punk in the shape of ‘Second Thought’. Unleashed with a feverish intensity, it underlines all there is to love about this tempestuous pairing; unpredictable and unconventional ‘Second Thought’ is fuelled by an erratic, jerky punk electricity and coiled up bassline while the raspy vocals dance over the jagged rhythms and meaty stomp. A thrilling and exhilarating jam; brilliant from MEMES, who have nailed it again.

Astrosurf – ‘Highlife’

Astrosurf are a Toronto based trio with a penchant for freeflowing blues-rock leaning surf sounds, inspired by the cosmos, the open range and seas (like a harder edged, blues embracing version of Wales’ Y Niwl).

The trio’s latest release, Anything But… came out in December of last year and ‘Highlife’ is the latest single lifted from it. ‘Highlife’ perfectly captures the essence of Astrosurf in just under four minutes; it is marvelously scuzzy, unfurling with a lifeforce of its own packed with seductive grooves, meandering catchy  melodies and lashing of fuzz, feedback and mighty reverb laden riffs and licks. To their credit, Astrosurf sound familiar yet authentic, carving their own modern day niche that is, in their own words, “music for surfers, cowboys and spies”.

Rotation Roundup #1

Time is becoming increasingly precious and difficult to obtain these days but I still have a grá on me for blogging.

So, in an attempt cover more of what I am listening to on a regular basis, here is a quick roundup of what has been on rotation over the past week or two.

I’ll try keep them coming on a weekly / biweekly basis or failing that, I might as well pack this malarkey in altogether.

Melody’s Echo Chamber – ‘Looking Backward’

Melody’s Echo Chamber aka Melody Prochet has announced a new album, Emotional Eternal, which is due April 29 via Domino. The record will be the French musician’s third album and first new music since her excellent 2018 record Bon Voyage. Emotional Eternal is preceded by single ‘Looking Backward’; a dreamy and intoxicating psychedelic pop song with layers of shimmering synths, colours, soft grooves and woozy tones, with Prochet’s recognisable soft but euphoric vocals drifting above.

The first sampling of the new material is all that we would have hoped for and some.

Cate Le Bon – ‘Remembering Me’

Cate Le Bon has released her sixth album Pompeii, follow-up to 2019’s Reward, it is fronted by single ‘Remembering Me’. Difficult to box-off with a taste for offbeat folk but an equal propensity for psych, Le Bon is a treasure and ‘Remembering Me’ reminds us why. Sitting on a cool yet wonky waltzing groove Le Bon’s vocals are as otherworldly and stunning as ever while flourish of guitar appear amid an austere atmosphere; the latter reflected in the introspective and weary lyrics.

Looking forward to sinking the teeth into the album – there is also a rare and great interview in the Guardian for those interested.

Silverbacks – ‘A Job Worth Something’

Dublin-based post-punk outfit Silverbacks have kicked off 2022 in style with new album Archive Material, the follow-up to their superb 2020 debut Fad. The new record continues their propensity for brilliance; a colorful, vivid and exuberant record built upon irresistible grooves and propulsive rhythms, it is spearheaded by lead single ‘A Job Worth Something’. We find Daniel reflecting on his experiences working in insurance while his sister treated patients in a COVID ward, marked by the feelings of futility and guilt he felt at the time. A tight and pointed tune filled alluring guitars, hooks and jangly groove that veers from melodic meander to super focused.

More brilliance from long standing BG favs.

Deadletter – ‘Pop Culture Connoisseur’

Released toward the end of last year, ‘Pop Culture Connoisseur’ signalled the signing of Yorkshire outfit DEADLETTER to the always interesting indie label Nice Swan Records. Lyrically serious yet surreal, musically, it is brash and boisterous (yet very groovy) as a wall of post-punk, dubby bassline, swaggering guitars and impassioned vocals set the blistering tone. Think Gang of Four, Franz Ferdinand and lots of bite. Stellar stuff.

Simple Kid – ‘Failed Musician’

Another released and missed late last year, London-based Irish artist Simple Kid (aka Ciaran McFeely) continued his drip feeding of new material following a long period of musical hibernation with ‘Failed Musician’. A jaunty jam riffing on ‘I Feel Free’ by Cream, guitars glisten and shimmer atop a chugging bassline while McFeely’s recognizable vocals thrive amid the warm tones, charm and general sparkle. Long standing patrons will be aware of my fondness for Simple Kid, his two records – SK1 in 2003 and SK2 in 2006 – are also worth your time.


Future West – ‘Late Last Nite’

Future West is the creative outlet centred around Dundalk-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Francis Watters, who do a fine line in scrappy indie meets groove ridden post-punk.

Having spent the last year-and-a-half writing and recording new material with an all-new line up, Future West will release debut album Who Will Forgive All My Sins in early 2022 and have also shared the first glimpse of their graft, with the superb ‘Late Last Nite’.

Born out of frustration from fear and an internal argument after one too many nights of drinking and staying up too late indoors during quarantine times. Introspective, melancholic wistfulness and smouldering anger thrive in equal measure as vocals shift through the gears to hammer home the lyrics while guitars burn, buzz and jerk amid a layer of fuzz and Strokes-esque vibes meets LCD-style grooves. It is captivating, urgent and groove fuelled post-punk that is candidly introspective yet swaggering – and absolutely brilliant.

Tune in below:

Stephen Durkan – ‘The Acid Commune’

Glaswegian artist, Stephen Durkan is preparing to release his debut EP in February and the second single lifted from the EP is ‘The Acid Commune’.

It is a thrilling, hypnotic and exhilarating post-punk jam that shifts seamlessly between driving (drums and bass) rhythms and acoustic strums to choppy bursts of dreamy guitars; it feels vast and somewhat sprawling and works perfectly as a backdrop for Durkan’s rhythmic spoken/semi-sung venting, offering a searing critique of individualism that cuts to the heart of our everyday experience. It is a hypnotic, groovy and mesmerizing post-punk sound that will have you hooked from the get go.

Listen to ‘The Acid Commune’ below – and keep an eye out for the debut EP coming in February.

Sprints – ‘Little Fix’

Dublin-based post-punk outfit Sprints have released another single from their forthcoming A Modern Job EP; and quelle surprise, it is a cracker!

The new single ‘Little Fix’ is the latest in a line of brilliant tunes from Sprints – it is a fast-paced, spiky and frantic three-minute post-punk thriller. In keeping with Sprints’ raucous and defiant, yet fun, potent post-punk sound, ‘Little Fix’ is fuelled by short, snappy, repetitive bassline duking it out with a biting guitar riff laying a powerful, memorable and catchy foundation for lead vocalist, Karla Chubb to thrive and soar.
We’ve been keeping tabs on Sprints for a while now and they have impressed on each and every time of asking – ‘Little Fix’ is bursting with explosive energy, swagger and an in-your-face attitude. Take a bow. 

A Modern Job, which is due out via Nice Swan Records on March 11 2022.

Vanessa Van Ness – ‘The Early Bus’

Vanessa Van Ness is a New York-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with a penchant for eerie post-punk with psych brush strokes.

Van Ness’ latest single ‘The Early Bus’ is a very personal one, intimate and hypnotic, it is fraught with a harrowing sense of eeriness as it deals with her brother getting hit by a car when they were kids, and taking an early bus each day to visit him in the hospital over a span of six months. A stirring, emotionally charged and sentimental track that musically nods in the direction of 70s/80s UK post-punk and motorik krautrock. Melancholic vocals whisper and flicker above a hypnotic groove while guitars shapeshift and evaporate amid the sparse sea of atmospherics, synth and psych brush strokes. ‘The Early Bus’ is incredibly powerful, moving and captivating – it may be dark and eerie but is also extremely touching too.

Listen to ‘The Early Bus’ below:

English Teacher – ‘R&B’

Last year London label Nice Swan began the ‘Nice Swan Introduces’ series facilitating releases from a whole raft of new and exciting talent including Jelly Cleaver, Courting, Sprints, Hallan, Malady, Mandrake Handshake & Anorak Patch, and English Teacher’s ‘R&B’ is latest entry in the series.

Leeds quartet English Teacher trade in meaty and razor-sharp sprawling post-punk alchemy and waste no time in setting the wheels in motion on ‘R&B. Part of an inaugural compilation that is penned for release in August, ‘R&B’ is built upon a speedy bassline and Lily Fontaine’s deadpan vocals before exploding with a searing riffs, soaring guitars and crunching drums, all bathed in a wall of fuzz and distortion. A huge, epic and absolutely magnificent crunching anthem – turn it up loud.

Listen to ‘R&B’ and keep an eye out for the compilation come August:

’59 – ‘The Forbidden Zone’

’59 is led by Ryan Ehresman, a synth-obsessed writer and producer based out of San Francisco who create exhilarating, manic and kaleidoscopic psych-splashed post-punk/krautrock sounds.

’59’s latest is called ‘The Forbidden Zone’ and it is an absolute beast. Fuelled by a relentless electronic beat, pulsing synth, repetitive guitarlines, buzzsaw riffs and sharp rhythm section, ‘The Forbidden Zone’ makes for a taut, furious and intoxicating whirlwind of somewhat frenzied sounds – with moments of melodic respite and relative calm strewn throughout. ‘The Forbidden Zone’ feels organic in its composition and exudes exhilarating energy and is brilliantly manic and unique. One of the finest tracks of 2021, ‘The Forbidden Zone’ more than hints that keeping tabs on ’59 is going to be exciting.

Listen to ‘The Forbidden Zone’ below now:

Spirit Award – ‘Shout (Kill the Rich)’

Shout (Kill the Rich) is the latest sprawling single from Seattle-based psych-rock outfit Spirit Award.

Taken from their third album, Lunatic House, Shout (Kill the Rich) showcases a fearlessness to explore psychedelic rovings and embrace chaos and jarring jerky aggression; and striking a perfect balance between these two facets is the cornerstone to which everything else is built. ‘Shout (Kill the Rich)’ is a living, breathing and ever-changing kaleidescopic explosion, it opens with a grimy, chaotic and caustic energy as they explore a sound on the margin with taut drums, jerky riffs and swirls of distortion as it stares dead-eyed, with an ominous, vacant air of menace amid a sense of the otherworldly and rising tide of claustrophobia before reseeding to calmer climes. The gritty makes way for shimmering guitars, warm layers of lush synths and melodic sweetness to offer a sense of comfort and positivity. A magnificent and sprawling exploration – simply stunning!

Listen to ‘Shout (Kill the Rich)’ below: