The Rosie Varela Project – Fault Line

If the name Rosie Varela sounds familiar, you’d be right. Rosie is the primo mover and shaker from Texas based gazers Eep. She’s now launching her debut solo album under the name The Rosie Varela Project. What Remains is up for pre order now over on Bandcamp however we’ll circle back to that in another blog very soon.

Varela has released the single ‘Fault Line’ as a taster of what is on offer. Opening on a simple acoustic guitar and vocal line the song quickly blossoms. Drums beckon in a chiming xylophone and lush complimentary backing vocals.

As the song heads into its final stretch, it explodes into full bloom. Full on psychedelia follows with reverse guitars and Beatle-esque strings like Strawberry Fields Forever.  

These aren’t the sounds we’re used to hearing from Varela but she owns it. The creativity and sonic dexterity on display could only have come from her heart and head. The musicians (and close friends of Varela’s) who play on this track have given us a tease of the magic that’s ahead of us on this album.

I’ll be back with a full breakdown of the album soon (spoiler alert…….it’s amazing). Until then head on over to Bandcamp and get it pre-ordered. While you’re there check out her albums with Eep too.

Here’s the video for the single. Enjoy!

Sun Shines Cold – Temporal Solace EP

I’ve a massive love for the sonic soundscapes of post rock. Imagine my joy when fellow Scots, Sun Shines Cold, dropped their latest EP this month.

Edinburgh based Colan Miles and Brian Jordan have been making music together for a long time now. Their musical partnership has nurtured a musical shorthand that’s evident on the ‘Temporal Solace EP’.

The first piece, ‘Finding Solace’, has all the hallmarks of a great post rock track. The elemental swells and falls. The sweeping six string flourishes, ebbing and flowing. The build, build, build to the wall of fuzzed out sonic ecstasy. There’s an icy uneasiness driving throughout this number keeping the listener on edge and awaiting that release the closing segment brings. It brings to mind being swept out to sea from the calm shore to the crashing waves of the ocean. This is music to lose yourself in.

Moving into the second piece the unease is replaced with a sense of endless space. A journey unending. ‘Temporal Shift’ is built upon the interplay between the pulsing bass and reverb-soaked guitars. There’s a restrained beauty on show here, Miles and Jordan giving the song the delicate touch it needs to keep it driving along. Driving? Maybe that should be floating along, as this piece brings to mind the exploration of the heavens.

The ’Temporal Solace’ EP is without doubt the bands most accomplished tracks to date. A quick dip into their Bandcamp page will attest to how high a compliment that is. Sun Shines Cold create music that excites me. It’s music that captures and holds your attention. I’d love to see a long player from these guys someday. What a sonic journey that would be.

Head on over to the Sun Shines Cold Bandcamp page to download and stream the ‘Temporal Solace EP’ now.

T.G. Shand – Little Sieve

As a big Miniatures fan, I was so happy when lead singer Annemarie Duff returned with her solo project T.G Shand.  Hailing from Ōtautahi New Zealand she is creating some sublime dreampop. Her 2021 singles ‘Lemony’ and ‘Seats’ signalled her as a real contender for Liz Frasers crown.

Now she is back with a new track for 2022. ‘Little Sieve’. It’s beautifully understated. Coming in on a chilled-out shuffle beat it evokes sunsets at the beach with its guitar lick dripping in watery reverb and laid-back vocal delivery. Annemarie’s voice is such a treasure. It’s the magic ingredient that makes this glorious little pot of sunshine fly.

‘Little Sieve’ is available now over on her Bandcamp page along with her other amazing music. If you’re quick you might be able to snag a copy of the single on lathe cut clear vinyl.

Arcade Fire – The Lightning I, II

After a long five years away Arcade Fire return with a new single and the news we’ve all been waiting for. Their latest studio album We will be released on May 6. After the heady disco vibes on Everything Now what would this new music sound like? I was so excited to find out. Like you, I was there at 6pm UK time waiting for the new single ‘Lightning I, II’ to drop. That’s when we found out about the album too. After some frantic pre-ordering I settled down and hit play on the video you see below.

Directed by friend of the band, Emily Kai Bock, the video expresses the feeling of the last two years: trying to make grand plans only to have the storms of life force you to improvise.

Straight out the gate we find an Arcade Fire sounding nostalgic for the sound that built them. The epic swells of the Neon Bible era underpin this opening section. It just feels so good to hear Win and Regine sing together again. It’s at the halfway point when the track double times your heart just explodes. This is why I love Arcade Fire.

It’s so obvious how much love, care and attention has been poured into this song. When Win sings “A Day, a week, a month, a year, every second brings me here” you absolutely feel his longing because you have felt it too. We all have. The last two years have been hellish. The lack of connection, community, belonging. It’s taken its toll on us all.

This appears to be the theme of We. You only have to look at the song titles.

01 Age of Anxiety I
02 Age of Anxiety II (Rabbit Hole)
03 End of the Empire I-IV
04 The Lightning I, II
05 Unconditional I (Lookout Kid)
06 Unconditional II (Race and Religion)
07 We

The albums seven tracks are split into two halves. The first half ‘I’ deals with matters of the self and our personal anxieties. The second half ‘WE’ is about the power of community and what we can achieve together.

That communal spirit has always been Arcade Fires strength. It’s the backbone of their live shows. It’s so good to see them embrace that again and in such a full throated and loving way.

You can pre-order We now on a number of different formats from Arcade Fires link tree here.

Label Focus – Spirit Goth

Sometimes you find a record label that just produces album after album you love to bits. I’d like to pause to shout these heroes out from time to time.

To kick us off let’s look at US label Spirit Goth, created in 2016 by Castlebeat main man Josh Hwang, he’s has been championing smaller acts and bringing them to a wider audience. No mean feat when writing, recording and releasing your own music at the same time.

Spirit Goth have number of cool things going on worth pointing out. Firstly, they run a cassette tape subscription service called Cassette Club! Each month, they will mail you out limited-edition cassettes featuring an artist in the lo-fi indie rock genre! Secondly, they operate a digital release only, net label called BIRTH-D-I-Y. On there you will find a wealth of amazing music to peruse. Lastly there is the label itself, currently on release 41. A most impressive output for such a small label.

So, who can you expect to hear on Spirit Goth? Let’s dive in and have look at some of the artists currently with the label.

Sea Lemon

Fresh to the label is Seattle based bedroom pop artist Sea Lemon. This is the new solo project of 26-year-old songwriter Natalie Lew. Sonically inspired by the lush dreamy atmosphere of Alvvays and Chromatics and the bittersweet glittery vibes of The Beach Boys and Rilo Kiley, Natalie’s songwriting and sound is all about being both present in the moment while never fully letting go of nostalgia, and her experiences growing up as a 4th-generation-Asian woman. Check out her latest track, ‘Sunday’.

Cathedral Bells

Cathedral Bells is Matthew Messore’s shoegaze/dream pop project based out of Cassadaga, Florida. He deals in a gloriously dark edged brand of that bedroom synthpop sound that Spirit Goth do so well. The parallels to Castlebeat are undeniable, but this isn’t a carbon copy act. Far from it. They merely inhabit that same space. His 2021 album Ether is an absolute triumph and warrants your immediate attention. Check out the single ‘Dark Aura’.

Hause Plants

Hailing from Lisbon in Portugal, DIY bedroom pop artist Guilherme Correia writes and records as Hause Plants. Ranging from themes like social anxiety, careless coming-of-age and nights out in a big city, Hause Plants’ songs are bedroom pop in their essence, but are meant to be heard and played live, combining the urgency and vitality of 80’s post-punk with the ethereal landscapes of dream pop and shoegaze. Check out the track “Visual Diaries” featured on his Film For Color Photos EP.

Kekko

Kekko is the psychedelic lovechild of cosmic duo Tim and Cherie Kekko. These guys make the most beguiling, other worldly music. Definitely blazing their own trail their music defies pigeon holing. It’s got elements of psych but also space pop and then again, it’s also got a lo-fi aesthetic. Their Dreaming Life EP is an absolute joy to behold. A trip from start to finish. Check out my favourite track ‘Within You’.

CASTLEBEAT

We simply can’t talk about Spirit Goth without mention of Hwang’s own project Castlebeat. Now on album number three he has laid the path for so many others to follow. His self-titled debut was recorded at home in his garage yet has the production values of any high-end studio recording. That first album is a regular on my turntable. There is not one bad track on it. Then came the follow up VHS in 2018. Josh himself considers this a direct continuation of his debut. For me it is a shade darker and denser in production but just as engaging and enjoyable. On Melodrama, his third outing, Hwang broadens his musical palette. Drawing from his dream pop roots he reaches out into synthwave, hip hop, jangle pop and more whilst maintaining his lo-fi credentials by continuing to record at home. Check out new track ‘Racing’ for a flavour of where he is going next.

There are many more artists for you to explore and enjoy on the Spirit Goth website and Bandcamp page. Don’t forget to check out Birthdiy on Bandcamp too.

Ghost Patterns – Drone Jam / Howl

London based Ghost Patterns return after thrilling us with their stunning debut album Infinite. Not content with delivering one slab of sonic goodness they’re treating us to two singles. For those unfamiliar, Ghost Patterns are a four-piece psyche band who fold in elements of shoegaze and post punk to create their unique sound.

I was instantly smitten by Infinite and its fuzzy technicolour world. I’d draw your attention to tracks like ‘Oracle’ for its Banshees, epic scale delivery. Title track ‘Infinite’ also demands your attention with its hypnotic delivery. If you haven’t got it on your ‘to listen to’ list add it immediately.

It’s on the back of that amazing album that these two new tracks arrive. Let’s kick off with a listen to ‘Drone Jam’. A very literal title as we dive headlong into vortex of swirling guitars and pounding drums. This instrumental delivers new levels of intensity with each section. It certainly keeps the listener on their toes. By the closing section you are fully under their spell. ‘Drone Jam’ is psyche wig out that delivers in spades.

‘Howl’ on the other hand is a driven, vocal track with canyon size reverb and a riff ten feet tall. This band really do deal in widescreen aural treats. There is an early Cure, goth feel to the backing and delivery which when blended with their psyche sound makes for something all of their own.

There is lots to explore in their back catalogue so make sure you head over to their Bandcamp page to grab these singles and their album. If you happen to be in London on March 29, you can catch them live at the Shacklewell Arms in Hackney supporting the awesome Mayflower Madame.

Just Mustard – Still

Excitement reached fever pitch this week at the Static Sounds Clubhouse with the announcement of a new album from Dundalk’s finest, Just Mustard.  Out on May 27th Heart Under is the long awaited follow up to their landmark debut album Wednesday. They had teased us with a sneak peek, back in November last year, with the release of ‘I Am You’. It was a typically genre defying, slow burning lesson in how you can take everyday instruments, like electric guitars, and create a soundscape like no other.

This week they have dropped another single from the album. Whereas ‘I Am You’ slowly built to its awe-inspiring finish ‘Still’ comes in HOT! Katie Ball owns this track with her strongest vocal performance to date. This is dark, dark territory we’re in. The bass looms large like an ogre while the guitars rage against each other. It’s the drums however that surprise the most. Driving the funkiest groove under the whole thing they lift this song to another level. Check the track out for yourself whilst enjoying the amazing promo video.

If this is any indication as to what the rest of the album is going to sound like we are all in for quite a treat.

You can pre-order the album now from the band’s website or your choice of indie retailer. The album also came out as part of the Dinked releases however they’ve now sold out.

https://justmustard.lnk.to/heartunder

Whimsical – Rewind

Two years on from the release of their last album Bright Smiles & Broken Hearts US shoegaze stalwarts Whimsical are back with a new LP and single.

The band, Krissy Vanderwoude (words) and Neil Burkdoll (music), gave us a taster with the single ‘Gravity’ last summer. The album Melt will be released on April 1 via Shelflife Records and Through Love Records. We don’t have to wait to hear the new single ‘Rewind’. Let’s jump in.

The track opens on powerful guitar strums from Burkdoll incorporating a neat false stop to bring in some pulsing electronica. This is something new to the bands sonic arsenal and it really lifts this songs intro. No wonder it was picked to lead out the new album.

Vanderwoude gorgeous, lilting tones sing of a relationship gone awry and her desire to “rewind it to the start”. As always, the sound of her optimistic lyrics claims the gaps in the melody and make the song whole. You can tell these two have a musical telepathy that transcends the physical distance between them.  

This is their first single of the year however March heralds the release of not one but TWO more choice cuts from the album. More news on that nearer the time.

In the meantime, head over to Bandcamp if you are in the US or Through Love Records if you’re closer to Europe to pre-order the new album. For now, here is the video for ‘Rewind’ created by the visual and musical genius that is Andy Jossi.

Keeley – Brave Warrior EP

Ireland has been producing some of the finest acts of the last couple of years, especially in the indie and shoegaze / psych scenes. Dublin based artist Keeley is continuing that fine tradition with her Brave Warrior EP. Originally released last year digitally it has now been pressed to vinyl and is about to be released to the world. She has garnered a lot of attention around this collection of songs from the likes of, BBC Radio 6 DJ, Steve Lamacq, so it’s definitely time for me to give it a spin.

The EP opens with the glam stomper ‘The Glitter and the Glue’. Trading off a killer riff and beefy guitar tone this sets Keeley’s stall out early doors. For the past five years, Keeley has been publishing ‘The Keeley Chronicles’ blog, dedicated to the harrowing and mystifying case of murdered German tourist Inga-Maria Hauser in 1988. The lyrics of the song reflect this, her labour of love, and contrast beautifully with the upbeat, tone of the music.

Continuing that narrative into ‘Last Words’ Keeley looks at the final hours of Hauser’s life. She trades the indie pomp of the opening track for the almost Kraftwerk inspired backing to this song. It’s a travelling song and she has imbued that movement into every moment of the song. It’s utterly engaging and you want to know where it’s going to go next.

‘Never Here, Always There’ pivots the sound of the EP again. Much softer and nurturing, this song wears its heart on its sleeve throughout. On the subject of what this song is about Keeley said “It’s a portrayal of purity belonging to a world that’s gone, and the story of a girl who chased the sun only to face soulless ogres who could not be overcome. But her beautiful defiance and soulful strength of spirit continue to generate limitless light from beyond the boundaries of mortality.” Optimism is such an infectious thing. It’s bursting out of every moment of this song.

The EP closes on the dark and brooding ‘You Never Made It That Far’. A pledge, a heartfelt promise from Keeley to Inga-Maria that she won’t ever be forgotten and her memory will live on. Live on in Keeley’s’ heart, these songs and all who are touched by them. It’s a sparse, electronica led song which blossoms in the choruses. Keeley’s’ Irish lilt comes through more here than any of the other tracks suggesting how close to her heart this song is.

This EP is a beautifully compiled tribute to the life of a beautiful soul. The ease at which each track moves from style to style speaks volumes to the skill of Keeley as a songwriter.

The Brave Warrior EP is available now on Bandcamp digitally or on a very limited edition 10” vinyl.

Dreamback – Asleep

Almost a year ago to the day I was introducing you to the debut album from UK-based producer/musician Jamie Duddy. I was absolutely floored by the joyful experimentation and dreamy aesthetic on show. This is why I’m so happy he has returned for 2022 with a new EP called Asleep. Has that experimentation continued? Let’s get in amongst it and find out.

The EP opens with the woozy ‘Connected’. This track immediately reminded me of Ultra Vivid Scene and Throwing Muses. Two massive favourites of mine. I was sold after the intro alone.

‘zzz’ opens with an eerie voice saying “counting sheep” whilst a psychedelic, swirly, raga dreamscape plays out behind it. This is a hypnotic interlude which takes us further down into Duddy’s imagination.

The centrepiece of the EP ‘Vison Clear’ appears next. Hung on a luscious chord cycle Duddy sings the song title like a mantra. A fuzzed guitar trying to edge its way is constantly held just at bay. Holding this perfect moment, frozen in time.

The lullaby ‘Saturn’ follows lifting us into space. Floating through the starlit expanse, in awe at all that surrounds us. This really is an ‘out there’ track where out there is the most wonderful place.

The EP comes to a close on ‘Wakeful’ as we rise from our slumber. The inclusion of pacier drums on this one whist revisiting the themes and motifs of the EP lead to a most satisfactory conclusion to our dream odyssey.

What Duddy has achieved here is a cohesively themed EP which feels like a trip from start to finish. That’s not something that’s easily achieved and certainly not this early in your recording career. I really hope we continue to see this level of songwriting in his future work.

Asleep is available now over on Dreamback’s Bandcamp page and streaming on all the usual places.