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Here is my summary of the releases I loved the most in JANUARY.

The list is in no particular order, but the ones I loved the most are marked with a red ||.

A Spotify playlist with songs from this list can be found below or via this link.
Did you miss the other posts in this series? Click the link to view them. 

SINGLES I LOVED THIS MONTH

Happy Spendy

In no particular order:

Happy Spendy – “Feelings 2”  DIY pop from Glasgow. This synth-based song is full of beautiful menancholy. I LOVE the vocals! (Spotify)

Peaness – “Kaizen”  They’re always good. Upbeat indiepop with lovely harmonies. (Spotify)

Boniface – “Oh My God”  I have fallen in love with this synthpop-track and the lyrics from Canadian Boniface. (Spotify)

Beach Bunny – “Cloud 9”  Heartfelt energy-pop. (Spotify)

Heart Beach – “Together”  The arrangement and instrumentation is so minimal here, but so effective. The lyrics and melody are always in front, and it is so beautiful. (Spotify)

(more singles after the photo)

Peel Dream Magazine

Peel Dream Magazine – “Pill”  Gorgeous, dreamy shoegaze with My Bloody Valentine- and Stereolab-vibes
. (Spotify)

Alex The Astronaut – “I think you’re great”  This makes me happy. (Spotify)

Penny Diving – “Nineteen”  Montreal’s Penny Diving is what you can call a family band, with two twins and one twin’s husband. Their new single is so good and catchy, and I always find myself humming along to it. They call their style “basement dream pop”. (Spotify)

Diet Cig – “Night terrors”  Impossible not to like. Catchy, charming guitar-pop. (Spotify)

Birgitta Alida – “Past”  Birgitta Alida is the singer of Norwegian bands Strange Hellos and Lumikide. This is a wonderful song, with a cool orchestral sound. Brian Wilson should hear this. He would love it. (Spotify)

You will find even more of my other favourite singles in the Spotify list.

ALBUMS I LOVED THIS MONTH

Frances Quinlan (photo by Shelly Duncan)

Frances Quinlan – Likewise || Brilliant solo-album from the front-woman of Hop Along. She sings with so much emotion, (Spotify)

Alexandra Savior – The Archer || Dark, atmospheric, twangy, dreamy, psychedelic pop, – equal parts 50s crooning and 90s/00s trip hop a’la Portishead and Morcheeba. Her music could fit well in a David Lynch movie. (Spotify)

The Chap – Digital Technology || They’re kind of veterans now, after having released 9 (?) albums with music in their unique, quirky indie electro pop style. (Spotify)

Whyte Horses – Hard times || The band’s third album is a cover-album where they have collaborated with artists like Tracyanne Campbell (Camera Obscura), John Grant, Badly Drawn Boy, Gruff Rhys and others. The result is a very soulful album, with covers of both obscure and well known songs. (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

The Just Joans (photo by Allan Whyte)

The Just Jones – The private memoirs and confessions of The Just Joans || Impressive new album from the Scottish duo. Indiepop/indiefolk/indiesomething… (Spotify)

Alice Boman – Dream on || Calm, fragile,  melancholic and sad, but also with a sense of hopefulness. Beautiful songs. (Spotify)

Husbands – After the gold rush party || Very fine lo-fi power pop from Oklahoma City.  (Spotify)

The King in Mirrors – Wasting precious time || One-man indiepop band from Swindon, UK.  Fans of The Go-Betweens, early R.E.M. or the bands on Flying Nun Records will love this. (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

Kiwi jr.

Kiwi jr. – Football money || This is so good! Kiwi jr. are from Toronto, and make jangly pop songs with lots of energy and great melodies.  (Spotify)

Termination Dust – Growing down || Termination Dust is a band from Anchorage, Alaska, named after “a light, high-altitude snowfall that indicates the end of summer”. Their sound is kind of lo-fi indie-rock, and their songs are great! (Spotify)

Cold Mailman – Baby wake up we’re losing the fire || Probably my favourite Norwegian band. This is their 5th album, and also the 5th album of theirs that are high on my list of favourite albums

. On their Facebook, they call their style “Postapocalyptic-surf-emo-pop”. I just stick with my usual “warm, beautiful music”-genre
. (Spotify)

Pia Fraus – Empty parks || The Estonian band has been around since 1998, with their blend of dreampop, shoegaze and electronic elements. I think they have released 7 albums including this, but I am not very good at counting, so I may be wrong. I really enjoy this new one. (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

Mura Masa

Mura Masa – R.Y.C. || One of the most interesting albums this month comes from a popular artist with millions of streams on Spotify
. A refreshing blend of styles, interesting ways of composing and producing, good melodies, a little bit of roughness and definitely not a streamlined pop sound.  (Spotify)

Various artists – The Turning (Original soundtrack) || I have heard that the movie is not very interesting, but the soundtrack definitely is. On the album, you find new songs from artists like Mitski, Girl in Red, Soccer Mommy, Cherry Glazerr, Vagabon and others. (Spotify)

Deserta – Black aura my sun || Washed out, dreamy songs that has a lot in common with bands like Slowdive and Sigur Ros. (Spotify)

Poliça – When we stay alive || This arrived on the last day of the month, so I have only listened briefly to it. Sounds very good. Dreamy electronic pop. (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

En Attendant Ana (photo by Chloé Lecarpentier)

En Attendant Ana – Juillet || The 2nd album from the Parisian indiepop quintet En Attendant Ana. Melody- and harmony-focused fuzzy, jangly pop with lots of drive. (Spotify)

Holy Fuck – Deleter || Rhythmic, raw, organic semi-electronic music, with warm vocals and some kraut-elements. (Spotify)

Mint Julep – Stray fantasies || Married couple Hollie and Keith Kenniff have released their 3rd album of electronic based dreampop with some rougher elements. Keith is also responsible for two other favourites of mine, Goldmund and Helios, where he makes neo-classical and ambient music. (Spotify)

Squirrel Flower – I was born swimming || This arrived on the last day of the month, so I have only listened briefly to it. Sounds very good. From the bio: “Squirrel Flower’s music is ethereal and warm, gushing with emotional depth that the listener can step into like a warm bath.” (Spotify)

EPs I LOVED THIS MONTH

Big Baby (photo by Linda Moses)

Big Baby – Fizzy Cola || Refreshing, fuzzy indiepop from Richmond. Brilliant songs, and lots of energy. “String of pearls” is probably the song I have listened the most to so far in 2020. (Spotify)

Remington Super 60 – New EP || My favourites are back, and I am so happy to hear this! Beautiful, sweet, classic popsongs.  (Spotify)

Public Memory – Illusion of choice || Dark and dreamy electronic pop. (Spotify)

Purple Heart Parade – Desolation angel || Warm, big-sounding shoegaze/dreampop from Manchester.  (Spotify)

Wild Nothing – Laughing gas || New music from Wild Nothing! This arrived very late in January, so I haven’t listened enough to it, but I think you will like it. (Spotify)

Strawberry Generation – Recollection || Sweet, lovely indiepop-melodies from Providence. Album out in February on Sunday Records. (Spotify)

OTHER THINGS I ENJOYED THIS MONTH

Pale Saints – The Comforts of Madness (30 anniversary reissue) || Remastered version of this classic album, and lots of extra tracks. (Spotify)

Operator Music Band – Duo Duo The Remixes || Remix version of their 2019 album. (Spotify)

The Beloved – Where is it? (Special Edition) || The Beloved is most known for their 90s dance/electronica pop hits, like Sweet Harmony, Hello and The Sun Rising, but they started as a jangly post punk/indiepop guitar band, and on this reissue of their 87-album, you will hear this. The album also features several unreleased songs. (Spotify)

Listen to the songs from this list on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6qca6CzOzR0tDfZE22vAk1?si=23q0mFxGTDSxIC8621iiRA

The list is not ranked, – all 46 are good – but it is listed by the month the EPs were released.

You can listen to songs from these EPs on my Spotify playlist. 

JANUARY AND FEBRUARY

Fanclub (photo by Jesus A. Acosta)

Fanclub – All the same || Super-catchy indiepop from Austin, Texas. (Spotify)

Buffalo Postcard – Morning Chimes || Jangly indiepop with gorgeous melodies.  (Spotify)

FUR – FUR || FUR combine the sound of the 50s with modern indie, and adds lyrical themes of love and heartbreak.  (Spotify)

Jupiter Sprites – Jupiter Sprites || Very fine psychedelic dreampop. The lead track is one of my most played songs this year. (Spotify)

MARCH

Raketklubben (photo by Nora Tysklind)

Raketklubben – Fuck dig, Fan för dig || Powerful, rough and emotional indie from Sweden. (Spotify)

Patio – Vile Bodies || They call their style “Minimal Post-punk” and are inspired by both classic UK post punk and the songwriting of Cate le Bon. (Spotify)

Papercuts – Kathleen Says || “West coast soft pop”. Includes a marvellous cover of Jason C. Frank’s “Blues run the game”. Out on Slumberland Records.  (Spotify)

Lali Puna – Being Water || Melodic electronic pop from Germany.  (Spotify)

APRIL

All Girls Arson Club

All Girls Arson Club – Dark fruits || They call it “weed pop, girl rock, cute punk as fuck”. I call it catchy, punky DIY indiepop.  (Spotify)

L I P S  – L I P S EP || Very catchy dreampop with a touch of shoegaze.  (Spotify)

Brett – Perfect Patterns || Swirling, hypnotic, melodic pop.  (Spotify)

Schande – Pedigree || Lovely fuzzy melodies with a 90s touch. (Spotify)

MAY

The Slow Summits

The Slow Summits – Languid Belles || Very good jangly popsongs from Sweden
. Amelia Fletcher of Talulah Gosh/Heavenly/Marine Research/The Catenary Wires, is singing co-vocals on two tracks. (Spotify)

Someone – ORBIT || Her music is very pleasant, with a BIG sound and sound-references to both the 60s, 70s and 80s. Collabs with C Duncan on one track. (Spotify)

Holy Hive + Mary Lattimore – Harping || Laid back soul/folk with harps and my favourite SASAMI participates with vocals.. (Spotify)

The Umbrellas – Maritime EP || Classic indiepop, with “the Sarah Records-sound”. The EP also features a beautiful cover of “Dance” by Strawberry Switchblade (“Dance” is an early version of the hit “Since Yesterday”).  (Spotify)

Tristan Barton – To Peter, from Catherine || Very fine guitar-pop songs, inspired by R.E.M, The Ocean Blue, Guided by Voices, The National and others. (Spotify)

Static Animal – Portrait || Slightly melancholic guitar based dreamy pop songs. (Spotify)

JUNE AND JULY

Girl Friday (Photo by Kylie Shaffer)

Girl Friday – Fashion Conman || According to their bio, they fuse mod-pop a’la early The Bangles, 90s alt rock a’la Hole, and post-punk. (Spotify)

Featherfin – Fan Fiction (cover EP) || My own EP with cover songs of  The Jesus and Mary Chain, Tullycraft, Primal Scream and Psychic TV. It’s on this list just because I can, not because it can match any of these EPs in quality. No, just kidding, – or am I?   (Spotify)

Summer Salt – Honeyweed || Summer Salt definitely have the sound of summer in their songs. At times it’s almost jazzy, crooning and 60s inspired, and definitely POP.  (Spotify)

Telepathy Club – Triple Cancer || Is this an album or an EP? 7 songs, 32 minutes. Warm, rough, lo-fi, jangly, dreamy, psychedelic pop. (Spotify)

AUGUST

Strange New Places

Strange New Places – Uncomfortable || Very emotional and also very energetic songs from the Belfast queerpunk five-piece.  (Spotify)

Cool Serbia – Cool Serbia || Bandcamp-listener Nick Fray describes this better than me: “Dreamy, bombastic pop with that borrowed nostalgia that’s like crack to me”. The song “Dream lover” should have been a top10 hit in a perfect world.  (Spotify)

The Umbrella Puzzles – S/T || The music of Ryan Marquez of Apple Orchard and Golden Teardrops has always been a favourite of mine. In his new project, he continues to deliver quality jangly indiepop-songs  (Spotify)

SEPTEMBER

Future Silence

Future Silence – Future Silence || Lovely, cinematic dreampop  from Chicago
. (Spotify)

Lost Ships – All the pieces || Jangly indiepop from Portsmouth, with lovely Byrds/Teenage Fanclub-ish harmonies. (Spotify)

A Certain Smile – Bae || Very nice fuzzy, sunshiny, catchy indiepop. (Spotify)

Spunsugar – Mouth full of you || Dreamy, shoegazy pop, full of energy, from Sweden  (Spotify)

Girl in Red – chapter 2 || Rough indiepop from this unique Norwegian artist. (Spotify)

OCTOBER

Guerilla Toss

Guerilla Toss – What would the odd do || Psychedelic, raw, upbeat electronic pop. (Spotify)

Stars on Fire – Songs for the summer || This dreamy, upbeat, fuzzy indiepop EP sends me right back to the late 80s, – driving around happily in my first car in the sunshine. It is released on Emma’s House Records, which I guess says a lot about the style. (Spotify)

Olivia’s World – S/T || Super-catchy, rough indiepop. Eardrums-favourite Rose Melberg plays drums. (Spotify)

Beabadoobee – Space Cadet || Her Spotify bio says: “Poo poo pee pee pistachios”… On Facebook it’s a bit better: “pop indie slacker folk”. I would say very good, rough pop songs. And she says she wishes she was Stephen Malkmus.  (Spotify)

Bdrmm – If not, when || “A perfect coctail of synth soaked Beach House, jangly slackers DIIV and otherworldly shoegazers Slowdive”.  (Spotify)

Basement Revolver – Wax and digital || Shoegaze-esque dreampop  (Spotify)

Molly Linen – Outside EP || Her bio says “atmospheric, captivating and personal songs, led by melodic guitar lines and lulling yet hypnotic vocals”. These songs are so beautiful! (Spotify)

NOVEMBER

Ducks Unlimited (photo by Madeline Link)

Ducks Unlimited – Get Bleak || A very good jangly indiepop EP.  (Spotify)

Peel Dream Magazine – Up and up || From their bio: “Hazy Stereolab indebted indiepop”.  That describes their sound well. (Spotify)

Isobel Campbell – Hey World etc || The whispery voice of the early Belle & Sebastian. Includes a good Tom Petty cover. (Spotify)

Le SuperHomard – SDVB || Spacey melodies, with sound-references to bands like The High Llamas, Saint Etienne and Broadcast. (Spotify)

Tiny Magnetic Pets – Girl in a white dress || Lovely synth pop. Described by Boy George as “It’s The Velvet Underground meets Laurie Anderson, but it all leads back to Kraftwerk”. They have worked with artists like OMD and Wolfgang Flur (Kraftwerk). (Spotify)

Benjamin Francis Leftwich – Elefant || One of the artists who have blown me away live this year. Beautiful sensitive folk. That voice! (Spotify)

Sea Lion – Pass this way || From the bio: “Sparse, moody folk songs”. Very soothing EP. If you like Mazzy Star, this is for you. (Spotify)

Villagers – The Sunday Walkers || Sad songs done the right way. Calm, acoustic, orchestral. (Spotify)

DECEMBER

Lucie, Too

Lucie, Too – CHIME || Japanese  “punky”, melodic indiepop. (Spotify)

Shugo Tokumaru/John John Festival – koe ni naru || Beautiful songs. I think that describes it well. Here Shugo Tokumaru works with the Irish-inspired John John Festival. Listen to Shugo Tokumaru‘s other releases as well. I am a big fan. Highly recommended music. (Spotify)

Listen to the songs from this list on Spotify:

. The albums are listed by release-month. And no, I just can’t limit myself to only 10.
I think 85 is a better number.

Here is a playlist with 85 songs from these 85 albums. The playlist is set up the same way as the list below.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4PJyxzVYeJ69MgpDU6g5tL?si=ba9qcLhpQUGKn23pmyyKbA

I hope 2019 has been good to you, and brought you much joy! See you in 2020, – the year when EVERYTHING will get better.

January

Misty Coast (photo by Francisco Munoz)

Misty Coast – Melodaze || Dreampop  from Norway (Spotify)

Earache – Last || Jangly indiepop/dreampop (Spotify)

Pedro the Lion – Phoenix || Indie rock/pop
. (Spotify)

Zach Haigley – Record-o-matic || Acoustic, bedroomy pop with experimental elements.  (Spotify)

The Bralettes – Cheers! || “bubblegum punk”. (Spotify)

February

Tiny Ruins (photo by Si Moore)

Tiny Ruins – Olympic Girls || “delicate folk, lustrous dream pop and ebullient psychedelia”. Released on Courtney Barnett’s own Milk! Records. (Spotify)

It’s for Us – Stay || Melodic modern post-punk from Sweden

. (Spotify)

Cherry Glazerr – Stuffed & Ready || An accurate Bandcamp review from listener Lee Tran Lam: “Like if Chromatics decided to time-travel back to the ’90s and start a grunge band” (Spotify)

Calva Louise – Rhinoceros  || Fuzzy energy-pop (Spotify)

Tullycraft  – The Railway Prince Hotel || Indiepop with brilliant lyrics.  (Spotify)

Jessica Pratt – Quiet Signs || Airy, dreamy, acoustic, quiet. (Spotify)

Star Horse – You said forever || Dreampop/indiepop/shoegaze. Interesting songwriting. (Spotify)

Pom Poko – Birthday || Weirdness, raw energy and fun rhythms. (Spotify)

March

CHAI

CHAI – Punk || Japanese 4-piece. The album is full of fun, energy and cuteness.  (Spotify)

Westkust – Westkust || Fuzzy, shoegazy and melodic indiepop. (Spotify)

Stella Donnelly – Beware of the Dogs || Folky-ish pop with strong lyrics. (Spotify)

SASAMI – SASAMI || Dreamy pop. (Spotify)

Nanami Ozone – NO || “not quite pop, not quite punk, not quite shoegaze”, yet it is close to all of those. Kind of. (Spotify)

Alcabean – Confessions || According to the bio: “melodious guitar synth pop colored with dreamy duet vocals that take you to a blissful state of mind” (Spotify)

We Show Up on Radar – Zanzibar Whip Coral || Fragile, sweet indiepop. (Spotify)

Chris Cohen – Chris Cohen || Melodic indie with unusual and complex arrangements. (Spotify)

Mathilda Brink – Maestro || Poetic, rough, jangly with a touch of folk and a touch of indiepop. Sung in Swedish. (Spotify)

Shiny Times  – Can’t be depressed || Jangly, dreamy, soft-voiced indiepop/bedroom pop. (Spotify)

April

Elva

Elva – Winter Sun || Folky indiepop. The band from Moss, Norway includes members from Making Marks and Allo Darlin’. (Spotify)

Flying Fish Cove – At Moonset || indiepop, Heavenly-style. (Spotify)

Teen Body – Dreamo || dreamy indie pop, or “dreamo”, as they call it. (Spotify)

Bubblegum Lemonade – Desperately seeking sunshine || Catchy, jangly indiepop from Scotland, “rooted in bubblegum pop and jangly groups like Talulah Gosh and Primal Scream”. (Spotify)

Billie Eilish – When we all fall asleep, where do we go? || “Commercial pop” with a surprisingly experimental touch. (Spotify)

Jess Ribeiro – LOVE HATE || If  the girls from The Shangri-La’s were young today and had started a band, this may be how they would sound
. (Spotify)

Mammoth Penguins – There’s no fight we can’t both win || “Energetic, bouncy indie rock” (Spotify)

Evripidis and his Tragedies – Mia Triti Stin Cantina || Well crafted ndiepop with vocals sung in Greek. (Spotify)

May

Operators

Operators – Radiant Dawn || Electro-pop with guitars. The band features members of Wolf Parade, Handsome Furs, Divine Fits, Devojka and New Bomb Turks (Spotify)

The Ballet – Matchy Matchy || Catchy synthpop/indiepop with touching lyrics. This has been on repeat for a while here in my house. (Spotify)

Lowland Hum – Glyphonic || Warm and melodic “art-folk”. (Spotify)

Coral Collapse – Don’t wait to see me say goodbye || Dreampop/shoegaze from New York. (Spotify)

KUNG-FU GIRL – KUNG-FU GIRL || Rough, energetic, punky indiepop from Japan. (Spotify)

whenyoung – Reasons to dream || Energetic, powerful, catchy indie pop. (Spotify)

Maps – Colours, Reflect , Time Loss || Orchestral, electronic dreampop. (Spotify)

Vampire Weekend – Father of the bride || Hipster pop
. But good. (Spotify)

June

Keel Her (Photo by Ned Botwood)

Keel Her – With Kindness || Warm, rhythmic, melodic, a tiny bit melancholic, “dreamy in a Stereolab/Broadcast-ish way”…   (Spotify)

No Aloha – Okay Alone ||  Indiepop, with lovely melodies, arrangements and atmospheres. (Spotify)

Palehound – Black Friday || Good songs and lyrics, with a little bit of the good kind of roughness. (Spotify)

Jeanines – Jeanines || Jangly, classic indiepop. (Spotify)

Fresh – Withdraw || Energetic  “jump around” punky indie pop
. (Spotify)

Rat Fancy – Stay Cool || Rough, upbeat, kind of punky, melodic indiepop. (Spotify)

July

Cat Apostrophe

Cat Apostrophe – Lifelong Amateurism || Rough, melodic and jangly guitar-pop. (Spotify)

Jesca Hoop – STONECHILD || Mostly acoustic, interesting both musically and lyrically. (Spotify)

Florist – Emily Alone || Melancholic, beautiful , calm songs. (Spotify)

seablite – Grass stains and novocaine || Fuzzy, melodic indiepop. (Spotify)

Penelope Isles – Until the tide breaks in || Dreamy guitar-pop out on Bella Union. (Spotify)

U.S. Highball – Great Record || Jangly, catchy pop songs. (Spotify)

Smaller Hearts – Honestly || Electronic pop/synthpop.  (Spotify)

Fashion Brigade – Fvck the heartache || Collaborative project feat. members of Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, Frankie Cosmos, LCD Soundsystem, Dirty Projectors, Icy Demons, Prince Rama, Phosphorescent, and loads more. (Spotify)

August

0 stars

0 stars – Blowing on a marshmallow in perpetuity || Unique sound, and difficult to put in a genre other than “pop” or “indie”. Warm, intimate songs. (Spotify)

Joyero – Release the dogs || Fragile, organic pop, – based on electronics. (Spotify)

Psapp – Tourists || Playful pop. (Spotify)

Black Belt Eagle Scout – At the party with my brown friends || Indie/folk-ish-ish. (Spotify)

Modern Nature – How to live || Psychedelic/folk project from Ultimate Painting/Mazes/Beak members. (Spotify)

Queen of Jeans – If you’re not afraid, I’m not afraid || Indie (Spotify)

Slaughter Beach, Dog – Safe and also no fear || Indie (Spotify)

Orange Crate Art – Astral lullabies on the treshold || Big-sounding, warm, psychedelic “space pop”. (Spotify)

Francis Lung – A dream is U || Harmony based, orchestral pop. Beach Boys anno 2019? (Spotify)

September

Operator Music Band (photo by Adam Lempel)

Operator Music Band – Duo duo || “art pop”-ish and angular, with lots of old-school synths
. (Spotify)

Frankie Cosmos – Close it quietly || Indiepop (Spotify)

Boat to Row – Rivers that flow in circles || Warm, calm indie, with elements of  the sound of late 60s/early 70s folk. (Spotify)

Babe Rainbow – Today || Psych-pop with folk elements. There is even a bit of bossa-nova here. (Spotify)

Simen Mitlid – Neutral || Fine, melodic pop from Norway. (Spotify)

The Needs – You Need the Needs || Powerpop with sunshiny melodies and cool guitar hooks. (Spotify)

October

Gold Celeste (photo by Benedikte Olsen)

Gold Celeste – The gentle maverick || Sun-drenched psych-POP (Spotify)

levitation room – Headspace || Very catchy, dreamy psych pop, leaning both on 60s pop and the more modern indie-sound. (Spotify)

Lisa Prank – Perfect love song || Fuzzy, catchy, punky indiepop. (Spotify)

The Leaf Library – The world is a bell || Playful, experimental art pop “covering a wide stylistic range that falls somewhere between mellow indiepop and droning post-rock”. (Spotify)

DIIV – Deceiver || “shoegaze bliss with grunge catharsis”, according to the band. (Spotify)

Mousey – Lemon law || These songs can go from catchy, upbeat pop to calm, melancholic emotional ballads. I like both parts. (Spotify)

Shana Falana – Darkest light || Psych/shoegaze/dreampop (Spotify)

yeule – Serotonin II || Calming, dreamy electronic pop with whispery vocals (Spotify)

Rocketship – Thanks to you || Indiepop, both very catchy and  with more experimental elements (Spotify)

November

Daybehavior

Daybehavior – Based on a true story || Probably the album I have listened the most to since November. Catchy electro-pop. (Spotify)

The Model Spy – Serenest (A long play on truth, deceit and souvenirs) || Indiepop/electropop/dreampop from Greece (Spotify)

Fenella – Fenella || Synth-heavy ambient pop featuring Jane Weaver (Spotify)

Green Buzzard – Amidst the clutter and mess || Sydney based “indie pop unit with a penchant for pairing  big Brit-pop hooks with Guided by Voices-esque garage punk” (Spotify)

Pomme – les failles || Melancholic French songs. (Spotify)

Cloth – Cloth || “Angular alt-rock with deep electronic grooves”. Lovely, soft, reverbed vocals. (Spotify)

Pure Moods – Upward Spiral || Melbourne-based lo-fi-ish melodic indie (Spotify)

Pastel Coast – Hovercraft || French indiepop/dreampop band with influences from bands like The Drums, Beach Fossils , DIIV and Motorama. (Spotify)

December

Nothing has impressed me – as usual – in December. It’s all bells and (reissues of) The Hollies. See what I did there? I am so clever.

Listen to the songs from this list on Spotify:

The list is in no particular order, but the ones I loved the most are marked with a red ||.

A Spotify playlist with songs from this list can be found below or via this link.
If you want ALL the good stuff from 2019, there is a huge list for that too.
Did you miss the other posts in this series? Click the link to view them. 

SINGLES I LOVED THIS MONTH

Vivian Girls (Photo by Neil Kryszak)

From the singles this month, I especially liked the new songs from:

Vivian Girls – “Sick”  They are finally back, surprisingly. The new song is a really good popsong, drenched in fuzz. (Spotify)

Queen of Jeans – “Get lost”  “crockpot pop, denimcore, “estrogen on ice”” is what the trio call their style. In translation, that means brilliant pop, strong lyrics and a lovely melody. Their influences range from Camera Obscura and Fiona Apple to St. Vincent. I love this so much! (Spotify)

Bdrmm – “Question Mark”  A beautiful, dreamy pop song that goes from pretty calm to a massive take-off and back again. Lovely. (Spotify)

Terry vs Tory – “Cascais”/”Chambré”  A cool summery indiepop track with a gorgeous melody from the Spanish quartet Terry vs Tori.  (Spotify)

The Hector Collectors – “It takes a lot to laugh, it takes a 25-minute response video to destroy your argument”  The longest title this year, maybe. Rough, fun and jangly, – and intensely catchy, with lovely lyrics. The single also includes the brilliant B-side “Take me back to web 1.0”. – Please allow 10 minutes for the page to load -. (Spotify)

The Royal Landscaping Society – “Clean”  Another really good single from the Spanish indiepop duo. The A-side “Clean” is probably the best I have heard from them so far. Warm, catchy and with a very strong melodic focus. On their previous single, they had a cool cover version of Adorable’s “A to fade in”, and the style of the main track is actually not too far away from Adorable in. The B-side on this one is also a cover, – this time of The Softies’ “I love you more”.  (Spotify)

(more singles after the photo)

Mousey

Mousey – “Take me to Harley street”   This may be a bit different from what I usually present here, but WOW, so beautiful this is! Only piano and voice, and it is mesmerizing. Time stops when I hear this song. Listen to her other single too, “Extreme highs”. It’s quite different from this, but just as good (upbeat, catchy guitar-based indie pop),. (Spotify)

Mystic Braves – “I can’t grow peaches on a cherry tree”  A classic popsong with a songwriting-style that reminds of both the 50’s, 60s and early 70s. I can’t resist singing along to this one. (Spotify)

Heavy Heart – “Cry Ice”  This is a gem with so many fascinating layers. It is a beautiful, dreamy song, with kind of a late Cocteau Twins vibe. The first thing that made me re-visit this song over and over again, was the clever synth part that goes on and on through the whole song, with only a few changes. They also dare to add some edges in the beauty, with some cool dissonance and roughness towards the end of the track.  (Spotify)

Jenny Hval – “Ashes to ashes”  Norwegian Jenny Hval is a unique and many-sided creative artist. In some ways, her music has something in common with another artist often mentioned here, Julia Holter, who does not seem to have any boundaries to what she can do with her music. Sometimes Jenny Hval’s music is very experimental, and sometimes the songs are catchy and more pop, like this one.  (and no, it is not a Bowie-cover). (Spotify)

You will find even more of my other favourite singles in the Spotify list.

ALBUMS I LOVED THIS MONTH

Jesca Hoop

Jesca Hoop – STONECHILD || If this album doesn’t end up among my 3 top favourites of the year, I will be surprised.
It is so good. You have to listen! That is all I have to say
. Now I need to listen more. Amazing. (Spotify)

Glok – Dissident || If you just listen to this without knowing anything about the artist, you would not at all think of guitarist Andy Bell of RIDE. In his solo-project Glok, he makes very rhythmic and dreamy instrumental electronic music, inspired by both Andrew Weatherall, Brian Eno, Mr. Fingers, kraut-rockers Neu! and experimental composer William Basinski. I really like this. RIDE also have a new, fine single out these days.  (Spotify)

Florist – Emily Alone || Melancholic, beautiful , calm songs that sounds like they are recorded in a bedroom. Not because the sound is bad, – it is excellent, – but because everything feels so close and so fragile, – like you are there. Lovely. (Spotify)

The Soft Cavalry – The Soft Cavalry || Another side-project from a shoegazer. Slowdive’s Rachel Goswell and her husband Steve Clarke are The Soft Cavalry, a mix between dreampop, shoegaze, post rock and more accessible and radio-friendly pop. It’s Steve who does the main vocals on most of the songs. Rachel sings on the beautiful “Passerby” and harmonizes in the background on the other songs. (Spotify)

Trash Kit – Horizon || Rachel, Rachel, Ros and Gill are the London band Trash Kit. Their style is a fun and very rhythmic mix between post-punk and afro-beat. They have more than the sound and style in common with bands like Sacred Paws and Shopping. Members of Trash Kit have been involved in both those bands, plus a lot of other interesting bands, like Electrelane, Bas Jan and Golden Grrrls. (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

seablite (photo by MD Aguilar)

seablite – Grass stains and novocaine || This album was released in June, but I missed it for my June-post. This will probably also end up on my favourites of the year-list. The San Francisco fuzzy indiepop quartet has made a brilliant album with irresistible pop songs. The first time I heard this, I was stunned, and just sat there, listening all through. Since then, it has been my walking companion on sunny days. They describe their music pretty accurate in their bio: ” a confident mix of shimmering and weightless female vocal melodies and blissed out guitar pop, providing a mix of UK ‘80’s DIY-indiepop coupled with an updated take on many of the greats of the shoegaze era, such as Lush, Pale Saints, and MBV.”  (Spotify)

Various artists – Brought to light || This is a very interesting compilation from one of my favourite labels, FatCat. The release is a collection of demos, curated by the label, who have deemed them some of the finest submissions they’ve received over the last few years. This is the first in a trilogy. Lots of fine bands and songs here, and I think all of the songs are previously unreleased. The demos are brought to light by the FatCat label. (Spotify)

Strange Ranger – Remembering the rockets || The second album from the trio Strange Ranger from Montana,-  now based in Philadelphia, is full of warm, melodic indie pop. The best songs are on the first half of the album, but it is all pretty good. Hopefully I will be able to avoid reading “Stranger Ranger” after listening more to the album. I still have some problems with that now… Sorry, Strange Ranger! (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

Penelope Isles

Penelope Isles – Until the tide breaks in || This is one of my favourites this month. The Brighton quartet’s debut album on Bella Union follows several great singles, and the album is just as great. Lovely vocals, melodies and songs. It’s not easy to force into a genre, because this album is a lot. Just trust me when I say that you will love it. (Spotify)

Emma Russack – Winter Blues || Melbourne artist Emma Russacks’s 4th (?) album was not an instant hit for me, but  after several listens, it became an album I really enjoy. Calm, lovely songs, with interesting lyrics. (Spotify)

U.S. Highball – Great Record || Naming a record “Great Record” is bold

. Reviewers may make fun of you, if they don’t like your music, or use it as an easy way to start a review. I choose the latter, both because I am lazy and because I think this is a great record. The Glasgow duo Calvin Halliday and James Hindle also play in The Pooches, – another of my favourites -, and this debut album from U.S, Highball is full of perfect, jangly, catchy, irresistible pop songs. (Spotify)

Bill Ryder-Jones – Yawny Yawn || A calmer, piano-based version of his previous album “Yawn”. The same songs, but they sound so different. I like both of these albums. (Spotify)

Smaller Hearts – Honestly || The Canadian electronic pop duo were featured here last month too, with their fabulous single “Circuitry”, and the album is just as amazing. Very clever arrangements and great melodies. I guess the closest comparison I can come up with is Postal Service, but they are kind of far away from them too. A unique sound, maybe? They sound great, and this is an album I will listen to a lot this year. (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

A Beacon School

A Beacon School – Cola || This took me by surprise, – a very nice surprise. I hadn’t heard of A Beacon School before, but now I am a fan. “Cola” is his first album, and it is really good. I would say it is a good mix between guitar based indie pop and more electronic and loop based music. His soft voice lifts the songs, and it’s all beautiful and very interesting to listen to.  (Spotify)

Darren Hayman – 12 Astronauts || Darren Hayman is out with another concept-album, this time about the 12 astronauts who have been on the moon. Hayman tells the story of all of them, in 12 songs. It’s a very interesting album, both musically and lyrically, and this time I also find the details in sound and production very interesting. (Spotify)

Surf Friends – Doing your thing || This album from the duo Surf Friends will make you nod your head or move your body. The forward-driving motorik rhythms are hypnotic. Fuzzy guitars, repetitive phrase-based lyrics and lots of power. Surfy? They say so. I didn’t.  Psychedelic? Definitely. Their single “Outdoors” is amazing, and so are many of the other songs here. (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

Cat Apostrophe

Cat Apostrophe – Lifelong Amateurism || Oh, I really like this! Rough, melodic and jangly guitar-pop. The Leeds band play, according to Kirsty, Jack, Alex, Kate and Julia, “radical soft and salty pop” and their songs are “giant sad pop songs about surviving, eating and depression”. Sad songs, yes, maybe, but I get lots of energy from listening to this. It’s just wonderful. (And they have the best band-name so far this year). (Spotify)

Vilde – Fidget at the podium || Melbourne born, Stockholm based Thomas Savage is Vilde. The album is mostly electronic based, but feels very organic. He has something in common with Thom Yorke’s solo albums (but better) and Efterklang, with his unusual song structures and experimentations that still definitely end up in the pop category.   (Spotify)

Fashion Brigade – Fvck the heartache || This is the former Scotland Yard Gospel Choir member Elia Einhorn’s new collaborative project, and most of the songs on their debut album are brilliant. The album features special guests Frankie Cosmos, Shamir, X’s Exene Cervenka, Thor Harris and members of LCD Soundsystem, Dirty Projectors, Icy Demons, Prince Rama, Phosphorescent, and loads more. Every song has at least one collaborator, some a handful. All the songs are really good. Some of the songs remind me a bit of The Magnetic Fields, – and some definitely do not. The diversity here is refreshing. (Spotify)

Burning House – Anthropocene || If you ever get the chance to see Burning House live, which I haven’t, I am pretty sure that I already now can advice you to wear ear protection. This can be loud. The Southampton trio remind me of a mix between My Bloody Valentine, Dinosaur Jr, Revolver and Swervedriver. The new album is noisy,  dreamy and full of feedback. It is very beautiful with all its rough edges.  (Spotify)

EPs I LOVED THIS MONTH

mxmtoon – Masquerade || mxmtoon is 18 year old maia from Oakland. On this EP she plays some very nice and catchy songs, often with ukulele as the lead instrument. On the EP you will find powerful songs about depression and difficult love. Worth listening to. (Spotify)

Someone – Airspace || I really like the artist Someone. She has something in common with Goldfrapp, Morcheeba, Lamb and … Air. In fact, all of these songs are covers of Air’s songs. She does it beautifully.   (Spotify)

Summer Salt – Honeyweed || Summer Salt definitely have the sound of summer in their songs. Just listen, and you will get the summery, sunny feeling, even if it’s raining and cold. At times it’s almost jazzy, crooning and 60s inspired. Very nice to listen to, and the songs are all very catchy and good.  Cool songs!   (Spotify)

L I P S (Photo by Jim Gould)

L I P S – L I P S EP || Falmouth, Cornwall dream pop four-piece  L I P S make really good pop songs, often with a shoegazy take-off close to the end. Lovely female vocals and shimmering guitars. I want to sing and dance to these songs. (Spotify)

Telepathy Club – Triple Cancer || Is this an album or an EP? 7 songs, 32 minutes. You decide. This EP (or album) is warm, rough, lo-fi, and with a good mix between the catchiness and the bold experimental weirdness. Jangly, dreamy, psychedelic pop. (Spotify)

John Dredge and the Plinths – The Plinthsmania EP || Writer, actor, radio presenter/podcaster and comedian John Dredge has teamed up with among others Eardrums-favourite MJ Hibbett, and this is their second EP. It’s smart, fun, clever, catchy and also bit sad.
A modern, lo-fi version of The Housemartins? (Spotify)

Common or Garden – Trust Everyone || Common or Garden is the solo-project from London based, Australian born Hannah Winter, who also is (or maybe was?) a part of one of my favourite bands, Owl & Mouse. While Owl & Mouse play mostly acoustic indiepop, her new project is synth pop. Her songwriting is as good as it was in Owl & Mouse, – which means great. The sound is very different and refreshing.  (Spotify)

Listen to most of the songs from this list on Spotify, and please share if you like theses post. Thank you!
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/17EHElt9k0HQql4qSLvbZi?si=EF_q134uRhCDn8lovwirNg

A Spotify playlist with songs from this list can be found below or via this link
.
If you want ALL the good stuff from 2019, there is a huge list for that too.
Did you miss the other posts in this series? Click the link to view them. 

SINGLES I LOVED THIS MONTH

Smaller Hearts (Photo by Meg Yoshida)

From the singles this month, I especially liked the new songs from:

Smaller Hearts – “Circuitry”  This Canadian electronic pop duo have been featured on these lists before, and I am think I am even more a fan of their music now. This is a really good synthpop song, where everything works
. (Spotify)

Snail Mail – “The 2nd most beautiful girl in the world”  As a musician myself, I sometimes hear a song that good that I get envious and wish I had written it myself. This is one of those. (Spotify)

Stone Irr – “All we want anymore”  Warm and lovely, with a Beatles-like structure, and an amazing ending with strings and horns. (Spotify)

Fashion Brigade – “First sunny day of the year/ Middle C”  These two songs are amazing, – one short and sweet and one kind of 80s janglepop. This is a very special project led by singer-songwriter-producer Elia Einhorn, formerly of the brilliant  Scotland Yard Gospel Choir. In their bio, they write “This is a collaborative project featuring Frankie Cosmos; Shamir; X’s Exene Cervenka; Thor Harris; and members of LCD Soundsystem, Dirty Projectors, Icy Demons, Prince Rama, Phosphorescent, and loads of other artists. Every song has at least one collaborator, some a handful”.
I love the lyrics for the very short “Middle C”, with Frankie Cosmos on vocals:

“me without you
or you without me
is like a piano
without a middle c
and who wants to play an instrument like that
if we don’t need to?”
(Spotify)

(more singles after the video)

Jesca Hoop feat
. Kate Stables and Justis – “Outside of Eden”  I am a huge fan of Jesca Hoop’s unique songs. On this one, she performs togerther with Kate Stables of This is the Kit and her young nephew Justis Hoop Garza. It’s a beautiful song. Her new album is out as I write this (in July) and after a few listens, I love the album so much too. (Spotify)

Skytone – “Here and now”  A sunshiny popsong from the Ottawa duo Skytone. In 2017, they released an album called JangleWaves, and this is a good mix between jangly guitars and a wavy surf-pop sound. This is a song that fits the sunny days perfectly. (Spotify)

Odina – “About you now”  Her voice is very unique, and even if she had sung a superhappy song, I would have had tears in my eyes after listening. She sings with so much emotion, and her songs are so beautiful. This one definitely is. (Spotify)

Operator Music Band – Slim Spin  The electronic art pop duo has become a recurring favourite on these lists. The new single is  a brilliant upbeat track, with vocals by both members (male/female), and a style that kind of reminds of Broadcast and Stereolab. (Spotify)

Imperial Teen – “Walkaway”  This band has been around since 1994, and strangely enough, they are led by former Faith No More  keyboardist Roddy Bottum, and former Hole drummer Patty Schemel has been a touring member of the band. They don’t sound anything like either Faith No More or Hole, but maybe more like Stars or The New Pornographers. This is a great song. Tight, upbeat, warm, melodic.  (Spotify)

Nataly Dawn – “Huckeberry”  This was not an immediate favourite when I first heard it, but wow how it has grown. I am so in love with calm and beautiful gem. (Spotify)

– An honorable mention goes to WW2 veteran Jim Radford, who at the age of 91 released a song this month about the horrors he experienced at the shores of Normandy. The song is beautiful, and it is a strong and emotional experience to listen to this. 

You will find even more of my other favourite singles in the Spotify list.

ALBUMS I LOVED THIS MONTH

No Aloha

No Aloha – Okay Alone || I think this is the debut album from Portland band No Aloha, and it is definitely a good debut. 12 gorgeous indiepop songs, with lovely melodies, arrangements and atmospheres. (Spotify)

Palehound – Black Friday || This album has grown and grown on me, and I love it so much. This is the project of Ellen Kempner, and she sings with so much feeling in her voice. Really good songs and lyrics, with a little bit of the good kind of roughness.  (Spotify)

The Catenary Wires – Til the morning || Former members of indiepop bands Heavenly, Tender Trap, Marine Research and Sportique, Amelia Fletcher and Rob Pursey are now The Catenary Wires. This is their second album as The Catenary Wires. I have always liked Amelia Fletcher’s voice and songs and I definitely still do, but Rob Pursey’s dark and warm vocals are also so good to hear, especially when he gets the main focus. (Spotify)

Froth – Duress || Pretty jangly, pretty rough, pretty lo-fi, pretty fragile, and at the same time, pretty beautiful. Froth started as a “fake band”, – as a joke -, where the members sent out cool press releases, publicity photos and exciting photos from their tours, without having performed a note
. They even made an LP with 20 minutes of silence, just to take the joke even further. I am very happy that they finally decided to be a real band. (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

Golden Fable (Photo by Simon Bray)

Golden Fable – Alchemy || On their new album, – as always -, Golden Fable deliver very good music, and Rebecca Joy’s heavenly voice is so beautiful, This time they have collaborated with the eleven-member strong NEW Sinfonia ensemble. A wonderful album. (Spotify)

Younghusband – Swimmers || The band’s name sounds like it belongs to a hip hop artist, but this is very fine, breezy indiepop, with lovely melodies and harmonies
. The album is their third, and it is a good one.  (Spotify)

Vanishing Twin – The Age of Immunology || Cathy Lucas, previously of Eardrums-favourites Fanfarlo and My Sad Captains, leads the experimental pop ensemble Vanishing Twin. The closest comparisons I can come up with are early Broadcast and Stereolab, but Vanishing Twin has something very special and unique in their sound. Amazing! (Spotify)

Thom Yorke – ANIMA || Thom Yorke has a new solo album out, and I actually like it. I am in deep shock. I didn’t mean to. Please send help. (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

Jeanines

Jeanines – Jeanines || Jangly, classic indiepop that reminds of bands like Heavenly, Tiger Trap and Talulah Gosh. This is a really strong and impressive debut from Jeanines. Brilliant songs! They even sneak in a very nice cover of The Lucksmiths’ “Falling off of my feet again”.  (Spotify)

Meursault – Crow Hill || This is an intensely beautiful and emotional album. The style of it goes from energetic and huge indierock/pop via quiet, almost folky songs to full noise to almost silence to more experimental, weird stuff. His voice is so expressive and beautiful. I love it.  (Spotify)

Butcher the Bar – lll || Butcher the Bar’s music makes my heart beat faster, or maybe calmer, because his (Joel Nicholson’s) music has a calming effect on me. His new album is more fully orchestrated and there are more upbeat songs than on the previous ones. I love this one too. His voice is so beautiful and the songs are good all through the album. (Spotify)

Kate Tempest – The Book of Traps and Less0ns || Kate Tempest from South-East London is both an author, a playwright, a poet and a rapper. On her albums, she usually reads rhythmic, dark poetry – or stories – accompanied by music you normally would compare to alternative hiphop or electronica. I have been a fan for several years, both of her written poetry and her music. A very interesting album.  (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

Keel Her (Photo by Ned Botwood)

Keel Her – With Kindness || This album is amazing, and so is a lot of the other music Rose Keeler-Schaffeler makes. I say “a lot of”, because I have only heard some of it. Her Bandcamp has at the moment 26 (!) releases, and I have only heard the two albums, which I love. This album has a beautiful and very special sound, and Keel Her does most or everything on the album, from playing to recording on her own. Listen. (Spotify)

Fresh – Withdraw || Well, yeah, their name fits their music, and their music is very nice to listen to. They have been compared to bands like Diet Cig, American Football and Joyce Manor, and I especially hear the Diet Cig comparison here. Very energetic indie pop, with very noisy, fuzzy parts and lovely vocals and lyrics. The vocals kind of remind me of Elizabeth Morris Innset from Allo’ Darlin’/Elva, but only “kind of”. It’s a really good album.   (Spotify)

Hatchie – Keepsake || This is an album that will make you happy. Upbeat pop with irresistible melodies, and Hatchie’s gorgeously airy vocals. If this was played in an indie club, you would want to dance. Here you have songs that remind of both Cocteau Twins from the “Heaven or Las Vegas” era, via dancy pop with an industrial touch to jagged guitar pop, – all styles are equally catchy in Hatchie’s music, and everything sounds like Hatchie. The Cocteau Twins inspiration is also easy to see on her releases. On the single “Sure”, there is a mix done by Robin Guthrie of the Cocteaus. (Spotify)

Tunng – This is Tunng… Magpie bites and other cuts || I rarely share compilations here, but this is Tunng, and I like Tunng. The compilation is of “obscurities, gems and deep cuts”, as the band writes on their Facebook. The band continues: “This is a nice time capsule of the stranger moments of the past 15 years. Some of these tracks were surprisingly difficult to track down and eventually turned up on dusty hard drives or lone copies of old vinyl in basement boxes. It’s nice to hear these tunes together in one place. We’d forgotten some of them existed!” (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

Nicole Yun

Nicole Yun – Paper Suit || Nicole Yun is the singer, guitarist and songwriter in Eternal Summers, – a band I like a lot. This is her first solo-album, and after releasing some wonderful singles earlier this year, I was really excited to hear it. No disappointment here. Definitely not. Lovely, powerful, melodic and just really good indie rock/pop songs. (Spotify)

Bedouine – Bird Songs of a Killjoy || Bedouine has slowly crept into my heart, and her folky, orchestral pop is so beautiful. She reminds me a bit of another favourite of mine, Vashti Bunyan. Listen to great songs like “When you’re gone”, “One more time” or “Sunshine Sometimes”, and I am sure you will love her music as well. (Spotify)

Azure Blue – Images of You || I have followed Tobias Isaksson and his music from his early days in the folk-ish Laurel Music and the sweet and summery indiepop band Irene on Labrador Records, and now with Azure Blue and his space-disco side-project Nite Flights
. My favourites are definitely Irene and the synth-pop project Azure Blue. The new album is out on Matinee recordings, and it is fine collection of songs. (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

Rat Fancy (Photo by Joey Tobin)

Rat Fancy – Stay Cool || This album is this month’s “this album makes me want to jump around and dance”-release. It is full of energy and wonderful songs. Their style is a rough upbeat kind of punky, melodic indiepop. The album is recorded by David Newton of one of my favourite indiepop bands of the 80s, The Mighty Lemon Drops, and released by one of my favourite labels, Happy Happy Birthday to Me. And I am deeply in love with Diana Barraza’s voice and singing style. Listen to this! (Spotify)

Peak Twins – Beloved || Melbourne based duo Peak Twins’s name is, as you probably see, a homage to David Lynch’s series Twin Peaks, and some of the songs could have been from a Lynch-film. Not because they are scary or weird or especially cinematic, but some of them feel like the perfect songs to play on the jukebox in Norma Jennings’ café. I fell in love with their music via their great single “Beloved”, and I have found many new favourites here. (Spotify)

Yohuna – Mirroring || Another really good release from Yohuna, aka Johanne Swanson. There are some wonderful songs here, like the amazing “Fades to blue” or “Dead to me” and many others. The main instruments are guitars and vocals, but this time she has used flute, harp, trombone, cello and drums too. It adds warmth and lots of power to the songs. (Spotify)

EPs I LOVED THIS MONTH

Girl Friday (Photo by Kylie Shaffer)

Girl Friday – Fashion Conman || A very cool EP by LA quartet Girl Friday. Rough and punky pop, with great melodies and lots of attitude.  Their instrumentation is classic, with two guitars, bass and drums, but all the four girls in the band take turn on doing the vocals, which is quite unusual, I guess, but it works so well here.  (Spotify)

Featherfin – Fan Fiction (cover EP) || Just because I can, I want to tell you about my own new release as Featherfin. It’s a cover EP with quite different versions of songs by The Jesus and Mary Chain, Tullycraft, Primal Scream and Psychic TV. Is it good? Oh yes, definitely.   (Spotify)

Hibou – As Always|| The 5 songs on this EP are all lovely, and very much recommended. Dreampop. (Spotify)

Flying Fish Cove – En Garde EP || One of my favourite indiepop bands at the moment. They are inspired by Heavenly, The Pastels and Teenage Fanclub, and on this EP they give us some great popsongs with jangly guitars and nice vocals.  (Spotify)

Slaughter Beach, Dog – One down/Good ones/Heart attack || This 3-track EP has grown and grown on me, and I love it so much now. The only band I can say that this reminds me of, is The Decemberists, who are also a favourite of mine. The songs and lyrics are great!  (Spotify)

Holy Now – It will all end in tears || As you probably know by now, I like the Swedish band Holy Now a lot. On this 3 track EP I love 2 songs and get in skip-mode on one song. Especially “All the time” is among their best, – a wonderful pop song. The title track is also a really good song. What really, really annoys me, is the cover they have done of Chuck Berry’s “You never can tell”. The song doesn’t suit them at all, and it is painful to listen to… Sorry Holy Now and Chuck Berry!   (Spotify)

Listen to most of the songs from this list on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3d7eSwQQTIdnVRYElYThgk?si=opChSezRQdqDnN3VmugY_A

A Spotify playlist with songs from this list can be found below or via this link.

If you want ALL the good stuff from 2019, there is a huge list for that too.

Did you miss the other posts in this series? Click the link to view them.

SINGLES I LOVED THIS MONTH

The Royal Landscaping Society

From the singles this month, I especially liked the new songs from:

The Royal Landscaping Society – “Goodbye”  A beautiful two track single from the Spanish indiepop duo, – their debut for Matinée Recordings. The dreamy single also includes a cover of one of my favourite songs, “A to fade in” by the very underrated Adorable. (Spotify)

Meursault – “Beaten”  This song by the Scottish band Meursault is so powerful. The ending part is amazing. (Spotify)

Kitty Kat Fan Club – “Happy now, loving you”  This is a jump-around and fun indiepop track with a melody that is sooo catchy!. (Spotify)

The Needs – “Summerbore”  Brilliant up-tempo power-pop that will be a success on any summer indie party. (Spotify)

Nation of Language – “On Division Street”  Great post-punky synth pop song with a lovely melody. This one is easy to get stuck in your head.  (Spotify)

(more singles after the photo)

Flower Face

Flower Face – “Bedhead”  An irresistible song from Flower face. So beautiful. If you like this, you should check out her albums. All of them are amazing. (Spotify)

Tennis Club – “Pink sweater! Pink shoes!”  Great jangly pop with inspiration from both 60s pop, 80s indiepop and garage. Summery! (Spotify)

Cold Mailman – “Somewhere else”  Some years ago, Cold Mailman announced the end of the band, but I am so happy that they are back now with new music. Their albums are among my favourites. This is a beautiful, dreamy song. What a comeback! (Spotify)

Anja Bigrell – “Vi var trouble”  I love this song, every bit of it. It is in Swedish, – meaning “we were trouble”, and is kind of a growing up story. Anja Bigrell’s vocal performance gives the song a lot of power. (Spotify)

Babe Rainbow – “Something new”  Babe Rainbow were featured in last month’s single section too with “Morning song”. This time, the song is a bit more “funky”, and usually I don’t like funky, but this is soft, warm, dreamy, so catchy and with an amazing melody and vocals. (Spotify)

You will find even more of my other favourite singles in the Spotify list.

ALBUMS I LOVED THIS MONTH

The Ballet

The Ballet – Matchy Matchy || Sorry to all the other artists on this list, – they are all great – but this album from The Ballet is my absolute favourite this month. Every song is amazing, and that is rare on an album these days. They don’t scream for attention, but when I listen to their songs, they get all my focus, and I am there in the music. Lovely synth-based indiepop (+ guitars), with calm vocals and great lyrics. I know I say this almost every month, but again, this may be my favourite album this year. (Spotify)

Mutual Benefit – Just another diamond day || You may recognize the album title. This is a cover of the entire debut album of Vashti Bunyan, – one of my favourite albums. Mutual Benefit have made a very personal version. They have made it their own, – added their sound and style -, but they have still done it with much respect to the original work. As a Vashti fan, I can approve this. (Spotify)

Put Your Hands Up for Neo-Tokyo – Karoshi || Unique electro-pop duo from Norway. They make catchy “radio friendly” pop, but their sound is also full of fun and creative experimentation. The way they build their melodies and partly the vocals remind me – a little tiny bit of, – surprisingly enough, Prefab Sprout. (Spotify)

Patience – Dizzy Spells || Roxanne Clifford has gone from making guitar based indiepop to making synthpop. The melodies are still great, and her first album as Patience is a good one. (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

KUNG-FU GIRL

KUNG-FU GIRL – KUNG-FU GIRL || I immediately fell in love with this album. KUNG-FU GIRL play a wonderful mix of cute indiepop and rough upbeat punky pop. Gorgeous melodies and vocals. They are from Osaka, Japan, and are two girls and two boys. Thank you again, Google Translate! (Spotify)

Sunbeam Sound Machine – Goodness Gracious || Sunbeam Sound Machine is the recording project of Melbourne based Nick Sowersby. On his new album, he plays warm, dreamy pop songs with chiming guitars, cinematic strings and his lovely, soft voice. Some of these songs are so so so good! (Spotify)

Vampire Weekend – Father of the bride || I just can’t understand why it is so popular among “indie-people” to hate Vampire Weekend. Maybe they have become too popular and big for the hipsters. I like this album a lot. Great melodies and lyrics and very interesting arrangements.   (Spotify)

Tacocat – This mess is a place || Super-catchy power-pop/punky pop. This is their 4th album, and the first on SubPop. It sounds a bit “cleaner” and less rough than the previous one, and I miss a bit of the roughness. Still, the songs are great. (Spotify)

(even more releases after the photo)

Vänna Inget

Vänna Inget – Utopi || You may probably disagree, but in my opinion, you rarely get the true soul of a band as much as you do in the rehearsal room or on the small club stage. This album feels like being there. It feels real, it feels raw and it feels close. I get a huge energy kick out of listening to this.  This is a very good energetic and rough post-punky album with a bit of sadness and melancholy and darkness and love. The vocalist is amazing, – she really sings her heart out. Love! (Spotify)

IRAH – Diamond grid || There is definitely a Kate Bush- and later Cocteau Twins vibe here. Copenhagen based musicians Stina Grøn and Adi Zukanovic have made a beautiful album, inspired by both traditional ceremonial music and modern songwriting. (Spotify)

The Glow – Am I || This is Mike Caridi from LVL Up’s  project. Those of us who love the sound of the Elephant 6 collective, may like the sound of The Glow. Catchy, slightly psychedelic, a bit rough and very melodic pop

. (Spotify)

(even even more releases after the photo)

Operators

Operators – Radiant Dawn || I really like this one, and have listened with lots of joy to it, especially when I am out walking. Operators play synth pop, but in a raw and “punky way”, kind of like the 00’s band To My Boy, if you remember them. The band members are (or have been) a part of  Wolf Parade, Divine Fits, Handsome Furs and New Bomb Turks, and at least two of those bands are way more guitar-oriented. (Spotify)

Death and Vanilla – Are you a dreamer? || Another very fine Swedish band. I guess the closest comparison I can come up with are Broadcast and Stereolab, with a dreampop touch, surfy guitars and vintage keyboards. I love the hushed vocals! (Spotify)

Swimming Tapes – Morning Side || Originally from Northern Ireland, now based in London, the 5-piece Swimming Tapes are inspired by the melodic pop from The Beach Boys via Wild Nothing to Real Estate and probably a lot inbetween. Their debut album is full of fine melodies, chiming guitars and lovely, soft vocals. (Spotify)

(OK, one more time, – … more releases after the photo)

whenyoung

whenyoung – Reasons to dream || Lovely, energetic, powerful, catchy indie pop from Ireland. This is music that makes me “take off” and dance around in my living room. (Spotify)

Kissing Party – Mom & Dad || The Denver band call their style slop pop. It’s definitely POP, with lovely melodies, rough guitars and two good vocalists (Deidre and Gregg). Very enjoyable. (Spotify)

Cate le Bon – Reward || First a warning: This album contains saxophones. To my relief, they sound good, and there are no real sax solos, so I am happy. Cate le Bon is a unique artist, with a unique style, and I have always loved her work. I guess this is pop, even catchy at times, but it has a nice kind of weirdness to it. (Spotify)

Maps – Colours, Reflect , Time Loss || I am a fan, and have been so since I first heard Maps’ music around 2007. He releases his music on Mute Records, and as the bio says “his music owes as much to Spiritualized and My Bloody Valentine as it does to Four Tet and Boards of Canada”. Dreamy, big sounding songs. His earlier albums have had a more electronic sound, but on this one he uses a lot more strings, brass and also choir. Still dreamy, big sounding, and with his fine vocals on top. (Spotify)

(ONE more time: more releases after the photo)

Lowland Hum

Lowland Hum – Glyphonic || This album is beautiful! It starts strong and continues strong. The husband/wife duo play “art-folk” according to their bio. I’d just call it lovely music. (Spotify)

Agent Blå – Morning thoughts || The Swedish band Agent Blå (means Agent Blue) blend dream pop and shoegaze, and this is their second album. Like their debut, it’s very good and you should definitely give it a listen. I especially like “Something Borrowed” and “Colors of the Dark”. (Spotify)

Rhye – Spirit || Rhye’s breathtaking, soulful falsetto vocals does something to me every time I hear him sing. This time he has collaborated with Ólafur Arnalds, and this release has a lot of the calmness you will find on Arnalds’ records. A good blend of both artists here. (Spotify)

Coral Collapse – Don’t wait to see me say goodbye || Upbeat and catchy dreampop with chiming guitars and lovely vocals. This is the band’s debut album, and it is a release they can be proud of.  (Spotify)

EPs I LOVED THIS MONTH

Someone (photo by Bibian Bingen)

Someone – ORBIT || Someone is musician and visual artist Tessa Rose Jackson. “Pull it together” was the first song that really got me hooked on her music, and this EP made me even more a fan. On the song “Two Satelites”, she works together with C Duncan, and this is a perfect collab. They have a lot in common,  Her music is very pleasant, with a BIG sound and sound-references to both the 60s, 70s and 80s. I can’t describe it better than “It makes me happy!”. (Spotify)

Holy Hive + Mary Lattimore – Harping || New York laid back soul/folk family band Holy Hive teams up with harpist Mary Lattimore and singer SASAMI, who I have written about here earlier, and the result is very beautiful. (Spotify)

The Umbrellas – Maritime EP || San Fransisco jangle pop band The Umbrellas have released a fabulous 5 track EP, which I believe is their debut. It was actually released in April, but it is so good that I couldn’t avoid mentioning it even if I missed it then. Lovely songs! The EP also features a cover of “Dance” by Strawberry Switchblade.  (Spotify)

The Perfect English Weather – Call me when the rain comes || This is the second release from Matinée Recordings that I write about this month. This is another very fine EP from the Popguns sideproject. Very nice popsongs. (Spotify)

ALBUMS/EPs RELEASED JUST BEFORE PUBLISHING, THAT ARE WORTH LISTENING TO

These albums and EPs were released on the last day of May, or I discovered them too late. I haven’t had the time to listen enough to them to give them a comment/review, but they sound very interesting, so have a listen
.

Tennis Club – Pink (album) || SACRED PAWS – Run around the sun  (album) || Kitty Kat Fan Club – Dreamy little you (album) || Toy Savoy – EP (EP…) || Tristan Barton – To Peter, from Catherine (EP) || The Slow Summits – The Languid Belles (EP) || Minor Poet – The Good News (EP) || Anja Bigrell – MÅSTE LÄGGA AV (album)

Listen to most of the songs from this list on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/user/eardrumspop/playlist/01uAuJE8ENvp4MPLrt2Jsw?si=B2P70NyVS5G3nkW0ijIDtA

.

The list is in no particular order, but the ones I loved the most are marked with a red ||.

A Spotify playlist with songs from this list can be found below or via this link.

Did you miss the other posts in this series? Click the link to view them.

SINGLES I LOVED THIS MONTH

The Ballet

The Ballet – “Love Letter”  They have been away for some time, and it is great to have them back, because they sound better and fresher than ever. This is a lovely synthy indiepop track, and if you like The Magnetic Fields, you will love this
. (Spotify)

Peach Fuzz – “The Outside Looking In”  Definitely a contender for the catchiest song this year. A “jump around while smiling”-song. (Spotify)

Black Belt Eagle Scout – “Loss & Relax” + “Half Colored Hair”  Oh, how I love these tracks
. I first fell in love with the first, and then the second was just as good and maybe even better. Airy, calm acoustic songs. (Spotify)

Jeanines – “Either Way”  An amazingly catchy first single from Jeanines, out on Slumberland Records
. Gorgeous jangly indiepop! (Spotify)

Babe Rainbow – “Morning Song”  This beautiful, positive acoustic track has grown and grown and grown to become one of my favourite songs this month. Acoustic guitars, old-school drum machine, flute, choir and lovely vocals. It makes me happy! BTW: Watch out for crossing koalas

. (Spotify)

(more singles after the photo)

My Brightest Diamond

My Brightest Diamond – “Dorian”  I am a fan, so this pick was an obvious one. She is a unique songwriter, with an amazing voice. The song goes from the calm and quiet to exploding power. (Spotify)

Palehound – “Aaron”  Even if it is fairly upbeat and has all the indie rock elements, it is a very intimate song. I really like this one. (Spotify)

thanks for coming – “Friends Forever”  It’s kind of sad, kind of rough and lo-fi, kind of beautiful. (Spotify)

Fanclub – “Uppercut”  Upbeat, rough guitars, lovely vocals, catchy, clever production. A band to keep your eyes and ears on in 2019. (Spotify)

Billie Marten – “Cartoon People”  The song doesn’t scream “listen to me”. I still want to listen over and over again. (Spotify)

You will find even more of my other favourite singles in the Spotify list.

ALBUMS I LOVED THIS MONTH

Flying Fish Cove (Photo by Dan Bracaglia)

Flying Fish Cove – At Moonset || The Seattle band’s singles have been amazing, and yes – the album is too. Flying Fish Cove’s jangly indiepop is perfect for spring and summer.  If your record-collection includes classic indiepop bands like Heavenly, Tiger Trap, Talulah Gosh or The Pastels, you may definitely enjoy this. (Spotify)

The Proper Ornaments – Six Lenins || The London band, led by James Hoare of Veronica Falls/Ultimate Painting and Max Claps from Toy, play warm, soft, harmony-based songs with a touch of psychedelic pop and with influences from the 60s. I have liked, but not really gotten fully into their previous albums, but I enjoy this third one very much.  (Spotify)

Drugdealer – Raw Honey || The name does not fit the music in this case. This is very melodic pop, with clear inspiration from the 60s and especially the 70s. Ooooh-lalala-lovely. (Spotify)

Elva – Winter Sun || This is so good! Elizabeth Morris Innset from Allo Darlin’ and Ola Morris Innset from Making Marks/mylittlepony + their musical friends have made a beautiful debut album as Elva. Their new role as parents shines through in the lyrics, and many of the songs seem to made for their daughter. Musically, the indiepop sound from their previous bands can be recognized in Elva. I hear more folk and even country inspirations here, and I definitely think Yo La Tengo has been played a lot in their house when they made some of these songs. The whole album is amazing, and it says a lot that I actually love songs with steel guitars, because that does not happen very often…  (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

Gurr (picture by Miriam Marlene Waldner)

Gurr – She Says || I have really enjoyed listening to this album from the German jangly indiepop duo Gurr. Several of these songs are among the better I have heard this year. The vocals are both soft and roughly biting, and the harmonies are amazing. Both of the girls contribute on vocals, either lead or backing
. It is a very short album, and may be closer to an EP actually, – 7 songs in 22 minutes. I want more! (Spotify)

Teen Body – Dreamo || Teen Body have been mentioned here both in the EP and single section this year, and now also in the album section. Well done! Their debut is full of well crafted songs in a dreamy indie pop style, or “dreamo” as they call it.  (Spotify)

Annika Norlin/Jens Lekman – Correspondence || I guess neither of these artists need an introduction for readers of this blog. The album is a collection of a series of singles made as correspondence between the two friends Annika and Jens. The result is an very, very beautiful album, both musically and lyrically. These two both have an unique way of describing the world through words. (Spotify)

Bubblegum Lemonade – Desperately seeking sunshine || Bubblegum Lemonade has been a favourite of mine ever since I first heard his music on an early compilation from Matinèe Recordings around 2012. I am still a big fan. His fifth album is a lovely one, and as usual he gives us a collection of beautiful, warm, catchy, jangly indiepop songs. I think all his puns are intended, by the way. (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish – When we all fall asleep, where do we go? || I am in “good” company by recommending this. Justin Bieber and Katy Perry has also recommended the new album from Billie Eilish. Not exactly indie, as you may understand. BUT it is a very interesting album, and the songs, production, performance and especially her voice does not sound like the ordinary “commercial album”. Have a listen before you judge me as a “sell out”… This is actually one of the albums I have played the most this month. (Spotify)

The Drums – Brutalism || For me, The Drums was always Jacob Graham’s project. I have followed him since his brilliant Horse Shoes-project, and after he left, The Drums wasn’t the same. When I listened to this new album, I heard something new. Something I didn’t associate with the early The Drums. It felt refreshing. The new The Drums remind me a bit of Baths, one of my favourite electronic projects. So, yes, The Drums is now more electronic, and very different from the old The Drums. I think I like both now. It’s a good album. (Spotify)

Jess Ribeiro – LOVE HATE || I love Jess Ribeiro’s style. She SOUNDS so cool. If  the girls from The Shangri-La’s were young today and had started a band, this may be how they would sound. There’s a lot of roughness here, a lot of power, very good melodies, a strong voice. The album is produced by Mick Harvey from The Bad Seeds, who also has produced PJ Harvey. PJ may be a reference in Ribeiro’s sound as well.  (Spotify)

Weyes Blood – Titanic Rising || I do have a problem with Weyes Blood’s music. It’s too pretty. She sings fabulously, and the songs are amazing, – and I love her music, but it is too pretty
. This album is wonderful, but I can only take it in in small doses. I mean it, – it is fabulous, and you may love everything on repeat, but I can’t. Pop with a folky 70s vibe. (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

Mammoth Penguins

Mammoth Penguins – There’s no fight we can’t both win || I love Emma Kupa’s melodies, her lyrics and especially her way of singing. She sings every word like it means everything for her. This new album from the trio is amazing. All of it. Every note. Listen! (Spotify)

Evripidis and his Tragedies – Mia Triti Stin Cantina || Honestly, I never thought that I would fall in love with an album sung in the Greek language. I guess good pop music works well in any language, and when the words are expressed like they are here, you know that they are important even if you don’t understand anything. Evripidis Sabadis is one of my favourite songwriters, and he really nails it on this one. The lyrics have been a good part of my experience with the previous albums of Evripidis and his Tragedies. This time I haven’t got a clue what he is singing about. It doesn’t matter. The music is brilliant. (Spotify)

Rozi Plain – What a boost || The easiest way to describe Rozi Plain’s music is probably colourful and playful, both lyrically and musically. I can’t really find a single genre that fits, because there are elements from so many genres melted into this. It’s very fascinating, melodic and almost hypnotic. Very cool rhythms in unusual time signatures for pop, but the pop elements are definitely there too. Have a listen and decide if this is for you. (Spotify)

The Bellybuttons – Practice Maps || Pavement + Yo La Tengo + Velvet Underground? They sound something like that, I think. This is the Glasgow quartet’s debut album, and it’s a good one. They have previously released a couple of EPs and some very fine singles.(Spotify)

Aldous Harding – Designer || This is one I have only listened through once, so you will not get a review here, but I have loved everything she has done so far, and my first impression is that I will love this one too. Quite unique folky pop. (Spotify)

EPs I LOVED THIS MONTH

Schande

This time there will be no reviews of the EPs because of limited time. Sorry!

Schande – Pedigree || Fuzzy, upbeat indiepop.  (Spotify)

L I P S  – L I P S EP || Very catchy dreampop with a touch of shoegaze.  (Spotify)

Life on Venus – Departure || Dreampop/shoegaze from Russia, out on Shelflife Records. (Spotify)

Bedouine – Echo Park || Beautiful acoustic pop.  (Spotify)

All Girls Arson Club – Dark fruits || They call it “weed pop, girl rock, cute punk as fuck”. I call it punky DIY indiepop. Love the band name.  (Spotify)

Brett – Perfect Patterns || Melodic pop.  (Spotify)

Vampire Weekend – This life/Unbearable white || Well, I guess you know how Vampire Weekend sounds like. I didn’t think I would like this, but I do. (Spotify)

Listen to the songs from this list on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/eardrumspop/playlist/2zvr8Ke5DMSLSyXhd4Q12a?si=QUWufepRSEWRdPQrBhGklA

On to the music:
Here is my summary of the releases I loved the most in MARCH.

The list is in no particular order. I love them all, but the ones I enjoyed the most are marked with a red ||.

A Spotify playlist with songs from this list can be found below or via this link.
Did you miss the other posts in this series? Click the link to view them. 

SINGLES I LOVED THIS MONTH

Golden Fable (Photo by Simon Bray)

Golden Fable – “Hold True”  On this beautiful new Golden Fable single, – their first release since 2017 , they have collaborated with an 11 piece Welsh orchestra, and together with Rebecca’s heavenly voice, the result is epic. (Spotify)

Blushh – “All my friends”  The song is one that makes me want to jump around, especially when the band-chant starts. Rough, catchy indiepop. (Spotify)

Teen Body – “Dreamo”  The Brooklyn band has been in these lists of mine earlier this year, because so far, I love everything I have heard by them. This is a super catchy, dreamy and maybe slightly melancholic sounding pop song. (Spotify)

Simen Mitlid – “Chaotic good”  Norwegian artist Simen Mitlid makes wonderful pop tunes, and this is one of them. A bright and lovely melody, acoustic guitars and a driving rhythm. Warning: You will hum this for hours after listening. Highly addictive. (Spotify)

FOAMMM – “Honey”  A big-sounding dream pop single from the Norwegian band FOAMMM. The vocals has a style similar of My Bloody Valentine’s “Loveless” album with a bit of Cocteau Twins added. (Spotify)

(more singles after the photo)

Frankie Cosmos (Photo by Loroto Productions)

Frankie Cosmos – “Haunted Items” #1 + #2 + #3  I am very in love with this new series from Frankie Cosmos. The songs in the series are very intimate, with only her voice and piano.  She will frequently release short songs as singles (2-3 songs on each release) and together they will form an album in the end. In early April the 4th came out. (Spotify #1 + #2 + #3 + #4)

AB001 + Avid Dancer – “Anything”  A beautiful dreamy track with psychedelic 60s vibes and a beautiful melody. (Spotify)

Bedouine – “When you’re gone”  Azniv Korkejian is Bedouine, and her new single sounds like something Joni Mitchell or Vashti Bunyan could make. Classic songwriting, a beautiful voice and just simply a good song. Modern artists like Aldous Harding, Big Thief and Julie Byrne are in the same musical area.  (Spotify)

Tugboat Captain – “Be strong, smoke less”  A refreshing and fun indiepop song from this London quartet. The upbeat song is made like a conversation (female/male) and it works so well. The Bandcamp version includes an extra song + you can also buy a lighter (!) with the single’s title printed on. (Spotify)

You will find even more of my other favourite singles in the Spotify list.

ALBUMS I LOVED THIS MONTH

Westkust (Photo by Hilda Randulv)

Westkust – Westkust || Fuzzy, shoegazy and melodic indiepop from Sweden. It starts strong and stays strong through the whole album. Brilliant songs! I usually don’t make “Albums of the year” lists, but if I did, this would probably be there. (Spotify)

Robert Forster – Inferno || Robert Forster was never my favourite songwriter in The Go-Betweens. I always loved Grant McLennan’s songs more. Forster’s later solo-albums have opened my eyes for his qualities, and listening back to his older songs have made me hear the songs in a new way. And this album? Yes, I like it!  (Spotify)

The Boys With The Perpetual Nervousness – Dead calm || This is the debut from the half Spanish/half British duo, The Boys With The Perpetual Nervousness, named after a song by The Feelies. It’s a very good album, with lovely harmonies and songs that wander in the same area as Big Star, Teenage Fanclub or Math and Physics Club. (Spotify)

Lomelda – M for Empathy || 11 amazing songs in a total of 16 minutes, – the longest 2:43 and the shortest 0:47. No, this is not a superfast punk album, but an album of very sensitive, gripping, sad, reflective, quiet, beautiful, fragile and powerful lo-fi bedroom folk ballads.  (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

CHAI

CHAI – Punk || Ok, this is a fun album. Full of energy and cuteness. The Japanese girl-band CHAI have a bit in common with The Go-Team or Confidence Man, with rhythmic power and sometimes raw fuzz combined with cute singing and sugary melodies sung in a mix of Japanese and English. (Spotify)

The Stroppies – Woosh || Jangly Australian pop from former members of Twerps, The Stevens, Dick Diver and Blank Statements. The band is inspired by the classic jangle pop from Flying Nun Records. Lots of good songs on this one. (Spotify)

Stella Donnelly – Beware of the Dogs || Perth-artist Stella Donnelly has made a very strong debut album. I love her voice, and the way she adds that tiny little vibrato at the end of sentences. The music is sweet and melodic, but the lyrics are razor-sharp and they often kick where a kick is needed. Refreshing! (Spotify)

Snapped Ankles – Stunning luxury || Snapped Ankles is a mysterious quartet who perform in weird costumes. Their music is full of energy and rhythm, – motorik beats, synths, fuzzy basslines, noise and vocals that spits out words in a similar way as Mark E. Smith of the Fall did it.  (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

SASAMI

SASAMI – SASAMI || SASAMI (Sasami Ashworth) has been an active musician for the last decade (keys/bass/guitar in Cherry Glazerr and Dirt Dress, contributing vocal/string/horn arrangements for Vagabon, Curtis Harding, Wild Nothing, and Hand Habits +++). Her debut as SASAMI is a wonderful listening-experience. It has a gentle, dreamy feeling over it, and at the same time a bit of sadness. Style? No idea. Definitely melodic, lots of synths, shoegaze elements, a Broadcast-feeling at times. (Spotify)

Die Heiterkeit – Was passiert ist || I don’t listen much to music sung in the German language, but I do listen quite a lot to Die Heiterkeit’s albums. This is their 4th. Singer/guitarist Stella Sommer’s distinctive dark, powerful voice is pretty unique, and the only one I can compare her to is Nico, but Sommer has a much stronger voice. All of their albums are good, including this. Very enjoyable indie/pop. (Spotify)

C Duncan – Health || Another artist with a unique sound is the Scottish composer and musician Christopher Duncan. This is his third album, and you can hear elements of both classical music, pop (both modern and 50s/60s/70s), folk, electronica and choral music. (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

Nanami Ozone

Nanami Ozone – NO || I really, really enjoy this one. Every song could have been a single. Rough, tight fuzzy guitars, a dreamy, atmospheric sound, two strong vocalists (male/female). Their bio says that their sound is “not quite pop, not quite punk, not quite shoegaze”, yet it is close to all of those. Kind of.  (Spotify)

Doggy – Radio TP || A refreshing and uplifting classic indiepop album from French band Doggy. The melodies are catchy with “indie-danceable” drums and sing-along choruses. My French-skills are limited to “un baguette, sil vous plait” and some dirty words, so I have no clue what they sing about, but I am sure it’s about sun and summer and love and fun. The album is released by the fine labels Kocliko Records and Jigsaw Records. (Spotify)

Rosie Tucker – Never not, never not, never not || Los Angeles based Rosie Tucker has released two albums, but this is the first I have heard. Their songs are powerful lyrically and musically. Lovely songs. Indie rock/singer-songwriter.  (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

These New Puritans

These New Puritans – Inside the rose || Twin brothers Jack and George Barnett have made some of my favourite albums, “Beat pyramid”, “Hidden” and “Field of Reeds”, and this new one is definitely up there among these great records. Cinematic, intricate, orchestrated music with hard drums and rhythms, beautiful strings and brass, electronic elements and interesting vocals. The closest comparison I can come up with is the music of Björk (who they also have worked with earlier). (Spotify)

Alcabean – Confessions || The Danish duo has made an impressive debut album with “Confessions”. I praised their marvellous single “Tsukuyomi” earlier this year, and this strong album continues in the dreamy, upbeat, catchy indiepop style. (Spotify)

German Error Message – Mend || These songs  are warm and intimate, with acoustic and electric guitars in front, but also drums, bass, atmospheric tape loops and synths. The warm vocals of Paul Kintzing and the music may remind of bands like Idaho, Songs:Ohia, American Analog Set and to some degree also Red House Painters
. Lovely! (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

I Was a King (photo by Donald Milne)

I Was a King – Slow Century || This new album is a perfect soundtrack for the warmer and more sunny season. Great songs, a warm sound, lovely harmonies and shiny melodies. It’s not easy to talk about I Was a King without mentioning the influence on their sound by Teenage Fanclub. This album is in fact produced by Teenage Fanclub’s Norman Blake. (Spotify)

We Show Up on Radar – Zanzibar Whip Coral || Nottingham based multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Andy Wright is We Show Up on Radar. Fragile, sweet and maybe a bit whimsical indiepop songs with a clear uniqueness. The new album is easy to love, like most of his music is. Lovely music.  (Spotify)

Chris Cohen – Chris Cohen || Chris Cohen’s music has fascinated me for a long, long time, – in Deerhoof, in Cryptacize, in The Curtains and as a solo artist. He has a unique way of making his songs sound light and easy, but the arrangements are so unusual and complex. This album is one of my favourites of his solo work. He is one of the few artists that make me enjoy saxophone in music. (Spotify)

Mathilda Brink (Photo by Molly Browne)

Mathilda Brink – Maestro || This is a good one! Sorry again to my English speaking readers, – this is another one with Swedish lyrics. For some reason, I enjoy more listening to Swedish than my own language. It sounds more poetic, in a way. Mathilda Brink has a unique and expressive voice, and her music is somewhere between indie pop and folk and maybe something else too. On the second song on the album, she starts with full fuzzy noise and then goes to a clean guitar and vocals. I like this album a lot. (Spotify)

Shiny Times  – Can’t be depressed || This is the side project of Kim Weldin  from Tape Waves. This is a very strong jangly indiepop/bedroom pop album
. It’s pretty short, – 8 songs in 25 minutes, and I usually find myself listening to it two or three times in a row. (Spotify)

Edwyn Collins – Badbea || The Orange Juice frontman and co-founder of the legendary Postcard Records, is out with his 10th solo-album, “Badbea”. When you know that 14 years ago, he suffered two cerebral haemorrhages and could not speak, it is a impressive achievement to be able to keep a career going for so long. The album has good mix between the energetic and rough pop-songs, and the calmer, beautifully orchestrated songs. (Spotify)

EPs I LOVED THIS MONTH

Raketklubben (Photo by Nora Tysklind)

Raketklubben – Fuck dig, Fan för dig || This is an impressive EP from Sweden’s Raketklubben! It starts with the explosive and catchy indiepop-masterpiece “Nånting är fel”, continues with the emotional and at the same time powerful “Sen jag lämnade dig”. “Ångrar du dig” gives me a The Cure feeling, and I love the sweet feeling of the music and the the slightly contrasting lyrics. The upbeat ending “Industristad” is the perfect ending, and it leaves me with a feeling of “I want more! No, I NEED more!”. (The lyrics are in Swedish, but you will love it even if you don’t know the language. I can however recommend some good online language courses just for understanding the lyrics on these songs).  (Spotify)

Patio – Vile Bodies || I really enjoyed this 3 track EP by the New York trio Patio. They call their style “Minimal Post-punk” and are inspired by both classic UK post punk and the songwriting of Cate le Bon. On a song like “Boy Scout” there is also a hint of The Shangri-Las. (Spotify)

Bubblegum Lemonade – Our Mother’s House EP || Yes! He’s back!  3 great indiepop songs, all with Lawrence “Laz” McCluskey strong melodic trademark pop sound.  The nostalgic “Our Mother’s House” is the lead single from the forthcoming new album ‘Desperately Seeking Sunshine’.  (Spotify)

Papercuts – Kathleen Says || I love this. 2 beautiful new songs from San Fransisco based Jason Robert Quever aka Papercuts, and a lovely cover of Jackson C. Frank’s “Blues Run The Game”. Papercuts version is so good! Out on Slumberland Records.  (Spotify)

Lali Puna – Being Water || I doubt that Lali Puna can do anything wrong. They always make good records. This EP is one of those. Melodic electronic pop with lovely vocals.  (Spotify)

OTHER THINGS I ENJOYED THIS MONTH

Frankie Rose – Seventeen Seconds

Frankie Rose (ex Crystal Stilts, Dum Dum Girls, Vivian Girls, Beverly) has made a cover-album of the entire “Seventeen Seconds”-album by The Cure. The covers are pretty close to the originals. (Spotify)

Listen to the songs from this list on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/user/eardrumspop/playlist/5hdCn2ZtN83IwQZa7R5ZBJ

Here is my summary of the releases I loved the most in February.

The list is in no particular order, but the ones I loved the most are marked with a red ||.

A Spotify playlist with songs from this list can be found below or via this link.
Did you miss the other posts in this series? Click the link to view them. 

SINGLES I LOVED THIS MONTH

Elva

From the singles this month, I especially liked these new songs:

Elva – “Athens”  Elizabeth from Allo Darlin’ and Ola from Making Marks are Elva, and this new single is the first from their upcoming album. It is one of those rare songs I want to hear on repeat over and over again. So good. The lyrics feel like a short film. (Spotify)

Flying Fish Cove – “Johnny Paper”  Fun and playful indiepop with a super-catchy and charming sound. They sound like a band I would love to see live and hang around with.  Their sound remind me a bit of Heavenly, Tiger Trap or Talulah Gosh, – but just a bit. (Spotify)

Haunted Summer – “I played cards with Satan – a tribute to Daniel Johnston”  Two covers of Daniel Johnston’s songs, and Haunted Summer make them shine. I love covers that are very different from the original, but make you see the original’s qualities. Haunted Summer’s dreamy, melancholic, airy versions are so beautiful. (Spotify)

Mammoth Penguins – “I wanna”  This one had me hooked from first listen. I just like their way of making melodies, and their lyrics are always good
. Fuzzy, catchy indiepop. (Spotify)

Natalie Evans – “Pavements”  I love Natalie Evans songs and sound. Her main instrument is the harp, but guitars and other instruments are also used. Her voice is amazing. My favourite on this single is actually the B-side, “Always Be”, that I have included in the playlist. (Spotify)

Maria Due – “The colour white”  I am very in love with this song, and I am surprised that Maria Due is not a name all people in her native Norway know, because her music is amazing. After being more or less away from releasing music since 2014, she is finally back. She participated on Dylan Mondegreen’s album last year, and I hope a new album from her is on its way. Impressive pop. (Spotify)

Nudista – “Masters of the universe”  A great track from Nudista, where you hear a singer who sings with her heart. The melody is so good, very good vocals and a very effective and catchy guitar riff.   (Spotify)

Slush – “Middle name”  I believe this is the debut single from Melbourne power pop trio Slush. They remind me a bit of the punky pop of The Tuts or Tacocat
. “Middle Name” makes me want to hear more – much more – from Slush. (Spotify)

You will find even more of my other favourite singles in the Spotify list.

ALBUMS I LOVED THIS MONTH

It’s for Us

It’s for Us – Stay || Stockholm quartet It’s for Us is one of the more interesting bands in Sweden right now, and their new album is amazing. The band play melodic modern post-punk, with tight rhythms, moving basslines, chiming guitars and wonderful vocals. Vocalist/bassist Camilla Karlsson sounds like a modern version of Sioxsie Sioux or the rougher sides of Elizabeth Fraser.  (Spotify)

Abigail Lapell – Getaway  || Canadian Abigail Lapell’s music is not the typical style I usually listen to, but there is something in her emotional warm voice and songs that touches me. It’s a lovely album. “Folk noir”/roots.  (Spotify)

Cherry Glazerr – Stuffed & Ready || This is great! Melodic indie with just enough roughness. Cool vocals from Clementine Creevy.   (Spotify)

Tiny Ruins – Olympic Girls || Another stunning album from Tiny Ruins
. I am a huge fan of her music, and I am already deeply in love with this new album. “Olympic Girls” has arrangements with more band-focus, and I really think it suits the music. It’s just beautiful all through. Can’t wait to see her live in Oslo soon.  (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

Calva Louise (photo by Annie Warner)

Calva Louise – Rhinoceros  || London trio Calva Louise play refreshing, fuzzy energy-pop, with a great singer (Jess Allanic) who manages to sound both wild, raw, powerful and sweet, often in the same song. The songs are full of contrasts, and can go from a full fuzz chorus with a punky garage attitude to a sweet 50s sounding pop part and then into some South-Amerian inspired thing and boom into the wild again. An impressive debut! (Spotify)

SPOOL – SPOOL || The four girls in the Japanese band SPOOL have made a really good debut that is a pleasure listening to. Blissful, dreamy shoegaze with lovely layered vocals and harmonies. (Spotify)

Business of Dreams – Ripe for anarchy || A very nice melodic indiepop album from Terry Malts/Magic Bullets founder Corey Buckingham, now solo as Business of Dreams. The album is out on Slumberland Records, which for many says a lot about the quality of the music.  (Spotify)

Whoa Melodic – Whoa Melodic || In January, Whoa Melodic’s amazing single “I will never let you down” was one of my picks, and the album gives us more of those lovely melodies. (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

Tullycraft

Tullycraft  – The Railway Prince Hotel || It’s such a great feeling when you are looking forward to a new album from one of your favourite bands, fearing that you will be disappointed, and then getting something way better than you expected. That is how I felt when I listened to Tullycraft’s new album. I still feel that way
. The music is full of details, charm, stories and lovely melodies. Indiepop.   (Spotify)

Jessica Pratt – Quiet Signs || This is a very beautiful album. “Quiet” is a correct word to describe this. Nothing is loud here, and it is perfect. Intimate, delicate arrangements for piano, flute, organ, acoustic guitar and strings and her unique voice. Airy, dreamy, lovely.  (Spotify)

Piroshka – Brickbat || To be honest, I am just mentioning this here because I have been expecting it to be great. I really wanted to like this. Really. My feeling about this was actually the complete opposite of the previously mentioned Tullycraft album. Piroshka is, as many of you know, an indie supergroup with members of Lush, Elastica, Moose and Modern English, – all bands I love, so I had high hopes. It has its moments, – but great? No.
I have written far too many words about it now. (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

Star Horse (photo by Sven Joel Nordvall)

Star Horse – You said forever || Stockholm quartet Star Horse have released several wonderful singles and EPs since 2011, but this is their debut album. Great songs that balance brilliantly between creating a dreamy atmosphere and building energy. Dreampop/indiepop/shoegaze.  (Spotify)

Young Hunting – True believers || I am really enjoying this. I guess you can call this a comeback album, since their first and previous album came in 2013. Sweet, 50s/60s inspired classic popsongs with a modern sound

. Gorgeous melodies and soft, airy vocals. I am pretty sure you will enjoy this.  (Spotify)

Chain Wallet – No ritual || The second album from the Norwegian indiepoppers Chain Wallet is pretty sunshiny, despite that their hometown Bergen is known for rain, rain, rain. There are so many songs here that don’t want to leave your head after listening to them.  (Spotify)

(more releases after the photo)

Pom Poko (photo by Jørgen Nordby)

Pom Poko – Birthday || Do you like the weirdness, raw energy and fun rhythms of Deerhoof? Do you want this even more catchy? Then you should listen to the Norwegian band Pom Poko. The album is fun, weird, interesting and just lovely. (Spotify)

The Young Gods – DATA MIRAGE TANGRAM || The Swiss industrial band have been around since the late 80s, and to be honest, I haven’t listened to them since then. Their early records were played a lot in my house. This new album is really interesting. I remember their early works as quite hard, but this is more atmospheric and experimental in sound, but still song-focused. A good mix between the organic and the electronic.  (Spotify)

Evi Vine – Black // Light // White // Dark || It’s dark and gloomy, sometimes pretty rough, and always very beautiful, with Evi Vine’s stunning voice in front
. The music may remind of both Portishead, the darker side of The Cure and bands from the early days of 4ad. On the album, they have Simon Gallup from the Cure as guest. A very beautiful album.  (Spotify)

INTERESTING ALBUMS THAT I NEED TO LISTEN TO MORE

Anemone

SPC ECO – Fifteen || Dark post punk/trip hop. (Spotify)

Golden Daze – Simpatico || Dreamy pop  (Spotify)

Anemone – Beat my distance || Dreamy pop  (Spotify)

The Lost Cavalry – Storms || Folky pop  (Spotify)

Le SuperHomard – Meadow Lane Park || Retro pop with summery Stereolab/Broadcast vibes  (Spotify)

Desperate Journalist – In search of the miraculous || Indiepop  (Spotify)

EPs I LOVED THIS MONTH

THYLA (Photo Jamie MacMillan)

Thyla – What’s on your mind || Brighton quartet THYLA’s dreamy postpunk/shoegaze has impressed me  since I first heard them in 2017/2018. This EP shows them from their very best side.  (Spotify)

Buffalo Postcard – Morning Chimes || This is lovely. The London trio make jangly indiepop with gorgeous melodies. The EP also includes a cover of The Velvet Underground’s “Stephanie says”. (Spotify)

Lost Tapes – The Bill || Well crafted 80s inspired catchy indiepop from Spain. Lovely songs, as always. (Spotify)

FUR – FUR || FUR combine the sound of the 50s with modern indie, and adds lyrical themes of love and heartbreak. I really like this.  (Spotify)

SASAMI – Free || Former synth-player for Cherry Glazerr, Sasami Ashworth’s solo-project. Lovely melancholic dreampop with shoegaze elements. At times a bit “Broadcasty”.  Her debut album is out now. (Spotify)

Jupiter Sprites – Jupiter Sprites || Very fine psychedelic dreampop. The opening song from the EP, “Only Good Stuff”, is a delight to listen to.  (Spotify)

Listen to most of the songs from this list on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/user/eardrumspop/playlist/3tifv5IgZjKmpUkhW22z3e