Leonard Kage - Time EP

Leonard Kage is the type of sweet stuff I try to fit on a mix-tape to give to my girlfriend. I say sweet because it is enjoyable on two levels, turn it down it’s soothing, then turn it up and there is a good degree of energy, through the combination of electric and acoustic guitars.

Now I haven’t checked this, but I can imagine the understated energy apparent in these songs has been referred to as “Kaged” energy, by many a sassy indie critic. I disagree; but downplayed, yes. Göteborg, Västra Götalands län, Sweden is where he lists as his location, which really threw me off. This is not stereotypical indie-pop. His voice is like the indie-pop version of Thom Yorke’s, if Thom Yorke was a pleasant and romantic fellow.

Lay Me Down/The Colours, the third track of the EP involves some slow dreamy guitars that are beautifully suited to morning time. Almost like an alarm that you love, instead of curse. This is followed by is a 20 second long track named “Pause”. This is unexpectedly a positive, as it makes you appreciate the previous song and then leads in to the final track in which the vocals sound slightly different but complements the EP’s progression.

"Time EP" was a promo released in the summer of 2008, consisting of five songs. This spring a full length CD full of new material will be released on ‘Feels Like Home Records’ an American label.

My Little Pony "Think Too Much"

My Little Pony hails from Norway. The album "Think Too Much" is full of lovely pop songs. Some of them to me sound like maybe they were dreams made into songs. The way the lyrics come along the title of the album seems to fit each song and also the story lines also fit that mold. Out of the records in my own collection the only thing that comes close to this would be Teitur's "Poetry and Aeroplanes" album. Also the vocals recall Wayne Coyne at times and also some of the early Neil Young.

I've always wished there was more pop bands like this in Norway. Other places in Scandinavia especially Sweden has an over abundance of great pop bands. Norway's pop scene is small yet cheerful but in need of much more. It's very likely though i have far greater expectations of Norway's pop scene because Sweden is such a hot bed for great indie pop bands and in large numbers. I am still happy though that the great small land has produced such artists as Matias Tellez, Princess Niko, Sondre Lerche, King Of Convenience, and other notables.

check em out on myspace here www.myspace.com/mylittleponyoslo

Chimneyheart

What is so interesting about this band is their main songwriter Henrik Svedlund used to jam out with Rickard who ended up forming Robert Church and the Holy Community.
Chimneyheart makes some mean good pop songs. Chimneyheart draws their influence from Henry Chinaski, Charles Bukowski, Syd Barret, Joy Division, John Frusciante, Van Raveschot, Daniel Johnston, The Cure and others. It would have been interesting if anything ever came of Rickard and Henrik's jam sessions. Cos if they were both in a band together this day it would sure be something to look out for. I am very content though with Henrik's contributions to Chimneyheart. For me I feel really awkward saying this but they remind me of the hip bands from the UK that people fuss about at the festivals and such.

check out Chimneyheart and find out more about their 4 song ep on their myspace: www.myspace.com/chimneyheart

Felix Wickman "Dry Hands"

Felix Wickman comes across with a very very nice sound. What caught me at first was the melodies. They reminded me slightly of the UK band named the Engineers. As the record plays
I soon notice his voice evokes that another UK artist "the late great" Matthew Jay. The arrangements in these songs are very high quality and it's something you would expect to come from some very well known music producer.

As you go even further on this disc you hear a bit of an influence possibly derived from early Ryan Adams or early Jesse Malin. Clearly the 4th song "Dead Ends" appears to be the best. What I like about it most in this particular song is the guitars. The guitars oddly remind me of how Autolux would play them live and can also remind a person partially of guitars from My Bloody Valentine records. In his lyrics they could possibly stir controversy or draw a person's attention for they are very catchy, very revealing and attention seeking.

Ian Curtis or Adrian Borland would write lyrics that evoke this style and at the time not many people thought twice about what was really in those words and people start thinking a lot more after they had come to pass. Felix Wickman is clearly no Beck but if one thing is for sure this is a very interesting record and the fact the styles change in such a positive manner it is what adds to the experience in listening to this record. So few artists today make a record with this many positive style changes going on throughout.

Check out Felix Wickman and find out more about his "Dry Hands" EP here www.myspace.com/felixwickman

HC-B Group - Soundtrack for a Missing Movie

In a very precise manner: these guys rock. I thought they rocked from the beginning, then after several listens to the album, I went on their MySpace and found they’d signed to Hidden Shoal Recordings, who operate out of Perth (where I live) in Western Australia. In fact a band that a couple of friends of mine are in are affiliated with Hidden Shoal; needless to say it is a respectable label. Soundcheck For A Missing Movie is a newly recorded work and is yet to be released, the name of the album made me think of Cinematic Orchestra.

The CD’s opening track, sounds akin to something that would be on the Fight Club soundtrack; if the Dust Brothers weren’t in control. Maybe not so much Fight Club, but like, any good movie in which someone has a crashing realisation. Crashing being the operative word. They have seemingly random vocal recordings underneath their songs, much like Godspeed do, though HC-B make it work better. Especially when coupled with their guitars, which have very similar elements to those of A Northern Chorus.

Make no mistake; this is instrumental post-rock with attention grabbing orchestral construction. There’s a sweet guitar bit in track 5 (sorry there were no available track names for this release) that made me think “yes, yes, yes, this rocks” but in a heads-down manner. Then track 6 complemented 5 by having a beautiful introduction, turning into a beloved post-rock number full of decided stalls, accompanied by plenty of crescendos. The music goes hand in hand with the energy of the promise of rain in the air on an overcast day .

www.myspace.com/hcbgroup HC-B really are something special.

Pigeon Lane - How Sweet, How Kind…

I listened to this LP heaps, I knew I liked it, I gave it a rest for a couple of days to mull it over. Days passed - then I put it on loudly. And, yes.
The first song ‘Judy’ is like jumping into pool that is overflowing with guitar pop sweetness. It’s beautiful and refreshing. The following song “All Together” has a really melodious hook before the chorus, one that you can’t help but sing along to.

This is what I know about Pigeon Lane: they are from Koln (pretend the o has the two little dots above it), I find myself wanting to listen to them when I am feeling relaxed especially when I am with my girlfriend; it’s a good morning to mid-afternoon listen, it’s a more romantic version of Silver Screen’s “The Greatest Story Never Told”.

As an LP How Sweet, How Kind… stands really well, you can appreciate it, and listen to it with ease. Full of sweet love songs, brimming with indie-pop emotion that you can chill to. Put it on in any company, as it’s not going to offend anyone, oh, and the CD-case insert is printed on a healthy matte paper stock, I love matte paper.

It took Thomas Weber approximately one year to record this album in his home recording studio, he is still happy with the result. I am too, in a less accomplished way; but equally as happy because it’s one of those albums that reminds you how good indie-pop is, and makes you thankful that guys like Weber decide to make music.

Go to http://pigeonlane.de/ for your folk-pop fill.

Nebraska Pop Festival [Edit]

Here is a graphic I did for the Nebraska Pop Festival.
You can check out what is going on at:
www.myspace.com/nebraskapopfestival




This is the new logo, I am much happier with this.
(This was the old logo)

Werewolf Police - Ruin My Night LP

The artwork on this LP is some of the [independently done] best that I’ve come across. There are numerous tweaks, a couple of tilted boxes, slight colour changes, and a font that is subtle and different from most Sans-Serifs that appear on independent releases. Note that they maintain cred with the text stamped on the physical disc (smartly done), and the ‘Arial’ black on white information print-out (as pictured above).

Now, onto the important stuff: I’ve listened to this release numerous times. Cruising past the first two songs is relatively easy, the 3rd song Talking To Walls; is money. It should have been the first song, with the sweetest intro; comparable to a Born Ruffians guitar arrangement. The difference is, unlike Ruffians, Werewolf Police don’t have the “fashionable band” onus that BR do, which leaves Werewolf Police to make delightful indie-pop for everyone to enjoy (even your mother). The LP chills out on the last few tracks, in a collected manner.

The vocals are pale against the guitars, but this works (which isn’t a surprise, but is always welcome) in Werewolf Police’s favour, though the problem with this is that the vocals often get overlooked. The influence Guided By Voices have had on Tynan Cooney’s singing are apparent, yet not oppressive, come to think of it, I’d recommend Werewolf Police to GBV fans who are looking for something slightly softer.

Ruin My Night is as though you were just chilling out eating a strawberry sundae. First you wait at the counter and buy it, then you take it to your table, and get into the sauce, and it’s sweet. You have a good sauce to ice cream ratio. Then toward the end of it, you are happy, but there’s still more ice cream in there so you keep going, it’s chilled and you’re content.

http://www.myspace.com/werewolfpolice ☺

Oliver North Boy Choir RIP

As said by the band in a recent e-mail that was received...
"Well, as some of you already know, it's the end of Oliver North Boy Choir. Camilla and Mikkel broke up last October, and since then it's become increasingly hard to find the time to record (well, with jobs, studies, children and whatnot). But we part on friendly terms, and we can guarantee that all band members will keep on playing music, just in new constellations.

And hey, it ain't all that bad, we've attached our last song :-). It's a synth version of our final single "Blackmail" and it won't be included on our forthcoming compilation, so it's sort of an exclusive. Btw, the compilation "Shameless Pop Songs 2008" will be out on Sunday the 22nd, and if you feel like buying it, we will love you even more than we do now :-). And take care, y'all!

Love, hugs, kisses / ONBC."


www.olivernorthboychoir.eu
www.myspace.com/olivernorthboychoir

the Benvereens

Sounds like a more kind, gentle and heartfelt version of Ryan Adams. Whether they are influenced by Ryan Adams i really don't know. But i know this for sure they come across as sounding a heck of a lot better lyrically and musically than most of the bands that are influenced by Ryan Adams. The first track "I'll Be Good" starts off so smoothly. And the transition from the first song to the second song "Red Red" is just perfect. The vocalist also reminds me quite a bit of recent Wilco songs.

With this self released album I am very content with the instrumentation overall. It would possibly help if they added more different instruments in there such as the one's most commonly used in Bluegrass bands. It would only add more excitement and interest to these already well written songs. Again with the lyricist. He has such talent that if he wanted to he could write about any topic that has a common interest amongst the people and produce very listenable music in many different genres.

Their Myspace is here www.myspace.com/thebenvereens

Bloom-Creation

I should begin by stating my affinity for Asian indie-pop, Asia’s proximity to Australia leads me to view the Asian race as my friends. While the cultural differences are rather vast, the reality is; an Asian singing voice complements most leisurely musical stylings.

I did a google search to come across any information about this release, but I couldn’t. I assume this is a demo, which isn’t surprising due to the DIY look of it. All I could find on their myspace was some quotes and that they were from “Seoul, Korea/Tokyo, Japan”… There isn’t exactly a linear pattern for these songs, though they do have binding elements. Nevertheless:

The only excuse you have for not wanting to hear Bloom-Creation is that if you are deaf. This is one of the best bands I’ve heard over the past couple of years. It is a crying shame that they aren’t more widely respected and/or cited as one of the best bands around at the moment.

This demo reaches both ends of the spectrum; it isn’t hand-in-your-shirt-pocket-old-school-indie-pop. It’s as though they’ve changed the meaning of indie-pop. To such a degree that some might argue this label, mentioning the dark psychedelic side, but, like, whatever. Sometimes loud and sometimes soft, and always abnormal, it’s like they harnessed the weird aspects of Human Host’s 2004 Invisible Arteries and matched it with an atmospheric awareness as though a post-rock band had a go at making indie-pop.

http://myspace.com/bloomintokyo2 (it's a must)

Hearts By Darts

Hearts By Darts are a band from Baltimore and I must say that I LOVE this album. You sould so check it out!

How to describe the music, well how does it make me feel? it feels like a warm and humid summer evening. It is music that makes you feel, and I'm not even sure that I am sure what I mean by that. But thats OK, good music should leave you confused. As there bio says Hearts By Darts create music that is both “comforting and strange”, and this sums up there music, it is at once wonderfully dreamy and uplifting while at the same time melancholy and haunting, traversing the apparent dichotomy of sad and happy and above all coming out as fantastic pop music.

http://peapodrecordings.com/heartsbydarts.php
www.myspace.com/heartsbydarts

Incredible Weapons - S/T

Don’t let the slow start to this EP throw you off. It takes 2 songs to arrive at “So Lip Sister” where the record really starts moving. Then it tones back down for the next track, yet this time, their subtle melodies are much more accessible, and you could put this album on at anytime of the day feeling it complemented whatever you were doing.

Incredible Weapons is a healthy release, there aren’t any ‘weak’ songs as such, yet I found they are scratching the surface of a few ‘genres’. They fit somewhere nicely in between indie-pop and folk, however, they try to incorporate several other elements. Although, I feel it necessary to add that some may argue this to be indicative of the band’s wide range of influences.

Note also that the CD’s artwork doesn’t necessarily reflect their sound, not to say that either are bad. But this doesn’t really matter considering this is essentially a ‘demo’ (a sweet one at that). The more you listen, the more you wish that you lived in the same city as Incredible Weapons, and that they played regular shows, so that you could go and see them all the time.

http://myspace.com/incredibleweapons - yep.

Electric Needle Room - Safe, Effective & Fun

On the beginning song; I was unsure of whether or not Electric Needle Room had made a good choice with the sit-com-esque piano. Persistent keys continually took turns at perforating my mental (non-adjective) block. The band is comprised of two brothers, making you envious that your brother is not an indie-pop alchemist.
Vocalist Matt Beat’s voice is similar to Ben Folds’, except without the boring pseudo-emo element that makes you not like Ben Folds. Which really adds to, if not, makes for some very interesting tracks on this album, especially the love songs; that can easily slip under the radar.
“One Good Friend” negatively prepped me for one of those fashionable synth and a high-hat bands, which get played in places that people go to. Yet, the steady degree of integrity maintained throughout the album, still shone through, rare quality now-uh-days. Bryan Poole plays bass on the 4th track, I found his inclusion to be somewhat complementary to Matt’s fast vocals, not unbearably fast, more eloquent.
Electric Needle Room appear to take on different faces throughout, ranging from all steps of the proverbial indie-pop ladder. Their flirting with the synth side of pop, is more of an experiment as opposed to album filler.

http://www.myspace.com/electricneedleroom - do it.

The Jaynes

The Jaynes record recalls Bob Dylan, The Thrills (more than Beach Boys for some odd reason) and has a nice British sound. They made good poppy tunes with harmonica that make very nice sounds that are reminiscent of songs by The Monkees. Also at times they remind me of one of those sunshine pop bands from California oddly with lyrics reminiscent of Rooney. The record is just about 18 minutes in length. Seems to be the average length of records these days ; )

Check em' out here:
www.myspace.com/thejaynes

Daniel Watters

People often say that "emo" music is dead. But it is very present on "The Next Draft" by Daniel Watters. His voice reminds me a lot of Ben Gibbard but at the same time he reminds me of early bands from Vagrant Records or Drive Thru Records. Most of the songs sadly remind me of now defunct punk and emo bands and also reminds me of how some current bands used to be this enjoyable and then when they progressed over time from record to record they lost this sound and in the process they lost original fans and built a far wider audience of newer fans that most often times didn't have a genuine appreciation for the music.

Daniel Watters though if he starts experimenting more and as he progresses it could be for better or worse. I would really hope that his next album would maintain a similar sound but as most artists progress usually there is change and for this particular of style of music most artists change for what i feel is the worst. The electronics used in the songs are fitting and add to the songs in an enjoyable way. This album makes myself have mixed emotions but with that in mind I still was able to enjoy every song on this album.

check him out here www.myspace.com/danielwatterspresents

Rivertubes - Exact Change EP

It is objectively fitting that I review the new Rivertubes EP, Exact Change. Seeing as both Series Two & Eggnog have respective degrees of history with the band. I should remain professional and rather impartial.

Easier said than done. This album is sweet to the ears; you want to be its friend. So you listen again, to make sure you understand what’s going on. Coming to the realization that this is indie-pop at its most insightful, it is relaxed, yet realised.

Its opener leaves you unsure of what to expect, at a sweet 48 seconds long it is just short enough to enjoy, without being self-indulgent. Then the album gets into its real terrain; padded floating guitars that are suited to a dreamy montage of Dog-Town era skateboarding.

Rivertubes remain thoughtful and make you feel included by singing about things you subconsciously know. In several ways, they are the indie-pop equivalent of Silver Jews. Though keep in mind that this music makes you feel like you’ve just completed your last exam, put your pen down, and walked out to your best friend’s car. Figuratively, the old Toyota is now a cruising convertible.

www.rivertubes.com
www.myspace.com/rivertubes

Swedish indie pop band New Found Land

Pop music from a painfully beautiful band that is from Sweden. They are a two piece band featuring Anna Roxenholt (Vocals and Saxophone) and Karl Krook (Guitars and Vocals). The album includes well descriptive songs about relationships with significant others and friends in general. Sounds as if the songs were written as therapy for what went wrong in past relationships. New Found Land features one of the best female voices in indiepop music rivaling other Swedish female vocalists including Siri (Band In Box and Testbild!) and Lina Cullemark (Springfactory and The Big Picture).

The length of their songs are not typical of many great Swedish pop bands for they have most songs at 4 to 5 minutes in length. Their songs that enter the the 4 and 5 minute range are very amazing and do not come across as being redundant or boring which has not be so easily achieved by indie pop bands of today. Also their recording quality would rival almost any band in independent pop music today which is one of the reasons this disc is so remarkable. Sounds as if they have some American pop influence which ain't that bad in my opinion. It's a lot better than being influenced by Cat5. This release is just 6 songs long.

You will definitely hear more from this band.
Check em' out here: www.myspace.com/ournewfoundland

Simon Bish

I have a couple of things to review from the label 'Pop Noise Records' and this is the first. 'Pop Noise Records' is a neat little label from England, and they release home made lo-fi pop music, the best type of music :-)

The first release I will be looking at from this label is a 2 track 3" CD-R by Simon Bish, the man behind Pop Noise Records from what I understand. This single from what I understand is a taster to an upcoming full length.

Track one is a song called 'Heart Shape Sky' is a nice melodic acoustic number, a sort of folk pop sound.

Track two is a song called 'Honey Hair' and features an electric guitar this time and as such sounds a little more gritty, once again though remaining quite melodic.

So to sum up, these are two really cool melodic pop songs, sure they don't break any new ground, but really who cares. There just really cool songs that will get stuck in your head. Check them out...

http://www.popnoiserecords.co.uk/
http://www.myspace.com/simonbish

Before February's Ides.

Yoh. I am an avid indie-pop follower. I will now be reviewing with Ian and Christopher.
This is a precursor post. Spreading awareness that E–Future, N-Works' 5 month hiatus is soon coming to an end. El Peas, Ee Peas and other release forms are in the post waiting to be reviewed in the near future.
I reside in Australia, if that helps any southern hemisphere bands.
I look forward to further communication with you,
Joseph.

The Postcards the hours up to midnight e.p. (Valliant Records)

So if there was a secret formula for lovely guitar pop songs The Postcards have the best kept secret in their hands. This London based band is named in honor of the late and the great Postcard Records of Scotland. “Golden Boy” is a great representation of fine guitar pop. “John Peel Was a Friend of Mine” pays tribute to a very influential person. The Postcards describe their own live sets as being fast and fun. IF you are in the London area they currently have three shows lined up.

Preview six of their songs and find out how to purchase their lovely EP here http://www.myspace.com/thepostcards

2 out of 3 rule really elementary EP (self released)

2 out of 3 rule really elementary EP (self released)

2 out of 3 rule are an indie pop band that hail from the United Kingdom. Their refreshing sounds can put them in close comparison to top sounding indie pop bands such as Scotland’s own Camera Obscura. Their song “Artman” could be put on a list of the best indie pop songs of all time. A few months ago Steve Lamacq took notice and played “Artman” on BBC Radio 6. With their debut EP there is no doubt there is a lot of success that lies ahead for this band especially with a lot of indie pop fans already taking a good likening towards their music already. They hopefully won’t fall to the horrible fate of a lot of UK bands these days with the hype, etc. This band has a lot of substance already and would fit well with the listening tastes of most indie pop fans and would fit well with the lineup’s of most indie pop labels. This EP would definitely make my top 10 list for the year and will likely appear in many other top 10 lists for the year (or at least it deserves to).

What’s happening in the future for this band? If I read correctly in a letter from band member Paul it says they have plans to start recording their 2^nd album in middle October. That puts a big smile upon my face.

This was a very limited self released EP. You can check in with the band on myspace to see if there are any copies left that are available. Also while you are there you can preview 5 of their songs. http://www.myspace.com/2outof3rule

Webelos volume 1 ep (self released)

Webelos volume 1 ep (self released)

The Webelos is an indie pop band from Seattle. In this short little album they quickly impress me with some of the best indie pop I have ever heard. Takes me back to the time where Sweden had a little DIY CDR label called Bedroom Records which first brought you bands like Springfactory, Back in Judy’s Shack, Happy Go Lucky, Thehelpmeplease, and countless other great indie pop artists. If the Webelos were from Sweden when Bedroom Records still existed their music would have fit right in with that label. Webelos describe themselves as a bedroom pop group. And I say that description is completely valid.

The lyrics on “yellow” are slightly overshadowed by the backing music but for me that isn’t a problem because the end result still makes it a great pop song. My favorite of the four songs being “last time down to Portland” which happens to be a song that will appear on the November compilations put out by Series Two Records. This album is too good and sadly too short but would be a great addition to any indie pop CD collection. If I’m not mistaken if you get their CD they send you a lovely little comic that gives you some good peace of mind. Also a lovely sticker is also included. Also would like to add that this record is one of the best DIY handmade packaged records I have seen in a long time.

There are many good things ahead for Webelos. According to their press kit they have been touring throughout the west coast and the Pacific Northwest for the last year and a half. They also have a nice quote from Seattle Weekly.

Preview their songs and buy their album here http://www.myspace.com/seriouslysmith

La famille catastrophe self titled EP (self released)

La Famille Catastrophe makes some great and honest lo-fi indie pop. You may know the lone member Simon of LFC from the indie pop band Mutt Ramon. The backing music reminds me of this 60’s band called The Monkees. Respectfully said when taking into consideration the large crop of other indie pop bands that are many times more likely to be influenced by the Beach Boys and not The Monkees. The lyrics can be compared to the Dandy Warhols. I always felt the lyrics from some of the Dandy Warhols songs were quite funny (or at least to me anyways) especially with the way he works his voice.

Also somehow Dr. Seuss plays a role in the music of La Famille Catastrophe which makes it a little more interesting. I was really happy to receive this CD. The cover art reminded me of what the more rural countryside in my home state of Nebraska.

You can find album purchasing information and also preview three of the four songs from the EP here http://www.myspace.com/lafamillecatastrophe

Throw

Well it seems I have been pretty bad with this blogging thing, sounds like it show be easy, updating a blog once a week. Well it isn’t, or perhaps I’m just no good at it. I tend to gravitate towards the latter of those two options.  Anyway I’m going to try and get better at it.

The band I’m going to talk about today, well tonight…(well this morning if you want to be technical about it. It is 1.28AM) is a band from New Zealand who released in the early 1990s.I make this post to rebut those-and I know they exist-who say that there was no good music ccoming out of New Zealand during this period. Recently there music has been release as part of Failsafe Records retrogenic series (something I hope to tell you guys more about). A label that should be legendary, a label run by Rob Mayes, someone much more deserving of a knighthood than many other boneheads in this country who have receive them…not to name names of course……

The retrogenic series, to be brief, is Rob Mayes massive project to rerelease a bunch of long lost music, amazing music at that. Something more people need to be doing.

The band is called Throw, and features no other than Rob Mayes himself, if you get to know Failsafe records you will realise just how much fantastic music this guy is responsible for. Dark, wonderful power pop that could only come from Christchurch, a place that has produced lots of great music over the years, even if it could at times be described as a racist backwater….

Anyway, I am no good at describing music so I will let these two songs do the talking…so to speak…. Two tracks from the album Dreambaby Goodbye

Anything For You

Taking Back Whats Mine

L I N K S

Failsafe Records

Retrogenic