I'm writing this during Perth's second lockdown whilst bush fire ash and potential corona virus particles float around outside. Here are twenty tracks that came out recently that I've been digging and using to drown out the sounds of my home-schooling children. Don't forget to buy some physical or virtual music on Bandcamp Friday (5th Feb).
1) For All Lost Souls by Vela Incident
This beautiful introduction opens February's playlist - a song which has demonstrated what can be achieved with home recordings, songs written when they were teenagers and dusted off decades later and a band who's current lineup are yet to met in person. This has really soared to become their biggest song and it was only released in Mid-January. Socially active in a virtual sense @IncidentVela
2) All Fall Down by GreenCircles
Another excellent poignant song from the Newcastle band. The song discusses the impact of the UK's Covid-19 response; the collapse of the economy, the impact of prolonged isolation on the population at risk of all falling down. There are still moments of defiance and a desire to fight back. Musically it sounds like a long lost Smiths track - top guitars and bass here. All Fall Down is a downbeat epic that might just be the best song GreenCircles have released to date. @GreenCircles74
3) Out Of Reach by The Shop Window
The Shop Window flying in low on sonic-jangle helicopters strafing the ground with licks and beats. Poppy shoegaze, indie guitars aside the song is a tale of the times. Days blurring into each other starring at the four walls whilst dreaming of the pleasures currently denied and damning the wasted days stuck inside. Their debut vinyl single is shipping now with previous release Evacuate on the flip side. Only 29 copies left on their Bandcamp page - tell them I sent you! @TheShopWindow1
4) Brightburn by Feverjaw
An alt-rock band from South Wales who have been rocking hard and releasing singles since Mid 2019. Brightburn EP was released last week and contains 5 top notch songs including an acoustic version of the title track and three other bangers. The chorus is as catchy as an early Ash single and I get the punky vibes of early Manics through the guitars and vocals. @feverjaw
5) She Plays by Cobain Jones
A wonderful new indie pop tune from 19 year old Cobain Jones. His third single since signing a record deal with Run On Records and Modern Sky. I've just heard it and played it four times in a row so far. @Cobain_Jones
6) Live Your Dream by Michael Forsyth
Staying in Scotland - up in Aberdeen we have Michael Forsyth with this stirring song imploring his son/everyone else to chase your dreams, and go for it. This is a real grower and the more I hear it the more I love it. It's emotional - bring tissues! @mforsythmusic
7) On The Ropes by Apollo Junction
Synth-heavy rock n roll single On The Ropes continues the hard hitting formula seen on previous smash hit Borderlines - Apollo Junction have fury and tunes and will surely be one of the biggest bands in Britain if they keep this form up. Don't throw in the towel yet, get off the ropes, spit those teeth in the bucket and go claim that title! @ApolloJunction
8) The Laziest Fella In The Realm by The Poppermost
The Poppermost is a one man tribute to The Beatles vibe playing original songs. A Piece of The Poppermost EP CD is available on Bandcamp. Similar to The Mariners and Blake Collins in bringing back the 60's sound half a century after they ended. Great video too. @ThePoppermost
9) Man In The Sky by The Silver Bars
They have just released the fantastic No Luxuries 4 track EP which includes this among its impressive lineup. The Strokes are obviously a massive influence here - it could be Julian Casablancas singing but the band are from an unspecified North West England town and due to my lack of investigation it will remain a mystery. But check this excellent EP out and let The Silver Bars win you over themselves. @TheSilverBars
10) Hold On To Yesterday by Mode
Adelaide Britpop band, Mode with a track from their debut release. This is reminiscent of all the best 90s indie anthems. The influences are proudly on display here - Dodgy, The Seahorses, The Charlatans, Embrace, Shed Seven etc. A very strong start! @Mode06890031
11) Doing My Thing by Lewca
Taken from the 3 Kids & a Mortgage EP - Lewca grew up in Brixton and now resides in Paris. Lewca hits all the right spots for me, he's got flows, memorable lyrics, "Yeah I dance like Travolta with a stroke" and great influences The Streets, The Clash and Ian Dury. Doing My Thing is a song where he battles with temptation to get wasted whilst trying to hold onto to his job, family, relationships and sanity. If you like this follow him and check out the other tracks. @lewcamusic
12) Give Your Love by Nice Guy
An intervention to a girl to ditch her loser boyfriend (and presumably hook up). There are very dark overturns here. The relationship advice is all very good but the vocals and music convey such menace as it rocks out like Dr Teeth and the Electric Mayhem on a bad trip. Uneasy listening you'll want on repeat. @NICEGUYBAND
13) Paw Paw Patch by Roger Brainard
US southern gothic country rocker continues the menacing tones. This isn't my usual thing but it lurks somewhere between Johnny Cash and Nick Cave and that is an excellent place to lurk. Roger has been recording for almost forty years in various bands and as a solo artist and his songs draw the listener in and lead them astray. @thebrainard
14) Fall On Me by Death Cab For Cutie
A faithful cover of the R.E.M. song from 1986. They do it justice and it lightens the mood of the playlist. Enjoy this brief interlude! @dcfc
15) Dark Days by Yard Act
The Dark Days EP combines dark humour with comedic character assassinations of pretentious types, including a plot to bump off an imaginary cheating husband on Peanuts. The sound is close to Gang of Four or contemporaries Working Men's Club with Mike Skinner style narration. Plenty to enjoy here. @YardActBand
16) Admit You Adore Me by Stash
Steve and Ashley combined their names and came up with Stash to release this excellent debut banger that swaggers in like the Rolling Stones - undeniably cool! @Steviehaich & @AshStaceyMusic
17) Jealous Type by The Reytons
The Reytons bringing back thundering drums, big guitars and dish out another sonic battering. Superb time travelling video as well. @TheReytons
18)The One by The Underclass
First release from Stoke's Underclass in 10 months and The One is an instant Britpop classic. Expect to hear this sung out by crowds in future festival settings. Pure Class! @UnderclassStoke
19) Loose Canyon by The Gabriels
The melodic jangle-pop from The Gabriels is a real treat and wash over you like waves lapping your frazzled brain. A pleasant comedown which picks up the tempo towards the end. @TheGabrielsUK
20) There Before Time by The Mariners
The Second single taken from the forthcoming Second Album by Nottingham's finest sea-going minstrels. There Before Time is the lead song from the new 3 track release by The Mariners. It's a homecoming song, who's narrator is looking forward to a reunion with a lover. @TheMarinersBand
And Finally... The #Indie100Cup
If that isn't enough for one month, then watch this #Indie100Cup video and follow me on twitter for daily recommendations @oldindiekid1