Old Indie Kid's Mixtape Feb '21

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).

Old Indie Kid's Mixtape Feb 2021 Spotify Playlist 

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

   

Mixtape Jan 2021

Happy New Year Music Lovers. 

2020 was a bugger of a year but it still had the best soundtrack and there is no reason to suggest that the quality will dip in 2021 if you know where to look.  

Spoiler Alert - I know where to look. This blog recommends 20 songs - some released in the last few hours and others released way back in 2020.  All are great and I urge you to follow, promote and support the artists. Buy some mechandise, physical or virtual music and when safe to attend gigs go and see them live. Remember to support the band you want to survive. No need to buy any Simply Red T-Shirts at this stage!

Old Indie Kid's Mixtape Jan 2021 Spotify Playlist 

1) Kingpin by A Month Of Sundays 

Rock N Roll from Perthshire Scotland that reached me in Perth Australia and instantly blew me away.  I had to play it on repeat and buy the EP from Bandcamp within minutes of hearing it.  There are 3 songs on Fat Sam’s Grand Slam EP - New track Comes Back Down is like a thrash jangle take on Some Might Say. The debut single Kingpin released in July 2019 is a rocker and We Got Something Outta Nothing previously released on a charity compilation has nods towards poppy Velvet Underground with a Roses outro.  A mix of 60s, Madchester, punk and J&MC influences make A Month Of Sundays one of the most exciting new prospects for 2021.  Here is the link to buy their debut EP https://a-m-o-s.bandcamp.com/album/fat-samsgrand-slam  Follow them on Twitter at @Month_OfSundays

2) MDMA by Jonny Ash

Jonny Ash are based in Wrexham in North Wales who released their debut single in October.  MDMA is the final song from the 4 track Blurry Vision debut EP released a week before Christmas.  This excellent EP includes both Eclipse and Rosies singles and two new songs Brother and MDMA. Phenomenal guitar work here across these four tracks. Follow on Twitter at @jonnyashband

3) Wildfire by Are We Static

I was introduced to the music of Are We Static this week and fell hard for the Wildfire single that came out in October.  Are We Static have been around for a few years having released their debut album in 2017 and the second album Accepting The Universe, in November 2020.  They have an indie space rock vibe.  Wonderful songs reminiscent of Muse or Feeder in their heyday. Follow them on Twitter at @AreWeStatic

4) Everyone Loves Janet by Cigarillo

A Britpop band from Adelaide, who appear on South Australian End of the Pier Records label.  This is their debut single - a double virtual A side with Rtl2.  The sound is somewhere between The Buggles and Supergrass and it’s a fun romp.  

5) Downfall by The Drift

The Drift are a new band from Birmingham and Downfall is the second release.  A follow up to their debut single Going Up.  Downfall isn’t the comedown thankfully and it rocks harder than the debut.  Downfall’s message is to avoid over dependence on social media and chasing the stars who will never save us.  As Noel Gallagher once put it,  “Please don’t put your life in the hands of a rock n roll band who’ll throw it all away”. Follow on Twitter at @theDriftUK

6) Queen of Liverpool by Vela Incident 

A story of a holiday heartbreak on the latest excellent single from Welsh band Vela Incident.  They originally formed in and gigged in the late Nineties but never recorded anything at the time.  During the lockdown they hooked up virtually and began recording their old songs using mobile phone apps.  The band have had to exist in the virtual world and the current lineup hasn’t actually physically met! There is new material coming soon and perhaps an album in 2021. Follow on Twitter at @IncidentVela

7) TV Fantasy by Joe Astley & The Wallgate Band.

Joe’s Anthem for the North was awarded the prestigious #1 position as Best Song of 2020 by myself and @mobytanner in our #Indie100 countdown and we are both convinced there is a bright future ahead for Joe.  Joe Astley's Acceptance Speech

That future starts here with a New Years Day release of his debut single with the Wallgate Band.  TV Fantasy is a blast of Wigan adrenaline to kick start the New Year.  Great lyrics as you’ld always expect from Joe - my only gripe is it fades out too soon.  Perhaps the album version will be longer?  Until then there is always the repeat button and I urge you to use it! Follow on Twitter at @jastleyofficial and @thewallgateband

8) Seeing The Life by The Young

Heavy ominous rock from The Young who hail from Staines.  This is their fourth single and they have been together since 2016 but this is the first I’ve heard of them.  Having just played their previous singles I am now up to speed and following them on the socials. Follow on Twitter at @youngbanduk  

9) All That I’ve Ever Seen by The Institutes

The sixth release from The Institutes - another great band that I only discovered this month.  Spotify tells me I discovered over a thousand new artists in the last 12 months so I am trying to stay on top of new music but there is so much of it.  The rhythm section is really tight here - it opens like a Mid-80’s R.E.M. and ends as a furious singalong anthem.  Follow on Twitter at @theinstitutesUK

10) Take Us Higher by Oh! Paulo

The guitars here sound like they came straight off the Joshua Tree and the lyrics are about the power of music to lift you up. Oh! Paulo is from the Scottish musical hotbed of Aberdeen.  Surely it is time that Aberdeen and Wigan were twinned!  Top bloke - give @OhPauloMusic a follow on Twitter.

11) Revolution Son by Shiva and the Hazards

A mixture of shoegaze and glam rock - perhaps a new genre is born #glamgaze - you heard it here first kids.  Shiva and the Hazards hail from Melbourne and are working on their debut album.  They toured with Cast and Ride in 2019 and Mark Gardener mixed this single.  Follow on Twitter at @shivahazards

12) Shimmer by Macroscope 

Another beautiful song from Macroscope to lose yourself in its intricacies.  A tale of unrequited love told in widescreen with the orchestral soundtrack playing loud and clear.  (Bring tissues). Follow on Twitter at @macroscopeBand

13)  Tears by Little Sparrow 

An amazing song and an unforgettable video - Little Sparrow has been compared to both David Bowie and Kate Bush. Little Sparrow will soon be Massive Sparrow so enjoy the music and spread the word. Follow on Twitter at @uklittlesparrow

14) I Wanna Be Like You by Psychedelic Porn Crumpets 

Perth psychedelic rockers with a cover of the Jungle Book classic song recorded on Triple J’s Like A Version segment.  The lads throw the kitchen sink at this - tremendous fun! Follow them at @porncrumpets

15) Hungry Like The Wolf by Darklove

An indie supergroup containing members of Gorillaz and Moby with their debut release - a cover of Duran Duran.  Thanks again to indie influencer @macaronpurpl for this find. Follow the supergroup at @darkloveband1

16) If Only by Dean Dovey

Dean Dovey released three singles in 2020 and If Only is my favourite of these.  This song has cinematic qualities to it.  Its an emotional tale of regret and reminds me of a Bond theme. Give @dinodill a follow.

17) Weird Fishes by Leanne La Havas

This was recommended to me recently - a haunting cover of a Radiohead song from In Rainbows.  Leanne appears to be a major star with millions of listeners but as I spend my time looking for emerging artists and unsigned indie bands I have no idea what is popular these days.  Sometimes it’s nice to discover international pop stars years after everyone else! 

18) The Less I know The Better by Kamino Royale

Northern Irish singer who has only been publishing music as a creative release since lockdown.  This is a brilliant cover of Tame Impala’s 2015 hit single.   Follow him at @kaminoroyale

19) All Day and Night by The Strifes

A power trio of indie rockers from Southampton with their scorching debut single.  Follow at @theStrifes_

20) Dear Genevieve by The Mariners 

The problem with doing a monthly blog is the fast pace of releases leaves some songs waiting four weeks for a mention.  A touching song written about his relationship with a young daughter.  Backed by two b-sides - Sorry Suzanne and Are We Nearly There Yet? And with a second album is planned for 2021 it’s never too late to #GetOnTheBoat! at @TheMarinersBand

Old Indie Kid’s Mixtape Dec 2020

 Here is my final monthly blog for 2020, a year that none of us will forget.  Like everyone else, I’m hoping next year will start to see a return to normality in the battle against the virus.  But I shall also remember 2020 for being a brilliant year for new music and I’m hopeful that this will continue for some time.  I always hunger for great new music but this year the quantity and quality has been unrivaled since the last great indie rock scene of the early Noughties led by The White Stripes, The Strokes and the The Libertines. It’s great being Twitter friends with all the bands and artists and  being part of the community of bands, fans, bloggers, DJ's and nutters from the #VirtualPubCrawl.  Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you another twenty talented acts from The Roaring Twenties. 

Old Indie Kid's Mixtape Dec 2020 Spotify Playlist 

1) Anticipation by Crimson Bloom

A surprise release from Crimson Bloom who are moving on up and introducing new elements to their sound.  It opens with a wicked bass line, incorporates beats, an organ solo and builds up and up until the drop where it goes all tweaking acid funk bonkers.  I’ve not heard a single bad word said about the Blooms’ new direction. Then again, people know I wouldn’t stand for any nonsense.  As licky as trips.

2) Tin Man by Thrillhouse

Bloody brilliant single from Brighton’s Brightest.  It opens with a whirling tape, crowd noises and a beat reminiscent of The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour.  A bit of wacka wacka guitar (for want of a real musical term), the obligatory sax section and an infectious tune that demands repeat listening.  However I cannot make any sense of the lyrics so I gave up and just enjoyed it for what it is.  Given how prolific Thrillhouse have become, I'll be shaken if they weren’t planning to drop a little festive cheer in December!

3) Equate by Dictator 

Equate is taken from a mental health charity EP released last month with two Scottish bands covering each other’s songs.  This song was written by Volka and performed by Dictator - a band I have great hopes for. Buy the EP here. https://dictatorvolka.bandcamp.com/album/dictator-x-volka

4) The Ballard of Me And Thee by Liam Hillyer

Liam Hillyer has now expanded his sound by adding a band with no name.  The Ballad of Me and Thee is yet another rousing single.  I’ve loved the last three or four releases and Liam Hillyer seems to have a regular place on my monthly playlist. It is well deserved. 

5) Fairytale Scene by Daydream Runaways 

I love the way this song starts with a chuckle, has a doorbell in it and feels like an early Strokes single.  The Daydream Runaways are gaining a bit of momentum with the in crowd and were very nearly endorsed by the actor who played Jay from the Inbetweeners! Surely it won’t be long until our Champion Bobby Carlyle gets in on the act.

6) Going Away by Plastic Glass

Top Sunderland band with a powerful blast of indie rock n roll.  Check them out and give them a follow on your platform of choice.  Plastic Glass have a physical CD for sale on Bandcamp containing this and previous singles Let Me Know and Come Clean. https://plasticglass.bandcamp.com/album/going-away

7) Sally by The Lilacs

Wigan band The Lilacs with their first new release in over a year.  Sally is a song about a woman struggling with kids and bills and planning to get back with her ex. The Lilacs are planning to release some vinyl hopefully before Christmas and get back to the studio as soon as the lockdown allows. If you don’t know them then go and check out their previous songs Vicarage Road and Seen It All.

8) First Fire by Red Cavalry 

This is my favourite song so far by Red Cavalry. It’s a jangle pop tale of love/lust at first sight.  

9) Different Way by Felix Hill

Felix is a talented enigmatic teenage singer-songwriter from Manchester.  He sounds uncannily like a young Mozza on Different Way. Felix’s voice and the production on this single are absolutely fantastic so I can’t wait to hear more.

10) Dublin Serenade by Amelia Coburn

Speaking of fantastic voices, Amelia Coburn has one of the finest going at the moment.  She’s released a couple of ukulele based cover albums with her interpretations of The Clash, The Jam, The Roses and Bowie among others.  This beautiful song is outstanding and is available for pre-order on vinyl over on Bandcamp. https://ameliacoburn.bandcamp.com/

Amelia Coburn and Teenage Waitress are playing an online gig on Facebook on Friday 4/12/20.  https://m.facebook.com/rebirthofcoollive/

11) Home by Vela Incident 

A ode to retreating from the world to the comforts of your home. An anthem for introvert released during a year of lock downs.  The song starts softly and the music builds throughout transforming from a gentle statement of intent to a defiant call.  There is no verse/chorus here just a repetition of the same eight lines so the song structure offers stability and suggests a safe place mirroring the theme of the lyrics.  A great song that is a firm favourite with everyone who has been snared on its refrain. 

12) Hooked by Cobain Jones

Cobain’s latest single opens with an acoustic strum, before drums and bass join the picture.  Distant horns enliven proceedings before the outro reverts to vocals and acoustic guitar. Hooked is a modern pop classic song about the free spirited Rosie who always leaves them wanting more with a trail of admirers in her wake His next single Wonder is released this coming Friday. 

13) Star City Serenade by Jay Tennant

The second song with serenade in the title this month.  I honestly don’t think I’ve ever typed that word before today. Jay is another talented artist in a crowded field.  He’s releasing brilliant indie guitar music, has a new album coming out in 2021 and he’s also a top bloke and active on Twitter sharing his favourite songs.

14) S900 by Flip Fantazia ft. ERaze

An ode to sampling taken off Flip Fantazia’s amazing The Trip album.  This is my most played track of theirs  so wanted to share it.  Boom Bap!  Another quality emerging act you can support on Bandcamp.

15) Stargazing by Independent Music Club

Beautiful guitar playing, twinkling chimes and an astronomical theme.  

16) Wasted by Connie Miles

Now here’s another beautiful emotional song co-written by Connie and her Dad Ian Miles.  It’s an excellent performance and great production.  It really deserves a wider audience.  Connie is also the front woman for Revivalry and a little bird has told me to watch out for a Revivalry Christmas cover song in the next few weeks. Be warned - it might be a little shaky!

17) Sad Eyes by The Shop Window

Maidstone’s The Shop Window have been releasing songs under this name for the past 12 months now having reformed musical alliances that date back to the 90's when they were known as Westpier.  Their latest single is an emotional one inspired by Carl’s visit to see his ageing Grandma. The band harmonies and hypnotic guitars are excellent here.  The Shop Window plan to release their debut album The State of Being Human in 2021 and there is also talk of vinyls coming soon. Given that it’s December I must give a shout out for The Shop Window’s Christmas song.  Signpost is wonderful and the best original Christmas song I’ve heard in the last decade.  Listen to Signpost on their Bandcamp site and buy some digital singles. https://theshopwindow.bandcamp.com/track/signpost 

18) Bored of Babies by Bad Nerves

Bad Nerves are an East London Punk Band playing fast thrash punk pop songs.  They have just released a self titled album full of Ramones inspired rock n roll.  

19) All That I Know by Sages Of The Subway

The Sages of the Subway are channeling their inner War On Drugs here to great effect.  This band have only released a handful of songs over the last few years and I hope this indie-cates (could help it) their new direction as they do it so well.  They are clearly great musicians and songwriters so check out their back catalogue.

20) Merry Christmas by Willie J Healey

A modern Christmas song that sounds traditional.  It doesn’t rely upon gimmicks just warms the cockles of your heart.  Willie has released a brilliant album this year called Twin Heavy which has the vibe of a post- Beatles solo album from the early Seventies.

Epilogue...

Don’t forget that Bandcamp Friday is 4th December so head there and buy some physical or virtual music and support the artists you love. Also The Mariners new 3 track EP Dear Genevieve is available for pre-order.  https://themariners.bandcamp.com/album/dear-genevieve-single

Finally Michael Tanner (Rebirth of Cool Blogger) and myself are currently counting down our combined top 100 independent songs of the year in a series of videos hosted on YouTube.  If you want to hear our considered opinions on such matters and learn some new dance moves then you need to check out the Indie 100 countdown videos on the Rebirth of Cool TV channel.  https://www.youtube.com/user/Mobytanner

Merry Christmas 

Danny / @Oldindiekid1