The Good Time Charlies

Pillars of the Community

The Good Time Charlies are a bunch of retro punk-loving guys and they make no apologies about it! ‘Pillars of the Community’ may be a 15 track album but given that it barely scrapes past the thirty-minute mark, there’s not that much to digest but what there is, is likeable in small portions. more… “The Good Time Charlies”

It Hugs Back

Early Evening

The lead track ‘Early Evening’ is a bit dull and dream-like without ever being gorgeous but the B-side on the release is well worth checking out. more… “It Hugs Back”

Severine Deveraux

Men Of Lesiure

The artist’s name, the EP title and by God the music all bear the trademark of the swinging 60s, just as the psychedelic-era clashed with the dark comedowns and heavier drugs. more… “Severine Deveraux”

Kim Novak

Luck & Accident

Kim Novak may hail from France but they deliver the same style of intelligent intensity that acts like Editors or British Sea Power have made their own. more… “Kim Novak”

Catfish Haven

Tell Me

Even though you don’t get any proper soul records in the charts these days (this modern RnB stuff just doesn’t cut it) there are plenty of enthusiasts who revere the old school artists who sweated it out on stage night after night more… “Catfish Haven”

Fade To Sepia

Situation Hopeless But Not Serious

Combining the spit and anger of old school 70’s punk with a rumbling edge of angsty electro movers, this release is roaming for a fight and woe betide anyone that stands in its way. more… “Fade To Sepia”

The Bongolian

Blueprint

For all that the name hints at a novelty or tribute act, The Bongolian serves up a fine slice of retro funk and high tempo percussion with ‘Blueprint.’
With a squelch and wah-wah feel pervading throughout the majority of the songs, there is a large 1960s and 70s TV and film sound but the rhythms remain strong throughout and would cause an outbreak of moving and shimmying at even the most uptight happenings of the summer.
The organ sounds dominate throughout and the bongo and cowbells add a favourable backdrop to the upbeat numbers, and the slower tracks add an air of melancholy to the proceedings.
As a full length album, its appeal may wane to anyone apart from funk and soul aficionados but there are enough sparkling moments here for individuals to dip in and out of and enjoy. [AR] ???

AR