The Singles

Start Again

The Singles, a U.S. trio, aim to ‘capture the spirit and energy that originated from Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, and all those Rock ‘N’ Roll legends that came before’. So far, so good, but do they, on this second album, come close to achieving this admirable goal or are they merely another bunch of retro rockers in thrall to a largely imagined past? more… “The Singles”

The Winston Giles Orchestra

Soundtracks For Sunshine

The Winston Giles Orchestra is an Australian chill-out dance project, the brainchild of Winston himself and techno producer CJ Dolan. It’s lush with echoey acoustic guitars, dreamy synths, hypnotic beats and a clever mix of vocal samples and smatterings of ’proper’ singing. more… “The Winston Giles Orchestra”

Fram

This Is How We Live Now

Fram, hailing from Glasgow, aren’t like most other bands. They don’t concern themselves with musical scenes, looking good, chasing the rock n’ roll dream or insecurely slagging off other bands for the sake of it. Fram aren’t even that bothered about getting a record deal. more… “Fram”

Tom Ovans

Party Girl

Party Girl is an easy album to place: slavish imitation of Bob Dylan’s rockier work-outs, a voice that sounds like a dustbowl of pain, grime-encrusted guitar and wailing harmonica that sounded clichéd twenty years ago and lyrics that are either received, doggerel or bathetic. Apparently aimed at an audience that wishes Dylan were a red-neck, he has garnered praise from Mojo, Q and The Sun for his rough hewn blues-rock and cleaving to his master’s voice. more… “Tom Ovans”

Various Artists

Monopoly Of Brilliance

Samplers like this are rather brilliant. Southern is a huge distributor in the U.K of some of the best underground American labels including Mike Patton’s Ipecac, the heavy Southern Lord, Anticon, Constellation as well their own label amongst others. more… “Various Artists”

The Hermit Crabs

Saw You Dancing

‘Tonight’ is the understated introduction to ‘Saw You Dancing,’ the debut collection from Glasgow’s Hermit Crabs. Though barely over two minutes in length, it aptly showcases what is to be expected throughout the album; acoustic and electric guitars drive the song before a flourish of violin in the second half more… “The Hermit Crabs”

BMX Bandits

Bee Stings

Album number fifteen by the cherished BMX Bandits announces itself initially as a seeming continuation of their sweet, if perceptibly standard, cute indie pop music. Any notions of ‘more of the same,’ are soon dispelled however, as opener ‘Take Me To Heaven’ fleshes itself out into a shimmering, moody Brian Wilson-esque gem. more… “BMX Bandits”

Paul Handyside

Future's Dream

During the 1980s, singer-songwriter Paul Handyside was known for being vocalist and guitarist in “indie darlings” Hurrah! (no? me neither). After collaborating with other artists since then, only now at the tail end of the noughties, has he released his debut solo album, ‘Future’s Dream’. more… “Paul Handyside”

Paul Vickers & The Leg

Tropical Favourites

The pairing of Dawn & The Replicants frontman Paul Vickers with Edinburgh’s Steve Albini-approved noise combo The Leg was ‘the’ genius pairing of 2007 when they came together to perform at the SL Records 10th Birthday celebrations. more… “Paul Vickers & The Leg”