Editor’s Picks: Top 50 songs of 2022 – Part One

Whilst my personal Spotify Wrapped will tell you that all I listened to this year was XTC (guilty!), there was still plenty of time for new music – and what a year it’s been! Old favourites and new discoveries galore – from Manchester to Stockholm, Brussels to Durham – I’ve once again whittled it down to a choice Top 50 for our ‘Editor’s Picks…‘ You can also find all our record reviews of 2022 right here!

Honourable mentions are extended to those who don’t deserve a listing in a DIY music blog, but soundtracked our year just the same – Arctic Monkeys and their terrific new album, Harry Styles‘ wonderful ‘As It Was‘ and that Radiohead spin-off, The Smile.

As we have done previously, we’ve compiled the list in alphabetical order rather than giving one particular artist the coveted number one spot (sorry artists…) Read on, explore, discover for yourself. Part two to follow!

Words: Andy Hughes

7ebra – If I Ask Her
(I Have a Lot to Say / If I Ask Her)

From Sweden with love, 7ebra brings together 25-year-old twin sisters Inez and Ella, hitting the ground running with a signing to PNKSLM Recordings this year and dates supporting the likes of Future Islands. Debut single ‘If I Ask Her‘ is a particularly captivating piece, showcasing the pairing as a real powerhouse duo. Love that haunting organ sound!

Ada Oda – Niente Da Offrire
(Un Amore Debole)

I’ve had this on and off once a week ever since hearing it earlier in the year! Vocalist Victoria Barracato brings such an energy to this snappy, poppy punk number, elevating it to glittering highs. Catchy as anything, it’s impossible not to have a wee butt-wiggle to this.

Charlotte Adigery and Bolis Pupul – Blenda
(Topical Dancer)

Cool as a couple of cucumbers, It’s hard not to love this pairing. On ‘Blenda‘, Belgian-Caribbean vocalist Charlotte Adigéry tackles difficult, every day racism (‘Go back to your country where you belong‘) but in such a joyful sounding way, almost like a mantra, as the Belgique duo hypnotise with proper infectious dance-floor rhythms.

Akusmi – Cogito
(Fleeting Future)

The project of French-born, London based composer, multi-instrumentalist and producer Pascal Bideau, the discovery of Akusmi this year proved to be a real treat for us. ‘Cogito‘, from debut album ‘Fleeting Future‘, is a lovely, jazzy instrumental that I’ve often found is the perfect soundtrack for knocking about the city or travelling by train, watching the world go by.

Blacklisters – Why Deny It?
(Leisure Centre)

I’ve always had Blacklisters in my head as an ear-wrecking noise outfit, with an unhinged shouter up front (with good reason – having had my ears blown out many years ago…) Whilst ‘Why Deny It?‘ does rumble off-piste throughout, the main grab here is the stonking groove laid on from bassist Steven Hodson and drummer Alistair Stobbart. Blacklisters at their danciest!

Blacklisters talked us through the record ahead of its release – read it here! You can also read our review of the new record here!

Black Midi – Welcome To Hell
(Hellfire)

On constant rotation since its release halfway through year, ‘Hellfire‘ – the new album from Londoners Black Midi – has had me tickled pink. First single ‘Welcome To Hell‘ signalled there would be epic things to come, the captivating storytelling from vocalist Geordie Greep as much a thrill as their all over the shop, Primus style attack. Private Tristan Bongo discharged, indeed!

You can read our review of ‘Hellfire‘ here!

BODEGA – Statuette On The Console
(Broken Equipment)

Proving the first record wasn’t a fluke (was there ever any doubt?), New York art-poppers BODEGA returned in 2022 with the engaging ‘Broken Equipment‘, another set of inventive numbers to give them a leg up over their contemporaries. With a touch of Blondie about it, ‘Statuette On The Console‘ is a sugary, heart-swelling anthem (and is available in multiple languages, should you need to hear it in Ukrainian…)

David Brewis – The Last Day
(The Soft Struggles)

Anything Field Music, count us in. David Brewis almost goes it alone on forthcoming solo LP ‘The Soft Struggles‘ (out early next year via Brewis‘ own Daylight Saving Records), though still drafts in brother Peter Brewis and some notable contributors (including Sarah Hayes, who put out a record with Peter under the moniker You Tell Me!) ‘The Last Day‘ is a proper treat. Love that brass!

David talked us through the single on its release – read it here!

Alex Cameron – Oxy Music
(Oxy Music)

Drafting in Sleaford Mods own Jason Williamson for a turn, the title track from Alex Cameron’s latest album tackles crippling addiction, but with that mega pop sheen we’ve come to expect from the Aussie artist. Williamson really leans into it, proper putting in a shift to accompany Cameron on what is ultimately quite a moving piece at its end.

Cassels – Charlie Goes Skiing
(A Gut Feeling)

My notes tell me this is the only record on the list with tripe on its record sleeve (though we’ve listened to a lot of tripe over the past 12 months, eh!) – a record that just might be their best yet. ‘Charlie Goes Skiing‘ is a razor-sharp number, proper full strength, capturing Southern sibling duo Cassels at their catchiest.

Cassels talked us through album track ‘Your Humble Narrator‘ earlier in the year – read it here! You can also read our review of the new record here!

The Chats – 6L GTR
(Get Fucked)

A no nonsense approach would best describe the output of foul-mouthed Aussie trio The Chats. Whilst ‘6L GTR‘ is low on the swear count, there’s no getting past that fantastic album title of ‘Get Fucked‘. Revved up, snarling punk that builds on the catchiness of big hitters ‘Pub Feed‘ and ‘Smoko‘.

Cold Comfort – Suck My Blood
(Please Don’t)

With a video from our director of the movement (Tom Brewins of USA Nails), Northwich based one-man-band Cold Comfort near enough kicked off the year with the raging ‘Suck My Blood (Please Don’t)‘, a standalone Double A single to follow his debut EP ‘Weak and Dazed‘. Kicking off the year and kicking our heads in, it’s a proper scuzzy affair that grabs hold and doesn’t let go.

Crack Cloud – Please Yourself
(Tough Baby)

The lead single from their latest opus (the brilliantly titled ‘Tough Baby‘), ‘Please Yourself‘ finds shapeshifting Canadian outfit Crack Cloud at their poppiest, though it’s still ran through their mind-expanding filter. As anthemic as ‘The Next Fix‘ from their thrilling debut, ‘Pain Olympics‘. One an album is good going I’d say!

CROWS – Slowly Separate
(Beware Believers)

A welcome return this year from southern quartet CROWS, new album ‘Beware Believers‘ being their first since ‘Silver Tongues‘ in 2019. Capturing the intensity of their earlier material, ‘Slowly Separate‘ propels the listener forward and hits hard with a proper wallop.

CROWS talked us through the single earlier in the year – read it here!

Deliluh – Body and Soul
(Fault Lines)

I vividly remember seeing Deliluh in an intimate Manchester venue just over a year ago, with early rumblings of ‘Body and Soul‘ having a huge impact, every thud hitting like an explosion of sound. Still as impactful on record, its five minutes are so engrossing, a constant buzzing in the ears as the tension builds.

From the album, last year Deliluh talked us through the single ‘Amulet’ – read it here! You can also read our review of the new record here!

Dilettante – Keep Time
(Tantrum)

Multi-instrumentalist Francesca Pidgeon this year released her debut album under the Dilettante banner and from it, ‘Keep Time‘ is such a swish number. Very much a vibe, the metronome click keeps your head bobbing along to the relentless groove. Love how it builds and builds to a bright shining finish.

Francesca recently talked us through the single – read it here!

Dos Monos – DOG EATS GOD

I discovered Dos Monos a few months back when they supported Black Midi in Manchester – an experimental hip-hop outfit out of Japan, calling to mind both the hard-hitting Gravediggaz and the jazzier stylings and humour of The Pharcyde. ‘DOG EATS GOD‘ really gets under your skin – just the kind of hip-hop we like.

Drahla – Under The Glass

Another return in 2022 from a band we welcomed back with open arms – experimental outfit Drahla from up the road in Leeds. An early single from a yet to be announced album, ‘Under The Glass‘ brings together new material with ideas cooked up in early 2020, the result being a particularly ice cold post-punk number that keeps you on your toes. Solid.

Dutch Uncles – True Entertainment
(True Entertainment)

Oh how we’re glad the Dutch Uncles chaps are back! From their forthcoming new album of the same name, ‘True Entertainment‘ finds the Northern lot in familiar territory – that is a nostalgic, 80s art-pop sound with dancing on the cards. Vocalist Duncan Wallis works his lyrical magic as ever, the quartet getting us all hot under the collar for what’s to come.

Empath – Elvis Comeback Special
(Visitor)

Lovely bit of heart-swelling alt-pop from Philadelphia quartet Empath. In all its fuzziness, there’s almost a dreamlike quality to ‘Elvis Comeback Special‘, the listener lost in the hazy vocal of Catherine Elicson before being awoken by the smash-smash-smash drumming of Garrett Koloski.

Everything Everything – Pizza Boy
(Raw Data Feel)

Where does it end with this lot?! The Northern foursome never put a foot wrong, each new release more varied and just as engrossing. ‘Pizza Boy‘ is a real dance stomper with the daftest of choruses but, as is often the case, its refrain of “I’ll have a coke, I’ll have a Pepsi…” is somehow up there with some of their more memorable lines.

You can read our review of ‘Raw Data Feel‘ here!

Folly Group – I Raise You (The Price Of Your Head)
(Human and Kind)

Having wowed us with their ‘Awake and Hungry‘ EP in 2021 and their ace appearance on the collaborative Metronomy EP from the same year, Folly Group kicked off 2022 with the energising ‘I Raise You (The Price Of Your Head)‘, adding further fuel to the fire that they’re the UK answer to Crack Cloud. A mega turn from the Londoners.

Helen Ganya – Afterparty
(Polish The Machine)

Part Kate Bush, part Siouxsie Sioux, part Big Hard Excellent Fish, ‘Afterparty‘ from Scottish-Thai musician Helen Ganya feels like a constant build, each shift elevating the single higher and higher. Goosebumps as it finally reaches that crescendo.

Gentle Sinners – Face To Fire (After Nyman)
(These Actions Cannot Be Undone)

From the brilliant collaboration between Aidan Moffat (Arab Strap) and James Graham (The Twilight Sad), ‘Face To Fire (After Nyman)‘ is such a wonky, engaging bop. A proper head-jammer with the most Scottish vocal delivery going, it’s an absolute beast.

Grave Goods – Come
(Tuesday. Nothing Exists.)

Love this nails single from Grave Goods, bringing together members of PINS, Girls Names and September Girls for an explosive power-trio. Lead single and opener from their debut album ‘Tuesday. Nothing Exists.‘, ‘Come‘ is a proper sharp, gnarly noisy punk number that threatens to teeter into chaos.

You can read our review of ‘Tuesday. Nothing Exists.‘ here!

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Listening Post – May 2022

Words: Andy Hughes

Sunrise, sunset. The year is moving at light speed, the start of 2022 a mere blip in the rearview. To settle your stomach a bit, we’ve got your usual fill of good music right here.

From our favourite baritone vocalist of the 60s to an 80s Japanese pop star, Belgium dance to African blues, contemporary alt-country to math-rock and even a star from the big screen!

Strap on your ear goggles, tell your mates and settle in.

Lee Hazlewood – It Was a Very Good Year
(Forty)

That cover with that album title. Forty was clearly a very good year for our Lee Hazlewood. The frequent collaborator of Nancy Sinatra borrowed one from her old man for his birthday album, adding a lot more pizzazz to the affair. Our favourite moustachioed man.

Alex Cameron – Oxy Music
(Oxy Music)

Like many works of art, ‘Oxy Music‘ – the latest release from quirky Aussie hitmaker Alex Cameron – took a number of listens to fully sink in. Peeling back the many layers, one finds pop bangers first and foremost, with discovery of side-splitting gags within, all underpinned by a lot of heartache. Featuring a turn from Sleaford Mods own Jason Williamson, the title track from Cameron’s latest record treads the highs and lows of addiction, packed full of exceedingly humorous lines (“I’m cooking up a codeine ragu“) whilst building to such a poignant ending.

Moon Diagrams – End of Heartache
(Lifetime of Love)

The solo project of Deerhunter co-founder/drummer Moses Archuleta, Moon Diagrams comes rooted in an 80s nostalgic sound. The dreamy ‘End of Heartache‘ is super hypnotic, captivating in its repetition as it swirls round and around your nut.

Taeko Onuki – Les Aventures de TINTIN
(Copine)

Bloody hell this is catchy stuff. Like Kate NV ahead of her, in 1985, Japanese artist Taeko Onuki crafted such wonderfully captivating wonky pop, ‘Les Aventures de TINTIN‘ very much rocking that it-is-1985 pop sound. Complete with a bass part so daft it sounds like something from a Tim and Eric sketch…

Charlotte Adigéry – Paténipat
(Zandoli)

“If in life you feel tired and hopeless, throw out all the stuff that don’t matter in the end. Dance until you’re dizzy. Be your naked and uncompromising self.“

That’s how Belgian-Caribbean artist Charlotte Adigéry set out the stall for her 2018 single ‘Paténipat‘, a proper sultry number that gets right under your skin.

Warmduscher – Lady Eggs
(Khaki Tears)

In the year of our lord 2022, the bodacious Warmduscher made their Bella Union debut with latest album ‘At The Hotspot‘. We were at their most recent Northern date (naturally) to hear it IRL and whilst there we couldn’t get enough of one of their earlier cuts, the haunted house thud that comes from ‘Lady Eggs‘.

Deerhoof – Your Dystopic Creation Doesn’t Fear You
(Mountain Moves)

Featuring Awkwafina?! Really?! The ‘Crazy Rich Asians‘ star lends a hand to Deerhoof, 20+ years into their being at the time of releasing ‘Mountain Moves‘. ‘Your Dystopic Creation Doesn’t Fear You‘ is a proper shapeshifter, moving from Steely Dan-esque yacht rock to a Missy Elliott style rap at the drop of a hat.

Caution – Hand That Looks Like Mine
(Arcola)

From tastemakers Born Yesterday (Café Racer, Stuck) comes the debut album from two-piece Caution. Lead single ‘Hand That Looks Like Mine‘ pulls together that surf-rock meets shoegaze vibe in sun-soaked, delightful fashion as your heart tries to keep up with the drum machine beat.

Andy Pickett – Paid
(Andy Pickett)

BIG tune from White Denim collaborator Andy Pickett and his 2017 self-titled album. The driving ‘Paid‘ is such a total vibe. We’re talking driving at night, eyes on the clock, somewhere to be – all wrapped up in such a swish package.

Donna Thompson – Matchstick
(Something True)

Known for her drumming chops and working alongside Falle Nioke, as well as collaborations as part of influential DIY music space Total Refreshment Centre (home to the manic Snapped Ankles), Donna Thompson has now self-recorded and produced her solo debut EP. Lead single ‘Matchstick‘ flows through dreamy cinematic jazz as Thompson speaks of daily life and taking things for granted.

MJ Lenderman – You Have Bought Yourself A Boat
(Boat Songs)

From an album that’s said to be built around songs that “chase fulfilment and happiness”, the warming ‘You Have Bought Yourself A Boat‘ has become a real earworm of late, bringing a country twang to a Dylan-meets-Whitney sound. Strong visions of stretching out on the porch and letting Lenderman’s voice wash over.

Gustaf – Best Behaviour
(Audio Drag For Ego Slobs)

Yes, Gustaf are from New York. Can you tell? ‘Best Behaviour‘ is a brilliant, snarky bit of dancey post-punk that calls to mind their hometown contemporaries Bodega and Public Practice. Love that just about holding it together vocal as Lydia Gammill unconvincingly lets us know that everything’s peachy.

Oldboy – Big Balls
(Bloody)

HOO! HAH! “They didn’t want to be a two piece – lightning bolt have that covered” – Love that from the press release for newcomers Oldboy. The raging ‘Big Balls‘ comes from their Jonah Falco produced debut album ‘Bloody‘, out early May on Agitated Records, with the raw attack of their first single very much in our wheelhouse.

Oumou Sangaré – Wassulu Don
(Timbuktu)

Released to coincide with International Women’s Day just gone, Oumou Sangaré’s ‘Wassulu Don‘ is a proper blues-y arse-shaker, fronted with a powerhouse vocal that gets the head nodding no doubt. From the album ‘Timbuktu‘, it marks her first new material since 2017’s ‘Mogoya‘.

A-Tota-So – Squirrel Bait
(Lights Out)

Featuring a number of guest vocalists from the UK and Irish music scene, ‘Lights Out‘ sees Nottingham trio a-tota-so add another dimension to their instrumental sound. Kieran Hayes of Irish trio We Come In Pieces offers a hand on the raging ‘Squirrel Bait‘, bringing a further sense of urgency to the math-rock noodling.

Tyler Messick – I’ve Been Away
(Sun’s Gonna Rise)

Absolute stunner of a ditty from Nova Scotia’s Tyler Messick, dreamily singing of leaving and not coming back, letting the grass grow and the shutters stay down. That chorus is heaven, the type that has you singing it halfway through your first listen, like you’ve known it all your life.

Meat Wave – Honest Living

Following their 2021 EP ‘Volcano Park‘, Chicago trio Meat Wave return in explosive fashion via the full-pelt ‘Honest Living‘, their first for Swami Records (run by Rocket From The Crypt/Hot Snakes bod Swami John Reis). With a full LP to be announced later this year, we’re putting this on again and again, vibing off their don’t-stop-not-even-once mentality.

Simon Love – Me and You
(Love, Sex and Death Etc)

A proper earworm this, so it is, ‘Me and You‘ is a love letter to The Beatles, The Beach Boys and romantic ditties of old. The only song in the playlist that references a “local borough council“, the brass and chimes elevate this Simon Love number to dizzying heights.

From the same album, Simon Love very recently took us on a nostalgic trip with ‘L-O-T-H-A-R-I-O‘, which you can read about here.

Ty Segall – Hello, Hi
(Hello, Hi)

Well Hello and Hi to Ty Segall, who’s just announced the release of a new album pencilled in for this summer! Hot on the heels of ‘Harmonizer‘ from last year, we’re told that for the new record, Ty has cooked up a collection of songs that are a nod of the head to the sound last heard on the likes of ‘Goodbye Bread‘. On title track ‘Hello, Hi‘, he brings that sun-soaked, fuzzy guitar attack we’ve come to adore. Well on for this! 

Ibibio Sound Machine – 17 18 19
(Electricity)

From their latest album, the Hot Chip produced ‘Electricity‘, the wild ‘17 18 19‘ is such an energetic dance-floor filler from Ibibio Sound Machine. Elevated as ever by the striking vocal of Eno Williams, she brings it down in parts – like it’s just you and her in the room – to stress the points of not breaking a promise (“it’s like breaking a mirror“), before letting loose as the band turn up the heat!

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Live Review: Alex Cameron at Gorilla in Manchester 14 April 2022

Words: Andy Hughes

Having hungrily wolfed down ‘Forced Witness‘, the second full length studio album from Australian weirdo pop songwriter Alex Cameron, it was a delight to catch the live show at Gorilla in Manchester a mere few months after its release in December 2017. To paraphrase a certain cult Manchester outfit, it was a night that opened our eyes.

Cut to April 2022 and we are back again at Gorilla, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Cameron and co, the vocalist a little bit older, a little bit wiser and with two more studio full lengths in the catalogue. The floor groans under the weight of the punters because it is absolutely stuffed in the venue. When the Aussie lot are in town, it’s always a hot ticket. A packed out Gorilla is a promising sign that there’s an impending audience shift and venue upgrade, which doesn’t sound like a bad idea as I squeak into a spot against the wall.

Our man is out promptly, arms spread, taking in all the applause. The pants are pulled up high, the vest is tucked in, we’re good to go. He’s not milking it, but he is basking in the fanfare as it carries on – likely to have continued had he not grabbed the microphone, such is the joy the crowd have for him.

The retro sound behind old favourite ‘Happy Ending’ provides a welcome opener. The first blast of saxophone from our man Roy Molloy gets the crowd hot and Al Cam knows it, soon asking us to make some noise for Roy as he himself wiggles his hips and raises the microphone high, allowing Molloy to let loose.

‘Country Figs‘ is an equally welcome follow up, though it stops abruptly during what feels like the first of a few technical issues from on stage. “We wanna do this right.” Announces Cameron before a restart, greeted with fingers in the crowd pointing skyward as he sings of waking up “…with a lap full of cum and a head full of steam“. There are literal screams from the audience for the sultry stomp of ‘Candy May‘ and it’s a big 1-2-3 from the band, followed swiftly by ‘Miami Memory‘ and newer single ‘Sara Jo‘. It still feels surreal to hear a room full of people singing back lyrics of eating an arse like an oyster or knowing that the vocalist is packing heat.

Every song is welcomed like Cameron is the homecoming king – ‘Divorce‘ particularly so, as he sings of having friends in Kansas City “…with a motherfucking futon couch” in spectacular petty fashion. From the same album, 2019 release ‘Miami Memory‘, the empowering ‘Far From Born Again‘ has arms up in the air swaying as the intro is sang back by the crowd before Cameron starts off. The audio is skewed somewhat (likely due to where we’re stood), but it’s absolutely fine as we get to hear the backing vocals of bassist/guitarist ‘Juice‘ coming in hilariously loud in parts, which he sings with so much heart.

“There’s always something exciting about coming to Manchester…” Announces our host as he takes a swig from a big glass of wine, his business partner Molloy looking controlled as he sits and observes. There’s little from Roy all night unfortunately and the famed stool review – where he literally reviews the very stool he’s sat on – is regretfully missing from the evening.

Rosie Alena follows the tradition of Holiday Sidewinder before her and is dressed to the nines, backing Cameron up on vocals for the night and joining him for the duet on ‘Stranger’s Kiss‘, which is unfortunately struck by deafening feedback before it can get going. There are a few nervous exchanged glances on stage whilst it’s figured out, but they luckily get it back on track and there’s big cheers for Alena when she kicks in.

Amazingly, the band shifted off not long after woke-pop masterpiece ‘Marlon Brando‘. A very swift 50 minutes – Come on Al Cam, surely not? You’ve not even finished your wine yet! Luckily he returns very quickly, arms outstretched again to much applause.

“You talking to Roy?” He asks when someone from the crowd shouts at the saxophonist to show some skin. There’s not much time to talk, mind, as they quickly dust off an encore of ‘K Hole‘ and ‘Politics of Love‘. Al Cam acknowledges his laughing on stage, putting it down to being so happy. In contrast, a glance over at drummer Henri Lindström finds a pained expression throughout the whole thing. He does however do a proper last song of the night drum solo (with cowbell). Al Cam seems very sincere as they depart, shaking the hands of a number of punters down the front, having showed much gratitude for everyone making the show.

In and out within the hour, it did feel really quite brief and it wasn’t clear whether the short set was intentional, or if the technical niggles took over. It was also surprisingly light on new material from his latest record, ‘Oxy Music‘, though it was clear from reactions to the new songs that the crowd were on every word, so the demand is clearly there for this engaging new collection of sordid tales. I appreciate guest vocalist Jason Williamson wasn’t in attendance, but surely we could have had a slimmed down version of the title track when it’s packed with such winning lines like “That’s no way to find your soul, fingers down your pie hole“? Nevertheless, the vocalist was packing heat of a different variety in Manchester and regardless of length (woah now), his show remains the hottest ticket in town.

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Listening Post – February 2022

Words: Andy Hughes

February already?! It feels like just yesterday we were putting together the first playlist of the year. So it goes…

Here we are then. 20 tunes, old and new, all for your listening pleasure. From Australian weirdo pop to groovy new-wave, funk and soul to New York City hardcore and much more!

If you like what you hear, you should tell your friends, co-workers, parents, pets – everyone, really.

Pylon – Weather Radio
(Gyrate)

Pioneers so they were, everything you hear from Pylon sounds box fresh (or rather everything these days sounds like Pylon!) Quirky little new-wave number from the quartet out of Athens, Georgia, the band seeing more love these days off the back of the comprehensive ‘Pylon Box‘ out in 2020.

Alex Cameron – Sara Jo
(Oxy Music)

Aussie oddball and king of the character study, Al Cam sure does know how to spin a yarn over the catchiest of tunes. ‘Miami Memory‘ sang of eating out arses like oysters, whilst ‘True Lies‘ is a wild tale of internet love and the very likely reality of being a Catfish victim (and being fine with it).

On ‘Sara Jo‘, the vocalist threatens anyone who fucks with his family – one notable misdemeanour being telling his brother that his kids are going to die from the vaccine. From a new album out this March, one that tells tales of opiate addiction, inspired by Nico Walker’s 2018 novel Cherry.

Lee Fields & The Expressions – Never Be Another You
(Special Night)

Woof, heart-swelling stuff from North Carolina soul man Lee Fields, known for working with the likes of Kool and the Gang and B.B. King once upon a time. The luscious ‘Never Be Another You‘ is one that could have easily been released at any point throughout the 60s onwards, but amazingly came out just a few years ago.

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings – How Long Do I Have To Wait For You?
(Naturally)

Massive bop from Brooklyn, NYC outfit Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings. The vocal of the late Jones is intoxicating, her involvement with The Dap Kings part of the revivalist movement for 60s/70s funk and soul in the early noughties. Not bad for a former corrections officer at New York’s Rikers Island!

Beastie Boys – Brand New
(Aglio E Olio)

Raging New York City hardcore from those brill Beastie Boys. Too many hardcore songs for your new record? Branch off and put out an EP instead! ‘Brand New‘ opens up the record – eight tracks, just over 10 minutes. Boss!

The C.I.A. – Pleasure Seeker
(The C.I.A.)

Denée Segall up front with her partner Ty right behind her, ‘Pleasure Seeker‘ is a cool little number from their 2018 release. The syrupy sweet verses make way for spaced-out, raw shouts from Segall on the chorus in hypnotising, fuzzy fashion.

Efterklang – Living Other Lives
(Windflowers)

In ‘Living Other Lives‘, Copenhagen trio Efterklang have crafted a euphoric bit of pop, sounding like a Danish Bombay Bicycle Club in the process. From their sixth studio album ‘Windflowers‘ (named after the tiny flowers that blossom on Danish forest floors), this has an ‘everything is going to be ok’ quality to it.

POZI – Free Day
(Typing)

Inspired somewhat by the incomparable Dexys Midnight Runners, ‘Free Day‘ is a more playful side to London trio POZI than we’ve heard of late (worlds apart from frantic EP opener ‘Detainer Man‘). The wonkiness remains a constant however, POZI continuing to be one of the more exciting up and coming bands knocking about today.

Public Body – Reset My Password
(Flavour Of Labour)

A band that never seem to miss, Public Body have a knack for writing incredibly catchy post-punk numbers that deal mainly in the minutiae of the 9-5 and day to day brainless tasks. Enter ‘Reset My Password‘, the instrumental an absolute joy sitting beneath lyrics that touch on being thankful to be in the job and the interesting topic of company policy. 

Bent Arcana – Mimi
(Bent Arcana)

With John Dwyer being even more prolific during lockdown downtime, one could be forgiven for missing out on the odd release here and there. Bent Arcana was one of the many pieces unearthed during the pandemic, the six track saga seeing Dwyer bringing together players from Sunwatchers, TV On The Radio, Prettiest Eyes and his own outfit Oh Sees for a series of improvised sessions. The shortest of the lot, ‘Mimi‘ is a swell jazz-y piece, like sinking down deep into a hot bath.

Snooper – Running
(Music For Spies)

An apt title for this scrappy Snooper track (out Halloween 2020 – spooky!), the lo-fi post-punk jam feels like the listener is running on the spot in a glitchy computer game world. That A Certain Ratio style guitar at 1:35 is a total treat!

Steve Gunn – Dust Filled Room

Swish sun-soaked cover from a series released by Dead Oceans, ‘Dust Filled Room‘ initially appeared on British folk musician Bill Fay’s 1971 sophomore album ‘Time Of The Last Persecution‘. Of the artist, New York’s Steve Gunn quite beautifully suggests “listening to his music still makes me feel as if an old friend had been lingering in the shadows, emerging at just the right time.“

Perfume Genius – On The Floor
(Set My Heart On Fire Immediately)

The slightest Billy Ocean vibe to this had me questioning my own ears when I heard it in a clothes shop the other week, so much so it stayed with me all the way home. Perfume Genius, of course! From the gnarly sounding ‘Set My Heart On Fire Immediately’ – a record we suggested is “an incredibly engaging piece” – this is pop perfection!

Buzzcocks – Are Everything

‘Raspberry Beret‘ via Bolton, though to be fair Buzzcocks did have a few years on the purple one when they put out the raging ‘Are Everything‘. Having very recently picked up a copy of ‘Singles Going Steady‘ on wax, a Buzzcocks fad in our house is coming, I can feel it!

Paul Cherry – No News No Blues
(Back On The Music!)

The first slice of new music from Paul Cherry in four years, ‘No News No Blues‘ is a delectable soft rock jam of the Steely Dan variety. From a new album out this March, it sounds like the best cut from a gem you might find in the chazzer shop, which is no bad thing!

Group Listening – All Of A Sudden
(Clarinet & Piano: Selected Works, Vol. 2)

From their latest record out late last month, the knock-out pairing of Stephen Black (Sweet Baboo) and Paul Jones is back, the duo doing that thing they do with the clarinet and piano, this time reinterpreting a number from American multi-instrumentalist Laraaji with wonderful results.

Yard Act – Pour Another
(The Overload)

Now you might not have heard of this lot, but I predict big things… Yes, it’s the Northern powerhouse that is Yard Act, who last month celebrated their debut album exploding into the charts at number two (thrashing the late Meat Loaf in the process). Current favourite ‘Pour Another‘ has dancing feet in mind, the quartet putting out yet another infectious hit.

We had the pleasure of interviewing Yard Act just before the release of ‘The Overload‘ – Read that for yourself here.

Wet Leg – Oh No
(Wet Leg)

Keep it simple, stupid! Love the simple rhyming on this rager from Wet Leg – ‘You’re so woke, Diet Coke‘ *chef kiss*. World domination imminent. Believe.

Blossom Dearie – Sunday Afternoon

Bloody great this. Super swell jazz stylings from the late Blossom Dearie, very much taking you on a journey as she drives about at the week’s end, making the most of the ‘Sunday Afternoon‘. Hard not to get completely lost in this charming and captivating piece.

Crows – Slowly Separate
(Beware Believers)

A welcome return from London lot Crows, ‘Slowly Separate‘ being their first taste of something new off the back of their debut album ‘Silver Tongues‘ out in 2019. Their raging new single captures what first got us hooked on the LDN quartet back in the day, noisy and anthemic in equal measures.

The band recently told us everything there is to know about new single ‘Slowly Separate‘ – see for yourself here.

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Editor’s Picks: Top 50 songs of 2021 – Part Two

Words: Andy Hughes

What a year it’s been. Still though, 2021 next year! What’s that? Oh fuck… December 2021 and bloody hell if we’re not hurtling back to where we were a year ago in the UK!

It is all doom and gloom, however the new music just keeps on coming (to the point we’ve found it hard keeping up) and once again we find ourselves tasked with picking the 50 best songs that came out this year to give them the Birthday Cake For Breakfast seal of approval. Some choice cuts here. You’ve got some catching up to do yourself as Part One is already up here!

As ever, the list that follows is alphabetical rather than a crowning achievement for the number one spot. After all, it’s not a competition (though surely the Birthday Cake For Breakfast #1 song of the year would be a coveted accolade? Alas…)

Kiwi Jr – Maid Marian’s Toast
(Cooler Returns)

From an album spotify tells me I’ve played to death since its release (other streaming sites are available), ‘Cooler Returns’ really took hold of us this year. Can we pick just one single? No, but we have to. ‘Maid Marian’s Toast’ is such a sun-soaked delight, evoking the lush sounds of The Byrds and ‘The Adventures of Pete & Pete’ era Polaris.

Kiwi Jr. very kindly answered some silly questions for us this year – answers to be found here.

Mr Jukes and Barney Artist – Blowin Steam (Open Up Your Mind)
(The Locket)

Our favourite collaboration this year, with LDN MC Barney Artist hooking up with Mr Jukes (the one man vibe crew from Bombay Bicycle Club’s Jack Steadman). Summer-y nostalgic hip-hop is the name of the game, filling a much needed Pharcyde shaped hole in one’s life.

‘The Locket‘ – reviewed here!

Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders – Astronaut
(Hijack!)

Described online recently as “very attractive but somewhat strange”, Alex Cameron’s mate Jack Ladder is a pro for treading the fine line of ‘Is this a piss take?’ (When we first saw him live he was sporting a giant pair of cataract glasses). ‘Astronaut’ is a stop you in your tracks affair which (rather aptly) reaches such beautiful heights.

Cate Le Bon – Moderation
(Pompeii)

“Moderation – I can’t have it. I don’t want it.”

From her forthcoming new album ‘Pompeii’, ‘Moderation’ is a nostalgic sounding thrill from Welsh artist Cate Le Bon and signals another winner of a record to come. At this point Le Bon could record herself reading from the ‘A to Z’ and we’d rank it highly. Another wonderful song to add to her vast collection.

Lynks – Everyone’s Hot (And I’m Not)
(Smash Hits, Vol. 2)

Another hot tip from Elton John, Frank Carter’s new best pal Lynks blew us away at the start of 2021 with the incredible DIY choreography on offer in ‘Everyone’s Hot (And I’m Not)’. Dancefloor ready, Lynks reels off the one-liners in quick fashion on this joyous cut from their latest EP.

Lynks went personal on some silly questions earlier this year – full results here.

Mandy, Indiana – Alien 3
(…)

Now found on the very google-able ‘…’ EP, we first clocked Mandy, Indiana (then Gary, Indiana) at the start of the year on the invigorating, thumping industrial dance-smash ‘Alien 3’. They’ve since changed the name, added a fourth member and had some particularly choice support slots. 2022 will be a big one.

Mandy, Indiana were the first band we saw post-lockdown (!) when they supported Deliluh – Highlights can be found here!

Meat Wave – Tugboat
(Volcano Park)

THUMP THUMP THUMP! Having kept us waiting FOUR LONG YEARS off the back of their previous album ‘The Incessant’, Meat Wave made a more than welcome return in 2021 with a brand new EP. ‘Tugboat’ captures the intensity and thrill of that last LP, culminating in a ripper of a closing section that makes one long for their return to these shores.

The band were kind enough to share their thoughts on ‘Nursing’ from the EP – read that here!

Metronomy – It’s Good To Be Back
(Small World)

Not content with putting out our 51st favourite song of the year (with Folly Group and Brian Nasty – ‘Monday’), Joseph Mount and his mates in Metronomy return to 2021 with an unbelievably catchy single to rival 2019’s ‘Salted Caramel Ice Cream’. A definite Electronic vibe to this one, that chorus remains stuck in my head.

Ty Segall – Feel Good
(Harmonizer)

Featuring wife Denée putting in a real shift on vocals, ‘Feel Good’ allows Ty to focus on ripping it up on the instrumental – which he does with aplomb. From his latest record ‘Harmonizer’, Segall once again knocks it out of the park.

Shame – Snow Day
(Drunk Tank Pink)

Vivid memories of taking myself on a long walk in early 2021 and being blown away hearing this for the first time. Incredibly captivating, the midpoint still gets the hairs on the back of the neck going. Having glossed over their first album, something about ‘Drunk Tank Pink’ has really taken hold and it remains a favourite 12 months on.

Our review of ‘Drunk Tank Pink’ can be found here.

Show Me The Body – Survive
(Survive)

“I never cry watching pigs die”

Nails stuff from New Yorkers Show Me The Body, big single ‘Survive’ whipping you round the chops in crushing fashion. Brutal.

Sleaford Mods – Nudge It
(Spare Ribs)

“Stood outside an high rise trying to act like a gangsta…”

Another turn from Amy Taylor in the list, hooking up this year with elder statesmen Sleaford Mods for their album highlight ‘Nudge It’. Featuring a minimal yet engrossing backing from beat-man Andrew Fearn, the Taylor cameo is brief but really hits the spot.

‘Spare Ribs‘ – reviewed here!

Squid – Peel St.
(Bright Green Field)

“Where were you when the ice came to town?”

Off the back of a run of to die for singles, Squid finally did the noble thing and put out a banging album (one of our favourite releases this year). ‘Peel St.’ is a frantic head-spinner from the back end of the record that is particularly raging and a definite highlight.

We caught their tour for this album and it was a trip, daddio – Review here!

Stuck – Labor Leisure
(Content That Makes You Feel Good)

Many a lockdown walk (back in those heady early days) was sound-tracked by Stuck’s debut album ‘Change Is Bad’. Chuffed then were we to have another release from the Chicago boys for further restrictions in 2021, with the opener from their new EP providing those much needed jagged guitar parts in this total post-punk jam.

Silly questions were directed at Stuck back in August, which they were kind enough to answer – read those here.

Sweeping Promises – Pain Without A Touch

The self-titled debut album from Sweeping Promises was undoubtedly a last minute favourite for 2020, so we were chuffed to see them hook up with Sub Pop late 2021 for the release of the unstoppable ‘Pain Without A Touch’. More on the money old fashioned style post-punk/new wave, the vocal of Lira Mondal once again ensuring the tune swirls round you head long after it’s finished.

Taqbir – Sma3
(Victory Belongs To Those Who Fight For A Right Cause)

One of our favourite discoveries this year – full pelt Moroccan hardcore yelled out in Moroccan Arabic, the lyrics of which are said to be irreverent outbursts of anger towards their patriarchal oppressors. Stick it right to ‘em in fuzzy-fuck-you fashion!

Thank – Good Boy
(Thoughtless Cruelty)

The very two words I say most in my life now I own a dog, ‘Good Boy’ offers up a horrific yet joyous pounding from Leeds noise lot Thank. Previewing their forthcoming debut album ‘Thoughtless Cruelty’, the back end of this is raging.

Thank took a deep dive into this one for us just last month – full write-up here!

Turnstile – (T.L.C.) Turnstile Love Connection
(GLOW ON)

From an album we’ve been obsessed with this year, the nu-metal riffs thrive on the latest record from Baltimore hardcore lot Turnstile. Punching the air, doing little leg kicks in the living room and on the dog walk. No big deal. BOOM BOOM BOOM!

‘GLOW ON‘ reviewed right here for your reading pleasure!

Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Weekend Run

‘Weekend Run’ was a welcome return from Unknown Mortal Orchestra this year, his first new release since 2018’s ‘Sex & Food’. Enough to make Craig David proud with his riff on the days of the week, this is very much a vibe.

Unschooling – Social Chameleon
(Random Acts of Total Control)

Omni-esque ripper from French outfit Unschooling, dishing up some super swell post-punk vibes on this tidy bit of kit from their latest EP. 2:40 yet still too short, we’d happily double the length!

Wasted Death – Thickened Skulls
(Ugly As Hell)

70+ seconds of 100mph cave-your-head-in heaviness from heavy hitters Wasted Death, featuring the combined forces of Wayne Adams (Big Lad), Tom Brewins (USA Nails) and Charlie Davis (Beggar).

Big Lad Wayne Adams answered a series of silly questions for us mid-year – have at it!

We Are Scientists – Contact High
(Huffy)

20+ years in the game and We Are Scientists are still writing HUGE anthemic pop gems, with ‘Contact High’ being potentially one of their best yet. From an album we can’t get enough of, the mammoth single has huge smiles in mind.

We had the pleasure of interviewing Keith Murray a few months back – read that here.

Wet Leg – Chaise Longue

World domination is no doubt on the cards for duo Wet Leg and with good cause – Debut single ‘Chaise Longue’ has insta-hit all over it. Shades of Le Tigre and New Young Pony Club on this ripper!

WOOZE – Tu Es Moi
(Get Me To A Nunnery)

Not entirely sure where the thought has come from, but this sounds like it’s from the Crash Bandicoot soundtrack (did it have a soundtrack? Answers on a postcard…) More oddball pop wonkiness from the supremely stylish WOOZE, who surely should have dominated the world by now?*

*If dominated at the time of reading, please disregard.

Yard Act – Dark Days

“It’s a never ending cycle of abuse…“

Funky little number this from Leeds lot Yard Act, an outfit that have sound-tracked our lockdown – from ‘The Trapper’s Pelts’ following us around our 1 hour exercise sessions to looming lockdowns covered via ‘Dark Days’. The catchiest yet from a band who can’t stop writing bops.

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Listening Post – July 2021

Words: Andy Hughes

Well, well, well – As on time as the England football team giving those of us living round these parts some glimmer of hope in a big tournament, Birthday Cake For Breakfast returns with another stacked monthly playlist (how’s that for a loose connection to current events!) You know the drill, 20 tunes – old and new – designed to give your ears a good seeing to. Tuck in!

Kormac – Another Screen
(Doorsteps)

Very recently introduced to this hypnotic bit of kit by our lass, the pair of us having just listened to ‘As Days Get Dark‘, the latest album from Arab Strap. Whilst guest vocalist Irvine Welsh might not reach the vocal highs of Aidan Moffat, his captivating delivery draws you in completely on this from Irish producer Kormac. The perfect way to sink into our 60+ minute bumper playlist this month!

WOOZE – Witch Slap (IOU)

The wunderbar WOOZE spark off a return with the insatiable ‘Witch Slap (IOU)‘, the new single sounding particularly MASSIVE to these refined ears. Having very recently been on a Sparks tip, this sounds even more splendid.

Pearl & The Oysters – Treasure Island
(Flowerland)

Sunny I-wish-I-was-on-the-beach vibes aplenty with this delightful sun-has-got-his-hat-on little number from French-American duo Pearl & The Oysters. Makes one long for no more ‘staycations‘ and to be propped up in a sun lounger getting burnt to fuck.

Sneaks – True Killer
(Gymnastics)

Would you believe I discovered this via Eric Wareheim’s instagram story?! Slightly late to the party on this sleek post-punk delight from Sneaks, but hey – sounds like it was released 50 years ago anyhow. Vibes via Washington, D.C – where all good punks band come from.

Thee Oh Sees – Enemy Destruct
(Help)

RAGER from 10+ years ago c/o the shape-shifting, ever-reliable Thee Oh Sees. Having kept us company throughout the pandemic, via live sessions and multiple new releases, it felt only right to revisit their back catalogue to spice things up a bit.

Alex Cameron – Before Too Long

Moody number from our favourite Aussie, Alex Cameron. Having fallen into an Al Cam listen-a-thon a few weeks back, it was a joy to discover this cover of a Paul Kelly number, backed up by regular business partner Roy Molloy on horn and Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s Jacob Portrait on guitar. As smouldering as all of Cameron’s publicity shots.

The Fall – 15 Ways
(Middle Class Revolt)

Having very recently talked up The Fall on the We Didn’t Know How Good We Had It podcast, it would be remiss of me to not include Mark E. Smith and his mates in our latest playlist (as we’ve neglected The Fall so much in our playlists this year…) From an LP released when I was just a wee nipper, the breezy and infectious instrumental backing on this is as joyous as the whistling towards the tracks end.

Kiwi Jr. – Murder in the Cathedral
(Football Money)

“Oh that is James Dean!” Having positively rinsed ‘Cooler Returns‘ this year (the latest record from Kiwi Jr.), it came as no shock to discover their debut album is just as good, capturing what we described in our review of the new LP as like ‘a big knees up with Dylan, The Byrds, Jonathan Richman and labelmates Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, knocking about on the set of a Wes Anderson flick or even The Adventures of Pete & Pete.‘

Aldous Harding – Old Peel

A current house favourite, the latest from the wonderful Aldous Harding is known for closing sets at her most recent live shows, said to be a beloved fan favourite. Possibly hinting at more joyous new music on the way, ‘Old Peel‘ has a Cate Le Bon quirky quality that we can’t get enough of. Catch that peculiar video out now, featuring the equally wonderful H. Hawkline!

Deliluh – Amulet B

Canadian formed outfit Deliluh very recently dropped their ‘Amulet‘ single, split into two incarnations as side A captures the band as a four-piece, with side B just the current duo of Kyle Knapp and Julius Pederson. It’s the latter that hit us most, its moody, Nine Inch Nails stylings really capturing our attention across its 6+ minutes, with the vocal of Knapp really drawing you in.

Gruff Rhys – Hiking In Lightning
(Seeking New Gods)

Very niche but my girlfriend has clocked that, on his new record – the wonderful ‘Seeking New Gods‘ – Gruff Rhys sounds, on occasion, very much like Simon Farnaby (google it, you’ll know who I mean). Sound-alikes aside, ‘Hiking In Lightning‘ is just a delightful cut from a record we described as ‘a fuzz rock nod to early SFA‘. Try as you might, you won’t be able to get that chorus out of your head!

Miss Grit – Impostor
(Impostor)

RIPPER territory from NY artist Miss Grit, with the title track from her latest EP sounding particularly MASSIVE as it reaches anthemic highs throughout! From a record that addresses her life-long navigation through racial impostor syndrome as a result of being a half-Korean woman in the suburbs of Michigan where she grew up, this fuzzy affair was produced solely by Miss Grit so that creative control was maintained. That solo, mate – WOOF!

The Bug Club – Launching Moondream One
(Launching Moondream One)

One of our favourite discoveries this year, Welsh trio The Bug Club have got this songwriting lark bob on. The title track from their debut EP calls to mind the loveliness of The Kinks, with the vocals of bassist Tilly Harris and guitarist Sam Willmett going together like a particularly good sandwich filling.

Kaputt – Movement Now

You know us, we like to recommend music (guilty!) and we’re now speaking to those in the room who’ve been all excited by new releases from Black Midi, Squid and Black Country, New Road. Scottish outfit Kaputt recently put out this razor sharp single that brings together all the joys from their 2019 debut ‘Carnage Hall‘, further signifying that they remain (and will continue to be) an outfit to keep a close eye on.

Geese – Disco

Exitement on the way from Brooklyn based newcomers Geese, kicking things off with their 6+ minute debut single (on Partisan Records no less) – one which twists and turns and calls to mind a favourite record of ours from last year (The Homesick’s ‘The Big Exercise‘). Proper promising stuff from the collective and one which – dare we say it – has classic written all over it.

Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders – Astronaut
(Hijack!)

Oh boy, it’s good to hear new material from Aussie lad Jack Ladder. The musical accompaniment to ‘Astronaut‘ is very much lump-in-the-throat territory, not too dissimilar to his mate Alex Cameron in places. From an album on the way this September, we could listen to Jack read out the take away menu, you know? Great voice.

Jonathan Richman – Tandem Jump
(I, Jonathan)

Very much encapsulating everything there is to love about Jonathan Richman, ‘Tandem Jump‘ is a clap-happy kooky little number with a call and response from Richman to his band as they seemingly leap out of a plane. A hypnotic little groover. “Tandem Jump!“

Katy J Pearson x Yard Act – Miracle (Remix)
(Return (Remixes)

Having recently made headlines with Hugo Boss (a.k.a. Joe Lycett) producing a vid for her new single, Heavenly Recordings own Katy J Pearson has been making pals wherever she goes, as showcased on her new remixes album. One such set of pals comes via Northern lot Yard Act, who’ve been cooking up quite the storm themselves off the back of a hotly tipped EP. This is an arse-shaker, make no mistake!

Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Weekend Run

What a bloody vibe eh? Ruban Nielson returns with this absolute delight that features the best naming of days of the week since Craig David dropped ‘7 Days‘. Having been obsessed with ‘Hunnybee‘ from 2018’s ‘Sex & Food‘, I can see this becoming a once-a-dayer for sure.

UV-TV – Distant Lullaby
(Always Something)

Proper heart-swelling jam from New York City’s UV-TV, with the vocal of Rose Vastola hitting that sweet spot that raises the hairs on your neck. In and out in just over two, sun-soaked minutes, from their latest record ‘Always Something‘ released at the back end of May, ‘Distant Lullaby‘ is a perfect accompaniment to these long summer nights.

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Hey, have you heard about…Video Age

Words: Andy Hughes
(Photo Credit: Alex-H.Payne)

I came to the realisation the other day that my favourite type of music is synth-tastic 80’s pop. My partner still tells people that Birthday Cake For Breakfast is a “math rock blog“, but the truth is i’m a sucker for feelgood, earworm nostalgia pop – especially modern variations that lean heavy into the wonkiness of it.

Having been obsessed with The Hecks last year and with an ongoing devotion to the pop weirdness produced by Alex Cameron, I was chuffed to come across this from Video Age last night.

The video (directed by Zack Sorros at Fishpot Studios in NOLA) is Tim and Eric realness, capturing our boys taking a break from the 9-5, putting on their tan suits and travelling to – you guessed it – the moon. They also venture to snow covered mountains, the ocean and (of course) Paris, France.

Taken from their third album ‘Pleasure Line‘, out this August via Winspear, ‘Aerostar’ is super infectious and daft as fuck. I absolutely love it. Give it a watch below and get it firmly implanted in your nut.

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Hey, have you heard about…GONZO

(Photo Credit: Millar Wileman)

LOVE Australian things me, mate. Whether it be watching Kath and Kim, listening to Alex Cameron, watching that Simpsons episode where they royally take the piss out of Australia or listening to TERRY, I can’t get enough of AUS things these days. The most recent addition to this Aussie brand of stimulation comes out of Melbourne via Geelong, courtesy of four good lads by the name of GONZO.

First listen of their latest effort ‘Do It Better Again‘ (out last year on Anti Fade Records) and it strikes you that they sound remarkably like Gang Of Four. ‘Put The Money’ is all funky rhythms, spiky guitar and shout-y vocals, so far so post-punk. Delve a little bit deeper and you might hear the likes of The Minneapolis Uranium Club. In their own words:

“GONZO aren’t punk, indie, shoe-gaze, psych, whatever. GONZO are a rock band. And a real one.”

Their bandcamp will tell you “This record is better” than their debut album, ‘Gonzo by Gonzo‘. Having not devoured it like I have their 2019 follow up, I’d have to agree. But having been enamoured with them this past week, who knows what the verdict may be this time next week. What do YOU reckon? Let’s find out together, mates.

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Listening Post – January 2020

Words: Andy Hughes (Photo Credit: Hanna-Katrina Jedrosz)

Since an early age, i’ve been putting together mixes. Whether it be American Wrestling themes on cassette or burnt CDs of whatever was alternative and loud at school and college. Given the way the world turns these days, this has shifted onto the world wide web and for the last 16 months I’ve been putting together monthly playlists on that there Spotify.

With this new year, we thought we’d put together a companion piece for each new playlist – Some insight into just how DJ Pied Piper sits in alongside Sleaford Mods. Get your chops round this whilst you listen to the first playlist of the year!

*UPDATE – Our playlist only sticks about for ONE MONTH before we move on. No regrets. You can listen to the latest playlist below!*

Kaputt – Accordion
(Carnage Hall)

From their debut album out on Upset The Rhythm, ‘Accordion‘ is a real quirky heart-sweller that we’ve been vibing off ever since Freddy of Thank picked the Glaswegian sextet’s album as one of his 2019 highlights. Danceable vibes like something from ‘Stop Making Sense‘ to shake off those January blues.

The Hecks – The King Is Close
(My Star)

The Hecks were new to us in the second half of 2019 and i’ve had new album ‘My Star‘ played on the regular in our gaff ever since. ‘The King Is Close‘ is a proper frantic, 80’s-sounding stomper. Well into this lot right now.

Ted Hawkins – Sorry You’re Sick
(Watch Your Step)

No idea where/how I first came to hear ‘Sorry You’re Sick‘ but it’s become a firm household favourite. Some voice on this kid, the backstory of Hawkins is proper interesting too – Having spent half a lifetime knocking about his adopted homebase in Los Angeles playing on the streets, Geffen Records picked up on him and issued his big breakthrough album to set him up for stardom. Unfortunately, he suffered a stroke not long after and sadly passed away. Let this be a gateway into his stuff.

DJ Pied Piper and the Masters of Ceremonies – Do You Really Like It?

I’m not sure how it happened, but late 90’s UK Garage has infiltrated our household once more and this big slab of cheese was a daily treat enjoyed all throughout the festive period. What does it take to be a Garage MC?

H. Hawkline – Last Days In The Factory
(I Romanticize)

I’ve been into H. Hawkline for a while now and love that Cate Le Bon x Sweet Baboo family of Welsh musicians he finds himself amongst. Last album ‘I Romanticize‘ was one enjoyed on countless park walks throughout the winter months.

Yossarians – I Have Eyes
(Fabric Of Time)

From a record released around this time three years ago, opener ‘I Have Eyes‘ is a track I come back to time and time again, more recently due to vocalist Trim Zeeburg’s scathing takedown of Pizzagirl that I thought was hilarious. Really interesting stuff from Manchester (where else?)

Whitney – Rhododendron
(Forever Turned Around)

A divine instrumental from the Chicago writing partners that make up Whitney. New album ‘Forever Turner Around’ is a cracker too. A proper good one to tuck into with these crisp winter mornings.

Omni – Courtesy Call
(Networker)

From their newest record – Their debut for Sub Pop – Atlanta, GA trio Omni have still got a knack for penning ludicrously catchy post-punk hits. More polished this time around, it still hits all the right spots.

B Boys – Smoke You
(Dudu)

Just shy of 50 seconds, it’s a personal favourite from the latest B Boys record and encapsulates their snarled, rapid-pace punk-y sound in just under a minute. ‘Dudu‘ was one of my most listened to records last year – absolute blinder!

Sleaford Mods – Shit Streets Runny
(Austerity Dogs)

‘Brian Eno, what the fuck does he know?’ One of the best vocal takes and horrid character pieces from early into Sleaford Mods discography. Hilarious input from their mate John Paul too, as Williamson sings of the type of rotten character you’d not like to encounter in the pub bogs.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Sleaford Mods early into 2019 – Read all about it here!

Alex Cameron – PC With Me
(Miami Memory)

To make up for the lack of a festive song, here’s Alex Cameron with his ‘boots all shined‘, he’s ‘Santa Claus with AIDS‘ with a sackful of pornographic Polaroids and knock off sunglasses… More hilariously bleak character work from our favourite Australian weirdo/heartthrob.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Al Cam early into 2019 – Read all about it here!

Flore Laurentienne – Fleuve No. 1
(Volume 1)

As picked by Kyle Knapp of Toronto outfit Deliluh in our End of Year feature, ‘Fleuve No. 1‘ is a magical, cinematic instrumental from Canadian composer Flore Laurentienne. A gorgeous piece to stop you in your tracks.

Aiming For Enrike – Infinity Rider
(Music For Working Out)

Frantic, head-spinning dance-y math-rock from our favourite Norwegian duo Aiming For Enrike, from their forthcoming record ‘Music For Working Out‘. Everything these lads put out is usually wunderbar and ‘Infiinity Rider‘ is no different.

(Photo Credit: Nick Malte)

Wet Dreams – Boogie
(Wet Dreams)

Crudely titled NSFW band name aside, ‘Boogie‘ was one of Aiming For Enrike’s top picks in our recent End of Year feature and one we loved – Stomping, fast-paced punk rock with shades firmly on. Banger.

Do Nothing – LeBron James

Completely new to us for the new year, we discovered Nottingham’s Do Nothing just after Christmas. The Fall an influence? I’d say so, clocked via its stream of consciousness vocal against a hypnotising bass line and scratchy post-punk guitar work. Dead good this, kid!

William the Conqueror – Looking for the Cure
(Bleeding on the Soundtrack)

A song that already sounds like a classic – So much so that I thought it was about ten years old, rather than from William the Conqueror’s last album out in 2019. Another new discovery for us in late 2019, it’s the sound of summer.

Orville Peck – Turn To Hate
(Pony)

More from the lad in the mask! Rootin-tootin’ Canadian cowboy Orville Peck has had a massive 2019 and whilst it took us a while to get onto debut album ‘Pony‘, we’re fully on board now.

Field Music – Beyond That Of Courtesy
(Making A New World)

From their forthcoming LP ‘Making A New World‘ – centered around the after-effects of the First World War – ‘Beyond That Of Courtesy‘ is typical Field Music in sound, an infectious quirky pop number. Context wise, it deals in the Inter-Allied Women’s Conference organised by the French Women’s Suffrage Societies post WWI, designed to promote women’s political participation at both national and international levels. On the album it sits alongside songs of gender reassignment surgery, Becontree Housing Estate and sanitary towels.

As their label Memphis Industries recently said on Twitter, it’s very apt given the impending War we might be subjected to…

Metronomy – Lately (Going Spare)
(Metronomy Forever)

As highlighted in our End of Year feature, i’ve been living under a Metronomy shaped rock for over a decade but that all changed with the release of their latest album ‘Metronomy Forever’. ‘Lately (Going Spare)‘ is a lovely bit of dream-pop that’s sugar-sweet, vocalist Joseph Mount singing of family life and the troubles of being half way round the world touring.

Dry Cleaning – Viking Hair
(Boundary Road Snacks and Drinks)

Another new one for the end of the year, Dry Cleaning came to our attention having been picked by JOHN as a 2019 highlight in our End of Year feature. Guilty – I’m a sucker for a monotone, sarcastic sounding vocal – So I was onto this straight away. Dead good – UK Headline tour incoming!

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Editor’s Picks: Top 50 songs of 2019 – Part Two

2019 eh? You’d laugh if you weren’t too busy crying… Bloody good year for music though.

With it being the end of the year, we’ve joined the long list of your other favourite websites to compile the best songs released this year. 50 songs sounds like a lot to work with until you have to compile said list.

Here’s the second of two parts featuring a list of the 50 best songs released this year – part one here. Continued in alphabetical order mind you, as things are complicated enough as it is don’t you think?

Laundromat – Humans

Long awaited new material from one Toby Hayes (ex-Meet Me in St. Louis/Eugene Quell). ‘Humans‘ reminds me a bit of early Beck in a way (though he’s not spouting gibberish about microwaves and such) and is a super cool slice of where Toby is at in 2019 Brighton.

Cate Le Bon – Daylight Matters
(Reward)

It was hard to choose a track from the latest Cate Le Bon effort, given the wealth of worthy contenders. We were head over heels for first single ‘Daylight Matters‘ on release – such warmth in the instrumentation and as per, a real shift put in by Le Bon to make hearts swell.

Steve Mason – No Clue
(About The Light)

The Beta Band kinda passed me by (save for that scene in ‘High Fidelity‘), but I’ve had this single on at least once a fortnight since I first heard it on the radio mid-year. Ex-Beta Band vocalist Steve Mason knows how to pen a tune, eh? Chorus on this one is sublime.

Metronomy – Salted Caramel Ice Cream
(Metronomy Forever)

I don’t know exactly how it happened, but the past 10+ years have had a Metronomy shaped hole in them for me. How did I miss out on the likes of ‘Nights Out‘ and ‘The English Riviera‘?! What exactly was I playing at? This all changed following the release of their latest effort ‘Metronomy Forever’, particularly the delectable ‘Salted Caramel Ice Cream‘. A pop gem, love the catchiness of it.

Oh Sees – The Daily Heavy
(Face Stabber)

With an opening that sounds like a dog toy gripped between the jaws of a canine, ‘The Daily Heavy‘ is the first track from the exceptionally titled new Oh Sees album ‘Face Stabber‘ and one which sets the record up more than nicely. Each player firing on all cylinders, the rhythm is hypnotising as the vocals of JPD swirl around your head almost in a murmur. A driving psych journey that hardly lets up across its 7+ minutes.

We had the pleasure of interviewing Oh Sees lifer John Dwyer earlier this year – read that here!

Omni – Sincerely Yours
(Networker)

We’ve been bang into OMNI for a few years now and have greedily lapped up everything they’ve offered thus far. Their Sub Pop debut ‘Networker‘ took a few listens at first, but it’s definitely a grower. Lead single ‘Sincerely Yours’ once again shows off the guitar chops of Frankie Broyles, with lovely little Television-esque flourishes, whilst bassist Philip Frobos’ smooth vocals are just the ticket.

N0V3L – To Whom It May Concern
(N0V3L)

The less quirky branch of the “multimedia collective“ Crack Cloud crew, N0V3L lean more toward moody 80’s sounding post-punk and ‘To Whom It May Concern‘ is a real sharp bit of kit. From a fantastic debut LP.

Orville Peck – Dead of Night
(Pony)

The sort of act that gets David Lynch hot under the collar i’m sure, Orville Peck has been on the old radar for a while but it wasn’t until a few months back that I got fully tucked into debut album ‘Pony‘. Now he’s on everyone’s radar and more power to him! The only country sounding artist on the list you’ll be surprised to hear, ‘Dead of Night‘ deals in romance on the dusty trail as two mean hombres travel through the Nevada desert.

Pizzagirl – Ball’s Gonna Keep On Rollin’
(First Timer)

Opener from the debut Pizzagirl LP, ‘Ball’s Gonna Keep On Rollin‘ is similar to label-mate Guest Singer’s debut in that we’re treated to a lot of moody 80’s tinged synth-pop with an Alex Cameron feel. Bright lights, big city vibes, it’s the sort of track that might’ve been your favourite on one of those ‘Now That’s What I Call Music‘ comps way back when…

Pottery – The Craft
(No. 1)

I first heard this during a bit of downtime whilst we were on our jollies in Italy. When we landed in Manchester the following week, I caught them up the road at The Castle Hotel and it was one of the best shows of the year. The Quintet based in Canada put out a belting EP earlier in the year and ‘The Craft‘ is one of the best from it – spot on, energetic post-punk.

POZI – Engaged
(PZ1)

There was a 24 hour period when I first heard this song where I played it again and again and again. Absolutely obsessed. A song about being infatuated with your mobile telephone device. The album is a cracker too.

POZI talked to us about what inspired the LP not long after release – read all about it here.

Public Body – Talking Show
(Public Body)

Jangly, energised post-punk out of Brighton that calls to mind much missed Manc outfit DUDS – Public Body caught our attention back in August and we’re keeping a keen ear out for whatever they’ve got planned next.

Purple Mountains – All My Happiness Is Gone
(Purple Mountains)

A wonderfully warm yet heartbreaking number from the late David Berman. The uplifting instrumentation is backed by words of such sorrow, made even sadder by his death not longer after the album’s release. Love the vocal delivery on “It’s not the icy bike chain rain of Portland, Oregon“.

BODEGA picked the Purple Mountains album as a 2019 highlight – more on that here.

Ty Segall – Taste
(First Taste)

The raucous opener from Ty Segall’s latest LP, he hopped behind the kit for this and a number of songs from the album, with his drumset heard via the left speaker and the kit of Charles Moothart heard on the right side. Great B-Movie horror video too.

Sleaford Mods – Discourse
(Eton Alive)

‘Flipside‘ was one of our top tracks last year and cut to 2019, we’ve got ‘Discourse‘ in the top ranks too – a passionate delivery from Williamson against some of Fearn’s best beats on the record. Honourable mention to the joyous ‘Big Burt’.

We had the pleasure of interviewing Jason of Sleaford Mods earlier this year – Check that out here.

Snapped Ankles – Tailpipe
(Stunning Luxury)

Non-stop party power from that band dressed head to toe in shrubbery. ‘Tailpipe‘ captures the sound of Snapped Ankles perfectly – maximum speed, hypnotising rhythms that make the listener feel like they’re off their nut. Nearly impossible to not find yourself shouting ‘SUCK-A-SUCK-A-SUCK-A-SUCK-A-TAILPIPE‘ by the end of it.

Squid – Houseplants

Big year for Squid, eh? We’ve had the pleasure of catching them a few times this year and their live set-up gets better and better. ‘Houseplants‘ kicked it off for us in the first half of the year, a total rager – the unhinged, yelped vocal of Ollie Judge hard not to love. A proper good band to get on board with in 2019.

THANK – Think Less
(Please)

“Baby i’m feeling fucking worthless…” One of our favourite Leeds bands knocking about at the minute. It’s a bit horrible, like – our review of their new EP suggested they’re “a kind of demented synth-rock“.

Uranium Club – Grease Monkey
(The Cosmo Cleaners)

More holiday adventures – I took our lass to Bordeaux where Uranium Club just happened to be playing (convenient). I picked up a copy of this record at the show when it was box fresh and still in the stages of getting proper artwork etc. More fast-paced garage-rock-esque fun from The Minneapolis Uranium Club, it revvvs along at pace with that trademark sarcastic vocal style.

THANK picked ‘The Cosmo Cleaners‘ as a 2019 highlight – more on that here.

USA Nails – Smile
(Life Cinema)

Featuring one of the most killer riffs in the USA Nails catalogue, ‘Smile‘ is a rock-hard rager and deals in the mundanity of everyday life in ear-piercing fashion. The album might be one of their best (a big ask!)

Vital Idles – Break A
(Vital Idles)

Super cool EP opener from Glaswegian outfit Vital Idles – The slightly strange yelps from vocalist Jessica Higgins captivate as the bass line gets right under your skin.

WAND – Walkie Talkie
(Laughing Matter)

A record that kept my attention a lot this summer, ‘Walkie Talkie‘ is a proper driving corker from Californian shape-shifters WAND. A real joyful racket.

Warmduscher – Midnight Dipper
(Tainted Lunch)

More sleazeball antics from Warmduscher, ‘Midnight Dipper‘ is a real funky piece of kit from their latest LP. Sounds like you’ve heard it before but then again, not quite – Vocalist Clams Baker sounds exactly like the sort of person you don’t want to meet in the pub.

Dr. Alan Goldfarb (on behalf of the band) talked us through their musical inspirations as part of our What’s On Michael Portillo’s iPod feature – Check out his picks here.

WOOZE – I’ll Have What She’s Having
(What’s On Your Mind?)

A personal favourite of mine in 2019, WOOZE came to our attention late last year through their initial singles. ‘I’ll Have What She’s Having‘ is absolutely joyous – hyperbole description wise, we hit the nail on the head back then: “Incredibly invigorating bursts of art-pop, they both manage to sound washing-line-fresh whilst sounding as if they were produced and released about forty years ago.”

WOOZE answered a host of daft questions for us as part of our a/s/l feature – Get your chops round that here!

Working Men’s Club – Bad Blood

Working Men’s Club have come on a bit since their initial single (sold out over and over) haven’t they? They’ve shifted gears somewhat since their debut and players have come and gone, but ‘Bad Blood‘ was a total gem of a debut – an exciting bit of energised post-punk that sounds as sun-soaked as the single art looks. Calling to mind the likes of Gang Of Four and Orange Juice, hearing this it’s no surprise that they’ve been building a big fan base at a rapid pace.

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For those sorts who don’t read, you can listen to all of the above (and everything from PART ONE) in our handy Spotify playlist here!

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Editor’s Picks: Top 50 songs of 2019 – Part One

2019 eh? You’d laugh if you weren’t too busy crying… Bloody good year for music though.

Throughout the past 12 months we’ve been cracking on with uncovering new music, a keen ear amongst our contributors for anything and everything new and exciting. From a personal standpoint, I’ve probably purchased more new vinyl this year than any other (just the ticket when you’re about to move house…)

With it being the end of the year, we’ve joined the long list of your other favourite websites to compile the best songs released this year. 50 songs sounds like a lot to work with until you have to compile said list. With that in mind, honourable mentions and shout outs must go to a number of artists and singles that have been on our radar and in our playlists throughout the year.

From the METZ reissue of ‘Pure Auto‘ to various songs from Mac DeMarco’s latest album ‘Here Comes The Cowboy‘, Show Me The Body’s raging ‘Camp Orchestra‘ to the mega dance number from Stealing Sheep in ‘Jokin’ Me‘. Then there’s Demob Happy’s ‘Less Is More’, False Advertising’s ‘You Won’t Feel Love‘, Grey Hairs‘ ‘Hydropona‘, Claw The Thin Ice’s ‘Tropic of Cancer‘ and ‘Looking For The Cure‘ from William The Conqueror. All great tunes, not enough space.

Here’s the first of two parts featuring a list of the 50 best songs released this year – in my personal opinion, the person who puts all this together. In alphabetical order mind you, as things are complicated enough as it is don’t you think?

Aiming For Enrike – Hard Dance Brainia
(Music For Working Out)

Where else to start than with experimental instrumental duo Aiming For Enrike out of Norway. An invigorating burst of dance-floor ready math-rock that builds and builds to a joyful climax. Almost as good as their live show.

Aiming For Enrike talked us through their 2019 musical highlights as part of our What’s On Michael Portillo’s iPod feature – Check out their picks here.

B Boys – Pressure Inside
(Dudu)

A song that’s been on constant rotation from an album that has been listened to at least once a week since release (and then a month or two prior to that thanks to our review stream!) This trio of New Yorkers gripped me like no others this year – potential contender for best single of 2019!

Bike Thiefs – Hockey Dad

Toronto trio Bike Thiefs came new to us this year with the captivating ‘Hockey Dad‘ and its stream of consciousness vocals against scrappy instrumentation. At the time we suggested it’s in the ballpark of Flat Worms and Parquet Courts and we’re still feeling that comparison.

Blood Wizard – Carcrash

The solo project of Cai from Kagoule, it’s no surprise that he hits the ground running with a song that already sounds like a bit of a classic. A sun-soaked jam out in November, but still one to enjoy in the colder months.

BODEGA – Domesticated Animal
(Shiny New Model)

Another cucumber cool bopper from NY art-punks BODEGA. A chorus that reminds me of the sort of team spirit mantra you might hear from a cheerleader outfit, it continues the great BODEGA tradition of being ludicrously catchy (as is everything else this lot put out).

Vocalist Ben talked us through his 2019 musical highlights as part of our What’s On Michael Portillo’s iPod feature – Check out his picks here.

Alex Cameron – Stepdad
(Miami Memory)

There were shades of it on last album ‘Forced Witness‘ and now with ‘Miami Memory’, Aussie songwriter Alex Cameron is blurring the line of comedic artist who pens a good tune to bona fide pop star. ‘Stepdad‘ is bleak at times but the bombastic instrumentation and Cameron’s knack for an earworm chorus mean it’s one to triumphantly sing along to.

We had the pleasure of interviewing Alex Cameron earlier this year – Check it out for yourself here.

The Chats – Pub Feed

“MEDIUM WELL!” Snotty Aussie punk that’s as catchy as it is daft. A song about smashing your tea at the local pub, what’s wrong with that?

Corridor – Domino
(Junior)

From their Sub Pop debut (the first francophone act for the prestigious label), Montreal outfit Corridor put out this sun-soaked 60’s sounding jam in the second half of the year and we’ve been hooked ever since. Following a lengthy hypnotising stretch in the middle, they expertly drop you back in with that swell hook in head-spinning fashion.

Crack Cloud – The Next Fix
(Pain Olympics)

In typical Crack Cloud fashion, fuck knows what’s happening with this (is it on an album coming out?!) They get weirder and more engaging as they go on and latest single ‘The Next Fix‘ is no exception. Follow up, Part Two of the Pain Olympics series (‘Crackin Up‘) is just as brilliant; the Canadian ‘multimedia collective’ remain one of the most exciting acts knocking about today.

Richard Dawson – Two Halves
(2020)

‘Jogging‘ first grabbed our attention back in August, a hilariously bleak lengthy saga of someone struggling with anxiety from the little moments in life. It would have been included here had it not been for follow up single ‘Two Halves‘. A wonderfully captivating tale of what one assumes is a children’s football match and all its highs and lows and levels of incompetence. I laugh every time I hear a defeated Dawson sing “I am inconsolable” but the line “Stop fannying around, keep it nice and simple. You’re not Lionel Messi, just pass the bloody ball” is one of the best from an album full of terrific lines.

Deliluh – Lickspittle (A Nut In The Paste)
(Beneath The Floors)

I’ve been listening to this record a lot while walking round the local park – big fan. First single ‘Lickspittle (A Nut In The Paste)‘ packs in a lot of influences but all at once sounds fresh and new.

Vocalist Kyle talked us through his 2019 musical highlights as part of our What’s On Michael Portillo’s iPod feature – Check out his picks here.

Die! Die! Die! – Casualties of Decades
(O)

Crunchy as hell new single out mid-year from New Zealand punk leg-ends Die! Die! Die! From a new four-track EP, the first new material written with returning bassist Lachlan Anderson, ‘Casualties of Decades‘ is absolutely pummelling and the band sound as vital now as they might have ten years ago.

We spoke with 2/3 of Die! Die! Die! around the release of their new EP, which you can read here and here.

Dinosaur Pile-Up – Thrash Metal Cassette
(Celebrity Mansions)

Dinosaur Pile-Up sure know how to write a raging lead single don’t they? A few year’s back they did it via the crushing ‘11:11‘ for the album (get this) ‘Eleven Eleven‘ and in 2019 they’ve once again knocked it out of the park with ‘Celebrity Mansions‘ lead single ‘Thrash Metal Cassette‘. Bigland and co. give a nod to their thrash heroes in throat-shredding fashion whilst still sticking to the DPU hallmarks of a dynamite singalong chorus.

Baxter Dury – Slumlord
(The Night Chancers)

Very much a continuation of the sounds heard on last album ‘Prince of Tears‘ (a firm favourite following its 2017 release), Dury thrives in his character based showboating, bigging ones self up with a horrid, dingy undercurrent. As ever, the female vocal is the key here and sounds splendid in contrast to the crumbling bravado of Baxter.

Field Music – Money Is A Memory
(Making A New World)

From the album ‘Making A New World’ due out in early January – one which evolved from two very special live performances at Imperial War Museum’s Salford and London – ‘Money Is A Memory‘ is a funky romp that tells the tale of an office worker in the German Treasury working on the final instalment of reparation debts made in 2010, some 91 years after the Treaty of Versailles was signed… The brothers Brewis strike gold once again.

Flat Worms – Into The Iris
(Into The Iris)

Fuzz attack from California trio Flat Worms – That deadpan vocal still tickles our fancy and the raging closing stretch is perfect. What else would you expect from these three?

The Futureheads – Electric Shock
(Powers)

A favourite band returned in 2019, recharged and revitalised following a hiatus. A new album followed and was everything we’d hoped for, with ‘Electric Shock‘ being a delight tucked into the middle of the record. I’m a huge Barry Hyde fan and his vocal performance here is superb – filled with such emotion (for what was apparently a mishap in the kitchen!) The shouts of bassist Jaff and guitarist Ross in the chorus get the hairs standing to attention every time it’s played. Rager!

We had the pleasure of interviewing The Futureheads after all these years away – read that here.

Gauche – Flash
(A People’s History of Gauche)

Genius move from Gauche – combining my favourite aspects from two great post-punk bands (Daniele Yandel of Priests and Mary Jane Regalado of Downtown Boys) and forming a DC supergroup of sorts. In ‘Flash‘ we have a really vibrant, groovy dance-a-thon with arse-shaking in mind.

Girl Band – Shoulderblades
(The Talkies)

I remember hearing this for the first time and being completely stuck to the spot for its six minute duration. I then had it on whilst I was cycling and was so hypnotised I’m surprised I didn’t come off… An incredibly energising yet unsettling piece of music from Irish noise outfit Girl Band.

Grotbags – Big Baby
(Grotbags)

From the best Manchester boy band (with a female member), ‘Big Baby‘ tells the tale of a black pudding eating, triple-XL sized infant and is absolutely hilarious. The only issue is that i’ve lisened to it so much that it’s almost gone past the point of ‘hahaha, this is dead funny, this‘ to unconsciously singing it during the day. The new album is a peach and is already my favourite album of 2020.

Guest Singer – New Experience
(I’m Irrelevant Now)

Guest Singer a.k.a. Jake Cope really reminds me of Alex Cameron. Not so much in appearance or the Aussie’s treading the ‘is this a piss-take?’ line, more-so in producing moody 80’s sounding synth-pop ragers that sound timeless. ‘New Experience‘ was the debut Guest Singer single released at the start of the year and was very much a hit the ground running moment for Jake and co.

Guest Singer answered a host of daft questions for us as part of our a/s/l feature – Get your chops round that here!

The Hecks – Flash
(My Star)

More 80’s vibes from Chicago outfit The Hecks, a band whose new album ‘My Star‘ has wormed its way into one of our favourites released this year. At the time of first hearing them, we described The Hecks sound as “quirky pop in an accessible, ludicrously catchy way similar to the likes of Flasher and Trouble In Mind alumni OMNI“. Listen to the closing stretch of ‘Flash‘ – A stroke of throwback, prog-y genius.

International Teachers of Pop – I Stole Yer Plimsoles

Featuring the great Jason Williamson of Sleaford Mods, ‘I Stole Yer Plimsoles‘ is the latest arse-shaker from International Teachers of Pop, following the release of their debut album earlier this year. A massive pop tune, it sounds like the sort of thing you might have heard on the radio between the likes of ‘I’m Horny‘ or something from Madison Avenue back in the day.

ITOP Button-presser and knob-twitcher Adrian Flanagan talked us through his 2019 musical highlights as part of our What’s On Michael Portillo’s iPod feature – Check out his picks here.

Julia Jacklin – Pressure To Party
(Crushing)

Australian artist Julia Jacklin captured my heart earlier this year with the release of the wonderful ‘Pressure To Party‘ and the album that followed is a delight. Joyous instrumentation contrasts an almost cracking vocal as she sings of things one might be forced to do post-break up.

KAPUTT – Accordion
(Carnage Hall)

In our End of Year ‘What’s on Michael Portillo’s iPod‘ feature, Freddy of Leeds noise outfit THANK mentioned David Byrne when talking about Glaswegian outfit KAPUTT and I’ve not been able to shift it when listening to them. “FORWARD, FORWARD, I’m always looking FORWARD” sounds like something you might’ve heard during any Talking Heads period. ‘Accordion‘ is a banging little post-punk number from their debut on tastemaking label Upset The Rhythm.

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For those sorts who don’t read, you can listen to all of the above (and the forthcoming PART TWO) in our handy Spotify playlist here!

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“Always writing, always looking ahead”: An interview with John Dwyer of Oh Sees

Words: Andy Hughes
(Photo Credit: Mini Van Photography)

“Hey there, human kids,
Lift your face out of the feed trough and pluck that feculence from your ears. Hark! A sonar blip from beneath the pile of bodies. Boop, blip ughhh….
People churning like a boiling swamp. Man, this din is nauseating.

The screen flickers for the first time this year with a transmission from two months in the future:
“the internet has deemed guitar music dead and you are free to do whatever the fuck you like ….long live the new flesh!”

That John Dwyer, eh? Quite the wordsmith, his prose to hype up every record he puts out reminds us of the sort of hyperbolic barking we used to hear from the TV as kids, parodied in the likes of The Ren & Stimpy Show and Action League Now! His long-running genre shifting outfit Oh Sees, of which he’s the vocalist, guitarist, electric bagpipe player and much, much more, recently put out their latest release ‘Face Stabber’, one pitched by Dwyer for fans of “fried prog burn out, squished old-school drool, double drums, lead weight bass, wizard keys (now with poison), old-ass guitar and horrible words with daft meanings.”

Out last month on his own label Castle Face Records (run with Male Gaze frontman Matt Jones), this year has also seen the reissuing of a number of early Oh Sees records (when they were going as The Oh Sees and Thee Oh Sees), starting on the 2006 release ‘The Cool Death Of Island Raiders’ and following up with 2006 EP ‘Graveblockers’ (encased in a brown paper packaging) and 2007’s ‘Thee Hounds of Foggy Notion’.

On top of their own releases, Castle Face also champion new releases from all manner of cult favourites, from Aussie songwriter Alex Cameron to early King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard material, California trio Flat Worms to dearly missed Mancunian post-punk outfit DUDS. Fingers in many pies and that’s just scratching the surface.

Having drafted in many players over the years, Oh Sees are currently racing through time as a five-strong outfit – Tom Dolas recently joined the mix on keys, rubbing shoulders with regulars Tim Hellman on bass and the double-trouble team of Paul Quattrone and Dan Rincon on dual drums. Just this month the band completed their second EU tour of the year and late September sees them back on the road in the US.

Before they jump back in the van and hurtle across America, we managed to catch Dwyer for five minutes to pitch him a number of questions, which he was kind enough to answer for us.

Your new record was announced via the 21 minute ‘Henchlock’. The 21 minute single and an album called ‘Face Stabber‘ seems very on trend for Oh Sees… Following on from that humorous nod of the head from The Hard Times (releasing a new album before the release of your actual new album), is this wink to the camera something you encourage or just how things fall into place?

I don’t know what hard times is but you can’t take yourself too seriously I suppose, we certainly don’t. The world is serious enough to be in the depths all the time, so it’s good to have a sense of humor. The other option seems to be misery.

On that thought, in the entertaining blurb that accompanied it, it’s suggested to the naysayers – “If you don’t like it then don’t listen bub“. Do you think this is a fitting motto to sum up the ever-changing creature that is Oh Sees?

Sure, in the words of one vexed david bowie “fuck the critics”.

‘Face Stabber‘ is an expansive piece of work and is released pretty much a year on from ‘Smote Reverser‘. Aside from reissues, it’s seemingly the longest period for a while that there hasn’t been a new Oh Sees LP on the shelves. How long were you stretching out in the studio for this time around? How did it all come together?

We do about a record a year. The word prolific gets thrown around almost as if it were an insult in the press (time for a thesaurus yall) but we usually write a proper record a year and then have some improvisational release or thereabouts for fans more than anything. We are always writing, always looking ahead. No reason to get bogged down with details and opinions, life is too short.

Some band’s struggle with and never quite make it past their first album, yet we’re now in double figures with Oh Sees – Is there a patented John Dwyer secret to the vitality of being able to put out these wonderful releases?

Try to surround yourself with good people and players… I personally try to make note of things that bother me about others and almost always I am guilty of the same behaviors so I guess I try to limit those actions to be less insufferable as a person.

Instrument wise, you’re partial to an electric bagpipe now and then, in a live setting you’re forever tinkering with various odds and ends. The new LP opens on what sounds like a revved up dog chew toy… Any favourites adopted throughout the process this time around?

The ewi is a pretty fun new thing I’ve been messing with – an instrument that seems to be almost entirely associated with corny fusion (which I am partial to) but trying to make more textures than solos seems to be a good path with it.

(Photo Credit: Thomas Girard)

You’ve said previously that you love to be consumed in art – whether that’s your own or somebody else’s. The aforementioned ‘Henchlock’ and tracks like ‘Scutum & Scorpius’ are lengthy expeditions, one’s you can melt into the sofa and froth at the mouth to (should you choose…) Are songs like this just the tip of the iceberg? Are there ever sessions where you boys just go all night?

I could easily write a one hour song. I’m sure that would go over well ha. We do play ad nauseam riffs, it’s the only way to explore everything we are capable of – we then whittle everything down.

On the subject of being consumed by art, did you have much inspiration going into this record that you clocked throughout its process?

Just life as it is. We went in with one idea but that never happens to be the case. It always surprises me.

From hushed beginnings in the early days with Bridgid Dawson to acid washed, double-drumming prog workouts, with all manner of things in between – The new record has been described as “Soundcloud hip-hop reversed, a far flung nemesis of contemporary country and flaccid algorithmic pop-barf”… Have you got a favourite era throughout the whirlwind rush of Oh Sees?

Always it will be the next record.

You’ve previously said of your solo work under Damaged Bug that “It’s my meditation – I love doing it”. Is there more to be expected under this guise? 

I’m working on it. This one is taking longer and now I’m kinda buried in ideas. Next I’m going to start deconstructing what I’ve done and rebuild.

Outside of playing music, you’re a pusher too – Whilst I assume you’re asked this all the time, as a label that grants a seal of approval, do you have any Castle Face Records release/bands you’re particularly fond of? We’re particularly high on the Minneapolis Uranium Club and Alex Cameron (We recently spoke with Al Cam, who called you “The Godfather of the music scene“)

God SO great. Yeah, I love them all. It’s expensive to put out records so why not be in love?

Lastly… You’re obviously working on new material right? Any inklings as to how and when we can expect a follow up now ‘Face Stabber‘ is birthed?

Exactly one year. We are waiting for Pitchfork to go behind the paywall so we can get a piece of that sweet sweet Conde Nast money. We are ready to be bought by a conglomerate as well. Anybody got Rupert Murdoch’s email? 🙂

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