Kool Kat Musik

07/07/2025

Hello Everyone! Here to hip you to a new release on the Kool Kat label available NOW - “LITTLE LETTERS" by SMACKBEAT! A huge shoutout to I Don’t Hear A Single’s Don Valentine for bringing the brilliant Smackbeat to our attention. “Little Letters” was previously a download/vinyl-only release - but no more! Now it’s available on CD thanks to us! “Although the IDHAS ‘Listening To This Week Playlist’ was never only about introducing single songs to hear, we were also wanting something else. It was also about discovering music that we wouldn't normally see in our normal searching. Hence, insisting that it was largely based on submissions. There is a delight when we discover a splendid album on the strength of a single submission as we do remain largely a home for album reviews. Smackbeat submitted ‘Song for Nolti’ and we loved it. It encouraged us to search for more about the Munster, Germany band. ‘Little Letters’ is an absolute cracker. A wonderful mix of late 70’s UK New Wave and the Power Pop Revival of the 90’s. It also is well in touch with the new breed of younger Power Pop bands that have cropped up over the past few years and one by one built a movement. There is a crunch at times, but its strength is on the rhythm, riffs, big choruses and melodic drive of Power Pop. The band can also get a bit noisy and that works just as well and there is the odd hint of Pop Punk on the likes of ‘I Got You’. ‘The Stream’ is an example of that 90’s college rock energy that is well due a return, all pace and guitar. You can imagine how great this lot are live. The riffs just grab you and shake the living daylights out of you. ‘Meet Me In Hawaii’ is a great example of this, sounding like a bigger produced guitar pop from the UK in 1978. It is a crackerjack of a song that just delights you. The band get even heavier on ‘Andora’ coming across has one of the more melodic metal bands from the NWOBHM. The title track closes proceedings and is anthem, keeping all that energy and drive going right until the end. Indeed that is maybe the beauty of the album. Most tackling this sort of thing over the years would break things up with a slow soppy ballad. Not here, they don't come up for air with their twin guitar attack. There isn't a duffer among the 11 songs. This is the type of album that IDHAS was built on when it opened 9 years ago. We visit the area less, but ‘Little Letters’ reminds you that it has not lost its greatness. It is an album that has so much class.” - IDontHearASingle You can listen to it here: https://smackbeat.bandcamp.com/album/little-letters You can order it from the Kool Kat site.

11 track album

07/07/2025

Hello Pop Fans! This week’s Featured Titles are up on the Kool Kat site.

The Chelsea Curve (The Deluxe Edition of Chelsea Curves’ debut album “All The Things” now has even more things - now with 16 tracks, featuring the 13 tracks from the original 2022 Red on Red Records release plus the trio of singles they released since the record’s original release: 2023 fan fave “How Can I (Resist You)?”, their cover of Mickey Lee Lane’s Northern soul stomper “Hey Sah-Lo-Ney” and the fired-up “Jamie C’mon” (Andy Lewis Remix)”. “If you've been waiting for a Boston power pop band with UK mod and first wave punk influences and a Pretenders-like charisma, you need ‘All The Things’!” - FasterandLouder)

Diesel Park West (“Leicester?” is the band’s 2025 release and latest in our efforts to make available titles by them and lead vocalist/songwriter John Butler’s brilliant catalog. Twelve new tracks which may well include career–best songs such as “Cold Midland Morning” and the classic “Blood Red Roses” alongside number one Heritage Chart single “Hole In One” and of course sublime DPW rock ‘n’ roll with just the right mix of intelligence and gut feeling. Despite not achieving mainstream success, they are often recognized for their consistent output of high-quality albums and their enduring musical spirit…and we’re damn proud to be associated with them!)

Dynamic Duo (Dynamic Duo is a first-time writing/playing collaboration of uber-prolific Jeremy Morris and Randy Massey. We don’t know much about Randy except that in the 70’s he was in a band called Hot Momma Silver with another familiar popper Herb Eimerman. The project came together when Randy sent instrumental tracks to Jeremy who would flesh them out with lyrics, further enhancements and production making this a true songwriting collaboration. Most of the music here is harmony-filled power pop, but as Jeremy is want to do, there also a few hints of prog pop throughout as well, delivered with a dual guitar attack!)


Iain Hornal (Iain is a long-standing touring member of both art-pop giants 10cc and Jeff Lynne's ELO. He has toured with Yes (playing and singing the parts of the late Chris Squire) and Paul Young + others. Between extended periods on the road, he flexes his creative muscles in the studio. By contrast, his solo songwriting comes from a more autobiographical place that sits somewhere between the crafted songsmithery of Tom Petty and Crowded House, and the widescreen art-pop of Brian Wilson and David Bowie. “Return To The Magic Kingdom” is a kitchen-sink blast of summery pop rock - loud guitars, chugging piano, honking glam-rock sax, hooks aplenty and harmonies for days - its influences are unashamedly right there on its proverbial sleeve.)

The Penrose Web (Allan Crockford and Ian Button probably first nodded a cursory “Alright?” to each other in 1986 when their respective bands - The Prisoners and Thrashing Doves - were on the same bill supporting a late-era Ramones. They both bring items from their own musical wardrobes to this: their takes on sunshine pop, psych, garage and indie combine. Their first EP “It’s… The Penrose Web” was released earlier this year and earned the band comparisons with the likes of The Seeds, Martin Newell, The Who and The Scars. “The Least of Our Concerns” lays out their stall wider - think Paisley Underground meets Stiff Records, Medway meets glam, dark garage meets acid folk.

Small Yards (Small Yards are a Seattle quartet featuring two-thirds of the band Tuff Talk (Ben Muha and Wes Isbell), joined by guitarist Ron Stohr (Swaggerlies) and singer Jenn Miller. “They create a style that straddles the boundaries of post-punk, garage rock, and power pop.” - Powerpopaholic “They play a vibrant brand of garage pop infused with a wealth of influences: country, soul, classic rock, power pop, bubblegum, and sunshine pop. What makes the record stand out is the sheer amount of sticky melodies they crank out and the joy they deliver them with. Small Yards are onto something great here -don’t sleep on this one!” - AddToWantList)

“POP AID 3: A Pop Compilation To Benefit Those Affected By The California Wildfires” (NEW RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL! “POP AID 3: A Pop Compilation To Benefit Those Affected By The California Wildfires” is a 30 track, 2CD collection of exclusive/previously unreleased tracks! Pop artists/bands from around the world have stepped up to contribute exclusive tracks to “POP AID 3”: The Stewart Dolly, Go Time!, The Trafalgars, Scott McCarl (Raspberries), Robin Schell, Hanemoon, The Frisco Connection w/ guest vocals by Paul Kopf, True Hearts, Band Of Jays, The PoZers, Zig Zag Road, Herb Eimerman, Orbis Max and Tim Izzard, Richard Turgeon, The Lucky Shots (Brent Seavers’ new band), The Dreambots, The Junior League, Grant Lindberg, Terry Carolan, Coke Belda, Rob Bonfiglio, The Treasures Of Mexico, John Larson & The Silver Fields, Little Roger, The Red Sticks, Tim Izzard & The Distractions, Sunbourne Rd AND tracks from two new projects featuring Jeff Murphy(Shoes) - Joywire and Evasive Species (Jeff plus ex-members of Material Issue)! 100% of net profits going directly to the American Red Cross! Great music for a great cause at a great price from the leading pop-oriented, fundraising label!)

Until next week….

04/07/2025

EPISODE #38 OF POPTASTIC SOUNDS! IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR ON-DEMAND LISTENING

Join your host Nicky G as he curates the latest hook-filled episode from his “Walls Of Sound”, spinning new music from Telejet, Barry J Walsh, Eureka Machines, Richard Turgeon, Shake Some Action, Muck and The Mires, Ricky Byrd, Splitsville, Spongetones, Push Puppets, The Minus 5, The Mayflies US...

30/06/2025

Hello Pop Fans! This week’s Featured Titles are up on the Kool Kat site.

Dominic Lavioe (Dominic Lavoie is an accomplished Acadian songwriter, musician and producer with an impressive catalog that includes seven full-length albums, two EPs, and a self-directed music film (“Mariposa”), he continues to push creative boundaries. His latest release, "Round Trip", has been praised as “Beautifully arranged and performed, sounding equally modern and retro. His dulcet tones dominate the album, but it’s the arrangements that make the album so great. An album to be listened to from start to finish that’s a feel good affair and a joy to listen to. A corking repeat listening/singalong album.” - IDontHearASingle)

Natural Gas (One of rock music's great lost “what could've been” bands, Natural Gas was a supergroup consisting of guitarist/vocalist Joey Molland (Badfinger), drummer Jerry Shirley (Humble Pie), bassist/vocalist Mark Clarke (Colosseum), and Sutherland Brothers & Quiver’s Peter Wood on keyboards. Their diverse histories coalesced into a Badfinger-esque power pop sound, with the dual lead vocals of Molland and Clarke reminiscent of the much-loved harmony blend between Molland and Badfinger's Tommy Evans. “Original Master Edition” is the CD issue to be remastered from the recently located ¼" analog masters, making it not only a major sonic upgrade for this album but a rare tape-sourced reissue from the Private Stock label. Also added are two bonus pre-album demos and a previously unreleased 8-song live soundboard recording including a cover of The Beatles' "Birthday")

prattle on, rick (Two titles on offer - 2012’s “Songs Of Our Fathers” and 2010’s “Communion Bread”. “Inspired by the musical spontaneity and impressionist poetry of early Van Morrison records, the beautifully sung Songs of Our Fathers’ works in a similar sonic landscape as their 2010 debut ‘Communion Bread’. A folk-pop delight, evoking Elliott Smith and Simon & Garfunkel in equal parts. 'My Holiday' is gracefully tuneful, 'Lift Up' does just that, and 'Lately' sounds like an instant classic. Prattle on all you'd like, Rick." - AbsolutePowerPop “Their music is mostly characterized by smooth strummed acoustic guitar melodies and very chilled vocals.” - CommonFolkMeadow)

Smackbeat (NEW RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL! A huge shoutout to I Don’t Hear A Single’s Don Valentine for bringing the brilliant Smackbeat to our attention. “Little Letters” was previously a download/vinyl-only release - but no more! Now it’s available on CD thanks to us! “An absolute cracker. A wonderful mix of late 70’s UK New Wave and the Power Pop revival of the 90’s. It’s also well in touch with the new breed of younger Power Pop bands that have cropped up over the past few years and one by one built a movement. They don't come up for air with their twin guitar attack. There isn't a duffer among the 11 songs. It is an album that has so much class.” - IDontHearASingle)

Triptides (“Shapeshifter”, the new long-player from cosmic LA rockers Triptides, unfolds like a golden sunrise over the Pacific Ocean. Warm rays of Wurlitzer and Farfisa organ radiate through a swirling haze of vocal harmony as kaleidoscopic melodies trace shimmering trails through your subconscious. Each track can be traced back to group leader Glenn Brigman's unique ability to craft and explore a seemingly infinite number of dimensional melodies and harmonies. With every line of Brigman's airy vocals that dance across the tape and into the speakers, stoners, trippers and lovers alike are transported to a sweet and familiar place, lifted by chiming guitars, hypnotic drums, glittering pianos and hallucinogenic fuzz.)

“Second By Second Minute By Minute: The Songs Of Rick Springfield (This is a tribute to the six decade career of Rick Springfield. Participating artists are: Kool Kat’s Joe Giddings, Eytan Mirsky, Splitsville, Vegas With Randolph, Corner Laughers, Ballzy Tomorrow, sparkle*jets u.k., Popdudes, Michael Simmons, Ken Sharp, Jeff Litman, meyerman, Jason Berk, Dolph Chaney, Juniper, Barely Pink, Linus Of Hollywood, Andi Rae Healy, Minky Starshine and Lisa Mychols! “What all of these performers have in common is their unbridled enthusiasm for these terrific tunes, whether they’re doing a faithful cover or taking the song in a different direction, resulting in a superb collection of songs.” - CultureSonar

Until next week…

27/06/2025

23/06/2025

Hello Pop Fans! This week’s Featured Titles are up on the Kool Kat site.

The Convenience (For The Convenience, it's all about the search for a new level of raw expression. With “Like Cartoon Vampires”, that meant creating with their hands much more than buttons or switches, entranced by a hypnotic physicality and collage-y, spur-of-the-moment approach to composition. This led to a beautifully f***ed-up avant-rock soundworld, peppered with spidery, atonal guitar work, pointy rhythms, and strident feedback. “They take on a broad scale assault of the post-punk genre. -With a much more diverse field to mine, the duo salute influences from 80’s era The Fall up to mid-00’s Spoon with equally appealing results.” - StereoGum)

The Grip Weeds (Emerging from their subterranean recording studio the House of Vibes, The Grip Weeds have delivered a tour-de-force with “Soul Bender”, their ninth full-length studio album and their first newly-recorded original tracks since 2018’s “Trip Around The Sun”. The record finds the band pushing their recording, arranging and songwriting skills into new and evocative territory. Here, The Grip Weeds continue to expand: Musical and sonic experimentation abounds, resulting in a record that is bigger and more dramatic than ever; melodically inventive, yet accessible with lyrical imagery and hooks firing at you from all directions.)

John Larson and The Silver Fields (John Larson and The Silver Fields are known for their melodic power pop sound, and are consistently praised for their timeless, honest rock sound with old-school pop sensibilities. Reviews highlight their well-crafted songs, lush instrumentation, and John Larson's strong vocals. Some reviewers note influences from bands like The Wallflowers, The Kinks, and The Pretenders. “Rumble Candy” showcases their ability to blend themes of loneliness, love, the afterlife and betrayal into a cohesive and engaging listening experience.)

Shake Some Action (Shake Some Action are back with “Top Gear” that brings together 9 fan favorite songs previously released digitally, now joined by 3 brand-new, previously unreleased tracks. "A loving tribute to Rickenbacker guitars, Carnaby Street cool and classic power pop energy.” - PowerPopShakers "So beautifully done that you just have to stand back and applaud. Melodic joy assured and beautifully arranged". - IDon'tHearASingle "Rickenbackers, Flaming Groovies and Mod powerpop united hand in hand. Superlative songs with a mod and powerpop style that are more introspective with a higher degree of psychedelia." - Mi Tocadiscos Dual)

Theatre Royal (Theatre Royal are back with their latest, “A Change Of Weather”. "The paisley-shirted sound of the Medway Towns meets the West-Coast of The States." Steve Lamacq/BBC Radio2 "Brilliantly switching between the calm and the storm." 5/5 Artrocker “This is another great recording from a terrific band, and is not to be missed!” - EchoesandDust)


Mark Ward (As a young boy, Mark spent many hours listening to his transistor radio in his room. This collection of covers includes songs that have stuck with him over the years, songs that inspired him to play the guitar, and more recent songs that have stood out to him as special. “Mark takes some songs you've heard before and some you may never have heard and puts his own stamp on it - energetic power pop with meticulous attention to detail - great stuff!” - Indie Pop Takeout “Lush, layered and floating on some dreamy production.” - ToonzPop)

Wyldlife (For over 15 years, Wyldlife have been one of the leading rock & roll bands within NYC’s illustrious and legendary music scene. With a charisma and energy that evokes the genre’s 70’s era with a modern garage rock spin, if you’re not hooked when you give them a listen, you might need to check your pulse. “I have been a fan of Wyldlife going back many years and while I have liked some releases more than others you can put this one right near the top. They have long been a bit bratty and irreverent but they know how to sell it with catchy hooks and an in your face style that gets you up and jumping.” - Jack Mesenbourg)

Until next week…

16/06/2025

Hello Pop Fans! This week’s Featured Titles are up on the Kool Kat site.

Dennis Davison (A longtime figure in underground music, Dennis Davison first made his mark with United States of Existence and later with the Grammy-nominated Jigsaw Seen. “Sirens And Hellbinders” is Dennis’ third solo release, The splendid ‘Invisiblia’ may be the most pop that Davison ever gets, sounding more late 80’s/early 90’s, all riff and joyous melody. ‘536 AD’ skirts Prog and ‘Winterland's Gone’ is big studio UK Beat ballad. It’s the Psych Pop that grabs you most. ‘Sensual Summer’, ‘Is It The Medicine?’ ‘Putting Up With People’, being great examples, all very different. ‘Sirens And Hellbenders’ is a corking listen and will be there in the end of year celebrations.” - IDontHearASingle)

The Minus 5 (“Oar On, Penelope!” is Minus 5’s first album of all-original material in 5 years and features help from some of Scott McCaughey’s most trusted allies: Peter Buck (R.E.M.), Patterson Hood (Drive-By Truckers), Debbi Peterson (The Bangles), Kurt Bloch (The Fastbacks), Linda Pitmon (Baseball Project, Filthy Friends), and Spencer Tweedy. Throughout the 12-song collection, Scott’s breadth of musical knowledge and appreciation is on full display from the addictive power pop of “Words & Birds” to the gnarly garage rock of “The Garden of Arden,” the Neil Young-influenced Americana of “Bison Queen,” and the bite-sized psychedelia of “Sharktooth.”)

Push Puppets (Chicago’s Push Puppets create songs with earworm melodies and shiny production that belie the often bittersweet sentiments in the songwriting. “Tethered Together” is their fourth album. The record is graced with impeccable songwriting that shines with lush harmonies, angular guitars, dramatic keyboards and strings backed by a smoking rhythm section. “Moody and magnificent. While there is a mellow feel to proceedings, don't confuse that with boring. The strength here is in the songs and the arrangements. Beautifully sung, there is too much in these songs to just wash over you. Great pop rock is not easy to find. You will find it here.” - IDontHearASingle)

Rupert’s People (Rupert's People were part of a massive wave of British psychedelic pop in the late '60s, producing just a few singles before morphing into their next form. The band existed for just about a year between 1967 and 1968, with complicated shifts in lineup and presentation on either side of that time. While active, they made driving tunes that drew from the more surreal side of the Beatles, had hints of Small Faces mod pop, and in some cases sounded dangerously close to the plaintive songwriting of Procol Harum. “Dream In My Mind...” includes the complete 60’s recordings by RP and their earlier incarnation Sweet Feeling. Also features 3 songs recorded live in London in 1969 plus another 4 from their triumphant reunion gig at Hastings Mod Rally in 1999.)

Shindig! Magazine - Issue #164 (Stereolab are this issue’s cover stars: The original retro-futurists return with their first album in 15 years and offer an appreciation and fresh insight from the group themselves. Other features include Bert Jansch: The influential guitar hero goes it alone in the ’70s and Bee Gees: Adrift and directionless in the early ’70s, the brothers Gibb remained as productive and original as ever. Featurettes include The Above, Durand Jones & The Indications, The Chemist, The Preacher & The Musical Players, Peter Baumann, The Molotovs, Comet Gain, Sharp Pins and Eclipse. Plus lots of “Then” and “Now” music reviews and other news of interest!)

Turn Turn Turn (HONEYDOGS ALERT!! Two titles from this band led by Honeydogs’ mainman Adam Levy along with Savannah Smith (guitar, vocals) and Barb Brynstad (bass, vocals), who together craft an infectious, Laurel Canyon-inspired sound. “Showcases their talent for crafting unique, brilliant harmony-driven Americana music with a blend of folk, country, and rock influences on both well-produced outings!” - Chester Netcong The band’s formula: lush harmonies, unexpected chord changes, and miles of lithe, fuzzy guitar licks. Their Laurel Canyon meets 70's-Nashville-cosmic soul vibe is layered with three-part harmonies that stitch the band’s musical tapestry together.” - TheSoundCafe)


Until next week….

09/06/2025

Hello Pop Fans! This week’s Featured Titles are up on the Kool Kat site.

The Anderson Council (Two titles - 2006’s “The Fall Parade” and 2012’s “Looking At The Stars” in case you missed them the first time around. "They have the most authentic, Creation-influenced mod-psych sound conceived by any band west of The Thames, and the band has both the smarts and skill to convey the sense of whimsy that defines late 60’s British pop-psych." - David Bash/IPO “Their take on ‘Nuggets’-era psych-pop is so fresh, so happy, so damn fun to listen to that you can’t fault them. It’s not like they’ve copied the Zombies, the Monkees, the Flamin’ Groovies… more like they drank the same purple and orange kool-aid. Brilliant stuff!” - PopMatters)

Diesel Park West (We continue our exclusive agreement with DPW to release their music on CD that either have been download-only releases or only physical product in Europe. 2024’s “Presley Trap” contains 15 tracks full of melodies, twangs, beats and homespun soul, and brings their tally to the partial miracle of 11 official releases. “They've never really deviated from their blueprint alt-country folk-rock sound of swaggery melodies, chorus hooks, chiming guitars, driving drums and punchy vocals, somewhere between The Byrds, Moby Grape and The Stones. Those that have been with them for their previous 10 albums can pat themselves on the back for recognising pure class when they hear it.” - FATEA)

Foxy (So Cal Orange County female fronted punk band Foxy’s “Tonight Tonight” is “A 30-minute blast of poppy garage powerpop’n’roll, the kind of punchy sweetness that fits Rum Bar Records like a vintage leather glove. These 10 tracks bounce with just enough edge to keep the sugar in check. It’s rock-’n’-roll for punk rockers — and vice versa. Uncomplicated, catchy, and fun as hell. Ideal for sunshine, open windows, and a case of bubblegum that never loses flavor." - Add To Want List “The massive backing vocals and melodic lead guitar are signatures of SoCal punk, but the overall vibe of this record is just great, high energy punk rock 'n' roll.” - FasterandLouder)

The Pop Project (2008 RELEASE! Fans of Squeeze (and intelligent pop in general) take note! The reviews are in, and the comparisons to the lads from Deptford are indeed warranted! "I have been a long time fan of Squeeze. The Pop Project may have put together a batch of songs that are on par with Squeeze's masterpiece, 'East Side Story'. As with any great pop record, the harmonies are explosive with all three of the core singer/songwriters offering up delightfully different vocal styles that keep each song sounding fresh." - MotorCityRocks “This is what you get when the songwriters and players truly care obsessively about perfecting their craft - an extraordinarily fun and smart record from start to finish – it borders on masterpiece." - Bill's Music Forum)

Rain Parade (Remastered, 2CD edition of 1986’s “Crashing Dream”, their classic second album that now includes a second disc of unreleased bonus material/alternate versions. “It's less deliberately psychedelic than ‘Emergency’, a bit more straight indie jangle-pop, but still has plenty of highlights. Killer track ‘Don't Feel Bad’ is the closest thing to their earlier work, a lysergic guitar riff with a bassline straight out of ‘Revolver’-era Beatles, a picture-perfect psyche-pop delight. Other stand-outs include the chiming ‘Mystic Green,’ which finds them more in Byrdsy territory, with a bit of Paisley Underground peers the Long Ryders; and the similarly shimmering ‘Fertile Crescent,’ owing far more to R.E.M. than to the garage band 60’s.” - JitteryWhiteGuyMusic

Slamdinistas (“'Wild & Restless' serves up a dozen cuts of original blue collar rock that touches on the likes of Springsteen, Petty and Jason & The Scorchers as well as the early-80’s 'big music' sounds of early U2 and The Alarm; 'Miss You'-era Stones (‘Latch Key Kids') and Thunders punk'n'roll ('Rock'n'Roll Clown'). All bases covered; party started. Job done." - Vive Le Rock “Slamdinistas’ brand of guttural melodic rock ‘n’ roll lands squarely in the realm of the Heartbreakers and the Waldos.” - Ugly Things Magazine)


Until next week….

02/06/2025

EPISODE #37 OF POPTASTIC SOUNDS! IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR ON-DEMAND LISTENING

Join your host Nicky G as he curates the latest hook-filled episode from his “Walls Of Sound”, spinning new music from Tristan Armstrong, The Airport 77s, Tomas Nilsson, Gyasi, Creem Circus, 20th Century Boys, The Stewart Dolly, Tom Bakes, Peter Badrachi, Lonely Bulls, The Successful Failures, A...

02/06/2025

Hello Pop Fans! This week’s Featured Titles are up on the Kool Kat site.

Ricky Byrd (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, guitarist /singer-songwriter/producer/recovery advocate Ricky Byrd (inducted in 2015 with Joan Jett and The Blackhearts), has had a career in music spanning over 40 years. “’NYC Made’ is a reflection of Byrd’s musical genealogy and his own saga from the neighborhoods of the Bronx and Queens to the Hall of Fame. A delightful and diverse glimpse into what made him fall in love with music. From The Rolling Stones to Sam Cooke, the record operates almost as an autobiography for the industry titan, providing listeners a deep dive into the sounds that shaped those of Byrd’s that fans have fallen in love with.” - CrypticRock)

Crossword Smiles (Crossword Smiles (Tom Curless and Chip Saam) are back with their second album, “Consequences & Detours”, that delivers on the promise of their 2022 debut's hooks, inspired lyrics and timeless arrangements. Here, the duo continue exploring new sonic textures and lyrical landscapes, and applying them to the kind of perfect pop-rock song structures and melodies at which they excel. It's a winning combination of inspiration and songcraft that expands on the foundation of the first album and delivers a set of instantly memorable, richly detailed melodic gems.)

The Kirkbys (The Kirkbys were a 60’s Liverpool quintet formed and led by guitarist Jimmy Campbell, who was also one of the city’s better undiscovered songwriters of the period. "It's A Crime: The Complete Recordings" delivers the definitive anthology of one of Liverpool's most fascinating musical journeys. Featuring their rare Finland-only singles, their lone UK 45 "It's A Crime," and five previously unanthologized tracks making their CD debut. From Everly Brothers-influenced harmonies to chiming, folk-rock and Freakbeat explorations, these recordings document a band that boldly pushed beyond Liverpool's musical boundaries.)

Muck and The Mires (For 25 years, Boston rock ‘n’ roll outfit Muck and the Mires have been on a mission to keep the raw spirit of real music alive, and judging by the title of their “Beat Revolution” album, they’re not done yet. There is nothing straight ahead about this lot and boy, can they play. They can do it all without ever resorting to a ballad. They can be a slightly noisier Merseybeat, but are equally adept at UK Beat. They can sound like something on the Stiff label and very UK New Wave, but are equally comfortable with rhythm and blues. They can also edge into power pop. They also do Jangle Pop really well. Great Stuff!” - IDontHearASingle)

Purple Hearts (Purple Hearts were absolute legends of the '79 Mod scene. They weren't just a Mod band as they were Mods themselves who were in a Mod band whose roots can be traced back before Mod was even in a full blown Mod Revival throughout the UK and then the world! Their latest is a celebration of their ground-breaking album "Beat That!" recorded during a lengthy 45th Anniversary Tour commemorating the album’s release that contains 15 tracks taken from several venues on the tour. “They were one of the most sincere neo-mod bands, at points closely approximating ’65/’66 Who and Stones.” - TrouserPress)

St Johns Wood Affair (SJWA prove that the 60’s never ended, just got better! “2” isn’t a follow-up - it’s a psychedelic storm reborn. Recorded raw with zero digital polish, it’s a ramshackle wonder, brimming with happy accidents. “The record revives the golden age of British psychedelia with a fresh spin. Recorded with analog energy, it weaves gentle acoustic gems, power pop hooks, and soaring riffs-'60s vibes reborn for now. It's a crate-digger's dream, no dust required.” - DarksideRecords “It’s unpolished in a way that feels intentional, like the band hit record and decided to trust the moment.” - PsychedelicBabyMag)

The Wends (If the band's name change from Smile to The Wends in 2022 marked a significant shift towards a more vibrant aesthetic, this “Singles 2020-2025” compilation album feels like a celebration of the band's original form. The collection is a must-have for fans of The Wends, featuring all the digital singles from 2020-2025 that have never been released on physical format, and showcases how they perfected the sound of the mid to late 80's era when post-punk was gradually morphing in jangle-pop and also their ability to proffer battered jangle rock that ramshackles its way through your senses. Highly RIYL R.E.M.)


Until next week….