By Jason Barnard
To see off 2020, The Strange Brew celebrates the tunes spinning in this festive period. Take care everyone.
On the 20th anniversary of her untimely passing, Men of North Country present a sparkling version of one of Kirsty MacColl’s finest tracks, ‘They Don’t Know’.
Paul Kelly AKA The Martial Arts mark this time of year with ‘Christmas With The Martial Arts’. This EP launches four winter anthems. Lead video ‘Stockings’ embodies the spirit of Roy Wood.
Beautify Junkyards ‘Dupla Exposição’ is a taster of the startling new album ‘Cosmorama’. Another brilliant slice of dreamy psychedelia, this track and LP continue their trip into the world formed by Os Mutantes and Broadcast.
Nathan Hall and the Sinister Locals ‘On The Blink’ album is another consise psych-pop confection of intelligent, dark but optimistic tunes. Treasures from the 22 tracks include the fitting anthem for the times ‘On The Blink’, gorgeous acoustica ‘Eye of a Hurricane’ and folk-harmony of ‘The Signs’.
Keiron Phelan & Peace Signs ‘You Never Put a Man on the Moon’ highlights their dazzlingly idiosyncratic sound with shades of Kevin Ayers and Neil Hannon formed in their new album ‘Hobby Jingo’.
The bittersweet lyrics of SLUGS ‘Super Sane’ refect the unprecedented era we’re living in. Their message is underpinned by a unbreakable melody and emotive harmonies. It’s been a weird year indeed.
Healthy Junkies provide their latest shot of adrenaline with ‘Tricky Situation’, which forms part of their double album ‘Forever On The Road’. Gelling a punk sound to pop hooks forges another powerful release.
The Big Peach mine 60s beat and psychedelia with ‘Sad’, a song and production worthy of The Coral and The Hollies.
Clockwork Flowers ‘Sour Grapes’ triumphantly shifts their sound towards The Stones and the Faces. Their 2nd single from our forthcoming LP ‘Assorted Gemstones’ it promises much.
Mark & The Clouds ‘Santa Claus Is Out Of Tune’ is an infectious upside down look at Christmas. Pass the Sherry – anyone?!
Constant Follower continue to release stunning material ahead of their debut album in March. ‘I Can’t Wake You’ is anothing moving and poignant single.
Steven Delisi’s Old Gloria project present off-kilter indie pop epitomised by ‘Tennis Ball’ from the band’s debut EP ‘4 Songs’.
The Heavy North‘s cover of Clarence Carter’s 1968 Christmas single ‘Back Door Santa’ give a dynamic blues rock twist on the soul laden original.
Johnny Labelle returns with his XVIII album. A record recalling Richard Hawley and Scott Walker with a twist of indie psychedelia. A dreamy end to 2020.
