As the clocks go back, there is a bumper current crop of artists on the Strange Brew stereo.
Jack Ellister‘s new long player ‘Telegraph Hill’ brings forth his influences, weaving acid folk and anglophile psychedelia. With Jack principally recording the record in his home studio his acoustic guitar quietly shines from the Bert Jansch-like ‘Reminder’ to reflectively pretty opener ‘Roots’. Closer ‘Condor’ brings us into towards proggier soundscapes highlighting that Jack has a range of possible musical paths ahead. More at jackellister.com, available soon on youarethecosmos.
Similarly, Kieron Phelon‘s ‘Peace Signs’ has a folky edge, this time more of the Bill Fay, Incredible String Band persuasion. Other reference points are Kevin Ayers on the album’s single ‘Satellite Hitori’.
And whilst these are lofty citations the quality of songwriting on the title track alone and exquisitely crafted backing throughout this Gare du Nord LP, show he more than holds his own. Available from keironphelan.bandcamp.com
It’s rare these days when an artist drops seemingly fully formed into the music scene, James Holt however is one such figure.
His new single Alone Again’s upbeat melody and dark lyrics have a hint of Scott Walker’s ‘Jackie’, a dash of Brian Wilson with a sprinkling of Paul McCartney. Fans of Jacco Gardner and The Lemon Twigs should head over immediately into James’s world.
Also dropping in is 15 year old Christian Gisborne aka Velvet Starlings, whose track ‘Sold Down By The River’ brings us Dylan, Doors and Jack White in a hugely promising package. Look for Velvet Starlings on social media.
Burning up the indie disco is Bugeye’s ‘Disco Dancer’ bringing a shimmering 70s New York and Blondie sound to the current music scene: bugeyeband.co.uk
Both sides of Faux Co’s new 7 incher, ‘Set the Record Straight’ and ‘Prozac Spaceman’ are oddly contagious. The horn backed ‘Set the Record Straight’ recalls early 70s Kinks whilst ‘Prozac Spaceman’ adds a pill of Flaming Lips. See Dark Circle Records.
Deep into the heart of English psychedelia goes the Gabriel Family, a new confection from the gang who brought us Beaulieu Porch. Whilst lycergic tracks like ‘Home’ will familiar to followers of Beaulieu Porch, this long player draws from a wider palette – think Pink Fairies plus strawberry acid folk. Available now from Carmelite Records
Nick Ellis‘s new album ‘Speakers’ Corner’ reflects the struggles of forgotten Britain, typified by ‘Impractical Ideas’. We need more records like this that are bold enough to reflect what’s happening around us. Available from Mellowtone Records.
Martin Newell swallows the village green when penning the new single for Karla Kane ‘Goodguy Sun’. With Karla’s Californian lilt and Martin’s melody plucked straight out of the 60s this is a marriage made in music heaven. Essential listening at Big Stir and karlakane.com.
Similarly, London based four-piece Cavey‘s new single ‘A Place To Start’ is a mighty slice of laid back electric blues bringing forth their inner Peter Green and T-Bone Walker. With their other with material displaying a more Gartside than Green edge there are many strings to their electric bows. Explore at Cavey at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
https://soundcloud.com/caveyband/about-to-start
‘Never By Myself’ is a sumptuous taster for Attic Lights‘ forthcoming album ‘Love In The Time Of Shark Attacks’. It’s a track that consciously aims for The Hollies and The Kinks plus a hint of Norman Blake and all the better for it. The b-side, a jangling indie take on Mike Batt’s ‘Bright Eyes’, rounds off this single neatly. From Elefant Records.
Also on the indie spectrum is is the wonderfully titled Mr Koifish, whose ‘Hang Our Coats’ brings pop and 70s electronica on this infectious gem. Available on Spotify and all good platforms now.
And finally, LC Pumpkin‘s Joe Meek, lo-fi shuffle impresses on EP 4. There’s something hypnotic in Keith’s one man band across all his extended players. Here’s a taster from his debut EP. Grab more at Bandcamp and lcpumpkin.co.uk
