There is a dizzying array of new releases this summer, here are some of my favourites.
The ever prolific Nathan Hall uses the Nathan Hall and the Sinister Locals moniker to build on the best eccentricities of cult group The Soft Hearted Scientists but expand his musical pallete with brilliant album ‘Tunguska Tydfil’.
Dozens of musical reference points from Love, Syd Barrett, folk, with strings and synth are brewed with incidental music and Nathan’s always witty, observant lyrics. ‘Side by Side (Glowing Guide)’ is a particularly affecting gem, a left field look at love and friendship.
More please at: nathanhallandthesinisterlocals.bandcamp.com/album/tunguska-tydfil
Adam Gibbons (aka Lack of Afro) genre hops across soul, funk and rock in the timeless album ‘Jack of All Trades’. With a series of guest artists contributing vocals, the songs are as strong as this warmth coming off these analogue recordings.
The soulful ‘Back To The Day’ featuring regular collaborator Elliott Cole, is chocked full of horns and harmonies. A record that exudes class, see lackofafro.com
https://soundcloud.com/lackofafro/back-to-the-day-ft-elliott
Chicago psych collective Umbra & the Volcan Siege release their fourth long player ‘Someone Will Love You Bit It’s Not Me’ on all formats (yes including vinyl and cassette). Featuring Jim Licka of The Luck of Eden Hall leading the way this is another genre defying record spanning shoegaze, psych and a dash of new wave.
‘Walkin In The Sand’ even gives the listener a gothic take on the The Shangri-Las classic ‘Remember…’. Check out for more info umbraandthevolcansiege.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7m5O5SB51Q
Californian raised New York-based singer-songwriter Evan Jewett previews new album ‘Don’t Feel To Work’ with the single ‘Pink Grout’. An off kilter Strokes meets Under My Thumb melody it’s a dark tale of city life.
This track is a great introduction to Evan: aagoo.bandcamp.com/album/evan-jewett-dont-feel-to-work
The king heat ensemble‘s ‘songs’ EP is a lovingly crafted collection of Jeff Buckley-Turin Brakes acoustic folk-rock. With Tom Robinson declaring their sound as “overwhelmingly brilliant”, look out for more great songs at thekingheatensemble.bandcamp.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjxtE1lc0fg
‘Under Fire’ by LA native Jessie Munro is the sort of sophisticated pop that dominated the airwaves in years gone by. Here’s hoping this single brings back melody into the charts this summer:
Handcuffed Heart is the debut album by London duo Swoone. Singer Siobhan de Maré, formerly of Mono, adds her stunning vocals to Gary Bruce’s classy production. Handcuffed Heart is available via Saint Marie Records. Pre-Order here.
Clark Twain’s debut single ‘Fly High (Like Richard Branson)’ is a fun power-pop anthem dedicated to the Virgin founder himself. I look forward to hearing more from this Austin based songwriter: clarktwain.com
