‘Jump Into Love’ is the new album from Half Japanese, true DIY noise-rock royalty, led by the ever-effervescent Jad Fair. It’s a meeting of minds, a coming together from the world’s favourite indie-alt-rock outsiders. Atypically out there and off-kilter, the album wears its heart on its sleeve through a cascade of new, dark and brooding songs from the band who would be king.
Originally released in 1996, Come’s third album Near Life Experience was the sound of a band heading into new territory, refining their dense mix of hypnotic noise-rock, blues and rock’n’roll songwriting. Lovingly remastered, this new version features three incredible bonus tracks ‘Prize’, ‘Strike’, ‘Hurricane II’ stemming from the same era, additional liner notes and photographs
A hurtling rock song, 'Midnight Sun' deals in matters of disbelief, and what it feels like to live in a culture that often prefers to argue the semantics than save the world from burning. Aptly furious and defiant, Vager cuts through the chaos singing my city is in ashes / but I’m still burning bright / Hangin’ here like a lantern / in case you change your mind.
Recognised as a purveyor of dreamier pop with folky leanings, this new album is a departure; a unique marriage of traditional stylings and very modern melodies; a breath-taking soundtrack which underpins her gorgeous vocal.
Filled with personal tales of offspring and grandparents, the lovelorn and the lost, it’s the essence of re-imagined folk music, from the traditional intro and outro that act as bookends.
Record Store Day 2023 sees Fire Records, Earth Recordings, Call Of The Void and AFAR releasing a selection of stunning vinyl
‘Mercy Of The Crane Folk’ is the beautifully accomplished second album from Athens GA’s Immaterial Possession. A theatrical soundscape littered with subconscious flashbacks, retro keyboard flurries, wandering Morricone-esque guitar and dreamy Sumac-like harmonies.
Rising artist THALA finds strength in her vulnerability on her first single to celebrate signing to Fire Records. Forging a path in hazy lo-fi indie, this is some of her boldest songwriting yet, rendering deeply personal explorations of the self, in vivid ‘90s influenced indie-rock and looming psych-inspired walls-of-sound.
‘Ode to Boy’ is a perfect pop track where a set of initially different, shortened synth patterns build to a glorious affirmation of the power of love. Reworking the famous refrain from Beethoven’s Ninth here may be obvious but it is brilliant; giving the seal of approval to a tale of attraction. There is hope to be found in simple, obvious, positive aspects of life. The soft shuffle of the beat is reminiscent of Kraftwerk.
Expanded 30th anniversary re-issue of The Lemonheads’ classic 1993 album. The breakthrough record that took American alt rock global and catapulted Evan Dando into the hearts of a generation. With a wealth of unreleased demos, alternative versions and rarities - including covers of Victoria Williams, Buddy Holly and The Flying Burrito Brothers plus The Lemonhead’s take on the Cole Porter standard ‘Miss Otis Regrets’