Another Charmer from The Smittens

I seem to be continuously charmed by the Smittens, and here we are again with another brilliant pop song to adore. It’s got a steady cadence, filled in with wonderful harmonies between various members of the group; the group stretch out the song in the latter half, allowing for a more thought provoking element to the tune. That makes sense, as Dana says he penned the number as ‘a coming out/transition anthem,’ encouraging us to all ‘find the spaces in which we belong.’ City Rock Dove will be out via Fika Recordings on August 3rd.

Another Hit from Mikey Collins

We’ve already written about the forthcoming Mikey Collins LP, but I’m here to encourage you to look into this new single. It opens with light little keyboard dance, with a teasing bass line just underneath…soon the cymbals and snare get a work out as Collins enters the picture. All this is really to set up the listener for the sublime chorus, where Mikey’s joined by a female counterpart; it’s not far off from the hook-laden work Mikey pulled off behind the kit in Allo Darlin. I like how he stretches himself just a bit before the 3 minute mark, elongating the syllables to maximize melody. You can grab his new solo LP Hoick right now from Fika Recordings.

The Smittens Release Another Single

Having written about the Smittens recently, I figured I should offer you another track from their forthcoming release to entice you further. The band takes on the definition of love in the lyrics, a concept that’s vital to any indiepop release, or so it might seem. If you’re looking for your own definition for the word, then listen closely. Musically, the song is pretty light and airy; I do particularly like the final message that “love is an action word/its a verb.” Also, the contrast between Missy and Max in regards to their vocal tones is pretty special. Look for the group’s City Rock Dove to drop on August 3rd via the esteemed Fika Recordings.

New Ditty from Stanley Brinks and Freshcard

Over the last few years, Stanley Brinks and Freshcard have been one of my favorite duos. They craft a blend of playful indiepop and folk that fans of either genre will find endearing; they even manage to capture that playful air in their performance in the video for this single. Musically, the song’s pretty simple, with the selling point being the juxtaposition of Brinks’ and Freshcard’s voices set over a steady percussive beat and gentle guitar strum. The two will release their new collection of songs, Midnight Tequila, will be released on June 29th via Fika Recordings.

 

 

The Smittens Prep New LP

Having just written about Mikey Collins yesterday, it seems only fitting that I turn my attention to another act on Fika Recordings, The Smittens. Having been fairly quiet for a couple of years, they return with a new single (and a new album). Immediately noticeable are the Stephin Merritt-esque vocals through each of the various verses, but be forewarned, there’s a little something special beneath the surface. For instance, take the change in the chorus, accompanied by several backing vocal tracks and a slight change in the tempo. It’s clear after several repeat listens that the group are intent upon layering their brand of pop music, and we’re all going to be better for it. Look for their new City Rock Dove LP to drop in August.

Mikey from Allo Darlin Readies Hoick

I’ve made no apologies in my undying love for the now defunct Allo’ Darlin. Recently we were alerted to a new project that’s spun out of the ashes of said band; it’s the project of drummer Mikey Collins. As one’s likely to suspect, this is definitely a pop song from start to finish; there are some added flourishes you might not have found on an AD track though. Personally, I really like the vocal delivery of Collins here; it lives somewhere in the realm between Norman Blake and Matthew Caws…both voices I adore. Plus, it never hurts to have a natural bounce provided by the rhythm section. His debut solo LP is titled Hoick and it drops on August 17th via Fika Recordings.

New Track from Stanley Brinks

Fresh off a new Jessica’s Brother tune, Fika Recordings are right back at it with a tune from Stanley Brinks. He seems to always be writing, having released an album with Freshcard title Midnight Tequila late last year. This track offers newcomers the best glimpse of what Brinks is all about; his songs have this innate joy that’s akin to someone like Jeffrey Lewis. Sometimes, the songs seem humorous, but the subject matter always wraps up on the endearing side of things. You’ll be able to enjoy yourself throughout this listen, and I assume throughout the entirety of the new LP, Peanuts; it’s going to be released by Fika on May 11th.

New Music from Jessicas Brother

Having previously written about Jessica’s Brother and the band’s first single, it seems vital to share with you their second foray into the single realm. This number feels like great things are on the horizon; the track combines elements of folk with clever wordplay, all aided by the perfect accompaniment. The violin that appears throughout almost gives the song a ghostly quality to the track, setting the tone for the band’s dark folk. No one’s crafting this brand of folk at the moment, so I’ll gladly take something outside the rest. Expect a full length LP to drop later this Summer via the band’s label, Fika Recordings.

 

Enjoy New Pop from Math and Physics Club

Feel like its been a slow start to 2018 for indiepop fans, but luckily it looks as if Math and Physics Club are ready to give us a cure. Today, the band shared 3 songs, 2 which we haven’t heard yet to tease their latest effort, Lived Here Before; its being released by Matinee in the US and Fika in Europe. The first thing I notice about the two new songs is that they carry a softer tone, almost akin to early Death Cab stuff. I think of the three songs we’ve gotten to hear, “Dear Madeline” is definitely the one keeping my attention this morning. I hear its cold out there, so hopefully this dosage of pop will keep you warm until its release on January 26th.

Hear a Tune from Jessicas Brother

Jessica’s Brother is a recently formed act, featuring Jonny Helm of The Wave Pictures; they’ve just released their first single, recorded by none other than Darren Hayman. The song seems to draw inspiration from a style akin to simple folk troubadours, but it’s the added instrumentation that elevates the number; I’m personally taking a liking to the light string arrangements haunting the backdrop. This song was released by the band’s label, Fika Recordings, who always have reliable hits; there’s promise of a full-length later in 2018 coming your way.

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