Tag: skep wax records

Jetstream Pony Share Track from Under the Bridge Comp

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It appears that it is day two in our support of Skep Wax, as we’ve got more new from the UK label now that they’ve upped a new Jetstream Pony track from the label’s forthcoming Under the Bridge 2 Compilation. If you look at the list of participating artists, it’s all heavy-hitters, with names such as The Orchids, St. Christopher, Boyracer and more. But, I’m here to talk about this new Jetstream Pony tune! I love the driving nature of the guitar work; it reminds me of a poppier version of the Wedding Present, mixing a blend between jangling guitars and distortion. That said, the band’s bread and butter is always the sweet melodic mixture that enters with the vocals, and this jam is no different. Dive into the bliss, and grab a copy before it’s April 6th release (there’s a US distributor to help with shipping costs!)

Swansea Sound Share Paradise Video

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As soon as you press play on the new Swansea Sound LP, you’re instantly greeted with the upbeat charms of “Paradise.” Today, the band share a brand new video for the track, highlighting the digital nature alluded to in the lyrical content. The video is created by Malcolm Neon using filmed footage from Welsh TV show, Paid Gadael Fynd; it’s sort of a grainy video playing between shadow and light, sort of commentary on the human experience as a whole. Enjoy watching the video, and once you’ve immersed yourself in the joyous pop vibes, be sure to grab Twentieth Century from Skep Wax!

Friday Album Streams: Echo Ladies, Swansea Sound, Sharp Pins + More

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It’s Friday, and while you gaze towards the weekend, maybe you need some musical recommendations to get your day started. I’ll try not to wax philosophically on these, as we’ve covered singles and what not heading into the album releases…so without further ado.

Swansea Sound – Twentieth Century (Skep Wax Records)

Members of Pooh Sticks, Heavenly return with another great collection of pop rock with a subtle political bent.

 

Echo Ladies – Lilies (Rama Lama Records)

Dark, noisy and beautiful. One of my favorite releases this year I wish more people could put their ears upon.

Friday Boys – Depressed Gang (Self-Released)

Good old fashioned punk rock from here in Austin. Now with more hooks! Friday’s jams from Friday Boys.

Kath Bloom – Finally (Chapter Music)

Chapter Music celebrate the 1990s recordings of Kath Bloom with the first ever vinyl release of Finally.

Sharp Pins – Turtle Rock (Tall Texan Records)

Another “first ever” release for the solo-project of Kai Slater of current Lifeguard fame, courtesy of Tall Texan Records.

DAIISTAR – Good Time (Fuzz Club)

New up-and-coming Austin act drops their debut LP. Sweetness amidst walls of noise.

Heavenly Share New Video for C is the Heavenly Option

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This last Friday the world was fortunate to have another reason to celebrate Heavenly, as the band reissued Le Jardin de Heavenly via Rob and Amelia’s Skep Wax Records. But, they also wanted to celebrate by gathering a who’s-who of celebrity indiepop gods to feature in a playful new video; it also features some old Super 8 footage of the band to accompany the new clip. Like the song, you’ll find that this video is nothing short of charming, giving you yet another reason to love the group and their work. Speaking of their work, have you grabbed the reissue? It’s out now, so pick up a copy right HERE.

Special Friend Release Selkie Video

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Is it a seal or is it a human? Well, depends on how you look at the mythological Selkie, the title of the latest single from Special Friend…but who am I to decided for you? What I can tell you is that this might be the tastiest bit of pop music you’re going to hear today. I was hooked with the guitar notes immediately, setting me up to swoon later once the duo opted to combine their voices so seamlessly. In doing so, there’s something in the sound that seems like a lantern floating through the sky, filled with the promise of tomorrow. There’s this tonal switch and string arrangement after the two minute mark that cut right to the core, so I fell in love with the tune all over again. The group will release Wait Until the Flames Come Rushing In via Skep Wax, Hidden Bay and Howlin’ Banana on June 27th.

Panic Pocket Release Get Me Video

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Having known one another since childhood probably plays a huge part in the Panic Pocket‘s latest single; the anthemic chorus seems more like a plea to a life-long best friend more than anything. The duo lock in to one another musically, hitting these crunchy riffs that sit atop sharp percussion, letting the gritty punch provide some solid rhythm like you might find in an old Breeders tune. Once the aforementioned chorus drops in, there’s a bit more bite from the vocals, letting listeners know the band are capable of walking that tight rope between catchy pop and punk mentality. It’s a fun tune that should put the group on your radar; look for Mad Half Hour on May 26th via Skep Wax.

Special Friend Announce Wait Until the Flames Come Rushing In

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What happens when you get three great indie labels together to release a new LP? Well, if you ask me, bringing Skep Wax, Howlin’ Banana, and Hidden Bay all together to release a new LP from Special Friend, then you’ve got the guarantee of a solid batch of songs. Our first listen is the hypnotic tune below, working with this guitar shuffle that circles beneath the surface of dual vocal work. There’s something in the way the guitar feels like its rushing you forwards that’s thrown in juxtaposition to what’s the melodic overlapping from the vocals. In a way, it sort of sounds like something Sonic Youth would have put out if they were into lo-fi indie pop…warranting a positive nod on my end of things! We’ll give you more updates on the release date of Wait Until the Flames Come Rushing In when we’ve got em’.

Introducing Skep Wax Records

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One thing we remembered – and re-lived – in 2020 was the spirit of indie DIY. We wrote songs, recorded them at home, took our own pictures, made our own videos. So we decided it was about time to start a label. The first physical releases on Skep Wax will come out next spring. We will be co-releasing the next Swansea Sound single with US label HHBTM and Japanese label Formosa Punk, and we will co-release the new Catenary Wires songs with US label Shelflife. Its great to be working alongside these other labels. We always loved the idea of the International Pop Underground, and in 2021 we hope to breathe new life into it. If we discover we are any good at running a label, we will start thinking about releasing other bands music on the label. Very excited about this!

You can see all the work at Skep Wax Bandcamp.

Follow on the socials: @skepwax