Another Azure Blue Ditty

Hints of a new Azure Blue release began to surface not long ago, and with that, the band have dropped another delightful electropop gem. It’s a dense wash of synthesized beats, with a driving rhythm that works beneath the entire track; very much a Stephen Morris nod in my opinion. But, what I love about Azure Blue is that they seem to adopt a softened indiepop approach to their vocal delivery, which makes the music both danceable and endearing upon repeat listens. I expect I’ll listen quite a bit when Fast Falls the Eventide is released next week via Matinee Recordings.

Brand New Indiepop from Azure Blue

Oh Tobias how I’ve missed you. It’s been a couple of years since we’ve heard from Tobias and his Azure Blue project, but out of nowhere he drops a new EP, with news of a full-length coming right around the corner. The newest tune is a heavy synthpop gem, filled with a deep melody that’s washed over by warm vocals. There’s a few new tracks on this Whatever 18′ EP, with the rest compiled from hard to find singles released elsewhere; one of the tunes is a cover of “Justice” by Robert Forster. Grab it over at Matinee Recordings, and then sit back and enjoy the pop sensation while we wait for the next LP.

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.

Matinee Recordings Bring Presents

As we’ve all noticed, the music news is coming to a slow crawl across your screens. But, some out there are dedicated to keep up the spirit and drop a few more releases. Luckily, one of our favorites, Matinee Recordings, has sprinkled in some delightful indiepop hits to round out the year. We’ve got a few tracks from the Laz Christmas EP, starring Laz from Bubblegum Lemonade fame; the other is a little sample from The Perfect English Weather, giving us a few gems from their English Winter EP. Both releases are now available, so revel that there’s still hits for you to enjoy.

Nathan’s Favorite Oceanic Albums of 2017

For the 8 or so people who read this blog on the regular, you’ll likely be aware of my affection for all things Oceanic, primarily New Zealand and Australia. So, with year end lists in mind, I thought I’d offer up my personal takes on the best tunes to come out of the area in 2017. There’s no particular order, just my sixteen favorites of the year.

There’s even a fun little playlist at the bottom for you to enjoy!

 

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Brand New Math and Physics Club

After teasing me all day yesterday with hints of new music, I woke up to this glorious new single from Math and Physics Club. You’ve likely seen the band hit these pages before, and they’ve only continued to impress as more time passes. Here, it only takes a few mere moments before the band bound off with energy that captivates. As the band maneuvers back and forth between casual and energetic, they begin to remind of early Death Cab or Nada Surf. The layered details from backing vocals to distant guitar work display a great deal of confidence…letting the band stake their claim to the finest pop purveyor of the day. They’ll be releasing Lived Here Before via Fika/Matinee on January 26th.

 

Enjoy New Music from Last Leaves

We’ve previously discussed how excited we are for Last Leaves debut full length; I’m hoping it fills the void the Locksmiths left when they called it a day on that project. Better news, especially for vinyl heads is that the band’s labels, Matinee/Lost and Lonesome are releasing a very limited 7″ with the below gem being the star. The front end of this song has a jangling shuffle to it, but as the track progresses, it takes on a melodic groove that rides to the end. This is going to be a super limited release, so just be forewarned that it’s going to go real quick!

Another Fuzzy Pop Gem from Last Leaves

Sometimes you can’t explain the hit cycle and why some of the more deserving bands don’t end up on the hype machine. For me, I’m personally putting some hype onto Last Leaves (a predominantly Lucksmiths super group). They’ve just released this stand alone single via Matinee Recordings, adding to the earlier hit from Matinee Idols Comp; it’s a fuzzy bit of beautiful guitar pop. Vocals have this gentleness, calm and warm, and layers of guitars work on top of each other, only barely fighting against another to create enough tension to seduce listeners. This song will featured on the group’s Other Towns Than Ours, which is slated to arrive early this fall. You can also see a video accompanying this new tune right HERE.

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Stream the Indiepop Gems on Matinee Idols

This Friday, indiepop fans will surely delight in the release of Matinee Idols, a compilation from Matinee Recordings, celebrating 20 years of incredibly hard work (and a huge catalog of hits). The label recently uploaded the entire listen to their soundcloud before its release Friday, June 23rd. One great reason to fall in love is the new signings to the label appearing: Last Leaves, The Royal Landscaping Society and Tinsel Heart. Plus, you’ll find brand new songs from label favorites like Math and Physics Club and The Electric Pop Group. Sit back and revel in the joy of pop music; grab a copy from Matinee!

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Another Single from the Next Popguns LP

A few weeks back we brought you the latest from legendary indiepoppers The Popguns, and why not share another ditty with you today. Listening myself, I’m not sure there are many acts out there writing pop music this good, or even in this manner anymore. It’s got a natural energy that moves the song forward, but the way the vocals take on the melodies provides the perfect balance…and builds the release pop fans all long for! They’ve titled the next release Sugar Kisses, which is fitting considering the band’s propensity for crafting ear candy. Look for the new release from our favorites Matinee Recordings this Friday.

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