Tag: wiaiwya

Michael Wood is Whoa Melodic

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I can pretty much be guaranteed that anything coming out via WIAIWYA is going to be something I’ll enjoy; John seems to hand pick from my brain for his catalog…or so I like to think. His first release of 2019 is going to be the debut from Whoa Melodic, the project of Michael Wood who has played with the Hayman Kupa Band and Singing Adams. Our first listen has this almost stuttering mod feel to it, like if Elvis Costello hung out with a bunch of indiepop kids; there’s that sharpness in delivery contrasted with the natural warmth of Wood’s voice. Seems like a great way to start off 2019; the self-titled LP will drop on Februrary 1st.

Cinerama Covers ABBA

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If you haven’t been keeping an eye on the continuous production of great singles from WIAIWYA, then hopefully you’ll turn your head with the latest, a split covers 7″ from the Wedding Present and Cinerama; they cover The Clash and ABBA…though is it really a split if David Gedge is behind both? Whatever. The ABBA cover streaming below is fairly gentle, much like the original tune; I always appreciate the prettier, more delicate, side of Gedge, which is how I’ve always come to think about Cinerama. The single comes out the first week of November, and then we’ll be able to talk about what a great job Gedge did with the Clash I expect.

Pete Astor Has a New Single

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Every time Pete Astor releases something new I sort of fawn and swoon. Today was one such day, as I realized that Pete has a new 7″ on the way, just a few short months after he dropped the powerful One for the Ghost. He seems to be taking one from the pages of label mate Tony Molina, maximizing his songwriting in a mere minute and a half. That guitar hints at my mom’s tape collection, harkening back to the glory days of classic rock n’ roll in the 60s. But, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the entrance of Pam Berry (of Black Tambourine fame?) on vocals to soften the vibe and pull on those heart strings. Damn all these great pop songwriters and their 1.5 minute gems! Alas, the new 7″ comes out October 7th via WIAIWYA.

Fresh Tune from the Orchids

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We’re just a year or so removed from The Orchids 30 Year Retrospective, and it’s great to see the band have new music on the very near horizon. In fact, they’ve recently released the first single from their forthcoming 7″ for WIAIWYA. It’s a mild-mannered pop song, mostly sitting back and allowing the harmonies to do the work over soft percussive elements. The vocal display, of course, has that luxurious contrast between male and female bits…James’ voice always sounds so friendly and familiar, like all those times my father sang with his guitar around the house. Anyways, another great Sarah Records survivor with new music for us; they’re new 7″ drops on August 7th.

New Ditty from Stanley Brinks and Freshcard

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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.

 

 

We Have a New Sportique Single

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Now, I don’t know where this single is going, or if it’s merely a one-off appearance for Sportique, but I’m going to celebrate this song’s arrival nonetheless. As always, this single is emblematic of the group’s approach to including a variety of influences. It has a leisurely bound to it, with sort of a punk barroom chant jumping in throughout; it still carries an undeniable hook that’s just asking for you to spin it again and again. The group’s been around forever, so whatever the purpose, it’s always glad to have a revered act pop its head back up in the limelight. Head over to WIAIWYA to grab it.

Red Red Eyes Release New Single and Video

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The more time one spends with Red Red Eyes, the more you’ll find that their music is inescapable. It has this ethereal quality; it’s pop music that allows you to move beyond your immediate listening experience. Laura’s voice has this ghostly beauty to it, and the percussion is precise and light, never once detracting from the natural melody. In the cinematic version of the song, our protagonist seems to be on the search for something, milling about town from shop to shop; that feeling of search seems fitting, as I can’t help but let my mind wander in its own search while this song plays on loops in my ears. The group’s excellent Horology LP will be released on May 18th via the esteemed WIAIWYA.

Celebrate Hefner’s Debut 20 Years Later

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If you have spent any time at all on this site, you surely are aware of my affinity for

, and all his projects. Most recently, it’s been with the Hayman Kupa Band, but it all began with a band called Hefner. It’s possible that they were too far ahead of their time, featuring twanging jangling guitars, clever wordplay and hooks you can’t avoid. WIAIWYA, one of my fave labels in the UK just announced they’ll be re-releasing Breaking God’s Heart, the band’s debut LP. Give this song a listen, and perhaps you’ll see why 20 years on there’s still a huge interest in the band and their work. The reissue drops this July!

Red Red Eyes Release Video for Empty Land

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A few weeks back I wrote about the smoky pop beauty of Red Red Eyes, and the band are back with a video for the lead track from their new LP, Horology. The video and the song’s natural emotion evoke a sort of gothic pop underbelly; it could easily work into the realm of dream pop…if those dreams were nightmares. While Laura McMahon’s voice is remarkable, it wouldn’t have anywhere to go if it weren’t for the sonic landscape crafted behind her by musical partner Xavier Watkins. Together, they’ve crafted this brooding number that seems understated at times, but little accents pop up via trickling electronics or strong guitar twang. Get lost in this song, and the whole LP on May 18th when it’s released by WIAIWYA.

Smoky Pop Number from Red Red Eyes

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If you’re looking to swoon to a delicious pop number, then go ahead, press play on this new Red Red Eyes tune from the band’s forthcoming Horology LP. A seductive guitar line opens the tune, setting the stage for a dark twist through the confines of modern pop. That being said, Laura McMahon’s vocal performance definitely will dominate your memory when the song comes to an end. While the smoky quality circulates, there are also moments when her delivery is slightly playful; it’s an absolutely endearing showing that you won’t soon forget. The new LP will drop on May 18th via WIAIWYA.

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