Back in February I got all excited about A Sad Day for Puppets. Eight months is enough time to cool off and regain my bearings, but I’m still smitten with this Swedish band. If you haven’t heard their Just Like a Ghost ep yet then you may not know what I’m talking about, but the band are giving you another chance because they’re about to release an album. It’s beautiful, fragile music that will leave you wanting to move to Sweden, if not only for the chance to see them live and in the flesh.
mp3: A Sad Day for Puppets – Little Light (buy Unknown Colors)
Back in May I was all full of vitamin C and Bricolage was just one of many Orange Juice influenced bands that I was digging. Well it seems that these Scots have gotten around to putting together an album. It’s set for release this week on Creeping Bent. In case you have missed out on their sporadic singles to date, all of them are contained on their self titled album. I hear rumors that it may even get released in the USA on Slumberland! In the meantime check out a song that isn’t on the album. If this is an outtake, the album must be pretty damn good!
mp3: Bricolage – Lucinda Said (pre-order their self title debut album)
With all the excitement and bits being spilled over the Vivian Girls you would think that they were the only all girl band carrying a torch for 60’s girl groups, the Flatmates, or the Shop Assistants. Well, Liechtenstien are here to tell you that is not the case. Not only can they play their instruments better, there is less feedback and more Spanish horns! These Goethenburg ladies have only released two singles to date, but these five songs are enough to get quite a few people excited, myself included. You can read an interview with the band over at the excellent bog All That Ever Mattered.
mp3: Liechtenstein – Security by Design (by their singles)
Okay, I know you can only take in so much new stuff at one time, but I must include the new Bubblegum Lemonade album that has just been released by the history in the making Matinee record label. Bubblegum Lemonade are a one man band consisting of Lawrence “Laz” McCluskey who also fronts another band Strawberry Whiplash. Both bands are certified C-86 with credentials like McCluskey playing a 12 string and his adoration of Tallulah Gosh, Teenage Fanclub and the Razorcuts. After putting out two 4 song eps, he’s just unleashed Doubleplusgood on Matinee records. It’s a study in the pop rush with hooks and pop goodness washing over you like a California coastal break.
mp3: Bubblegum Lemonade – Penny Fountain (buy Doubleplusgood)
I was going to stop here, but I can’t. I’m obsessed with the three minute rush of a classic pop song and the Hi-Life Companion have produced one that is essentially undeniable. This came out on Cloudberry a little while ago so it’s not really that new but it’s since sold out, so it’s rare (or something). Fear not this Bristol, England band are just about to unleash an album upon the world. They’re harmonies can recall the Beach Boys at times, but they take it a bit further, latching onto an atonal groove and combining it with a catchy melody at the same time. They may have stumbled upon the perfect prescription to write their songs into your brain waves, permanently!
the finest kiss 