Review: After starting it in 2019, the superb Emotional Rescue brings its series of non-defined reissues to a close here with another licensing and remastering of a timeless favourite alongside new interpretations by contemporary producers. The likes of Hawkwind's drone mix by Cherrystones, Thomas Leer's cosmic-Balearics reworked by Bullion and the post-punk dubs of The Embrace have all featured so far but finally, the percussive journey of 80s band The Impossible Dreamers arrive with their cult B-side 'Spin,' including an extended percussion-dub extravaganza and a bonus drum reprise by Dan Tyler of Idjut Boys under his NAD alias.
Review: Au Pairs imploded shortly after releasing this terrific second and last album of theirs. The Birmingham post-punk band are said to have burned the candle at both ends after the success of their debut and rushed into the studio to make this album. Despite internal disputes, the band managed to take their Gang Of Four-esque sound to new levels. They are more adventurous than on the preceding record as there's saxophone and synth, making for a more textured and layered approach than before. Lyrically, Au Pairs are one of the most important bands of their era. Shockingly avant-garde in the early 80s when it was released, they tackled sexuality and gender politics with ire and wit. The standout on this album: 'Sex Without Stress' - a brilliant lampooning of the societal pressure around sex.
Review: Cowboy Junkies had only recently become a thing when they put out Whites Off Earth Now!!. Formed in Toronto, Canada by bassist Alan Anton, songwriter and guitarist Michael Timmins, drummer Peter Timmins and vocalist Margo Timmins, the record is dominated by covers of classic rock and blues tracks, with 'Take Me' the only original song included. If that sounds like a brave move for a new group the response proves there's pay-off in risk. Whites Off Earth Now!! sparked a cult following for the band, first at a local level before word of mouth spread south of the border and gig offers began taking them to the southern US. International fame followed with 1988's follow up, The Trinity Session, so consider this a long overdue opportunity to revisit, or discover, chapter one.
Review: Elmiene's latest offering presents a smooth, immersive listen, blending soulful electronics with subtle, emotive melodies. Opening with the tender 'TLC,' the release quickly establishes its intimate mood, which is carried through tracks like the lush 'Light Work.' 'Crystal Tears' shifts to a more ambient space, while 'Ode To Win' builds a contemplative, understated momentum. The release really comes alive on the second side with 'Sweetness' and 'Until It's Dust,' where the production deepens into something atmospheric and hypnotic. 'Dark Out (Season of Thieves)' adds a touch of brooding intensity, and 'Anyways' closes on a contemplative note.
Review: This is Guided By Voices' 41st(!) album. And you rightfully may ask how do you go about keeping a band together for that long? GBV thankfully have a solution to that and it involves leader Robert Pollard being the sole constant member. Nevertheless, this album features the longest-lasting lineup of GBV ever (Robert Pollard, Doug Gillard, Kevin March, Mark Shue and Bobby Bare Jr) and they're on invigorating form, guided by some righteous principals. "I wanted to get a little more sonic diversity for this album," says Pollard, "So I asked each member of the band to record all the instruments for one song and I did three songs myself. For the rest of the songs, we used a lot of different approaches to the recording of both the instruments and the vocals." Pollard adds, "I wanted to create, hopefully, an experience, kind of a wild ride, where the listener would want to hear it multiple times in order to grasp all the sections and fields of sound to discover something new with each listen." Anthemic, timeless and completely worthy of repeat listens, this tireless indie rock group have audibly hit their brief.
Review: South London's potent indie auteur Heartworms unveils her highly anticipated debut album here on Speedy Wunderground. It has been produced by longtime collaborator Dan Carey and fuses the driving, motorik energy of Depeche Mode with PJ Harvey's sharp lyrical prowess, and is finished off with the offbeat rhythms of dance-punk favourites LCD Soundsystem. The result is a dark, intense sonic assault that is unmistakably Heartworms in the way it blends gothic post-punk with unashamed emotion and relentless momentum. It once again proves why Heartworms is one of the most exciting new voices in alternative music.
Duster - "And Things Are Mostly Ghosts" (version Overdose mix) (3:18)
Her Space Holiday - "Famous To Me" (Hurtful Kid mix) (3:59)
Tapping (2:44)
Review: Hankerers after 90s band musicians turned Y2K solo electronica artists will water at the mouth at the first play of this one. Her Space Holiday was the first-time solo alias of Marc Bianchi, the American indietronic musician known for his membership of the bands Indian Summer and Calm. Turning his hand to solo soundcraft at the turn of the millennium, and releasing under Skylab and Tiger Style - the latter of which saw to the release of the first edition of this record, albeit with a different sleeve design - Bianchi's solo output would echo the post-hardcore humours that characterised his group work, except for the fact that it would also somewhat electronify them into contrition, resulting in every logical conclusion from lasery broadcast neofolk ('Snakecharmer') to anxiolytic hyperballad emo ('Through The Eyes Of A Child').
Review: Honesty's debut album, U R HERE, is a thrilling exploration of contemporary electronic music that defies easy categorisation. Formed by core members George Mitchell, Matt Peel, Josh Lewis, and Imi Holmes, the Leeds-based collective embodies the spirit of true collaboration, merging influences from UK bass, garage, shoegaze, and ambient styles into a seamless tapestry of sound. The first single 'Measure Me' alongside the evocative 'No Right 2 Love', delve into a dreamscape of lost connections and emotional turmoil, encouraging personal interpretation of its themes. As the band describes, creating this album felt like passing the aux cable at an afterparty, with each member contributing their unique influences while remaining unbound by genre constraints. U R HERE is a reflection of a world in flux, delivering an exhilarating and introspective take on club music that resonates deeply with the psychological landscape of modern life. With its vibrant soundscapes and fluid arrangements, this debut promises an exciting journey into self-acceptance and creative freedom. Available on gatefold clear vinyl with an indie-exclusive spot-varnished sleeve, U R HERE marks Honesty as a fresh force in the music scene, and their artistic evolution is just beginning.
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