After taking a much-needed break we are back with a sumptuous 60 minutes of new releases. As always, we explore many genres curated for your listening pleasure.

Late Night Therapy – Fallin’

It almost goes without saying, when a new release arrives via Mammal Sounds out of Australia, we can be sure it’s gonna be a banger that gets us up and shaking our bottoms to. Australian producer Harry Suttor, AKA Late Night Therapy says Fallin’ is “about the art of letting go and trusting in the process. It’s about letting go of the fear of outcome, letting go of potential futures that may or may not come to pass and diving into the present and living authentically in each moment regardless of societal pressures and expectations”. A smart, tight production here that has to be played very, very loud. Love it!

The Subtheory – Crown Of Thorns

Now here is a cut that may deceive on first listen. From the clanging-metal-sounds at the beginning to the hard to discern accent of vocalist Cate Debu, then there is the trip-hop styling, the turntable scratching and surprisingly, metal-rock guitar flourishes from Pat Scott. George Lambourne on Bass holds the rhythm all together while The Subtheory founder, composer, writer, DJ and producer, Andy Hill masters the controls to full effect. Their debut LP is due for release early 2024 on Retro Reverb Records.

The Veldt – Aurora Borealis (Remix)

Formed in the 1980s by identical twins Daniel and Danny Chavis, The Veldt’s North Carolina heritage seeps into their work with a hint of soulful country. The original recording of Aurora Borealis was produced by Robin Guthrie of Cocteau Twins fame. Their Illuminated 1989 album should be on your must-listen-to list.

The Sundae Painters – Sweet Dreams

I’ve always been interested in the music out of New Zealand, especially the Flying Nun imprint. Interestingly, The Sundae Painters are a collaboration between members of The Bats, The Clean, Tall Dwarfs and Toy Love. “Beaming out mysterious sonic frequencies from a farm shed in the South Island”, say bandmates Kaye Woodward, Alec Bathgate, Paul Kean and Mr. Choo Choo aka Hamish Kilgour. They add that their LP, Sundae Painters “Documents discovering ourselves somewhere else musically”. Fair enough. Wonderful quirky artwork, too. 

Squirrel Flower – Full Time Job

Squirrel Flower – When A Plant Is Dying

Excuse me while I gush on about the splendid new album from Squirrel Flower.  Tomorrow’s Fire, has to be one of the top releases of 2023 in my humble expert opinion. I’m tempted to go on at length about how Ella Williams has created an exemplary collection of songs that not only illustrate the torment that comes with being an artist but also facing a world that constantly seems at odds with your values. But wait, there’s more, Ella doesn’t hold back with her genuine rock ’n’ roll sensibilities. Heartfelt is too polite, gut-wrenching would be a grand description if it did not have obvious negative associations. Yet, Ella Williams let’s us know she is not messing about with a few smart words, “There must be more to life/ Than being on time,” she plaintivly tells us as the intensity of When A Plant Is Dying builds. Then there is, Full Time Job “Yeah, I’m on my knees now,” she repeats as if defeated over blistering feedback as the song closes. I’ve had this one on repeat play imagining a remix that goes on for at least another 9 or more minutes. I bet you get your money’s worth when Ella performs Full Time Job live. Do not overlook Tomorrow’s Fire. This is an important album. 

Swansea Sound – Keep Your Head On

“An album of sparkling pop-punk tunes from these lovable veterans of the indie scene, with Hue (The Pooh Sticks) and Amelia (Heavenly) deploying their fuzzed-up guitars and melodic wiles in a set of loud, energetic pop songs that will make you shuffle around your room with a silly smile on your twee indie face.” Their words, not mine. But, I happen to agree. A jolly good effort from Swansea Sound, their album Twentieth Century is on the always tip-top, Skep Wax label. Formed during lockdown, the band recorded three singles at their homes in Cardiff and Kent – without actually meeting each other. Hue and Amelia sing. Rob plays guitar and bass. Ian plays the drums. Bob or Robert play guitar. And, I approve.

Feu Follet – Glitter Effect (ft. Isabelle B. Bauman)

There may come a day when you accidentally bump into Alexander Leonard Donat, the indefatigable master-mind behind Blackjack Illuminist Records and if you do be prepared for the instant whoosh of excitement as Alex whirls around, talking at rapid-speed in fluent English, German or whatever language you understand. All the while engaging in some form of physical activity that will make you exhausted by just being near the fellow. All the while Mr. Donat gesticulates and dashes around spasmodically he manages to release exceptional music on his imprint. French electronic post-punk producer Alban Blaising in his guise as Feu Follet has released his 5th LP on BJI, with Alex’s alter ego, Vlimmer on 4 cuts. We selected Glitter Effect (ft. Isabelle B. Bauman) from Feu Follet’s Lost Locust album. This should interest you in hearing the rest of the LP and of course, consider the Blackjack Illuminist catalogue.

Mystic State – Stormboy (ft. Lucy Kitchen)

Dubstep at its finest can be found on the Chikara Project label out of Bristol with the LP, Between The Moments from Mystic State being an excellent example. Will Marquiss and Mike Holliday, the production duo from the West of England have created a true gem with this platter. And, you need to know that Will and Mike have made it rather difficult to select just one cut, we finally settled on Stormboy (ft. Lucy Kitchen) after listening to Between The Moments on repeat play, late into the night. Listen up for another cut in an upcoming volume of LEM.

Fonzo – Bad Dreams

IsGwan – Scribble Paper Edit

Staying in the world of  2 Step, UK Garage, House, or Dubstep here are two cuts from a brilliant compilation, BDB Presents: The Blue Tape Vol Two: 20K Pack. 42 stellar cuts on this must-have comp. Bad Dreams from Fonzo takes us into a place where closing your eyes may be essential as you let your body take over. Caution, at the break in the middle, if you were dancing alone, you may now be entangled with someone equally as involved in the music as you. Taking us up to the close, IsGwan give us the curious, Scribble Paper Edit. A nice collection of musical flourishes, samples and found sounds(?) are in this superb mix. Makes sure you play both of these cuts loud, very loud. Thank you for listening, till next time, be well, be safe and don’t let anyone tell you different, be nice, it’s makes sense and….it doesn’t cost you a penny.

Artwork by Philipe Fournier “Ms. K hides from the camera” 2009 25″ x 25″ digital print Courtesy of Norman B’s collection